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1 to 30 June, 2006 |
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1 to 30 June, 2006 |
Don't forget that after the Woodley game, the bar will be opened at Moss Lane for a big-screen viewing of the England v Portugal game which kicks off at 4pm.
NL Daily says that "Nuneaton Borough have secured the services of goalkeeper David Clarke following his release by Northwich Victoria... It has been a productive week for Ashby, who signed experienced left back Ben Chapman, also from Vics".
The BBC confirms that "Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough has given up trying to sign midfielder Tom Curtis from Chester City. The former Derby County player has kept Clough waiting for almost two months and the offer has now been withdrawn... Clough told the Burton Mail, 'He has delayed making a decision for too long'".
The Aldershot News and Mail reports that "Terry Brown has revealed that Aldershot may be able to unveil as many as four new signings at the Party on the Pitch on Sunday... The Shots have been heavily linked with Brentford striker Marcus Gayle over the past week, but the Shots boss refused to confirm or deny whether he would be one of the signings mooted.... 'We are currently in talks with two centre halves, a centre midfielder and another striker... If everything goes well, we will be signing at least four players by Sunday but if it goes pear shaped we will be unveiling at least two... I will feel a bit happier when I have some centre halves in the squad too... I am going for defenders of real calibre... I have not got all my main transfer targets but I have got the calibre of player I wanted to bring in'".
From This is Exeter we learn that "Exeter City's former managing director Ian Huxham has failed in his claim against the club at an industrial tribunal... The tribunal was told rifts had appeared at the top level of the club, and the financial failure of a venture to bring veteran Italian internationals and a New York Fire Department team caused more problems".
And "Former Reading boss Jimmy Quinn has admitted he would have loved to manage a 'terrific' club like Exeter City - but says he is not bitter about being snubbed for the managerial hotseat in favour of Paul Tisdale. 'It's one of those things', Quinn said philosophically. 'Exeter are a terrific club and to be honest I was really excited about the possibility of getting the job. There's nice people at Exeter and I like the way they run the club'".
The Gravesend Reporter says that "Fleet striker Charlie MacDonald can't wait for the new season to begin after his debut campaign with the club was overshadowed by injury... MacDonald recalls: "I rushed back too soon and ended up tearing the actual hamstring... I've been doing running sessions with the gaffer and have been given the all clear to resume normal training... Last year was quite tough because we did three 18 minute cross-country runs in a forest in Brentwood. I've been told it won't be so bad this time because they are going to ease us in with some gentle stuff on the Wednesday before the serious stuff begins the following Monday'... Liam Daish made a further addition to the Fleet attack this week when he signed 30-year-old John Keeling from Canvey Island... MacDonald welcomed the arrival - as well as the earlier signing of Danny Ekoku".
This is KHFC says that "Harriers' manager Mark Yates believes he has the makings of a competitive Conference squad after snapping up striker Dean Sturridge, keeper Scott Bevan and midfielder Jamie McClen. The triple signing takes the Aggborough playing staff to 14 with four more players promised after Harriers return to pre-season training next week. At 32, former Derby, Leicester and Wolves striker Sturridge has spent nearly all of his career in the top two tiers of English football. Sturridge has been out of action since leaving Championship club QPR last Christmas, but his one-year deal represents an exciting coup for Harriers... Bevan's arrival ends Yates's search for an experienced goalkeeper after the manager's decision to release John Danby and Dan Lewis. The 6ft 7in former Southampton and Milton Keynes Dons stopper will compete with ex-Telford youngster Steve Taylor for the Harriers number one jersey... McClen is a Geordie midfielder who made 22 first team appearances for Newcastle United and captained the Magpies reserves during 10 years at St James's Park. The 27-year-old spent a short spell with last season's League Two champions Carlisle but ended the season with Shrewsbury Town".
Morecambe Today says that "Three more graduates from Morecambe FC's Academy have joined the first team squad.Thomas Pickersgill, Michael West and Andy Langford all signed for the club last week... Academy director, Dickie Danson, said: 'Sammy McIlroy has had a look at them prior to the end of the season. It is never an easy choice but they deserve it. I am delighted. We have now got a number of boys involved in the first team squad who have come through the Academy... We now get boys wanting to come here because of the system that we have got'".
IC Cheshire says that "The Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust will be looking back over a difficult - though successful - year at its AGM tomorrow (Thursday). But members say the trust is at a crossroads and they want a big turnout to decide where to go next. The trust has donated more than £12,000 to Vics, but one member, John Gleave, has proposed it folds as he believes Vics owner Mike Connett 'calls the shots now'". However, Mr Gleave subsequently withdrew his proposal.
This is York reports that "Released Scunthorpe United goalkeeper Tommy Evans has joined York City for pre-season training. Evans, 29, played 23 times for the Iron last season but has been released... City boss Billy McEwan is looking for a new goalkeeper after deeming Chris Porter and David Stockdale surplus to requirements at the end of last season. Teenager Arran Reid, who is yet to make his first-team debut, has agreed first-year professional terms but McEwan will be looking for a senior figure to start the new season between the sticks... Evans... made 292 appearances in nine years at Scunthorpe... Should Evans complete a permanent move to the Minstermen, he is likely to play behind James Dudgeon after the 25-year-old centre-back agreed new terms... and McEwan also expects Neal Bishop, Mark Convery, Clayton Donaldson, Manny Panther, Nathan Peat and Bryan Stewart to follow suit shortly. Teenagers Byron Webster and Nathan Kamara are yet to sign first-year professional contracts but are currently training at the club, along with a number of trialists".
The draw for the Extra-Preliminary, Preliminary, and the First Qualifying Rounds of the FA Cup will be on Friday 7th July.
A full list of pre-season matches is here.
NL Daily reports that "Nuneaton Borough have made their second pre-season signing by adding title winner Ben Chapman to the squad. The 27-year-old left back.. began his career at Grimsby Town as a trainee in 1997 ... Chapman was released by Northwich following their promotion to Conference National and has turned down offers from both Cambridge United and Barrow to join Boro".
"Hyde United have signed midfielder Steve Pickford from Southport. Pickford joined `Port from Stalybridge Celtic in May 2002. Originally with Glossop North End, he moved to Leigh RMI in March 1999 and developed into a highly-rated attacking midfielder, who has also had a spell at Doncaster Rovers. Pickford is seen as a major signing for theTigers, having been an ever-present in the Southport side last season".
The Football Conference says that "Kidderminster have agreed a deal to bring former Newcastle United midfielder Jamie McClen to the Aggborough Stadium on a 12-month deal. McClen made 22 appearances for the Magpies but failed to break into the first team before moving on to Carlisle and Shrewsbury, who released him in April. He becomes the Conference club's seventh new signing of the summer as manager Mark Yates continues his squad rebuilding".
York City report that "Jamie Price and Darren Dunning are the latest 2 departures from KitKat Crescent. Price has signed for Harrogate Town and joins former York City player Dave Merris, who is having his second spell at the club. Dunning meanwhile is a free agent and is able to join another club". But "York City central defender, James Dudgeon, has signed a new contract with the Club... James Dudgeon said, 'The supporters were brilliant last season and I think we played some good football. Hopefully we can build on what we achieved and the team will do well in the season ahead.'".
Whilst the FA Cup rewards are:
The FA has also announced the FA Youth Cup dates for 2006-07:
On Saturday morning (1st July) on Sky Sports 1's "Cricket AM" programme, Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie (seen right in his Alty shirt) will be interviewed - and he will be talking about Altrincham FC in the process. As Alty fans will recall, Jason and the rest of the Australian touring team visited Moss Lane to watch a pre-season friendly last season, as guests of Alty chairman Geoff Goodwin, who had been driving the Aussie team round England to their matches in one of his Go Goodwins luxury coaches. Go Goodwins is the official coach company of the England Cricket Board. A number of the Australians continue to keep in touch with Geoff regularly and to monitor the progress of Altrincham FC in the process.
