Altrincham Football Club News Archive
April 2006

JUST WHOSE RULES ARE THEY?

But last Monday night, the Conference's John Moules told us on Radio 5 [in words re-quoted in the MEN] that "Unfortunately, the rules that we have to go by are those rules laid down by the FA. We have to follow them religiously". He explicitly indicated the rules applied to Altrincham were "not the Conference's own rules". Indeed, as this website has quoted more than once previously, the first sentence of the Conference "Rule 6, Players, Status of Players" quite explicitly states "The FA rules will apply in respect of all matters concerning players".

So, if the FA is now openly saying Alty does not have "a case to answer because they hadn't breached FIFA or FA regulations" and if the Conference rule book says "The FA rules will apply in respect of all matters concerning players", and if Mr Moules has confirmed on national radio that the Conference rules are not his own league's rules but the FA's, why are we finishing an otherwise successful season in which we have won the points to stay in this division in a state of trepidation at an 18 point deduction? Or, have I missed something in all this?

NLP ATTACKS AGAIN

The case of a small non-league club lodging an appeal with the FA against a threatened 18 point deduction, imposed when that club acquired a player from another English club, has elicited supports from all sorts of people, including:

But one public voice has consistently denigrated the club in question, Altrincham FC, in its leader columns. For the second issue running The Non-League Paper, an otherwise informative and campaigning medium, has slated the club. This Friday's edition stated: As the NLP made clear last week, registration forms for Conference players ask simply if a player has ever appeared for a club outside this country. That should be easy enough for any player to understand - and any club to implement. The punishment for not doing so, as Altrincham have discovered, is quite brutal - the clubs loses the points it gained while that player turned out for them.

To ask the Conference to waive its rules, or appeal to the FA to effectively over-rule what was an inevitable decision by the league, is just not sense. Equally, it makes little sense for the Conference... to do nothing more than stick by those rules".

The NLP goes on to cite Hereford boss Graham Turner as pointing out "that League clubs just don't seem to have this problem [with international clearance]. With more Conference clubs going full-time next season, says Turner, both the league and clubs must discover how League clubs avoid this".

So the NLP is effectively saying that small clubs, like Altrincham, are not sufficiently organised to implement the registration procedures. Whilst that might be said to be true of the club that failed to get Robinson's clearance before he joined Altrincham, the NLP's case seems to rest on the paper's surmise that Altrincham did not "ask simply if a player [Robinson] had ever played abroad". Firstly, what evidence do they have as to whether this question was asked or not? Secondly, why in any case should a club acquiring a player from another English club have to ask that question?, And, thirdly, even if the issue were as simple as the NLP suggests, what would asking the question "have you ever appeared for a club outside this country?" actually prove? If the player said "yes", how would that "simple question" tell you whether his previous English club had got international clearance or not?

So, why is the NLP taking this rigid "rules are rules line" and even claiming that an appeal to the FA should not be allowed? Rules (laws, in fact) used to tell English courts to hang people, or transport them for life, for stealing sheep until someone was brave enough to stand up and show the unjustness of those rules. Why is the NLP not campaigning to get the international clearance rules changed? The rules so beloved of the NLP are the same rules which John Moules himself openly volunteered, on Radio 5, that his Conference league were already actively seeking to change. Why is the NLP accusing Altrincham of not asking questions which it does not know were asked or not and, why did it disgracefully suggest last week that the club's secretary and manager should resign? I am a regular reader of the NLP and until last week had a very favourable view of it and the excellent service it provides to non-league supporters. I hope it will soon see the error of its ways in this case and back the cause of common sense and justice.

John Laidlar.

EVERYONE STAYING

SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS

SATURDAY GAMES

DOING US DOWN

"Alex Inglethorpe, manager of Exeter City, has heralded the impact made by new recruit Matt Gill, and admitted he wants to keep the midfielder next season. Gill is only one of a handful of players who is out of contract at the end of the season". Inglethorpe said, "It is unusual to get a combination where someone can close down as well as pass. Matt is one of the best I have seen at doing both", he told This is Exeter.

The Conference reports that "Tamworth face a vital match against Crawley Town on Saturday but will have to line-up without any strikers... following an injury to Tris Whitman earlier this week when the forward injured his ankle after falling down the stairs at home. With Danny Davidson and Tommy Johnson both out of contention due to hamstring injuries and Matty Williams' registration running out Cooper is hoping Bob Taylor can recover from a sore foot in time to play. 'I didn't realise Matty's loan spell would end at this point until a couple of weeks ago when I discovered he'd only been registered for 90 days', Cooper told icbirmingham.co.uk. The only other attacker Cooper can call on is Carl Heggs, who is recovering from a broken hand. 'Carl would need to play with his hand in a cast, but there would be a danger if he fell awkwardly', added Cooper. 'The decision will be down to Carl, but he'll be putting himself on the line if he does. It might be we have to adopt the old Italian system and play five in defence and five midfield. Otherwise I'll have to play myself up front'".

NW NEWS

DOING US DOWN

DOING US PROUD

The paper publishes letters from Alty supporters Gary Warrington, Jeremy Longsden and Thomas Highland Hope, as well as a superb list of "18 reasons to take a stand" against the 18 points deduction. There is also an interview with Grays vice-chairman Mike Woodward who has offered Alty a top QC at his own expense to help fight the club's cause. Mr Woodward says, "we are a club that has come out of the ashes like Altrincham so I wanted to do whatever I could to help. Even with the problems hanging over their heads at the moment, they made us feel very welcome at Moss Lane, just as they did in last year's Trophy game. It's a great club and they did not deserve what they got from the Conference".

Don't delay, get your SAM today!

TERRAS LESS FIRMER

Taiwo then moved to Weymouth whose website reported on Thursday that "Conference South officials today insisted the Soloman Taiwo saga has yet to be resolved. Operations Drector John Moules confirmed no decision has been made on whether to deduct Weymouth four points for fielding the midfielder with-out international clearance. The Terras won the championship following victory at Bishop's Stortford last weekend and are expecting to be awarded the title trophy at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday. Chief executive Gary Calder revealed earlier this week that Weymouth had been informed there was no threat of points being taken away. But Moules has denied this, claiming a decision will made at a league meeting to be held today which Calder will attend. Moules told Echosport: 'No decision has been taken by the Conference and to say otherwise would be incorrect. I appreciate Weymouth supporters want to see the matter resolved quickly, as do I. But the issue is extremely complicated because it involves a number of clubs, not just Weymouth. In addition, there are things like appeal hearings and protest boards we also have to look at and take into consideration. All I can stress is the matter has not been resolved at this stage although we hope to know more later this week'. A four-point deduction for Weymouth, who currently enjoy a five-point lead over St Albans City with one game to go, would leave Garry Hill's side requiring victory over Lewes this Saturday to guarantee the title. Taiwo joined Weymouth from Maidenhead United last September having previously had a short spell playing in America for Fort Wayne Fever... Both Weymouth and Maidenhead claim they were unaware of the midfielder's spell in America, with the latter claiming he denied playing abroad when he joined them last summer. The matter came to light when Taiwo's registration was reviewed by the Football Association earlier this month after he was booked playing for current club Windsor and Eton. Other teams caught up in the affair include Chesham United and Tooting and Mitcham. Fears were raised Weymouth would be punished after Conference side Altrincham were docked 18 points for breaching international clearance regulations".

WOKING GAME

The Woking side kindly adds "Relegation would be harsh indeed [for Altrincham] after the valiant battle which Graham Heathcote and his side have fought to stay up in what everyone knew would be a difficult season, competing against clubs with far greater resources". It adds that "A win – or even a draw – against Alty on Saturday would keep us above the Shots and secure a place in next season’s successor to the LDV Vans competition... The Cards will be without the suspended Tom Hutchinson and Steve Ferguson, and neither Ian Selley nor Chris Sharpling are expected to be fit enough to play. It seems likely that Gary MacDonald will partner Stuart Nethercott in central defence, with Paul Watson at left back. Glenn has expressed the hope that he might be able to give a run-out to some younger players in this game but, given the importance of the match to both sides, places on the bench might have to be the starting position at least".

ALTY MODELS

YOUTH GAMES

FCUM TO VISIT

CONFERENCE NEWS

OLD BOY

BAN CONFIRMED

"DRACONIAN PENALTY"

LESS THAN "DRACONIAN PENALTY"

"Even if found guilty, Crawley will get off lightly compared to the punishment handed out to Altrincham. The Cheshire club are facing relegation after being hit with an eighteen-point penalty for fielding an ineligible player. A three-point deduction will not endanger Crawley's league status".

Meanwhile, the Crawley Forum reports that "the case against Azwar Majeed [Crawley chairman] was adjourned at Worthing Magistrates yesterday. Azwar has pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault by beating. The case was adjourned for trial at Worthing Magistrates, with a date set of 25th October".

ON AND OFF THE PITCH

Courtesy of the Sale & Altrincham Messenger, an excellent shot of Colin Little, watched by Rod Thornley, against Grays last Saturday.

Graham Heathcote has spoken to SAM Sport about going to Woking on Saturday. "We will not be going there for a party and we will not be worrying about what might happen. It will be a tough game because Woking will be wanting a good send off before the FA Trophy final but we want to finish the season with as many points as possible. The players deserve enormous credit for what they have done - it should have been a day of celebration last Saturday [when survival was confirmed] but instead it was a damp squib. The commitment and effort they've had to put in to get 41 points has been immense in what has proved to be a very difficult league. When I first started as manager we were fourth from bottom in the Unibond Premier but since then we have risen about 44 or 45 league places and many of those players are still here, which is monumental in football terms. I'm very proud of what they've achieved, they have done their job on the pitch and that's all that matters to me". Chairman Geoff Goodwin added, "Graham is incredible. He does so much for this club - he is manager, secretary, groundsman and even cleaner, it is for people like him that I decided to get involved here. That's what hurts me most about the Conference's decision to dock us 18 points, that it spoils the effort put in by Graham, Dalton and the players. Graham deserves major respect, so it really hurts me that Accrington Stanley have not even bothered to phone him up to apologise throughout the whole James Robinson issue".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Exeter boss Alex Inglethorpe has secured the services of two promising youngsters on new one year deals and has high hopes for two more as well. Jamie Mackie and Martin Rice have pledged their futures to St James's Park and Danny Seaborne and Dean Moxey are expected to follow suit shortly. The future of Danny Clay, who has just spent three months on loan at rivals Crawley Town this season, remains unclear... Goalkeeper Rice, who has been behind Paul Jones in the pecking order for much of the season, has broken into the side in the last three games... Inglethorpe also remains keen to recruit an experienced player or two in order to balance his relatively youthful squad".