Continuing the cricket theme, Geoff is currently busy organising a Cricket Dinner at Lancashire County Cricket Club on 18th September 2006. As a response to the Australians for their generosity towards the football club, the proceeds of the dinner will be split evenly between Altrincham FC and the McGrath Foundation, an Australian organisation akin to the UK's Macmillan Nurses. The Foundation was set up by Aussie cricketer Glenn McGrath and his wife, Jane. The Foundation "aims to raise funds to place more breast care nurses throughout the country while generating support and raising awareness of the cause". Details of the dinner, at which Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann will host a question and answer session, and at which other cricket personalities will be in attendance, will be released by Geoff in the near future.
Meanwhile, all at Altrincham FC wish Jane McGrath a speedy recovery for, as the McGrath Foundation website states, she "is currently receiving ongoing treatment for a recurrence of breast cancer".
"Harrogate Town have made a double swoop, signing ex-York City players Dave Merris and Jamie Price. Merris rejoins Harrogate after a three-year absence".
"Tamworth goalkeeper Scott Bevan, 26, has also signed a one-year deal with rivals Kidderminster Harriers. The ex-Southampton trainee joined the Lambs from Milton Keynes Dons in January after a successful loan spell, but then needed emergency kidney surgery. Having recovered from the operation, Bevan will compete with Steve Taylor for the goalkeeper's jersey at Aggborough. Harriers boss Mark Yates has also recently captured defender Mark Creighton from Redditch United, striker Andy White from Notts County, defender Stuart Whitehead from Shrewsbury and ex-Wolves and Derby star Dean Sturridge" reports NL Daily.
"Gresley Rovers` striker Aaron O'Connor will join Rushden & Diamonds next Monday - for a two-week trial which could end with a move to the Nationwide Conference National outfit... Rovers boss Gary Norton said: 'It appears there is still interest in Aaron from Rushden... They want him to play in two friendlies against Nottingham Forest and Reading... I have said that if he was going to go, I hoped he would go to a professional club. I included Conference clubs in that as most are full-time and they have a fantastic set-up at Rushden... I'm not sure what funds they have available, but they are aware that there would be a fee involved. They could make us an offer if they did not want to risk going to tribunal and we would not stand in Aaron's way if he really wanted to go and the offer was a fair one'", he told the Burton Mail.
The Football Conference reports that "Discarded Notts County striker Steve Scoffham is hoping to rebuild his career with Burton Albion. The 22-year-old is to join the Brewers on trial next week after being released by Magpies boss Steve Thompson. Albion manager Nigel Clough said: 'Steve has only left Notts County in the last few days and he's approached us and asked if he can join us for at least part of pre-season'... Meanwhile, Clough has expressed his surprise at Thompson's decision to pull out of a pre-season friendly which had been scheduled for the Pirelli Stadium... He said: 'Usually clubs honour arrangements already made before a change of manager - which is the case with Billy Davies at Derby'".
Also, "Rushden and Diamonds have captured experienced defender Paul Watson from rivals Woking. The 31-year-old left-back has agreed a two-year deal at Nene Park after turning down the offer of a new deal by the Cards".
NL Daily says that "Exeter City have announced the appointment of Paul Tisdale as their new manager. Tisdale has left his position as head coach at Southern League Premier Division Team Bath to sign a twelve-month rolling contract. Tisdale guided his former club to four promotions in seven seasons and was also team coach to the England Universities' side which won the British Universities' Championship in 2006. .. He struggled to hold down a regular first-team spot at Ashton Gate and in December 1997 Peter Fox brought him to St James's Park on loan... and [he] went on to enjoy a productive ten-game stint in Devon"
"Kidderminster Harriers have completed a major transfer coup with the signing of former Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Dean Sturridge. Thirty-two-year-old Sturridge began his career at Derby County in 1991, scoring 59 goals in ten years at Pride Park. He then played at Leicester before a move to Wolves, where he scored twenty-eight goals in forty-four games. The striker then went out on loan to Sheffield United before joining QPR, where he remained until midway through last season. Sturridge has signed a one-year deal with Harriers and should provide valuable goals and experience to the attack", reports NL Daily.
York City FC "has signed striker, Craig Farrell. The 23 year old centre forward played at Exeter City last season... Craig hails from Middlesbrough".
Morecambe Today states that "Craig Stanley was expected to sign for Morecambe this week after agreeing terms and passing a medical... after failing to agree a deal to stay at Hereford... Stanley said: 'What Sammy McIlroy had to say impressed me, everything has been agreed... As a player I want to get hold of the ball and play good attractive football that is good on the eye. Every time I have played against Morecambe they have been tough games... We have a good squad, and we will definitely be pushing for promotion".
The BBC confirms that "Scarborough's teenage striker Michael Coulson is set to join Barnsley. Coulson, 18, enjoyed a successful trial spell with the Tykes last season and is poised to complete a move to Oakwell following Scarborough's relegation... The deal could see a couple of Barnsley's young players join Scarborough on loan next season".
"Southport midfielder Liam Blakeman is staying at Haig Avenue after signing a new full-time contract. Blakeman, 23, joined the Conference club from Burscough last January... Former Chester forward Robbie Booth, 20, and midfielder Carl Baker have also agreed full-time deals" says the BBC.
"Cambridge United have signed goalkeeper Paul Crichton from Gillingham. The veteran shotstopper, 37, has joined the Abbey Stadium outfit on a player-coaching deal. Crichton was with the U's on trial last pre-season before attracting the attentions of the Gills but only made one appearance last season".
Stevenage Borough "have signed left sided defender Santos Gaia on a 2 year contract. The Brazilian has made over 130 appearances for Exeter City in 4 seasons since he joined from Corinthians. Manager Mark Stimson has been impressed by the 27 year old whenever he’s watched him and moved swiftly to add him to the squad for next season".
The Alty players involved in this first pre-season game will include those who have already been training plus three or four Reserves who have graduated from last year's youth team. The game will be played on Woodley's impressive artificial pitch and all supporters are welcome.
Woodley's direcions to their ground are: "Leave at Junction 25, which is signposted for Bredbury. Follow signs from here for the A560 towards Bredbury and Sheffield. Just after passing the McDonalds Drive-Thru, take a left at the traffic lights and proceed down Stockport Road towards Woodley, passing under the railway bridge at Bredbury Railway Station. Having passed St Mark's Church on the right, you reach a set of traffic lights. Immediately after the lights, at The Lowes Arms and before the Waggon & Horses Pub, turn left onto Mill Street. Proceed over the bridge on Mill Lane and then follow the signs to the ground".
A map of the area is here.
In his Dream Team, Scarborough defender Denny Ingram says of Halifax Town's Sale-based midfielder Steve Bushell, he "is a great leader and born winner and that makes him the ideal person to captain my side. At Conference level it is hard to find anyone better than Steve Bushell. He's a great all round footballer".
The Football Conference confirms that "Southport manager Paul Cook has promised the club will start next season with a new-look squad.... Steve Daly, Carl Baker, Liam Blakeman and Earl Davis are among those who have been offered a chance of full-time football, but it may mean accepting a slight drop in wages".
Get your Sale and Altrincham Messenger this week, to see the outcome of the above newspaper's photographer's shot of Karen and Sarah Rowley. Karen and Sarah were publicising the sale of match-worn shirts from last season's Altrincham squad. Details of how to get yours are here.
Right: The sign which Alty's players see as they leave the dressing room at Moss Lane to enter the tunnel onto the pitch.
"Oxford United have turned down at least two bids for midfielder Andy Burgess from a Coca-Cola League One side. The skilful left sided former Rushden & Diamonds player is one of U's most creative players, and one of their most saleable assets, but United apparently don't want to lose him... Rushden had previously turned down £25,000 offers for Burgess from both Northampton and Leyton Orient" reports the Oxford Mail.
The Football Conference. says that "Exeter City are expected to name a new manager on Monday to replace the departed Alex Inglethorpe... Former Grecians captain Shaun Taylor is among the contenders, alongside former Reading boss Jimmy Quinn and Paul Tisdale, the Team Bath coach".
The Burton Mail confirms that "Rushden & Diamonds' boss Paul Hart kept his promise of signing a striker yesterday - but it was not Gresley Rovers frontman Aaron O'Connor... Tthe Diamonds, relegated to the Conference at the end of last season, yesterday announced the signing of Leo Fortune-West from Doncaster on a two-year deal, subject to the agreeing of personal terms... Hart said: 'From the moment I came into the job I decided we needed an experienced striker'".
The Cambridge Newssays that "United are set to call an extraordinary general meeting as they step up their attempts to attract new investors. It comes at the end of a week of turmoil after it emerged last night that finance director Nick Pomery is to follow chairman Terry Baker in quitting the board following the Abbey Aid flop, which made a loss of £135,000. With United also suffering running losses of almost £400,000, Pomery said he had been given little option but to resign. However, Pomery, who was hailed as a saviour for his efforts after United were just hours from going bust last summer, said he would stay on until a new board was in place. He said it was vital a new broom swept through the club to restore United's financial fortunes... [and that] the club's rule allowing nobody to own more than 20 per cent of United's shares should be scrapped to encourage new investors. Pomery said: 'We've not made the progress we should have done and that's because there's no unity of purpose. If it takes me going or someone else, so be it'... We can't keep bumbling along,. What the club needs is a new board where everyone is heading in the same direction, so the club can really move forward. Any direction is better than no direction, which is what the club has had in recent times'".
Crawley Today reports that "Crawley Town owners the Majeed brothers have told the club's administrators it owes THEM £750,000. Administrator Rob Sadler told a source the cash-strapped club has debts of £1.1 million – but most of them are to the Majeeds themselves... The club's creditors – including all the players and staff – had no idea the brothers would claim the club owed them money. Players' rep Dave Woozley said: 'It's definitely a shock. I'm not sure any of the players knew that'".
This is Glos states that "Gary Owers has ruled out bringing former Lawn favourite Steve Book back to Forest Green, insisting a new goalkeeper is not a priority. Ex-Cheltenham Town stopper Book recently left his position as player-coach at Bristol Rovers, sparking rumours he could be on the Nailsworth club's shopping list this summer. But Owers has given his backing to 20-year-old rookie Ryan Harrison - understudy to Ryan Clarke at The Lawn last season - and is more worried about the lack of defenders currently at his disposal. Centre-half/midfielder Paul Wanless is unlikely to be fit for the start of the season after a knee operation, while Darren Jones is suspended for the opening three games of the campaign... This leaves new recruit Kevin Nicholson as the only specialist defender on the books". But Owers added, "We're close to agreeing a deal with a new central defender, which should be completed when he gets back from holiday... It might be that we'll have a look at one or two goalkeepers during pre-season but Ryan Harrison has been working hard all through the summer and I would have no qualms about picking him".
In the Gravesend Reporter we learn that "Liam Daish hopes to add even more names to the Gravesend and Northfleet squad in the coming weeks... The Fleet boss made a trio of signings last week, taking his current squad numbers up to 13, and he wants to snap up a few more fresh faces before next season's preparations begin in earnest on July 5. He said: "I'm still trying to get as many players as I can on the budget I've got.. I'm looking to get players that can come straight in and do a job - players that can be relied on to make an immediate impact'. At the time of going to press, Daish was close to cementing a deal for a left-sided midfielder and has also lined up a swoop for a much-needed left-back - both with Conference experience... The Fleet boss also dispelled fears that his number one goalkeeper, Craig Holloway, could be set to leave... He said: "He's here for next year - there's no problem there. He obviously suffered a bit of an injury at the end of last season and we've just monitored that situation'".
This is York says that "York City boss Billy McEwan has signed his first '30-something' player during his 16 months in charge... Seasoned campaigner Steve Bowey has completed his transfer to the Minstermen... At 31, the former Queen of the South captain is the oldest player McEwan has recruited since taking the managerial reins at KitKat Crescent, discounting Greg Heald who changed his mind just three days after putting pen to paper for the Minstermen last summer. City played the whole of last season without anybody over the age of 30 and McEwan is hoping that the former Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers and Gateshead player will provide a reliable senior presence to the club. He said: 'We need a bit of experience. Manny Panther came down from Scotland last season and I still have contacts up there'... The City manager is now hoping to complete the signing of David McGurk, who played 39 times for the KitKat Crescent club last seaon on loan from Darlington".
Gravesend report that "As supporters of Conference National clubs wait for 2006/2007 fixtures to be announced, the league has advised clubs that due to a number of logistical difficulties, Christmas and New Year's fixtures could take on a new look next season. The Conference has told clubs that, due to a number of key factors, most of which are beyond their control, it will not be possible to provide reverse fixtures on Boxing Day (26 December 2006) and New Year's Day (1 January 2007). They are attempting to meet as many Club home preferences as possible on either 26 & 30 December 2006 or 1 January 2007. Fixtures over this period will still be local but are unlikely to be with the 1st Choice requested on the forms returned this season. Conference National fixtures are currently scheduled for distribution during the first week of July". Altrincham FC expect the Conference National fixtures to be available on Monday, 3rd July.
This is United an Oxford United unofficial site, reports that "boss Jim Smith has appointed the vastly experienced Bobby Roberts as the club's new chief scout. Roberts brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent seven years as chief scout at Derby County and more recently as a scout for Newcastle United... Roberts will forever have a place in Wrexham history for managing the side who led the club to victory over FC Porto in the European Cup-Winners' Cup."
Rushden & Diamonds confirm that "Leo Fortune-West talks about joining Diamonds. 'I'm here to help all the youngsters'", he said. The BBC adds that "Rushden and Diamonds have completed the signing of veteran striker Leo Fortune-West on a two-year contract. The 35-year-old netted 23 times in 71 starts during a three-year period at Doncaster".
Southport confirm that "Liam Blakeman has this afternoon signed a full time contract. Carl Baker, Robbie Booth, and Tony Gray [from Burscough] have agreed terms with Paul Cook... [and they] will sign their contracts on Monday". The Southport Visiter adds that "Southport will start next season with an almost completely new squad as new boss Paul Cook brings to end his first full week in the Haig Avenue hot seat... Currently contracted part-time players who he feels could be given a chance... include Steve Daly, Carl Baker, Liam Blakeman and Earl Davis. In a sense, Southport are victims of their own success. Paying good part-time wages to players who hold down full-time jobs means it is very difficult to offer the equitable full-time wages to players who still have a question mark over their ability in the ever-progressive Conference... Cook said: 'I am rebuilding the squad virtually from scratch. I am making the decisions on the offers to the players who served the club last season. Each one will have to make their own personal decision to come on board full-time. It is up to them. I have told them I cannot wait much longer as I intend to be making moves for a number of players... We will have a very different looking squad to last season. Let's get it right, last season's squad struggled in the Conference and just survived. My aims are a lot higher'".
St Alban's City "goalkeeper Paul Bastock will miss much of the pre-season campaign after undergoing a knee operation. The veteran goalkeeper picked up a slight tear in the cartilage...in April.... Bastock's absence will give second choice goalkeeper Ricky Perks the chance to get some match action in the friendlies. Perks re-signed for City in May after leaving the club last season. Full back Scott Cousins will find out on Wednesday, July 5 whether he has the green light to return to training following his broken leg... Defender Ben Martin and striker Simon Martin are both expected to be involved in pre season."
York City "have signed experienced central midfielder Steven Bowey. The 32 year old penned a contract deal with manager Billy McEwan and is the second close season signing with league experience following Darren Craddock joining The Minstermen a couple of weeks ago".
The Conference say that "Exeter City are hoping Premiership club Tottenham Hostpur will pay up a sum of money as compensation for the signing of their manager Alex Inglethorpe... in a coaching capacity... Exeter's commercial director told the Exeter Express and Echo: 'We have received an official approach and now it's a case of discussing figures".