INTERESTING DECISION

Taiwo played in games in which Weymouth gained four league points this season, following his move from Maidenhead where he also, allegedly, played without international clearance.

YOUTH REPORT

Right: Astley Mulholland in action against Kingsley. Behind him are Dean White and keeper, Lewis Bishop.

There is now a match report on the Youth team's win over Kingsley last Sunday, in the Youth section.

NEXT SEASON

JUMPING THE GUN

FULL UP

In Tuesday night's matches, Woking had defender Tom Hutchinson sent off for fouling Guy Madjo to concede a penalty to Forest Green, so he should be suspended on Saturday along with Steve Ferguson, who is also suspended for a recent dismissal.

PLAY-OFFS

They haven't listed information about the final as yet.

TUESDAY SCORES

SALUTE THE BALLBOYS AND GIRLS

Above: Daniel Gregory leaves with his award from Gary Talbot; below Rod Thornley makes an award and Mark Maddox congratulates Samantha Lewis.

After last Saturday's game the whole Alty squad and a good number of supporters stayed behind to give deserved cheers to the club's excellent band of ballboys and girls. Expertly organised by Ray Armstrong and Mike Antrobus, they are a credit to the club, a point often underlined when we visit away grounds where delays occur as the players retrieve balls for themselves. Ray and Mike rewarded those with the most appearances with a watch. As well as the list of this season's boys and girls (see News of 16 April 2006), the list of all-time appearances is below.

Total Appearances of Ballboys and Ballgirls for Altrincham FC:

Those in bold are in the 2005-06 squad.

1. Matthew Summerfield 253
2. Stuart Wilkinson 184
3. Michael Jamieson 171
4. Gareth Thomas 154
5. Matthew Jamieson 153
6. Samantha Lewis 140
7. Colin Broadhurst 138
8. James Dawson 135
9. Ryan Ashton 134
10. Michael Rogerson 126
11. Thomas Hart 124
12. Edward Wilkinson 112
13. Michael Bradshaw 99
14. Andrew Clarkson 77
15. Michael Bailey 70
16. Mark McGrath 70
17. James Hart 68
18. Matthew Taylor 67
19. Ian Pastore 67
20. Alex Pugh 65
21. Peter Malon 58
22. Tim Ainsworth 51
23. Scott Bradshaw 50
24. Nicholas Taylor 49
25. James Antrobus 49
26. Stephen Pollitt 48
27. Philip Ryan 48
28. Matthew Cook 44
29. Sam Fletcher 41
30. George Carr 41
31. Jamie Wilson 40
32. James Nettleton 40
33. Daniel Burke 40
34. Callum Doherty 40
35. Matthew Eaton 34
36. Damir Sirovica 39
37. Matthew Eaton 34
38. Chris Butt 34
39. Wayne Sellstrome 32
40. Hannah Fletcher 31
41. Lee McGuinness 31
42. Jamie Bell 30
43. Adam Dennett 29
44. Damien Murray 28
45. Sean Johnson 28
46. Andrew Jones 25
47. Sean Greygoose 23
48. Adele Stephenson 23
49. Samantha Malon 21
50. Zaid Slaei 20
51. Barry Stephenson 20
52. John Bradley 20

In all, 334 ballboys and ballgirls have made 10 or more appearances for Altrincham Football Club, who wish to thank them all.

... AND THE LOCAL COUNCIL SUPPORTS US TOO!

RESERVES' REPORT

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

The BBC states that "Bury striker Jon Newby has returned to Gigg Lane following a month's loan spell at Kidderminster...Kidderminster have also allowed on-loan defender Simon Rea to return to Nuneaton Borough".

RADIO INTERVIEWS

Meanwhile, at Moss Lane, after the club's AGM tonight, Geoff Goodwin confirmed that many clubs, including a number of prominent Conference clubs, had contacted him with their support in the Robinson Affair. Geoff then joined Grahame Rowley in an Alty FC Staff v Robinsons' Preservation (Neil Faulkner's XI) friendly match, on the hallowed turf of Moss Lane. More than 6,000 people have now signed the helpalty.com petition set up a York City supporter.

ANOTHER CLUB FACES DEDUCTION

STAR SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

YOUTH TEAM REACHES ANOTHER FINAL

Above: ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH TEAM seen before Sunday's game are, BACK ROW, Tony Spilsbury (coach), Rick Crawford, Michael Risk, Dean White, Reza Zareh-Ourang, Lewis Bishop, Tom Barclay, Danny Chebrika, Ben Shanks-Pepper, Hassan Zareh-Ourang, Danny Gray, George Heslop (manager). FRONT ROW, Astley Mulholland, Andy Keogh, Ben Deegan, Richard Gresty (capt), Matty Williams, Anthony Davies.

Altrincham FC Youth's players reached their fourth cup final of the season on Sunday, defeating Kingsley United 2-1 in the NW Allied Trophies League, Premier Subsidiary Cup Semi-Final. A report on this match will follow on the website. They are also in the Open Cup Final and the Neil Thomason Memorial Trophy Final, having already won the Cheshire FA District Youth Cup as the Altrincham & District FA 's representative side.

Alty's first goal on Sunday came from Ben Deegan , his fiftieth of the season in all competitions in a season disrupted by injury and suspension. The second came from Astley Mulholland, who made his Altrincham Reserves' debut last Friday.

PETITION GROWS

After Thursday's Conference ruling, alty boss Graham Heathcote told SAM "The hearing went as we anticipated. We expected to be back at the FA with this. To be fair, the Conference's hands are tied with regards to their rules. Hopefully justice will prevail at the FA. Certainly the punishment appears to be massively excessive in proportion to the offence".

For more on the Robinson Affair, see below...

CLUBMEN OF THE YEAR

Kitmen Dave Mitten and Charles Heathcote were worthy winners of the Altrincham FC Clubmen of the Year award on Saturday. Above, Graham Heathcote holds the awards as he awaits the arrival of Dave and Charles. Pictured above are Graham, on the front row, with Alty matchday announcer Steve Raferty (left) and ballboys' and girls' coordinator Ray Armstrong (right).

Pictures and more details of the Ball Boys' and Girls' awards at Moss Lane on Saturday will appear shortly on the website.

EYE ON THE BALL

Pictured on the pitch after Saturday's game, right, is 7-month old Max Band, whose parents are Alty's Peter Band (also seen here) and his wife Louise. Max has obviously already learned to keep his eye on the ball!

THANKS TO ALL

GRAYS REPORT

CONFERENCE NEWS

From NL Daily we learn that "The squad has been announced to represent the FA in a match against Cambridge University on Sunday, 30th April... as a part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations for the University side. The squad has mainly been selected from teams in the reasonable location, with Nationwide North side Kettering Town providing a trio of players in midfielders Brett Solkhon, Andy Hall and striker Anthony Elding". The rest are from Nationwide South and the Ryman League whilst "Only two players from the Conference National have been selected in local duo Michael Morrison and Darren Quinton from Cambridge United".

ON THE PITCH

OPINIONS ON THE ROBINSON AFFAIR

There is no doubt that Altrincham appear to have been harshly treated over the James Robinson affair which sees their battling season collapse into relegation after a year back in the top flight. Their case and their consciences are clear. They signed the player in good faith from another English club.

But before getting too worked up about the tough line the Conference board have taken and look set to repeat as more clubs in similar situations come to light - there are a couple of points worth considering.

The standard Conference registration form asks a simple question. 'Has the player been registered with a club outside of England?' It is incumbent on every club to ask every player that question. Not, was it his last club, but has he EVER been registered abroad? If the answer is 'yes' the line of action is absolutely clear. There is no excuse for failure.

Some years ago when Burton Albion were in a similar position, secretary Tony Kirkland resigned, on the spot as a matter of honour. Despite the fact that the player concerned did not actually touch the ball in the few minutes he was on the pitch, the club were still docked points.

The other current criticism is that the Conference Board somehow conspired to keep members' clubs out of trouble.

The fact is that when the vote on Altrincham was taken, Trevor HorsIey of Forest Green Rovers, Charlie Clapham of Southport and chairman Bill King - the former Ally chairman - all abstained because of a possible conflict of interest.

Yes, 18 points and seemingly certain relegation for a club which has struggled so hard to establish Itself is harsh. But the rules are clear and the Conference have acted in accordance with them.

Ally could yet be saved. Ironically, if Canvey do pull out of the Conference when owner-manager Jeff King withdraws his funding and if Scarborough cannot resolve their administration ~ situation, then perhaps a rough kind of justice.

As an individual who pays his money every week to follow Altrincham, home and away, and not as a spokesman for Altrincham FC , I should like to raise a few points about the article above:

Elsewhere the NL Paper reports that Altrincham have "vowed to fly James Robinson 12,000 miles round the world to fight their mammoth 18-point deduction.... The NLP understands the 23-year-old - who has since moved to Australia - lays the blame firmly on the newly-crowned Conference champions... Alty chairman Geoffrey Goodwin said, "! will fight this as much as I can. If I have to fly him over, I will, because we need all the support we can get over this. The player is as devastated as us and says he told Accrington about the situation. I hope he will stand up in court and say so. I am more angry with Accrington and their chairman over this. Why didn't they hold their hands up and admit they made a mistake? They should apologise to us and accept the responsibility but they haven't even made contact.. It is beginning to look as though the Conference don't want part-time clubs in their league. It should be the first club that signed him punished, not anyone else. We saw James play for Accrington so why should we think he needed international clearance? I hope the FA will see sense but the Conference is going to look like a laughing stock".