The Press Gazette reports that "Hundreds of freelance journalists could be out of pocket following news that 'financial irregularities' have forced the Non-League Paper into administration. Editor David Emery said the weekly sport newspaper is now up for sale and will continue being published. He said that whatever money is offered for the title will go towards paying creditors... Financial director Jonathan Stobart has left the company as well as account manager Dave Swinton. Emery said the title had gone into administration because 'a huge hole' had unexpectedly been found in the company finances. He said that it could well become subject to a police investigation. Owner Chris Ingram has refinanced the paper to keep it going in the short term. Emery said: 'Personally it is a horror that people who you trust in a small company can betray you so badly that it puts the business in jeopardy'... It is the second time the paper has gone into administration. The last time was in 2002 when £272,000 went missing from the company finances. Emery said: 'There is no doubt the Non-League Paper will continue — owned by whom and run from where we shall have to find out'... Emery said whether The League Paper [the NLP's sister paper] reappears will depend on the new owners".
NL Daily states that "Midfielder Shaun Wilkinson has returned to Weymouth just six weeks after the midfielder was released by the Terras. The former Brighton star has agreed a new one-year deal at the Wessex Stadium after manager Garry Hill told him he was welcome back at Radipole Lane".
The BBC confirms that "Swindon Town look set to complete the capture of out-of-contract Cambridge United striker Folawiyo Onibuje, subject to Football League approval. Onibuje, 21, made 25 league starts for the U's last term, netting 9 goals. The Lagos-born forward is tipped to sign a three-month deal with The Robins... following spells at Peterborough, Barnsley and Huddersfield".
SAM quotes Graham Heathcote (right): "By July 22 we will have to narrow down the list of players to what will hopefully be the squad for next season. The players are back now. We had 18 at a fitness session on Monday night and I was delighted with the condition the players were in, both the familiar faces and the trialists". SAM adds, "Graham revealed that a midfielder, a defender and a young wide player featured in his plans for new additions to the squad", As previously reported on this website, those training at Moss Lane include winger Ben Kitchen from Rochdale and striker Ashley Stocks from Preston NE.
Off the pitch there is less good news as the funds for constructing a new toilet bloack at Moss Lane have not been granted by Trafford Council. Graham Rowley said, "We are a strategic partner in the process of the disposal of the car park and were a bit disappointed that we could not secure an advance to develop facilities at Moss Lane. That particular programme has had to be put on hold"
The Crawley Argus reports that "Crawley Town's players were this week offered three weeks' wages and asked to leave the club... The wage bill is believed to be clocking up £25,000 a week... A source said, 'They were offered three weeks' wages and asked to sign release forms. It was a pretty derisory offer but they are considering their position before responding'". The article points out that if the creditors, including the players, reject an offer from the administrators they "could be forced to sell Crawley Town to the highest bidder. Diamond dealer John Goodwin and at least five other potential investors are prepared to make bids".
NL Daily reports that "Liam Daish, manager of Gravesend & Northfleet, has added more experience to his squad by signing former Canvey Island forward Jon Keeling. Keeling, aged 30, joined Canvey in 2004 from Hornchurch, and as well as previously playing for Tilbury and Thurrock, also appeared for the England National XI against Belgium in 2003. 'He can play in midfield or attack and will add a dimension to our play which has been missing'" Daish told the Fleet website.
"Kidderminster Harriers have secured the signature of defender Mark Creighton from neighbours Redditch United. The centre back, 24, started his career in the Harriers' youth team in 1999/00 and since then has plied his trade at Bromsgrove Rovers, Willenhall Town and Moor Green. Creighton said: 'I'm delighted to be offered the chance to play full-time. I'm really pleased to be back here, I had the most memorable year of my career so far when I was here before" says NL Daily.
"Northwich Victoria have leapt back into the transfer market and signed another player to add to the capture of long-time target Kevin Townson earlier this week. And there is an 'evens' chance of a former Premiership player arriving at the Victoria Stadium in the next few days to bolster the midfield. Vics' latest recruit is are Ryan Brown, the second left back enlisted by manager Steve Burr and his assistant Dave Moss in the past week. Brown was a full back with Port Vale until being released twelve months ago and he played last season for Leek Town in the UniBond Premier... Only last week Burr (pictured) announced the acquisition of experienced left back Tony Gallimore, from Rochdale... Townson, 21, joined from neighbouring Macclesfield Town". Vics have five strikers, "but all are staying put, says Moss, including Mark Sale... It all leaves only a midfield vacancy for Burr and Moss to fill and they could have made the signing before training starts on July 1st. They have been talking to two possibilities - a young player recently released by a Premiership club and a 'hugely experienced' older player who has played in the Premiership as well as the Football League" reports IC Cheshire.
The BBC says that "Oxford United have forged a partnership with American youth side Seacoast United... The Conference side may look to recruit players identified in the States by Seacoast United and send young players to America to train. 'Seacoast is a successful operation. It develops great players and has also impressed with its business model', said U's director Kelvin Thomas".
"Darlington defender David McGurk has set his sights on a move to York City. McGurk, 23, has been offered a new contract by the Quakers but is keen to re-join City where he spent a successful loan spell last season. 'I've spoken to the Darlington manager and told him I want to sign for York and I have told York I want to sign for them', McGurk told the York Press. York boss Billy McEwan has so far added just former Hartlepool defender Darren Craddock to his squad this summer".
"Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper Daniel Crane has signed a new 12-month deal at Nene Park... Crane, 22, joined Rushden from Burton in January and started eight League Two games before the end of the season. Diamonds boss Paul Hart is also hoping to confirm the arrival of a new striker on Friday with Leo Fortune-West linked with a move to the Conference club" says the BBC.
Meanwhile, "After signing up to a two year deal with Exeter City, new striker Adam Stansfield has set himself a double target: 20 goals and promotion... He told the Exeter Express and Echo: 'I have been promoted with the last two clubs I have been with and there is no reason why Exeter can't be the third. I do feel I am only dropping back into the Conference for one year as I am confident we can get promoted next season'... City are expected to name Alex Inglethorpe's successor next Monday and it is understood that Jimmy Quinn, Shaun Taylor and Paul Tisdale are amongst those to be interviewed for the post on Friday".
Southport confirm that "Jerome Fitzgerald has left the playing staff at Haig Avenue and joined Fleetwood Town". Southport have also reportedly lost goalkeeper Jamie Speare, and Neil Fitzhenry, whilst Steve Pickford, who wishes to remain part-time, is linked to both Hyde United and Stalybridge Celtic. Neil Robinson and Dom Morley are also reported by the local press to be "poised to leave" whilst Kevin Leadbetter and Chris Lane will have talks with the club about next season. However, Earl Davis, Liam Blakeman, Carl Baker, Michael Powell, Robbie Booth and Steve Daly "will all have a great fulltime stage under Paul Cook's coaching to take their careers forward at a rapid rate" but goalkeeper Steve Dickinson may remain as a part-timer.
In the Carling Cup draw, the clubs promoted from the Conference have good draws:
NL Daily confirms that "Moor Green have signed 24-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Lewis from Kidderminster Harriers on a one-year contract... Lewis made twenty appearances for Kidderminster during his time at Aggborough, with one coming in the Football League and the other nineteen in the Conference National last season".
"Joey Dunn and Mal Liptrot who will join new boss Liam Watson in the management and coaching team at Burscough... Dunn is well known in non-League circles in the North West having played for, among others, Burscough in the late 1980s, Runcorn and Altrincham. Dunn also has experience as reserve team manager with Runcorn, Altrincham and Southport". Watson said, “Forest Green Rovers are only based in a small Cotswold village and they have been in the Conference National five years, so why can’t Burscough match them?”
"Scarborough chairman Ian Scobbie is fuming with the Football Conference after their refusal to hand over a cash sum that would ease their current financial plight. His feelings were revealed after manager Neil Redfearn's comments in the local press in which he said the Boro players and staff hadn't been paid for around two months. Scobbie said that the club were owed £15,000 by the Football Conference as a part of their yearly allowance, and the Boro chief is planning legal action to make sure they receive it. He said: 'The matter with Neil has been dealt with internally, but I was a bit disappointed by the way he went about things. His actions were a breach of contract, but things have been sorted out. 'We have been awaiting a payment of £15,000 from the Conference, which we were expecting at the end of last week. We understand that every other member club has received this money, but we haven't been given a satisfactory reason why we haven't been given ours. We felt that we were harshly dealt with by the Conference in being relegated and docked 10 points, but now if you look at this, it seems as though we are being picked on. We decided not to appeal against the original decisions, but we feel that we have no choice but to challenge this. That money would have helped us through our short-term financial troubles. We have had a boost in season ticket sales over the past week or so, which has been a huge bonus for us. Now we just need fans to back us and continue to buy them" reports the Scarborough Evening News.
NL Daily reports that "Nigel Clough claims he is 'not desperate' to make any more new signings for Burton Albion. Clough has so far managed to tempt only Wales semi-professional international midfielder Lee Fowler to the Pirelli Stadium after failing to land striker Justin Richards... Clough said: 'I haven’t got any other irons in the fire. It’s easy to forget that we signed Daryl Clare only a couple of months before the end of last season.. We’ve still got two other very good strikers in Jon Shaw and Shaun Harrad... We already have our starting eleven for August 12th in mind, and we don’t think it’s a bad one.. There’s always the chance that someone will pop up who we didn’t expect" confirms the Burton Mail.
The BBC states that "Oxford United boss Jim Smith is sure the club's relegation to the Conference will not deter potential new signings. Smith is yet to add to his squad since Oxford dropped out of the Football League in May but believes the U's are still an attractive opposition. 'Players want to stay in the League', Smith told Oxford's website. 'But with the stadium and training facilities we've got, it give us an edge in bringing people here rather than to League clubs'".
"York City have played down reports of a move for former Queen of the South captain Steve Bowey. According to the Scottish First Division club Bowey, 31, has agreed a deal with York after reaching the end of his contract at Palmerston Park. But City secretary Nick Bassett told the York Press: 'The boss Billy McEwan has been on holiday and I have not been in contract negotiations with him. So saying he has joined us cannot be right', added Bassett".
The BBC adds that "Morecambe have released veteran striker Stuart Barlow. Barlow, 37, joined the Shrimps from Bury in January and scored five times in 16 appearances... Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ryan Robinson has agreed a new 12-month contract at Christie Park. The 23-year-old missed most of the second half of last season through injury but will be fully fit to start the new campaign".
Left: When this picture was taken last September, no one would have guessed that York City's Joe O'Neill (red shirt, no.10), who scored the opener in this game against Alty, would be playing for us this season whilst, just to his right is Alty captain Mark Maddox (no.4), who has now been released.
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger confirms Alty's signing of "strike duo Joe O'Neill and Peter Thomson from York City and Stafford Rangers respectively, while Vauxhall Motors captain Robbie Lawton joins in midfield.But the club's recruitment drive is far from over, with manager Graham Heathcote set to announce the arrival of a winger and another midfielder by the start of July. A defender also ranks high on the Alty chief's list of priorities and he remains confident of assembling a squad capable of improving on last season's league performance. Speaking exclusively to SAM, he said: 'What these signings have shown is that the profile of the club has now been raised and that people want to come here. That we have got them to commit to us so early is a real bonus and a couple of them turned down bigger offers from other clubs to come here'... Despite scoring just five goals in his 37 appearances for York [one of them against Alty last season], O'Neill laid on his fair share of chances for strike partners Andy Bishop and Clayton Donaldson. Thomson, meanwhile, will add height and strength to a forward line that seriously lacked a targetman last season... The hardworking and energetic Lawton joins an already competitive midfield that will be further bolstered by the expected return to fitness of Eddie Hussin... But there could also be several departures from Moss Lane". The manager added, "The players were fantastic last season but I think the three-year group of players we have at the club has probably gone as far as it can. It was obvious that we needed to improve, so we have got to have a smaller squad but a better squad. I don't want to spend time this year experimenting with trialists, I want to get a squad together early and then work with them to get ready for the new season".
Despite his disappointment the recently released Alty captain Mark Maddox told SAM Sport with his customary sense of humour: "'I said to my mate who's the chief scout at Liverpool that I was available but I don't think he took it very seriously'... Offers to continue his playing career elsewhere were quick to come in but the Liverpudlian centre half has not even considered the future... 'I haven't got a clue what I'm going to do now, I might just pack it in altogether', he said. 'For the past 10 years I have only known Alty... When I made my debut in a friendly against Cliftonville I never thought I would end up staying at the club as long as I did. But it is a great club and I have lots of friends there. Alty has a great history and I was always very appreciative that I had been given the chance to play there, I never saw it as a stepping stone to move on elsewhere. The club is so professional and they really look after you. On matchdays, the kitmen Dave and Charles are unbelievable, they are on their feet all day looking after you.. The first result I will look for on a Saturday will always be Alty's'". Mark continued, "I've been lucky enough to play with some great players as well, the likes of Colin Little, Tony Kelly and Ian Craney - they are probably the most talented players I have ever played with". The article adds that "The 33-year-old has recently completed his level two coaching badge and a career in management remains his ultimate goal. And Maddox refused to rule out an emotional return to Moss Lane somewhere along the line.. 'If a full time manager's job came along sometime in the future I would jump at the chance. I would really like to go back to Alty in a coaching role but that's not for me to say, so we'll just have to see".
Aldershot Town state that "After media announcements surrounding the recent signing of striker Jason Lee from Northampton Town the club wishes to inform supporters of the following information: Jason Lee has reneged on his agreement to join Aldershot Town Football Club to sign a contract with League Two side Notts County. Aldershot Town Football Club would like to make clear to the supporters that the management and Directors have acted in the best possible interests and acted professionally at all times regarding this situation and feel particularly let down by the reversal of decision by Jason Lee... On May 24th, in the presence of manager Terry Brown, Coach Martin Kuhl, Director Aidan Whelan and Secretary Andy Morgan Jason duly committed his future to Aldershot Town Football Club in a two year agreement after completing and passing a full medical... the contract was agreed to commence on July 1 2006. Upon return from his vacation Jason... informed the club of his wish to sign for Notts County; Jason resides in Nottingham... Although Aldershot Town Football Club could pursue the matter legally it has been agreed to draw a line under the matter as the club does not wish to sign a player that quite clearly does not want to be part of the set up". However, "Manager Terry Brown has confirmed that 19 year old right sided Chelsea defender Dean Smith has signed for the club". Brown said "He will start with the number 2 shirt on and is a big part of my plans". But "It has also been confirmed that utility player Matt Somner has joined Notts County on a two year deal".
From Crawley Today we read that "Crawley Town players have been told their club faces liquidation unless its creditors are willing to accept 'next to nothing', a players' rep said today [last Wednesday]. This would see the club being relegated by up to five divisions. The cash-strapped club went into administration last week with reported debts of £500,000. Players' rep Dave Woozley said he spoke to 'former' chairman Chas Majeed yesterday [last Tuesday]. Mr Woozley said: 'What he told me was the club doesn't own any assets – there's nothing to sell to give the creditors any money. He said he can stop it going into liquidation by finding some money from other parts of his business, but only if the administrator is able to get the creditors to take a much smaller offer. Chas said he foresees it going into liquidation unless the creditors accept what – I would imagine – amounts to next to nothing'. Nationwide Conference boss John Moules said liquidation would see Crawley Town relegated 'as low as Sussex County League'. Among the creditors are all the players – none of whom have been paid wages for six weeks, or bonuses since February. Mr Woozley said: 'For the players it's a real kick in the teeth. To get any money at all you have to terminate your contract for next year. But if the club goes into liquidation there will be no contracts next year anyway. Every single player at Crawley Town is actively seeking other clubs at the moment'. The biggest creditor is widely reported to be former owner John Duly, who sold the club to the Majeed brothers last summer for £600,000". The Football Conference adds that "Midfielder Paul Armstrong is the first departure in what could be a mass exodus from the Conference club... Armstrong joins Conference South side Eastbourne Borough".