Conference operations director John Moules said: "It is always disappointing to have to apply the disciplinary rules to any of the clubs in our division. I have received over 400 hate e-mails". Mr Moules is also quoted on the case of Soloman Taiwo, who seemingly played for Weymouth, Maidenhead United as well as Chesham and Windsor and Eton without international clearance. He says, "We are aware there is a situation here but it is very different to the Altrincham one" - quite why it is different is unclear as Taiwo is reported to have joined Maidenhead and then Weymouth and the other two clubs without having clearance after playing in the USA.

Meanwhile, Accrington Chairman Eric Whalley admitted to the NL Paper that his club had not checked Robinson's clearance but claims, "It is definitely the player's fault. How could he possibly not know whether he had international clearance or not? The player was offered to us by Crewe and he played a couple of games in our reserves but it was just a trial. If he had played in our first team we would have checked his clearance". But James Robinson's father responded: "Everyone is blaming James for the Altrincham situation. But both he and I know he is completely innocent. He told Accrington everything and it was then down to their administrative staff to deal with it and get clearance. The Conference have stuck to their rules but Altrincham acted in good faith". Whalley added, "! will be speaking to Altrincham and Graham Heathcote to let him know my feelings because I think they've had a really raw deal".

What a mess!

Meanwhile, a well supported bucket collection was held at yesterday's match to raise funds for Alty's appeal and two Alty fans have pledged to cover the £1,000 fine applied by the Conference when it made its points deduction on Thursday. These are all very welcome gestures of support for the Club.

GREAT OFFER FROM GRAYS

ALTY PUT DOWN

ALTY STAY UP (barring FA decision)!

Above: Alty players salute their supporters after learning that results elsewhere had secured another season for them in Conference National - unless the FA decides against the club's appeal against an 18-point deduction.

Despite losing to an own goal and a penalty that never was, Alty celebrated at the end of the game when it became clear that results elsewhere had ensured their survival in the Conference National Division for next season - barring a decision by the FA over the next three weeks to dock Alty 18 points following Accrington's failure to get international clearance for James Robinson before he joined Alty.

ALTRINCHAM 0 GRAYS ATHLETIC 2

Above: 55 mins - Watched by Dalton Steele and Graham Heathcote, Stuart Thurgood (in yellow, foreground) has just sent in a freekick which Aaron McLean (on the deck) and Mark Maddox (hidden behind Karl Munroe (17) went for. The Alty captain unfortunately headed the ball (seen just above Grays no.3's head) into the net for an own goal.

Match report here

After the match, all the players and the Board attended an awards ceremeony on the pitchside for the wonderful team of ballboys and girls at Moss Lane, who are supervised by Ray Armstrong and Mike Antrobus. In a brief speech, Graham Heathcote praised his players and all at the club before presenting the Clubmen of the Year awards to Alty's kitmen, Dave Mitten and Charles Heathcote. Chairman Geoff Goodman paid tribute to the management, players and supporters and indicated that the club would be debt free in six months time. Report and pictures from the ball boys' and girls' awards are to follow..

Right: Alty's Stephen Rose is currently sidelined with a groin strain.

Saturday, 22 April

AT LAST, SOME GOOD NEWS

GRAYS GAME TODAY

For Saturday's game at Moss Lane, the BBC says that "Grays manager Mark Stimson will definitely be without striker Jamie Slabber (knee) and Andy Edwards. And defender Andrew Sambrook is also a major doubt after sustaining a calf strain against Scarborough in midweek".

RESERVES LOSE

SUPPORT FOR ALTY

Radio 5 Live are reportedly running a feature on the Altrincham points deduction on Monday night. They hope to have spokespersons from Altrincham FC, the Football Conference and James Robinson. As Monday night is also the Altrincham FC AGM, this remains to be seen.

Conference South has its own "international clearance" case now as Solomon Taiwo, who played several games for both Maidenhead United and Weymouth this season, has now been found not to have international clerance after joining a third club, Windsor and Eton.

CONFERENCE NEWS

Our last opponents of the season (next week), Woking, "have extended the loan deal of Wycombe Wanderers’ defender Stuart Nethercott until the middle of May. The former Tottenham Hotspur trainee has featured in thirty-four matches for the Cards this season and his loan deal was set to expire at the end of the regular League season. However, due to Woking's success in the FA Trophy, manager Glenn Cockerill was keen to retain the services of the experienced defender for the Trophy final against Grays Athletic at Upton Park on May 14th. Nethercott is expected to return to Wycombe after the Trophy final to help in their push for a play-off spot" reports NL Daily.

"Exeter City have been handed a compensation package that could potentially top £1million for young stars Mark Ellis and Jamie Hatch. Ellis was lured to Premiership Bolton Wanderers in the summer, while Hatch was plucked from City’s centre of excellence by Southampton almost three years ago. After a lengthy stand-off and failed negotiations, both cases were heard by a transfer tribunal at the FA`s headquarters at Soho Square. The tribunal ruled City will receive an initial down-payment of £150,000 — £90k for Ellis and £60k for Hatch — with a host of add-ons based on first-team and international appearances. City’s sporting director Julian Tagg, who attended the tribunal, revealed he was pleased with the amount received for Ellis, but felt the fee for Hatch was too low" reports This is Exeter.

"Kidderminster Harriers have released former Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday winger Paul Smith. The remainder of his contract, which was due to expire in the summer, has been cancelled to allow the player to spend further time with his ill mother" says NL Daily. But "Kidderminster defender Gavin Hurren has agreed a new deal to keep him at the club until the end of next season. Hurren, who joined Harriers last summer after being released by Nottingham Forest, has established himself in the first team in recent weeks".

OLD BOYS

CORRECTION

CRAWLEY DECISION

ON THE FIELD

Right: Val Owen

Amidst all the off-pitch activity, there is a game at Moss Lane on Saturday at home to Grays Athletic. Epitomising the spirit of the Altrincham squad, manager Graham Heathcote paid tribute to midfielder Val Owen, who contacted him this week to ask to play tomorrow, despite having a fracture in his foot. It was only when Alty physio Andy Hosgood re-identified the fracture for him that Val accepted that he had to miss the match tomorrow. Also out tomorrow is Stephen Rose, who remains sidelined with a groin problem whilst Chris Adams, though not fully fit, will be available for selection along with the rest of the squad.

BUCKET COLLECTIONS AND APPEAL

JAMES ROBINSON

In connection with this affair, the Club has pointed out that the Conference decision on Thursday was affected by the fact that a recent change in the Conference's Rules meant that the following words had been deleted from this year's Conference rulebook compared with last season's. The deleted words were: "The [Conference] Board may vary its decision in exceptional circumstances relative to international clearance of a player's registration". Deletion of the above sentence by the Conference effectively gave the Board little leeway in its deliberations this week. It is not immediately clear why that change of wording was made in 2005.

CONFERENCE STATEMENT

Right: James Robinson

The Conference website states that "Following a meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Nationwide Football Conference made a decision regarding Altrincham FC's fielding of an ineligible player [James Robinson]. On Thursday, the Board of the Nationwide Football Conference conducted a full enquiry and determined that Altrincham FC had breached Rule 6.8 of the Rules of the Football Conference by playing a player in 16 matches this season without having obtained the required International Registration Transfer Certificate.

Altrincham were represented at Thursday's hearing by Secretary Graham Heathcote and solicitor, Aidan Carr.

Whilst the Board accepted there were mitigating circumstances, based on legal advice, it was compelled by Rule 6.8 to deduct points gained, resulting in the deduction of 18 points gained in the 16 matches and a total fine of £1,000.

The Football Conference is concerned with the current operation of the system of International Clearance, which is beyond its control, and the impact that it has on its clubs.

It is anticipated that Altrincham will exercise its right to appeal to the FA".

For more on this matter, see below...

LITTLE BACK

THE ROBINSON AFFAIR

Firstly, a brief explanation for those unfamiliar with the background to this case. James Robinson was signed by Altrincham from another English club, namely Accrington Stanley, in November 2005. Accrington, for whatever reason, had not obtained international clearance for Robinson, who had previously played in Iceland. Robinson then left Altrincham for Australia and it was only when the Australian authorities were registering him that the failure to obtain international clearance by Accrington came to light. Both Accrington and Robinson have reportedly been charged by the FA, but Altrincham have not.

Robinson played in 14 Conference games, starting 8 and being a used sub in 6. Alty won 5 of those games (v Kidderminster [h], Aldershot [h], Scarborough [a] Cambridge [h] and Tamworth [h]) and they drew 3 more, (v Grays [a], Tamworth [a] and Stevenage [h]), gaining 18 points in the process. Conference rule 6 which concerns players and which starts "The FA Rules will apply in respect of all matters concerning players" goes on to say in section 6.8 that the Conference "may vary the decision in respect of the deduction of points gained only in a case where a substitute player participates in a match". Had this variation been applied, Alty would only have been deducted 10 points but the Conference yesterday applied the full 18 point sanction.

This is the largest deduction ever applied to a Conference team and far exceeds, for example, the deduction of four points imposed on Boston for financial irregularities in 2002, which was only applied at the start of the season following their misdemeanours, after they had won the Conference title on goal difference from Dagenham..

Reaction to the decision has been nationwide, with features on national TV and radio and the creation by a York City supporter of a Help Alty website. On the radio, on Thursday, Alty manager and secretary, Graham Heathcote, indicated that the club had behaved in an "honest and above board manner" throughout and that he was confident of the outcome of an appeal to the FA regarding the Conference's decision. Graham can also be heard on Clubcall (see details, right).

Meanwhile all Altrincham fans are urged to turn out in force for the remaining two games, at home to Grays on Saturday and away at Woking a week on Saturday, to ensure that the team is well supported as it seeks to confirm its position above the relegation places in the league table. Howard Watts's Through the Years statistics for Saturday's date are here.

CONFERENCE NEWS

Meanwhile, "Scarborough boss Neil Redfearn hailed Grays Athletic as the best team in the Conference after they hammered the relegation-threatened Seasiders 7-2. 'That's not taking anything away from Accrington because if you get promoted you have done all the right things and you have done well', said Redfearn. 'But if you catch them (Grays) on a good day you have got problems. If you score two goals at home you expect to get something, but I thought we were a shambles at the back'".

YOUTH REPORT

ALTY DEDUCTED 18 POINTS

As readers will know, this case arises from the transfer from Accrington to Altrincham of James Robinson. Accrington had not obtained international clearance for Robinson, who did not actually play for them in the Conference.

SCOTTY

Right, Steve Allen's excellent picture of Gary Scott in action against Hereford United last Saturday.

ALTY YOUTH 2 MORECAMBE "A" YOUTH 5

GRAHAM'S VIEW

PATRONS' SCHEME

CONFERENCE NEWS

NL Daily reports that "Mark Yates, manager of Kidderminster Harriers, is hoping to sign striker Luke Reynolds on a permanent basis for next season. The former AFC Telford United player, 26, joined Kidderminster on non-contract terms in March and has scored three times in his first six games for the club".

ALTY YOUTH 2 MORECAMBE "A" YOUTH 5

GRAYS HIT SEVEN

Grays are Alty's next opponents at Moss Lane, this Saturday.

RIO SIGNS IN

Rio Ferdinand was a guest at the Nationwide's Head Office in Sale, as part of their sponsorship agreement with England's national football team. Alty's Nationwide coordinator, Jo Ryan, invited Alty director Grahame Rowley to join the panel asking a few questions of Rio, following interviews of the player by Talk Sport and Sky TV . Grahame's questions included the following, "Is it true that Sky have moved your game agianst Sunderland to Friday night to avoid a clash with the more important NATIONWIDE Conference fixture of Altrincham vs Hereford United?". After a great deal of laughter, Rio replied that Grahame had better ask Sky TV about that!. Rio kindly signed an England shirt signed for Altrincham FC to go with our Beckham shirt. The above photo was kindly supplied by Gavin Rathbone. It shows, (l. to r.) Grahame, Rio and Jo.

RESERVES' GAME OFF

Alty Reserves' fixtures have been changed again - see the Reserves' page.

STAR'S DOUBLE CENTURY

YOUTH REPORT

SHRIMPS' VIEW

WEDNESDAY GAME

CONFERENCE NEWS

On the Conference site, "despite much speculation John Moules, Operations Director of the Nationwide Conference confirmed that to date Canvey Island had not made any application or indications to the competition regarding the 2006/2007 season... While there may be further discussions in the coming weeks at present Canvey Island continue to be a member of Nationwide Conference - for season 2006/2007".

"Nationwide Conference side Burton Albion have confirmed an interest in signing Chester City's veteran midfielder Tom Curtis in the summer... 'Tom is certainly one we're interested in and it's the fact that he's local and out of contract at the end of the season that alerted us', Brewers boss Clough said. 'If there are other people available in those positions, we're going to look at them early, because we don't want to miss out on them', said Clough.

Our last away game is against Woking whose website reports that manager "Glenn Cockerill described [defeat by Gravesend] as a ‘very poor performance’ and was clearly struggling to explain how a side with only one change from Saturday could put in such a different display from what he described as a ‘fantastic performance’ against Accrington Stanley. 'Their goal just before half-time killed us. I could see it in the players’ faces. I tried to lift them during the break but we were poor in the second half and there was no way back after the second goal'. Glenn said that he’d played Ian Selley because he needs games to get fit. He explained that he would otherwise have taken him off after an hour or so, since he was clearly struggling with the pace of the game. Glenn commented that Shola Oyedele hadn’t been as effective as on Saturday... Glenn was exasperated with Steve Ferguson’s sending-off. 'Steve had won the free-kick. He should just have got up and got on with it. I thought the referee could have just booked them both, rather than sent them off. Steve slapped McCarthy on the upper arm'... Steve will miss the remaining three league games... Glenn felt that the Fleet had been better than us today at doing the ‘horrible’ things: “They cleared their lines well and put our back four under pressure. Some of the younger players have got to learn from people like Neil Smith and Stuart Nethercott to do the ‘horrible’ things well and keep a clean sheet' ... Glenn fully appreciates that we’re on a bad run in the league, with four defeats in a row and only one win in our last nine league games. He seemed to accept that, even if only subconsciously, we’ve eased off mentally, preferring to concentrate on the Trophy Final. He’s still intent on getting in the top 12 and qualifying for next season’s LDV competition'".

The BBC reports that "Tamworth boss Mark Cooper says his side cannot rely on other clubs if they are to avoid the drop this season. Teams in the Conference drop zone could be spared relegation if Altrincham have points deducted this week and Canvey quit the division as expected. But Cooper said: 'I've said all along we want to do it properly and can't rely on others faltering either on or off the field. But we will have to see what happens elsewhere as this week unfolds'".

"Aldershot manager Terry Brown has warned some of his players they have no future at the club following Monday's 3-0 home defeat by Grays. 'I have to say that I am embarrassed by what I saw and embarrassed for the fans who deserve better', said Brown. 'There were too many players who are seeing the season out and quite frankly their performances make my job that much easier at the end of the season. I hope some of them don't think they will be playing here after that'" , reports the BBC

The Burton Mail says that "Albion [were] given the all-clear to include Andy Corbett in their side against Conference relegation battlers Southport [on Tuesday]. The full-back should be serving a one-match ban after receiving the first red card of his career at Scarborough on Saturday. But Albion have formally appealed to the Football Association in a bid to overturn the dismissal for deliberate handball. And, because the FA's Soho Square HQ has been closed for Easter, that hearing cannot be held until tomorrow, freeing up Corbett to face Southport. Brewers boss Nigel Clough said today: 'We don't think the ball hit his hand in the first place, but it also came at him from such close quarters that any contact could not have been deliberate'. Clough said: "Southport are one of several clubs fighting for their lives and we know we're in for another battle, especially with pitches as hard and as bouncy as they are... We've got three home games in eight days now and we don't want to ease off".

PORT EDGE CLOSER

SUCCESSFUL WALK

This weekend, Alty Director Andrew Shaw (above, right) and his next-door neighbour Michael Carter (above, left) successfully walked some 70 miles to Morecambe to raise funds for Altrincham Football Club. Here they are pictured, looking remarkably fit after their efforts, at the game at Christie Park. It is believed they have raised several thousand pounds for their magnificent efforts.

MORECAMBE 2 ALTRINCHAM 0

Match report here.

Easter Monday, 17 April

ALPHABETICAL ALTY

THE JOYS OF MOSS LANE

Liniment

By Jimmy Wagg, from the Robins' Review, 8 April 2006

Liniment... The smell of liniment to be more precise. As a young lad at Maine Road, the pungent waft of Wintergreen as the players ran out of the tunnel before kick off , was one of things I really used to look forward to. You don't get that any more in the Premiership.

I'm not complaining. Covering football for BBC Radio Manchester means I get to spend a fair bit of my non-studio time in the top flight grounds of Greater Manchester, and that certainly beats working. I can't help feeling, though, that from a fan's perspective, it is an increasingly remote and sanitised experience; it is very hard to get up close and personal with a Premiership club. The football can be great, but as the top end of the game has become more business like, it has also distanced itself from Joe Public.

Before "Angry of Hale" writes to complain that I am deluded and looking at the game through the distorting lens of age and nostalgia, let me offer a chance to test my theory. If you want to see football as an involvement sport for the spectator, get yourself down to Moss Lane and watch Altrincham (a night match under lights being my first choice).

Every comment within 50 yards is clearly audible. If a referee's assistant feels the pressure under the stony glare of Fergie and 60,000 Reds at Old Trafford, at least the personal barbs blur into the general hubbub. Not so at Conference level. The linesman against York was given a personal and in depth appraisal of his every shortcoming.

Character building, I'm sure, but hard going on a cold Tuesday night. By the end of the game, his conciliatory smile had frozen into a defensive rictus. I've never run the line, but, personally, I'd take the wrath of Sir Alex any time.

As for the York subs who paused to watch a passage of play whilst warming up on the touchline, a trenchant "We've paid to watch Alty, not the back of your head!" soon had them scooting off towards the corner flag. When José Mourinho berates a referee, the vast majority at Stamford Bridge have to work out the tenor of what is being said from the manager's gestures. When Graham Heathcote does the same, half the main stand at Moss Lane can give you chapter and verse!

It all adds up to an intensely involving experience. Like most football fans, I love to watch the game at any level, from Wembley to Wythenshawe Park, but this is football where you really are part of the drama, rather than just the backdrop to it. I can, of course, be accused of bias. I have been a Manchester City supporter (sorry Mr Heathcote) for over 40 years, but, like a lot of people who grew up in the garden city of Wythenshawe, Altrincham has always been my non league team. The Blues will always be my first love in football and I'm sure that I will always spend the bulk of my football watching time at Eastlands. I will, though, take any available opportunity to dip into the Alty experience.

A plea. Your local football team needs you. If you are a lapsed Robins fan, or if the expensive and impersonal nature of the Premiership has turned you into an armchair supporter, why not give Moss Lane a try? It's the difference between watching "Coronation Street" and being in it. Get down to Altrincham and smell the liniment.

JimmyWagg

THREE FINALS FOR ALTY

ALTY TRIALISTS

Morecambe Reserves fielded "a mixture of trialists and players with first team experience [in] a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town on Good Friday. At right back was "Wedge", presumably Keith Wedge, who has played two games as a trialist for Altrincham Reserves recently.

ALTY PAY PRICE AS STANLEY EXPELLED

CONFERENCE NEWS

YOUTH REPORT

ALTRINCHAM 0 HEREFORD UNITED 1

Match report here.