Cambridge United confirm that "Former Hereford striker Danny Carey-Bertram has signed for Cambridge United". "He has a proven goal-scoring record in the Conference. Hopefully he can give us the pace we need", stated Rob Newman the United manager. And another departure from Hereford is confirmed byExeter City whose website states that "Adam Stansfield signs". Meanwhile, "Exeter City have narrowed down their search of candidates to replace the departed Alex Inglethorpe to a three-man shortlist. Forest Green Rovers' assistant boss and former City captain Shaun Taylor are among the names thought to be in the running for the position. Former Exeter loanee Paul Tisdale is also reportedly on the three-man list, with the Grecians set to interview the trio of candidates this Friday", says the Conference website.
Gravesend & Northfleet "manager Liam Daish has added more experience to his new squad by the clinching the signature of Peter Hawkins, the 28 year old Maidstone born defender who played four games for the Fleet at the end of last season... Daish has continued to rebuild his squad for the new season by signing 20 year old forward Danny Ekoku".
Grays Athletic "have secured the signing of ex-Farnborough Defender Jay Smith on a 2-year contract".
Southport confirm that they have "appointed thirty seven years old Paul Cook as Manager to succeed Liam Watson. Paul has been on the coaching staff at Accrington Stanley for the last two years, and played an influential role in Accrington's Conference winning team".
From the Woking website we read that manager Glenn Cockerill "said that there is still no firm news to report as regards Paul Watson and Lloyd Blackman. He has not spoken to either player recently and is waiting for them to get back in touch with him... Glenn said that there had been no developments either as regards Shola Oyedele and Stuart Nethercott. Glenn confirmed that... his priorities were to sign another full back and a forward... The Club confirmed later that Lloyd Blackman has been released".
The Football Conference reports that "Weymouth manager Garry Hill insists his squad next season will be based on quality rather than quantity... The Terras boss has strengthened significantly already with the signing of Halifax Town midfielder Dean Howell, his fifth signing of the summer. Nick Crittenden, Tony James, Ashley Vickers and Richard Logan are the other four players who have been recruited in recent weeks. Hill says he intends to bring more new faces in... He said: "This season I'm looking to work with a squad numbering 18 or 19 players and with Dean's arrival, we're now up to 16... No disrespect to any of our previous squad members but in order for Weymouth to move forward we need to recruit a better quality of player nowadays to tackle the challenges of the Conference".
As for relegated Rushden & Diamonds, "Peter Rolton, newly appointed Rushden and Diamonds chairman, is hoping the reputation of manager Paul Hart will be a factor in attracting more players to the club. The Diamonds boss has already secured the signatures of defenders Jon Ashton and Glenn Wilson and has also registered interest in Gresley Rovers striker Aaron O'Connor and Nottingham Forest midfielder Andrew Rigby".
"Halifax Town boss Chris Wilder has extended his commitment to the club after agreeing a contract extension that will run until 2009. The news has gone down very well amongst the Halifax squad with striker Ryan Sugden, who put pen to paper on a new 12-month deal of his own this week, admitting to being delighted with the news. 'We may not have achieved promotion last season, but given the circumstances the club is in and the budget he has to work with he is bound to attract attention from other clubs', Sugden told the Halifax Evening Courier. 'the fact that he is signing an extension to his deal will be great news for the whole squad'".
The Football Conference adds that "newcomers Northwich Victoria have swooped to sign long-standing target Kevin Townson. 23-year-old Townson was released byneighbours Macclesfield Town at the end of last season... Townson becomes the third new face at the Victoria Stadium this summer following the signings of experienced duo Gareth Griffiths and Tony Gallimore".
Paul Cook, coach at Accrington Stanley, has been appointed manager of Southport in succession to Liam Watson. Watson has now replaced former Alty player Derek Goulding as manager of Burscough.
Crawley Town owners, the Majeed brothers, have stated that the financially troubled club is not for sale, despite being in administration.
Hereford United have lost two of their promotion side in Adam Stansfield who has surprised the Bulls by joining Exeter City and Daniel Carey-Bertram who has joined Cambridge United.
Displaced Morecambe manager Jim Harvey names a team of players whom he would choose to sign from the Football League list of released payers. But he cannot resist saying that "I'd like to sign someone who is not on the League list but has just been released by a Conference side- Steve Bushell of Halifax. He was really influential and a good skipper".
The friendly at Woodley Sports on 1 July has been moved to a 2pm kick off and may be moved even earlier still if England have a World Cup game on that date.
Amongst the others training with Alty at the moment are Ben Kitchen, a winger released by Rochdale, and centre-forward Ashley Stocks, who will be 18 this summer. Ashley is from Urmston and has previously played under Alty Reserves' manager Neil Brown.
On a sadder note, the NLP also has a piece on the release of Alty captain Mark Maddox who went from being "over the moon" that Alty were staying in the Conference National to "'a bit up the wall' after taking a phone call to release him" from the club. Mark said, "It's the gaffer's decision and you just have to get on with it. I'm mad up that Alty are staying up. I'd never want to see anything bad done against them. It was what we deserved. We'd stayed up on merit on the field. It is harsh on Scarborough but I don't think they can have any complaints, they finished bottom". As for Alty, Mark generously added, "I have always got on well with them and will continue to do so. With four going down next season it's going to be a lot tougher but that year in the Conference will stand them in good stead".
Altrincham Youth also invite sponsorship for next season to help meet the costs of approaching £4,000 for travel and training costs. Again, if you can help, please contact George Heslop, as above, or ring the club on 0161 928-1045.
In the European Colleges' tournament, Alty's Richard Gresty played in England's winning side in the third-place play-off. "Gresty justified his selection by dominating after a nervy start by both sides" says the NL Paper.
Eleven of last season's Conference referees have moved on to the Football League . Those promoted are messrs. Bratt, Desmond, Foster, Graham, Haywood, McDermid, Shoebridge, Taylor, Lee, Lewis and Whitestone. Due to additional losses through retirement, 18 new referees will grace the Conference next season to replace these eleven.
Scarborough Supporters' Club chairman Stuart Canvin told the NL Paper, "It's time to bite the bullet and get on with life, although we feel we have been badly treated and are not liked by the Conference".
This is Lancs says that "Accrington Stanley chairman Eric Whalley hopes common sense will prevail in the decision to match Stanley and Burnley's home games... As things stand, it looks likely that, on police advice, the Reds and Burnley will share the same home matchday, thereby preventing supporters being able to watch both games... 'They say it's to save public money, but I can't say how many police we will need on a matchday. Even for the big games that we had in the Conference, like Carlisle and York, we didn't have a police presence, so I can't imagine we will need much now'. Research by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph shows that on the occasions Stanley had home attendances of 2,000-plus, Burnley were either away or did not have a game... Whalley said '"I'm not sure what sort of crowds we'll realistically get next season. I still hope it's around the 3,000 mark. But I would think we are going to lose around £70,000. It's a lot of money that we can't afford to lose'.. A spokesman for the Football League said: 'Our hands are tied because we have to adhere to police requirements... Blackburn are at home, Burnley are away, but now Accrington have come into the equation. Blackburn police don't want the extra club to police".
Matthew McNeil, who finished last season on loan to Macclesfield Town from Hyde United, has now signed for the League Two club.
Pictured right is the newly unveiled Altrincham FC away kit for 2006-07, which is now available for order from the Club (by telephone, 928-1045, or e-mail).
The timetable for the working weekends is below:
Altrincham FC invite all supporters to help the club prepare for the coming season with a series of working weekends, which have been paired with World Cup Afternoons at Moss Lane. The following have been designated as "Working Weekends" at the club:-
The Working Weekends are as follows:
Grahame Rowley adds that "Refreshments will be made available by the Club to all who assist in the working parties". The bar will be open for normal cash sales during the matches.
St Alban's City Chairman John Gibson says, "There has been much said in the press recently about the possibility of moving to a new stadium. A great deal of the comment has been speculation... The Club cannot progress any further unless we have a new stadium. The current stadium cannot be improved sufficiently because of its age and the infrastructure around the ground and particularly the lack of parking... We currently cannot spend too much money on ground improvements as quite simply, it will be wasted if we move. We can no longer satisfy the likes of Arsenal Ladies or Watford Reserves who have both been unhappy with the facilities on offer and this has lost us valuable potential income, as they have chosen to play elsewhere... The Football Club would like a new stadium and we believe with a fair wind this is achievable. If a target of 3/4 years is not achievable, then it is not the end of the world".