Pictured right, Man of the Match, Gary Talbot, receives his award from an Alty hero from the past, Derek Halliwell.

BALLBOYS AND GIRLS

ALTRINCHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

Ballboys and Girls Appearances for the Season 2005-06

Coordinators: Ray Armstrong and Mike Antrobus

Senior Ballboys Winners

1. Tim Ainsworth: 26 games. (Receives a watch)
2. Matthew Jamieson: 25 games. (Receives a watch)
3. Arron Howarth: 19 games

1. Matthew Cook: 23 games. (Receives a watch)
2. James Antrobus: 21 games. (Receives a watch)
3. Alex Pugh: 19 games.

1. Daniel Gregory: 18 games. (Receives a watch)
2. Jack Bowyer: 11 games. (Receives a watch).

1. Samantha Lewis: 20 games. (Receives a watch).

Also, well done to all of the other youngsters who acted as ballboys and girls, namely:

Ray Armstrong writes: This season, by way of a change, due to a problem in getting hold of some trophies, the winners will receive watches, which I hope they will enjoy. The first and second in each category will receive a watch while the third will also receive a prize. Many thanks to all of the AFC ballboys and girls, plus a very big thanks to Mike Antrobus who has done a fantastic job, once again, for Altrincham Football Club".

Altrincham Football Club itself would also like to record its sincere thanks to Ray and Mike and all of their ballboys and ballgirls for the wonderful job that they do, in all weathers, in keeping games flowing and in retrieving balls that get kicked out of the ground.

GRAHAM AND TAMWORTH

I must take this opportunity to apologise to Russell Moore, the secretary of Tamworth and to Tamworth FC. After having spoken to Russell, it would appear that I got the wrong end of the stick with regards to the comment of ignorance. Once he had explained the question out to him by The Non-League Paper, the way I read it in that paper was incorrect and I apologise to him profusely. I am very sorry that my comment caused some idiot to ring Russell with abuse. If we find out whoever did this, they would be banned for life; there is no place for that sort of thing. Pressures are on lots of people and we do have to keep this sort of thing in perspective".

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

RESULTS

100 UP

Also on the Youth Page is news of Alty's role in helping the NW Allied Trophies League to win the Lancashire FA's Under-18s Inter League Cup Final and in the North of England Colleges' recent win over a Sheffield Wednesday youth side.

STUART ON HEREFORD

This is HUFC reports that "Hereford United go into their Easter programme knowing that two victories will confirm their position in the end-of-season Nationwide Conference play-offs for the third successive campaign. But the Bulls need to end a troublesome run of four games without a win and this will not be easy as both Saturday's opponents Altrincham and next Monday's visitors Tamworth are looking for points in their relegation battles. Hereford will also be looking for their first success in four matches against Altrincham when they travel to Moss Lane on Saturday. The Cheshire side gained a win and a draw against the Bulls when they were last in the Conference back in 1999-2000 and claimed a goalless draw at Edgar Street back in September. Hereford director of football Graham Turner should have the majority of his squad available for selection at the weekend, although there are still doubts over two of his main defenders. 'Tony James is very doubtful with his groin injury, although Ryan Green, who picked up a hamstring injury and a bruised ankle at Morecambe, may have recovered in time', he said. Midfielder Andy Ferrell, who has just finished a three-match suspension, will be available again, and Guy Ipoua is set for a long-awaited comeback. The Cameroonian striker has been sidelined with an Achilles problem".

D-DAY?

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

DAGENHAM VIEWS

Stuart Coburn said, "Colin Little steadied the nerves with a crucial fourth and that's typical of him. He was there to tidy up and he's helped us win a lot of points this season. We're nearly where we want to be with this result The gaffer said we needed four more points last week and we've got them but one more will see us over the finishing line and we're very confident now. We can relax a bit more and play with no fear in the last games".

CONFERENCE NEWS

BBC Sport says that "Forest Green chairman Trevor Horsley feels that nine points from their last five games would prevent relegation from the Conference National division... Horsley told the Gloucester Citizen newspaper: 'I've been disappointed with the players at times this season. If we go down, it's because we haven't been good enough - in fairness, I've told the players that to their faces'". The BBC adds that "Exeter City have recalled midfielder Danny Clay from his loan spell at Crawley Town. Clay, 20, has not featured in the Conference for Exeter this season after struggling with injury and illness. However, he made 10 appearances for Crawley, scoring once - and has been offered a new deal by the Grecians".

"The Football Association has upheld defender Lee Protheroe's appeal against his sacking by Gravesend & Northfleet. The 30-year-old was dismissed for gross misconduct after he admitted speaking to a Stevenage player about Fleet's likely tactics before a game. However, the FA ruled that they could not take disciplinary action against him while he was on loan at Margate".

On Monday Alty travel to Morecambe and Morecambe Today reports that "Caretaker manager Sammy McIlroy said morale was high in the squad and they were just taking 'one game at a time'. [He said,] 'We are expecting four hard games between now and the end of the season... We are unbeaten in four, now we've got to keep it going'. The Shrimps host Altrincham on Monday as part of an Easter programme that is bound to have a huge bearing on the play-offs... Dave Perkins was back in training this week but McIlroy said that they would have to wait before deciding whether he will be involved over the weekend".

NL Daily says that "Australian midfielder Jon Brady has committed to his future at Cambridge United by penning a new contract for the next term. Cambridge manager Rob Newman [said] 'He's been with championship winning sides in the Conference before so he brings us that experience, plus he has great energy and work ethic and commitment to the cause'.. . Meanwhile, midfielder Ritchie Hanlon has also agreed a new deal to keep him with United until the end of next season".

GOOD FRIDAY SCORES

BULLS NEWS

ANDREW SHAW ON THE SEA SHORE

XABI MADDOX

Meanwhile, Dagenham's two red-carded players on Tuesday have received their suspensions; Paul Bruce is banned for 3 games whilst Shane Blackett will sit out one game for bringing down Pat McFadden.

CONFERENCE NEWS

The BBC reports that "Halifax Town have signed a new sponsorship deal with the club's shirt sponsors. The Shaymen are to receive a five-figure sum for next season from train operator Grand Central. Part of the deal also covers transport and accommodation for the team". The same source addas that "Scarborough manager Neil Redfearn believes their race to avoid relegation still has a long way to run... saying: 'I said a few weeks ago that there will be twists and turns. We will win games people say we shouldn't and not win ones they say we should'".

"Crawley Town have recalled Robbie Kember from his loan spell at Lewes... Kember has made just one substitute appearance in the Conference this season, but will rejoin John Hollins's squad for the rest of the campaign", whilst "Midfielder Ritchie Hanlon has agreed a new deal to keep him at Cambridge United... The former Peterborough and Rushden man joined Cambridge last August following a short stay with Weymouth" states the BBC.

Meanwhile "Exeter have launched an investigation into allegations that inside information regarding the team was passed to Grays manager Mark Stimson. It is alleged that an anonymous phone call regarding team selection and tactics was made by the father of an Exeter player to Stimson. The Grecians' operations director Frances Farley told City's website: 'If this allegation is proved then this would be a clear case of gross misconduct and any player concerned would obviously have no future at the club'. Stimson confirmed to BBC Sport he had received a phone call prior to Monday night's Conference game between the two clubs... Stimson said the information had no bearing on how Grays approached Monday's game, which they won 3-0... Afterwards Stimson informed Exeter manager Alex Inglethorpe of the phone call... Gravesend & Northfleet recently sacked defender Lee Protheroe after he spoke to a Stevenage player about an up-coming game between the two clubs".

This is Exeter confirms that Alex Inglethorpe, manager of Exeter City spoke after "His battling side went down 3-0 but gave it a real go against Grays Athletic. Afterwards, asked if the result effectively ended the Grecians' play-off challenge, Inglethorpe said: 'I think so. At the start of the season it was always going to be a big ask of a young team'... The league table doesn't lie and the truth is City just have not been good enough. A return of just seventeen points from seventeen games isn't promotion form and, had it not been for their excellent start to the campaign, they would have been left behind weeks ago. Inglethorpe will point to the enforced budget cuts he was forced to make in the summer".

Prices for the FA Trophy final on 14 May are on the Woking website. Woking have been allocated 9500 tickets costing £15 or £20.

The March player of the month was York City's Clayton Donaldson, with Alty's Colin Little the runner-up.

YOUTHS PROGRESS

MORECAMBE TRIP

WEEKEND SQUAD

ALTRINCHAM RESERVES 2 SOUTHPORT RESERVES 3

Below are pictures of the staff and players involved last night for the Altrincham Reserves.

			L to R: Neil Brown (manager); Carlos Marsden (coach), Alan Ainslie (physio)
			L to R: Ashley Brown; Paul Monaghan, Keith Wedge
			L to R: Danny Heffernan, Colin McAllister, Mike Brown
			L to R: James Marsden, Pat McFadden, Mark Smyth
			L to R: Craig Ellison, Lee Hendley, John Maloney
			L to R: Richard Norris, Richard Acton, Stephen Rose

GED CELEBRATES

Above: Ged Murphy (no.37) celebrates his first goal for Altrincham FC, against Gravesend last Saturday. Also seen are Colin Potts (7) and Gary Scott (11) whilst in the background Graham Heathcote punches the air. This and more of Gavin Rathbone's images are available on his GR Photography website and copies can also be ordered in the Robins' Shop.

UPDATES

DAGENHAM VIEWS

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 2 ALTRINCHAM 4

Above: Just some of the Alty fans who made the trip to Dagenham. They sang throughout the game, got soaked in the latter stages, endured a 6 hour journey to the match and then a closure of the M1 on the way back, but their support was excellent throughout.

Match report here.

TUESDAY GAMES

Right: Alty's Chris Adams limped off on Saturday.

NEXT OPPONENTS

CONFERENCE NEWS

NORTHERN NEWS

YOUTH REPORT

DAGGERS

The Barking & Dagenham Post reports that "Dagenham & Redbridge full back Danny Foster has assured manager John Still of his versatility by insisting he is ready to make the switch into his favoured position of central defence... Since making his Conference debut 17 months ago against Northwich Victoria, the tenacious youngster, who spent his early playing career in the Tottenham Hotspur youth team, has established himself as Daggers' first choice right back... but [has] found bombing forward in support of his team's attacking surges at right wing back tougher, especially with a long ball style of play Still has persevered with this season... Still conceded: 'Danny is a centre half playing at right back. Some players don't feel comfortable in certain areas. When he's in a defensive area, he's okay, when he's in an attacking area, not as much. He has been converted to right back and has done a good job but this year, he has struggled at right wing back. He's no more a right wing back than me but he goes in, does his job every week and does fantastic. We've got nobody else to do it'". Foster added, "I've liked playing right back. I've spent the last few months playing at right wing back and I've had to try and adapt to that and play in that position and I think I've done okay. Central defence is a position I enjoy too and I feel that's my best position". The manager "meanwhile, moved to clarify speculation surrounding his hesitation to sign a new two-year contract at the weekend, maintaining he has not had 'a change of heart' over putting pen to paper".

OLD BOY

REVIEW OF THE FLEET

Kent on Line briefly reports on Gravesend's draw at Moss Lane, but worryingly concludes that "Altrincham goalkeeper Stuart Coleman saw red for his wild challenge on substitute Luke Moore and Johnson kept his nerve to score from the spot".

CONFERENCE NEWS

Cambridge United quote chairman Terry Baker, "'We are delighted Rob Newman and Tony Spearing have signed for next season. The club has been through a turbulent time and needs stability in order to progress... We have been impressed by the commitment Rob and Tony have shown... They have worked tirelessly within tight financial constraints and with a rapidly evolving squad this season - we believe they have earned the right to see what they can achieve with a more competitive budget next year'". Newman responded, "It's been a very tough year but we've got through it as a club by everyone working together - supporters, players, directors and management. Now we have to use this season as a springboard and kick on from here, get everyone pulling in the same direction, and we can really achieve something at Cambridge United. Now I want to concentrate on offering contracts to the eighteen or so quality players we need to mount a challenge next year".

PORT WIN

GRAVESEND GAME

Match report here. For a picture and more on the game, see below....

NEXT VISITORS

CONFERENCE NEWS

Bullsnews adds that "King has been a revelation for the club who were in the Essex Senior League when he arrived. A string of promotions through five levels brought them to the Conference last season but gates have failed to cover the bills and King, through his family businesses, has repeatedly bankrolled the club's success. Rumours have been circulating linking the club to a merger with Chelmsford City, but these have been dismissed by King".

OLD BOYS

Ashley Timms was sent off on Saturday, playing for Moor Green. Stuart Scheuber yesterday scored one of the goals that ensured Nantwich Town's place in the FA Vase final.

ALTY YOUTH 6 FLEETWOOD HESKETH YOUTH 0

L to R: Alty Youth team's Dean White, Andy Keogh and Hassan Zareh-Ourang pictured in the match against Fleetwood Hesketh on Sunday afternoon - before the hailstorms struck.

Altrincham Youth followed up the seven goals in their last match with a 6-0 victory over Southport side Fleetwood Hesketh on Sunday afternoon. The game started and finished in sunshine but, in between, strong hailstorms lashed the pitch. Ben Deegan hit four of the goals with Astley Mulholland and Danny Browne also scoring. Report to follow.

SUNDAY SCORE

A BIG WEEK

YOUTH ON SUNDAY

CATCH THE BUS

MARK'S MUSINGS

GET WELL, ALEX

N.W. NEWS

ALTRINCHAM 2 GRAVESEND & NORTHFLEET 2

The Fleet's captain, Bowry takes a first-half free-kick at Moss Lane.

Match report here.

RESULTS

THE FLEET IS COMING

ASA

Above: Steve Aspinall takes on York City's Dunning last Tuesday night. This and more of Gavin Rathbone's images are available on his GR Photography website and copies can also be ordered in the Robins' Shop.

ATTENDANCES

CONFERENCE NEWS

Tamworth confirm that "following a board meeting at The Lamb on Thursday night, Tamworth FC are delighted to announce that manager Mark Cooper and assistant manager Richard Dryden have signed further two year contracts. In a very positive meeting it was also decided that Tamworth, for the 2006-7 season, will make the step up from part- to full-time. 'This can only be seen as a positive step forward for the club', said General Manager Russ Moore... It is ladies day on Saturday and Ladies England and Birmingham City striker Karen Carney will be in attendance [at Tamworth's match], along with Nationwide Conference Secretary Kellie Discipline". And "'It was a fantastic performance by the lads', boss Mark Cooper said of his side's 2-1 victory over Aldershot - the first Tuesday night league win at The Lamb since February 2003 - hopefully we have turned the corner. Michael Tuohy should be fit for the weekend and Matty Williams is hopeful for our trip to Scarborough next Tuesday.It is unlikely though, that Dave Bampton will feature again this season following a knee injury picked up against Exeter City'". Yet, The BBC says that "Notts County striker Matthew Williams, who is on loan at Tamworth, is battling to play again this season. The 23-year-old broke a bone in his foot in February, just after extending his loan spell until late April. However, County's website states that although his rehabilitation is going well, he is unlikely to recover before the end of the Conference season". The BBC adds that "The Lambs are one of just five teams operating in the Conference on a part-time basis but already hold some daytime training sessions. Southport have previously said they will also be fully professional next season if they stay up, while Burton are moving towards full-time football". So that leaves just Altrincham and Canvey Island as Conference clubs remaining part-time.

FRIDAY SCORE

OWEN OUT

TAMWORTH CLARIFICATION

Meanwhile, Graham Heathcote has been contacted by Russell Moore, secretary of Tamworth FC. Since comments about the James Robinson affair, attributed to Mr Moore, were printed in the NL Paper, the Tamworth secretary has received a number of abusive anonymous phone calls. Altrincham FC wishes to make clear that should any such calls be found to emanate from Altrincham fans, those concerned would be banned for life from Moss Lane. Graham accepts Mr Moore's explanation of the comments attributed to him in the NLP and also accepts Tamworth's assurance that they were not one of the clubs who allegedly may have complained to the authorities regarding Altrincham's role in the Robinson affair. Altrincham FC will now await the outcome of the Conference hearing into this matter and expects that others will do the same. Graham has indicated that the main issue for Altrincham FC at the present time is the acquisition of points on the pitch to ensure the club's survival in the Conference national division. The next Altrincham matchday programme will include a statement by Graham Heathcote making the above situation clear as regards Tamworth. That statement will also be reproduced on this website.

NO CRISIS

DAISH CONFIDENT AGAINST ALTY

The Gravesend Reporter states that "boss Liam Daish hit out at Tuesday night's referee Steve Tomlinson after a contentious decision gave visitors Grays Athletic a lifeline back into the game. Tomlinson awarded the Essex side a free-kick after Fleet centre-back Peter Hawkins inadvertently handballed just outside the penalty area - which was duly despatched into the net by Grays midfielder Glenn Poole... He said: 'I thought the referee was poor... He gave a handball for an innocuous incident. I cannot imagine a player of Peter Hawkins' experience deliberately handballing it in that area of the pitch. To me, it looked like a foul the other way". Daish - often accused of tactical naivety by some sectors of the Fleet faithful - pulled out plenty of surprises in Tuesday night's squad announcement. The Fleet boss dropped impressive goalkeeper Craig Holloway for Aaron Kerr and made four other alterations to his starting XI in an attempt turnaround the clubs' woeful recent run... He said: 'I thought our approach to the game and the formation worked very well. We had a lot of energy in midfield; we got up in support of James Smith, broke off him and caused them problems... We've just got to keep at it, keep pulling together and we've got two important games coming up now against Altrincham and Southport away... We've got a good chance of getting two good results'"

The Reporter adds that "Gravesend and Northfleet fell apart in a madcap four-minute, second-half spell which gifted Grays Athletic all three points... Steve McKimm was sent off late on... to give Fleet boss Liam Daish a selection headache ahead of this Saturday's trip to Altrincham. Daish made five changes to his starting line-up from Saturday's showing against Aldershot Town and deployed a 4-5-1 formation. Both teams spent the first-half content to soak up pressure and hit their opponents on the counter-attack, which led to a scrappy opening 45 minutes of defensive clearances and half chances".

"Brian Kilcullen has revealed Lee Protheroe is no longer involved with the Stonebridge Road club after being sacked for gross misconduct. The Gravesend and Northfleet chairman told the Reporter that Protheroe was given his marching orders after telephoning a Stevenage Borough player on the morning of their game with Gravesend and Northfleet 12 days ago, informing Graham Westley's side of the Fleet's likely line-up and prospective weak links. Kilcullen explained: "Lee was a fans' favourite and he'd been here a little while, but we've sacked him for gross misconduct since he went on loan to Margate. We found out that before the Stevenage Borough game that Lee made contact with one of their players and told him the formation he expected Liam to play against Stevenage that day. As soon as I'd got wind that something of this nature had happened, I called Lee and asked him for his version of events and he admitted to me that he'd done that. I felt that Lee's actions justified sacking for gross misconduct. To my mind, he let me, the manager, his team-mates and the fans down. I was very, very, very upset and I've told him that". Protheroe said, "I'm disappointed to leave Gravesend in these circumstances, but these things happen in football and players come and go. I'm just one of them to be moved on". Kilcullen added, "I cannot believe one of my players would speak to an opposition player on the morning of a game - even if they're friends".

SUPPORT ON THE ROAD

SAM REPORTS

Gavin Rathbone's camera catches Val Owen in action, watched by Warren Peyton, against York City. More of Gavin's images are available on his GR Photos website and copies can also be ordered in the Robins' Shop.