Grays Athletic "have secured the signing of Ashley Sestanovich, Ashley previously played for Manchester City, Sheffield United and more recently Farnborough Town. Also Cam Mawer and Michael Kightly have signed an extension to their current contracts".
Stuart Coburn (left), Peter Band and Colin Little (right) have all re-signed for Altrincham for next season. Meanwhile, Graham Heathcote has confirmed that he is making four new signings in the coming weeks, though some of the names cannot be announced until July 1st and none of them can be made public now. The four consist of a striker and three midfielders. Graham is particularly impressed that three of the new signings have turned down better offers from other clubs, one of them having rejected a substantial offer from another Conference National side as he had verbally agreed to join Altrincham. Graham underlined that these are the sort of players whom we want at Moss Lane; ones who want to be here for reasons other than simply their pay packet.
Boro director Malcolm Reynolds has urged fans to get behind Boro as the club prepares for its debut in Conference North. The Club has decided against appealing the Conference’s decision to relegate The Seadogs from the top division of non league football. ‘It’s vital that everyone at the club gets right behind Neil and the team. The best way they can do that at the moment is to buy season tickets. We need the income during the summer to support the club’s activities and the season tickets represent a considerable discount over match day prices.’
Reynolds was also heartened by the turnout at Wednesday’s Fans’ Forum. ‘It’s heartening to see that so many people care about the future of the club and were so willing to offer their support. One man grabbed me at the end and wrote a cheque to buy two season tickets. I now need another 998 to follow suit!’
The Conference issued a statement ahead of the Forum seeking to explain its reasons for last Saturday’s decisions. Boro officials have identified that several claims in that statement are incorrect. However it has decided against issuing a detailed rebuttal after declining the opportunity to appeal against the decisions.
Since my presentation to the AGM, obviously approval for the registration form to be changed has been agreed by the Conference Board. Whilst I would not take sole credit, hopefully some of my suggestions were found to be sensible. Hopefully these changes will eradicate the situation Altrincham FC found themselves in and in future there would have to be something radically wrong if such a case arose again. All clubs should however bear in mind, it is STILL the ultimate responsibility of the club, seeking the players registration, that the player is CORRECTLY signed and eligible to play for the club. It is not the duty of the Conference or the FA".
The Argus reports that "Steven King has begun a major overhaul of his Lewes squad... Five new signings were unveiled by the Lewes manager last night, including former Crawley captain Ian Simpemba". The others include "Aldershot fullback Lewis Hamilton and Gravesend pair Andy Drury and Jay Saunders... King has clinched the signing of Simpemba at the second attempt. The former Wycombe and Republic of Ireland under-21 defender almost joined Lewes after being made available for loan by Crawley in March but instead signed for Aldershot".
From the Romford Recorder we learn that "A progressively competitive Conference coupled with the departure of their leading goal scorer will not herald a season of struggle for Dagenham & Redbridge, according to the club's chairman Dave Andrews... When Daggers kick off the new campaign, minus striker Chris Moore, they will do so with renewed optimism, yet they will be confronted with arduous challenges.... 'Yes, there are teams in the league who can spend a lot more money than us on players. I'm not jealous of them. We're a happy community club. If I was a rich man, I'd do a lot more. If someone came along and was prepared to put £250,000 or £500,000 into the club, then great, but we get a lot of help from local businesses in the area... We are a members' club and we stage a lot of local events. People look at us and wish they had our off-field activities. We look at other clubs and wish we had their gate receipts though. The biggest income of a club is its gate receipts. We average 1200 a game. Other clubs get two, three, even four thousand. When you're getting those figures, you don't need to do anything else. Even at our height, we were only getting 1800. We're in a hotbed of football. We have West Ham just up the road but the supporters we have are loyal to us... The money some players ask for is ridiculous and it's got worse over the years... I don't think we have to do too much in terms of changing the team around'".
This is Exeter states that "Former Exeter City skipper Shaun Taylor has confirmed he would be interested in succeeding Alex Inglethorpe. Taylor, who is the assistant manager at Forest Green, was interviewed for the job in October 2004 but the was passed over in favour of Inglethorpe". He said, "I will need to speak to Gary Owers and the chairman at Forest Green and let them know exactly what my intentions are. I was disappointed not to get the [Exeter] job last time".
IC Sefton says that "Southport chairman Charlie Clapham will continue holding interviews for the manager's job over the weekend, and revealed that he has drawn up a short-list of three candidates.. Meanwhile, the chairman has dismissed rumours that St Helens Rugby League Club are looking to invest in the Sandgrouders as 'inaccurate' and 'lies'".
The BBC confirms that relegation escapees Tamworth's manager "Mark Cooper has further strengthened his squad with the capture of former Notts County defender Emmet Friars. Friars joins the Lambs after leaving Meadow Lane at the end of last season. The 20-year-old follows striker Matty Williams in making the switch from Notts County to the Conference club. Friars made 15 first-team appearances for the Magpies, and also played on loan at Alfreton Town and AFC Telford United last season". Meanwhile, The Tamworth Herald confirms that "boss Mark Cooper is keeping tabs on West Bromwich Albion winger Brian Smikle. The 20-year-old was released by the Baggies at the end of the season. Cooper is aware of the youngster's talents after he enjoyed a loan spell at Halifax Town last season".
"Stevenage Borough have confirmed the signing of winger Dale Binns from Cambridge City on a 2 year deal. Mark Stimson has long been an admirer of the 25 year old pacy winger and expects to add 1 or 2 more players in the coming weeks".
The report says "Relegation was due to the fact we had been in three different CVAs, however this was queried at the board meeting in Leicester as we had only had two CVAs, with the latter one being reworked recently to include extra footballing debts (£28,000). The ten points were deducted also for the fact we entered into a new CVA". It was stated that "the cost of an appeal is £35,000 to the courts. That appeal could only be regarding the Relegation and not the 10 points as the points were deducted for the CVA which we cannot dispute. Any appeal over the relegation would most likely be fruitless as an appeal would most likely carry into next year due to the lengthy legal system in the country, and if we won the appeal what would happen (as we could not be reinstated in January! - 5 months into the season). Any appeal would be about the relegation but could be a bargaining tool to say ’okay we cant be re-instated, but give us back the ten points’...
Towards the end of the meeting it was decided by all but one or two of the 150 strong crowd that any appeal would no doubt be fruitless and the money would be better used towards playing costs... It was agreed to bite our lip, accept the punishment and not appeal due to the costs and stress involved. We currently have an outstanding debt of £1.6million which is covered in the CVA. Included in this are all the creditors from previous reigns and current ones. At current the club is running at debts of £20,000 per month, which again are covered in the CVA. The debts are due to be solved and paid within the new ground move... Malcolm and Ian have both added a vast ammount of their own money to keep the club alive over the past years, without reward... It was also discovered that Brooks Mileson has been helping out the directors with funds for various things - a great gesture and one which he should be thanked for....
The club owns the McCain Stadium land. It is currently worth a selling value of £4.1million. The covenant on the ground dictates that the Council says that the land can only be used for sporting purposes. Any ground move which would involve the land being used for any other reason would incur a charge by the council to remove the covenant and allow housing to be built... this would be around £1million... The club is currently at very advanced stages of signing the paperwork on a deal to sell the land to Persimmon homes - for £4.1million minus the covenant fee. At the edge of town there is to be a 83 acre business park development by Caddick, which is already agreed with the council... Within this space we have a 15 acre plot. 5 acres of this will be the new stadium. the other 10 acres (five times the size of the current McStad land) is to be a community development which will include five a side pitches, offices, etc… Boro will take a share of the profits from these. The ground itself will of course be used for Boro, but also included useage for 365 days a year with Pindar Sports School being heavily involved... The stadium section of the 83 acre site could be complete and ready to use by Autumn 2007... So to sum up….. We sell the McStad for £4.1m, £1mil goes to council, £1.6m to pay off all debts, leaving roughly £1.5million for building of the new ground".