SAM reports on Alty's on-field and off-field fights to gain more points and maintain those they have earned already in the face of the Robinson Affair. "Both Accrington, for whom he played three reserve team matches, and Robinson himself have already been charged by the FA over the issue, while Alty were exonerated by English football's governing body. But now the Conference have taken up the matter, with a hearing set to take place in the near future... Graham Heathcote told SAM Sport: 'If we are found guilty we will appeal to the FA and I have great faith in them to make the right decision. Lots of people are banging lots of different drums about this issue without even knowing the full facts, which are only known by myself and the FA. I am just trying to make sure we do our job on the pitch. I want my players to be able to say at the end of the season that we did the job no matter what happens, that's the motivation in the next six games. We have not done that yet but I want it so much now'".

Against York, Sam says that "For the first 20 minutes on Tuesday night, Alty were actually the better team. Direct and effective, they sliced the York defence open all too easily and thoroughly deserved to take the lead... But the goal never came and as the game wore on, the greater quality of the full time side became glaringly obvious... Despite the scoreline, Alty's second half performance was more heartening... And manager Graham Heathcote remained positive after the game. 'We were playing a really good side tonight, I've said all along the month of April was going to be a very tough month.I'm pleased that the lads kept their heads up in the second half and kept going because at 3-0 down they could have easily given up. I'm not saying there's lots of plusses but I'm happy with the application the players showed over the 90 minutes'".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Burton Albion midfielder Chris Hall has agreed a new one-year deal... after signing from Lincoln United at the start of last season. However, defender Lee Ayres has not been offered a new deal and has left the club after having the remaining few weeks of his contract paid up. Ayres, 23, joined the Brewers from Tamworth in August 2004 but has not played this season because of injury"says the BBC which adds that "On-loan Lincoln defender Matt Bloomer is to stay with Cambridge United until the end of the Conference season".

Grays Athletic confirm that "manager Mark Stimson has signed a new three-year contract which will keep him at the club until 2010. Stimson, 38, has led his side to fourth place in the Conference and a second successive FA Trophy Final. Chairman Micky Woodward told BBC Essex: 'I believe he's one of the best managers in non-League football. I'm very lucky to have him'. Stimson took over as boss in September 2002 and has guided the Blues from the Ryman Premier Division to the verge of the Football League".

The Conference says that "Francis Vines, the former Crawley manager, has been awarded £5,825 in compensation against the owners of Crawley Town for not honouring a severance clause in his contract. According to the Surrey press, the ruling came after chairman Azwar Majeed failed to turn up to an employment tribunal. Three other former Crawley employees are also said to be suing the club. Vines later said that he would have to wait and see if Majeed will pay him the award. 'This is typical of the way the Majeeds approach things. I really enjoyed my time at the club. They were fantastic times and it was only the last few months that were a bit unstable but the rest of the time it was great' he said".

There is a statement by The York City Supporters' Trust on the club website. It says that "the Supporters' Trust is involved in discussions with J M Packaging Ltd with a view to introducing a significant amount of additional funding to York City Football Club that, if concluded, will involve a change to the ownership structure of the Club. Currently, the Trust owns 85% of the total issued share capital of the Club and Jason McGill owns 15%... The discussions are ongoing and no conclusions have been reached... For there to be a reasonable rate of return for J M Packaging Ltd on the funds it has provided to the Club. This return would only be paid by the Club following the sale of Bootham Crescent, as part of the move to a new stadium in the city in several years time. The interest rate is to be agreed between the parties.". Cambridge News reports how Adam Davies, "The 20-year-old Cambridge United defender stopped breathing after suffering a head injury in his side's 2-1 win over Exeter City... The game was delayed for 22 minutes as he received treatment on the pitch from United physio Greg Reid, the club doctor and paramedics. 'He sustained a head injury and when I got to him his airway was blocked, he wasn't breathing and he was fitting', said Reid. 'It's the most serious life-threatening situation I have been involved in on a football field'... Davies was taken to Addenbrookes, but late in the night discharged after a series of CAT scans and checks".

ALTY RESERVES 3 FLEETWOOD TOWN RESERVES 3

Above: A grainy picture of Richard Norris (15) and Pat McFadden (14) joining the game as Kieran Lugsden comes off, after his hat-trick. Towards the left of the picture, Eddie Hussin shakes hands with a team mate as he, too, is substituted.

Kieran Lugsden hit a well-taken hat-trick but Altrincham Reserves disappointingly let a 3-1 lead slip against Fleetwood Town at Moss Lane last night. Defenders Ashley Brown and Laurence Ball were the only regulars from the Reserves in the starting line-up. Otherwise, Alty included seven players who hold first-team squad numbers in their starting eleven. These included Eddie Hussin, starting his first game since last season, having had half an hour as a used sub last Saturday, along with Richard Acton, Stephen Rose, Rod Thornley, Lewis Chalmers, Kieran Lugsden and Blake Norton. The other two starters were trialists Keith Wedge (ex-Bury), who looked useful at right-back, and Mark Smyth (ex-Liverpool and Vauxhall Motors), up front. The used subs were Lee Hendley, Pat McFadden and Richard Norris, making his first appearance of the season after injury. Fleetwood's equaliser was a 60-yarder by Mark Davis, who fired a kicked clearance by Richard Acton straight back past the keeper who could not get back to his line in time to stop the ball. Had they won, Alty would have gone top of the Lancashire League but they remain well placed with three games in hand on Marine, who are a point ahead. Report to follow.

SUSPENSIONS

CONFERENCE NEWS

NL Daily reports on Gravesend's defeat by Grays on Tuesday in which "Grays scored three times in four second-half minutes". It also reports that "Jamie Guy's injury-time strike earned Cambridge United victory against Exeter City in a game marred by a sickening injury to Adam Davies. He was kicked in the throat by substitute Jamie Mackie and play was suspended as he received extensive treatment before being carried off on a stretcher". Also, "Hereford United midfielder Andy Ferrell has signed a new twelve-month contract... Ferrell, 22, who started his career at Newcastle United, joined Hereford from Watford last summer. He has started twenty-six games for Graham Turner's side this season... Ferrell joins striker Andy Williams, midfielder Stacy Coldicott and defender Alex Jeannin in being confirmed as part of Turner's squad for next season".

"Grays Athletic would swap their chance of retaining the FA Trophy to secure promotion from the Nationwide Conference National, according to winger Glen Poole... He said: "We have been talking about it, and we'd all definitely swap our place in the Trophy final to go into the Football League. Grays' striker Aaron McLean agreed, adding: 'After we beat Exeter City in the Trophy semi finals, the gaffer told us we could either rest easy until the final or play for promotion - we obviously want to get out of this league'".

YORK VIEWS

This is York also has a report stating that "Donaldson has now netted 16 times this season - and he and Bishop are just one strike short of a 40-goal partnerhip. About their latest efforts, manager Billy McEwan said: 'The build-up for the first goal was good but you will not see many better in the Conference League this season than the second and third. They were superb finishes from two clinical strikers and I was delighted for them. Altrincham have improved a lot since we beat them 5-0 in September but they came up against our two strikers, whose finishing was red-hot... What impressed me most about our strikers was when they lost the ball they worked back tremendously hard... They worked their socks off as did the rest of the team'" However, "Altrincham went close three times and rattled the visitors' crossbar before Donaldson opened the scoring and McEwan warned: 'They started lively but we were a bit sloppy. We lacked discipline in key areas... We had nearly 500 supporters away on a Tuesday night and it gives me a little buzz when I see those big flags waving and the enjoyment and pleasure on people's faces when we scored the goals'". This is York also says that York's "pride and passion was illustrated by angry early altercations between visiting City players as skipper Emmanuel Panther, among others, demanded higher standards, following a worrying start that saw Altrincham rattle the crossbar after just 12 minutes... It was Altrincham who had the better of the early exchanges with James Dudgeon and David McGurk both making crucial blocks from home striker Colin Little after just three minutes. Warren Peyton's excellent 30-yard lob then crashed back into play off Chris Porter's crossbar".

PONTOON WINNER

ALTRINCHAM 0 YORK CITY 3

Match report here.

RESERVES TONIGHT

TUESDAY GAMES

YOUTH TEAM BRING SOME CHEER

CUP WINNERS

Pictured above is the Altrincham & District FA Youth team, winners of the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup Final, 2006. Left to right back row: Rick Crawford, Kieran Raynes, Danny Chebrika, Danny Browne (partly hidden), Anthony Davies, Michael Risk, Dean White, Tom Barclay, Andy Keogh, Ben Deegan, Hassan Zareh-Ourang, Lewis Bishop, Ashley McGrath (hidden). Front row: Matty Williams, Richard Gresty and Astley Mulholland. The photographer with her back to camera is physio, Julieanne Gresty.

A match report on the game is now in the Youth section.

YORK GAME

GRAHAM SPEAKS TO CLUBCALL

Many Altrincham supporters will now, more than ever, want Altrincham FC to make absolutely sure that it does not finish in the relegation places and thereby save one of those clubs currently, as Graham puts it, "clutching at straws" to avoid relegation for off the field reasons at our expense. Alty fans can do their bit by re-doubling their already excellent support for the team in the closing stages of the season, starting tonight against York City. Sadly this sorry saga may run into the close season, with the Conference AGM on 3rd June possibly being a key data in its resolution.

VIEWS ON THE ROBINSON AFFAIR

Tamworth report that "It has been brought to the attention of Tamworth Football Club that a finger of suspicion is being pointed in their direction on various public website forums regarding a registration issue involving fellow Conference member clubs. To set the record straight, the club has issued the following statement, accompanied by another from the Football Association which clearly exonerates TFC. General Manager Russell Moore said: 'I would like to place on record now that Tamworth Football Club has not made any complaint to the Football Association regarding the matter of James Robinson and/or Accrington Stanley and Altrincham Football Clubs. Tamworth Football Club learned of the situation with James Robinson and the above named clubs once it was put into the public domain with a statement on the Altrincham website. It was then, and only then, that Tamworth Football Club asked the Conference office for their clarification on the player’s eligibility. This was done following the harsh way we felt we, has a club, were treated last season following being found guilty of being in breach of such a rule. I would therefore like it to be public knowledge that no-one from Tamworth Football Club spoke with, or sought to bring this matter to the knowledge of, the Football Association'. Clarification that TFC was in no way responsible for bringing the matter to the FA's attention came from Mark Hooper of their Communications Department who states: 'I am happy to confirm that the FA charges brought against Accrington Stanley and James Robinson resulted from the FA's own inquiries. The FA received no communication from Tamworth on this matter. I have made this clear to any journalists who have called me'".