As for manager Neil Redfearn, "Everyone pretty much agreed that he should be given a chance to show what he can do with his own squad of proper players... The supporters' trust will likely be set up following the ground move into the new stadium and will see a set of supporters literally take over the reigns from IS and MR, as they will want to reliquish control after the move happens and the club is on a sound financial and debt free base... It was viewed that training in West Yorks could save the club £60 per week per player on travel expenses. This idea was well worth looking into... A full time budget is in place, with £4,000 per week for wages. Neil will be allowed however to bring in players he sees fit for the team on whatever basis, be it fulBBC Sport reports that "Notts County chief executive Geoff Davey says that Alex Inglethorpe will not be the next manager of the Meadow Lane club. Davey was responding to speculation that Inglethorpe would become the successor to Gudjon Thordarson. Inglethorpe is available for work after he left his job as Exeter manager earlier this week".
l or part time... [Striker] Tony Hackworth is signing for Gainsborough and Hughes for Blyth. These two along with Sam Baker were players IS wanted to keep but finances dictated otherwise".
"Gravesend and Northfleet manager Liam Daish says despite their full-time status he knows they will have a small budget by Conference standards. Daish told BBC Radio Kent: 'Eleven players have left since last season but I don't think that's a problem. Some players I wanted to keep like Andy Drury and Jay Saunders but could not get them on full-time contracts. I'm working on a tight budget, it will be one of the bottom six budgets in the league, so I've got to use it wisely'". Gravesend & Northfleet FC confirm that "Liam Daish [has] added former Stevenage midfielder Rob Quinn to his squad".
NL Daily says that "Rushden and Diamonds have announced that Ian Bowyer has been appointed as their new assistant manager. The moves re-united Bowyer with former Nottingham Forest team-mate Paul Hart, who took charge at the Nene Park club last month. Bowyer also previously worked under Hart's management at Forest as well as holding coaching positions at Birmingham and most recently MK Dons. The 55-year-old also had a spell as player-manager of Hereford United".
"Several unnamed candidates have already expressed an interest in the Exeter City manager's job after Alex Inglethorpe confirmed he was leaving... Following a week of soul-searching, Inglethorpe informed City's board he was leaving to take up a role working within Tottenham Hotspur's youth Academy. In the wake of the news, his former aide, Steve Perryman, has refused to rule himself out of the running to take over. Also, it is understood, a number of would-be successors - including a former international player - have already contacted the Conference club to express an interest in the job. In the meantime, while City begin the search for a new manager, Inglethorpe will stay on and try to conclude a list of summer signings that have been approved at board level. In an official statement, City announced they would be advertising for an "experienced" manager... That would appear to rule out any possibility of assistant-manager Paul Buckle taking charge and, in itself represents a change in policy, given Inglethorpe's lack of experience when he took the top job at the Park in October 2004" reports This is Exeter.
"Giant striker Leo Fortune-West could be set to join Rushden & Diamonds. He may follow Crystal Palace defender Glenn Wilson, who became new Diamonds' boss Paul Hart's first signing since taking charge two weeks ago. Wilson, 20, put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at Nene Park. He can play at right-back or as a centre-half, having captained Palace's reserve team last season... Meanwhile Fortune-West has also been in for talks over a possible switch. The 6ft 4in forward, who has spent the last three years at Doncaster Rovers, may be joined by ex-Scunthorpe United and Barrow man [and ex-Alty trialist] Michael Rankine in a new-look attack. Hart has already confirmed an interest in Gresley Rovers striker Aaron O'Connor and Nottingham Forest midfielder Andrew Rigby while Gainsborough Trinity frontrunner Jamie Smith is another target. But the manager's top priority is bringing in defenders as centre half Wayne Hatswell is the only back-four member on the eleven-man retained list. The Diamonds squad features young strikers Dan Chillingworth, Simeon Jackson, Greg Pearson and Lee Tomlin, so Fortune-West would provide valuable experience... Fortune-West cost £300,000 in 2000 when he joined Cardiff City from Rotherham United. He has also played for Brentford, Lincoln City, Leyton Orient, Gillingham and Stevenage Borough with more than 100 career goals. Rankine, meanwhile, has turned down an offer to stay at Alfreton Town as he considers a chance to join Diamonds. Last season he scored only three times in twenty-five appearances".
The Football Conference confirms that "Boston United look set to beat off competition from Exeter City to sign Braintree striker Alex Revell".
Weymouth "have signed forward Richard Logan. The 24 year old has moved to the resort with his wife and family... He played last season for Peterborough and has turned down offers from several league clubs to join the Terras".
Northwich Victoria were "presented with THREE awards last weekend at the Nationwide Conference AGM and Awards Presentation. Not surprisingly, Steve Burr was presented with the award of Manager of the Season in the Conference North whilst the team won the TEAM OF THE YEAR award for the Conference North and super JONNY ALLAN collected the coveted PLAYER OF THE SEASON AWARD for the Conference North". And The Vics "have snapped up experienced defender Tony Gallimore... Gallimore, 34, joins former Rochdale team-mate Gareth Griffiths at the Vics following his release from Spotland at the end of last season. 'Tony still wants to do things in the game and along with Gareth brings vital experience to a young side', Northwich boss Steve Burr told BBC Sport.
The Shaymen Online says that "Former Accrington Stanley midfielder Steve Jagielka has held talks with Chris Wilder with a view to joining the Shaymen. The skilful 28-year-old wasn’t offered a new contract with promoted Stanley... Northwich Victoria are also said to be in the running for the player's signature". Meanwhile, "Chris Wilder looks set to sign his third former Bradford City player of the close season on Friday with Tom Kearney heading to The Shay. Whilst Jake Wright and Danny Forrest have agreed to come verbally but unable to put pen to paper until the end of the month, Kearney is expected to sign on the dotted line sometime during Friday... He does sound to be the ideal replacement for Steve Bushell but may have to remain patient for a place in the starting line-up".
The Lancaster & Morecambe Gazette reports that "Mystery surrounds the immediate future of Lancaster City. Major shareholder Ron Moore was set to sell to a consortium headed by Francis Mardale with an announcement due last Friday. However, no deal was done, and... the century-old Dolly Blues are now in limbo with players likely to be snapped up by their league rivals... The Citizen tried to speak to Mr Mardale after being contacted by Cheltenham businessman Nick Daffern.Mr Daffern, a director of modular building experts Rapid Retail, says Mr Mardale expressed an interest in buying £1million of his constructions, which are used at Premier League grounds and at Formula One circuits... Nick Daffern says he was called to a meeting at Giant Axe with Francis Mardale, who wanted the modular constructions as part of his planned redevelopment of the ground... Says Mr Daffern: 'We install temporary buildings at motor racing events and supply Premier League football teams with club shops and hospitality boxes... I met this bloke called Charlie Moore, who was set behind a desk in a tiny office surrounded by paper work. He said he was going to be the new chairman then this scruffy geezer came in the room. He introduced himself as Francis Mardale and started telling me about his Chinese connections. It might have been more believable if he had been wearing a clean shirt and a tie. He said he was related to the HSBC so I asked him if he knew the chairman and gave him a fictitious name. Mardale said he knew him. I played along with them and they said they wanted some of our boxes. They started off with five and then raised the order to about 20 there had been no planning or forethought from them. That was a £1 million order I said that if they intended the work to go through we would have to carry out a site survey and we needed £18,500 up front. That money never materialised. Mardale said he was trying to move it from his Geneva account... I managed to work on the train both ways and I am not outraged by them because I am not that sort of guy. I find it very funny to be honest. The whole meeting reminded me of the film This Is Spinal Tap' it was all very surreal and because of that you just wonder if there is some frisson of truth, that this could really happen'"
SAM also reports that "with Scarborough planning an appeal against their own relegation, the current saga could yet rumble on for at least another month, if n