CONFERENCE NEWS

The improvements just to enable us to play at a higher level will require an investment in the region £100,000".

The Daggers "are pleased to announce that three players have signed contract extensions. Exciting left back Scott Griffiths has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the Glyn Hopkin Stadium until June 2009. Midfielder Sam Saunders and striker Paul Benson have both signed contracts until June 2008. More contract extensions are expected over the next few weeks".

"Alex Inglethorpe, manager of Exeter City, has had his playing budget increased by 27 per cent for next season. The extra funding is the result of better financial planning and cost-cutting measures introduced by the club's new five-year plan, V10. The initiative, which aims to deliver League One football by 2010, proposed the club's playing budget should comprise 55 per cent of its total expenditure. Cuts in the summer meant this season's budget was set at roughly 47 per cent of outgoings. Inglethorpe said: 'It is no secret that last year the budget was announced very late and was dramatically reduced - it is clearly of great benefit to already know what I have got for next year... I think we were able to uncover a few gems in the likes of Lee Phillips, Billy Jones, Jon Challinor and Danny Woodards. But there is a need to strengthen and I have already got a list of potential targets...Turnover for the [last financial] year was £2,174,336, with a profit of £591,600, generated by the lucrative Manchester United FA Cup ties. The additional income from the two games totalled more than £900,000... A club statement read: 'Without this income the club would have made a substantial loss during the financial year. This underlines the need to address the overspending'".

This is Exeter reports on the Grecians' win over Alty, especially praising Jamie Mackie, a former Wimbledon striker". As for the play-offs, manager Inglethorpe said, "I still think we have shot ourselves in the foot over the last couple of weeks and maybe a few more points would have given us a far better opportunity".

OLD BOY

ALTRINCHAM FC CHARGED BY CONFERENCE

With Conference joint vice-chairman Phillip Wallace (Stevenage Borough chairman) being quoted as saying in last Sunday's NL Paper that "the final decision would have to come from the FA", it would appear that the Conference will not throw the case out. Wallace is joint chairman of the Conference with Charlie Clapham, the chairman of Southport, who are one of the clubs below Altrincham in the table.

Conference Rule 6.1 relates to the "Status of Players". The first sentence of this rule says that "The FA Rules will apply in respect of all matters concerning players" and its final sentence is, "It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that any player signing a registration form for that club has, where necessary, the required International Transfer Certificate". Rule 6.8 is "Playing an Ineligible Player" and states that "Any Club found to have played an ineligible player in a match shall have any points gained from that match deducted from its record and have levied upon it a fine in accordance with the fines tariff. The Company may vary the decision in respect of the deduction of points gained only in a case where a substitute player participates in a match or is listed on the official team sheet but does not participate in the match".

MADDOX BAN

THE ROBINSON AFFAIR

WEEKEND HEADLINES

NEXT AT MOSS LANE

Our visitors next Saturday are Gravesend & Northfleet, whose boss "Liam Daish felt that inexperience was the cause of some disappointing defending as they were beaten 3-0 by Aldershot. But the Fleet boss explained: 'We had a lot of young players out there, and not a great deal of experience. Sometimes they can switch off - one player has been honest and held his hand up, and I can't ask any more. It's all part of their experience - it's all about how you react to it, whether they sink or swim".

OLD BOYS

ALTRINCHAM WIN CUP

Altrincham and District FA captain Richard Gresty holds aloft the Cheshire FA District Cup.

Altrincham and District FA Youth deservedly beat Stockport and District FA today 3-1 in the Cheshire FA District Cup Final at a soggy Moss Lane. The Altrincham FA team was made up entirely of Altrincham FC players and is managed by George Heslop and his assistant, Tony Spilsbury. Alty's goals came from Matty Williams (2) and Anthony Davies, whilst Stockport's reply was a penalty by Mark Haslam. Report and more pictures to follow on the Youth Page..

OTHER CLUBS PUT ALTY IN THE DOCK

Because Robinson moved on from Alty to Australia in February, his new Aussie club sought to register him, only to discover that his clearance from Iceland had not been obtained by Stanley. Altrincham acquired Robinson from Stanley, a fellow-English club, and therefore international clearance should not have been an issue. Following prolonged contact with the FA, Graham Heathcote said earlier this week, "I have been dealing with the FA over this matter for the last fortnight and I am comfortable with the outcome of those dealings. The matter is also being considered by The Football Conference, who have been made aware of the FA's findings".

In today's NL Paper two of the clubs below Alty in the table, who are pressing for action against Altrincham for this situation, have had their say. Tamworth general manager Russell Moore is quoted as saying, "If anything happened to Accrington that would be an absolute embarrassment but Altrincham have played an ineligible player and, in my opinion, they have contravened the rules, [albeit] accidentally". Moore continues, saying that Altrincham's "Ignorance is no defence in law and the FA have boobed here. Our league has to take a lead on this. The rules are quite clear and the only exception is when a player is on the team sheet but doesn't come on".

Another club weighing into the argument is Forest Green Rovers, whose secretary Colin Peake is quoted as having "e-mailed all their fellow Conference clubs to dispel any suggestion that they [are the club that] might have blown the whistle on Altrincham". Peake says, "I am not asking for anyone to lose points but this sets a very dangerous precedent... If all the clubs in the Conference were allowed to get away with what is in total contravention fo the rule, I am not sure where we would end up".

Conference vice-chairman Phil Wallace said that "the final decision would have to come from the FA". For his part Graham Heathcote who is not only manager of Altrincham but has been club secretary for eleven years, said, "People are jumping up and down hoping this football club will have points deducted but you live with what you think is right and I am confident".

Finally a website quiz question: "What would have happened if Robinson had moved from Altrincham to Tamworth or FGR and then to Australia, at which point the international clearance issue emerged?".

STAR SGM

CLUB AGM

EXETER CITY 3 ALTRINCHAM 1

Karl Munroe (blue shirt) covers an Exeter attack up the left wing, as (l to r) Steve Aspinall, Warren Peyton and Val Owen look on.

Match report here

There is more on the game in Saturday's news, below...

After the game, Karl Munroe told the NL Paper, "If we had stayed with 11 men, it might have been different.. We have not had any luck today but there are still plenty of points to play for".

Right: Mark Maddox leaves the field after being sent off, accompanied by kitman Dave Mitten.

ALTY RESERVES WIN

EXETER CITY 3 ALTRINCHAM 1

Match report here

SATURDAY CONFERENCE GAMES

Alty's day got off to a bad start after the players' coach broke down on the way to Exeter from their overnight stay at Taunton and the players eventually arrived at the ground just after 2.25pm, having been picked up from the M5 hardshoulder by the supporters' coach, which had returned to collect them after it had delivered the fans to the ground. Above the players cross the pitch after their arrival at the ground..

PRE-MATCH NEWS: EXETER CONFIDENT

The Sale & Altrincham Messenger says that "The battle to avoid relegation has started in earnest and none of the games between now and the end of the season will bring any guarantees of success... The Robins now find themselves in the unenviable position of needing results from a run of games that includes five of the top eight teams in the league... Injuries to several key players and the departure of James Robinson have done nothing to help the cause, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Manager Graham Heathcote is hopeful that Gary Scott, Mark Maddox, Chris Adams and Karl Munroe will be fit for tomorrow and all four have travelled with the squad. And despite Val Owen's absence from training this week, he is expected to be included in the starting line-up. Meanwhile, Exeter are expected to field the same 11 players who started the midweek game against Tamworth, with striker Craig Farrell keeping his place ahead of Steve Flack". SAM identifies the Grecians' key men as Lee Phillips and Jon Challinor. "Phillips' downturn in personal form has coincided with Exeter's slump in 2006 but the 25-year-old remains the club's top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions" whilst "Challinor has chipped in with his fair share of goals. An important source of creativity in midfield, Challinor will also get forward at any opportunity and the Robin's defence will need to be wary of his presence around the edge of the penalty area".

This is Exeter reports that "Chris Todd hopes the luck Exeter City enjoyed at the start of the season will return in time to keep their promotion dream alive... and he says three points against Altrincham at St James's Park tomorrow can be the springboard for a thrilling end-of-season fightback. 'We are all professionals and you try your best, but sometimes it is about a bit of luck', he told Echo Sport. 'At the start of the season things just seemed to go for us - we were pinching goals and picking up points...The lads were gutted to have only got a point from Tuesday's game because we should have had all three'... Exeter City boss Alex Inglethorpe is considering the prospect of recalling Les Afful from Torquay United to fill the void left by Wayne Carlisle, who was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken leg". Todd added, "No one is giving up on the play-offs. We will keep going until it is mathematically impossible. Six wins is what we need". But the article adds, "City face the prospect of having to overcome another banana skin in the shape of struggling Altrincham tomorrow. The Cheshire side are six points off the bottom and Todd warned: 'They will be fighting for their lives and sometimes it is harder playing against sides near the bottom than mid-table sides. But we are more than capable of winning it and then finishing the season strongly'". However, "Todd is currently locked in talks with the club over a new contract at St James's Park, but as yet no deal has been agreed".

OLD BOYS

CONFERENCE NEWS

However, "Forest Green Rovers midfielder Paul Wanless will miss the rest of the season after having a knee operation. The 32-year-old has scored 10 goals in 30 Conference appearances".

NL Daily reports that Worksop Town "have confirmed that goalkeeper David Stockdale has returned to York City following his impressive loan spell at Sandy Lane".