Altrincham Football Club News Archive
August 2006

BANK HOLIDAY GAME

Howard Watts's Through the Years data on Alty games played previously on 28 August are here.

NEW RECRUITS

LAST GAME

But the Saints also missed a penalty and "Clarke's failure to score from the penalty was his third miss in ten attempts, is Colin considering changes? 'To be honest I have not discussed it with Clarkey... With no disrespect to the referee, I have no issues with him, but I do think there were a lot of unnecessary bookings. It was never a dirty a game, no bad challenges, it was competitive but you would expect it to be'".

OLD BOYS

GROUND CLEARANCE

CONFERENCE NEWS

More movements at Crawley player Ben Judge admits in Sunday's NL Paper that "I've got a young family and I haven't been paid since April".

Northwich Vics report the signing of "Terry Barwick, 23 years old midfield player from Grimsby Town, he took his place on the bench at Saturday's game at Oxford Utd".

ALTRINCHAM 2 ST ALBAN'S CITY 0

Gary Talbot, far left, heads Alty's second goal.

Match report here.

St Alban's City have a report, too, on their website.

AFTER MATCH

GRAHAM ON GEORGE

FITNESS

OLD BOYS

PAMPER YOURSELF AT RUSHDEN

Rushden also have a "Supporter's Hotel Offer" at the 4-star Kettering Park Hotel & Spa, seven miles from the ground. For £68 a night (third night free) you will get an air-conditioned room, a full English breakfast, use of the spa and pool and a free newspaper, bathrobes, fresh milk and water, as well as car parking. To book, ring the Hotel on 01536 416666 and mention the Rushden and Diamonds special rate.

ALTY DUGOUT

Having now obtained a copy of this excellent book, I can fully recommend it as a fascinating read. It is hard back and has excellent full-colour photos of some 75 non-league dugouts - including the ones at Moss Lane, Altrincham. David also has an Altrincham page on the Pyramid Passion website.

CONFERENCE NEWS

Morecambe say that their "top goal scorer of last season, Danny Carlton, has pledged his immediate future to the Christie Park outfit. Morecambe had received an offer from neighbours Blackpool for the 22 year old striker and discussions had taken place between the two clubs. Morecambe put a deadline on the deal this week and when the Seasiders did not come back to conclude the deal the player wanted to end the speculation. Carlton will sit down with club officials next week with a view to signing a new contract for the Shrimps... Danny Carlton commented, ' I want to play football and I want to play for Morecambe Football Club. I have spoken to the manager and officials today and we will sit down next week to look at a new deal@".

Shaymen on Line says that Halifax boss "Chris Wilder has boycotted the Halifax Evening Courier in protest at a feature started this season which gives supporters the chance to text in their views. The views, printed alongside the match report, have apparently not been to the manager's liking and therefore he has gone on a silent protest".

FIRST SACKING OF SEASON

ALTRINCHAM 2 ST ALBAN'S CITY 0

Right: Aspinall's penalty is saved by Bastock.

Saturday 26th

SATURDAY'S GAME

In Friday's NL Paper, Graham Heathcote says, "I believe we are a lot stronger than last year. From what I have seen so far, we're a much better footballing side and, if we keep the belief, and can improve in certain areas, like our passing, then I think we can be a good side in this league. Obviously our home form is important and we've got to be picking the results up here. After three games last year we had three points so I certainly don't think we're any worse off. After those three games, I was wondering if we were going to be strong enough. But this time it's different. I'm convinced that we are a much better side this season".

SPONSOR THE CLUB

RESERVE GAMES

YOUTH CUP DATE

The winners would then be away to Winsford United or Worksop Town in w/c 9 October 2006. The 3rd QR is a fortnight later, the week commencing Monday 23 October 2006 and if they reach it, Alty would be at home to one of Workington or Vauxhall Motors or Ashville or Morecambe.

BANK HOLIDAY GAME

Monday (28th) games:

Right: Alty's left-back this season has been Gary Scott.

CONFERENCE NEWS

Forest Green Rovers "have completed registrations for: Guy Ipoua 30 year-old striker and last with Hereford United - Squad No25 and Danny Williams 25 year-old right-sided midfield and last with Stevenage Borough - Squad No21. Both are in the squad for Saturday's visit of Gravesend & Northfleet... Rovers' striker/midfield player Mark Beesley has moved on loan to Lancaster City. The move is for an initial one month until 23rd September".

Irish TV company Setanta Sports is to screen 79 Conference matches a season in a 5-year deal with the Nationwide Conference. The matches will include league games, play-offs, and a relaunched Conference Cup competition, which will be renamed the Setanta Sports Cup. It is expected that the games will be mostly screened on Thursday nights. Former Alty chairman and now Nationwide Conference Chairman, Bill King, stated: "We are delighted to be part of the new and growing Setanta football family". It is believed that the deal is reported to be worth £2.8 million to the Conference.

The Burton Mail adds that "The deal was signed last night at the Pirelli Stadium". Setanta also shows 46 Barclays Premier League matches, 60 Bank of Scotland Premier League games as well as Italian Serie A and Portuguese Super Liga, Le Championnat (France) and Erdevisie (Holland) matches.

Halifax Town say that "Former Town chairman Bob Walker is being lined up for a sensational return to the Shay fold, answering a plea from current chairman Geoff Ralph. Walker, President at Brighouse Town, left the club back in the summer of 2002 following the Shaymen’s relegation out of the Football League. The club had entered administration with debts of £1m and Mr Walker blamed a deteriorating relationship with the Administrator Peter O’Hara for his exit. The self-made millionaire had wanted to make permanent caretaker manager Neil Redfearn’s role but O’Hara, through the courts, had seized control of the club and would sanction no such move. It does appear that Mr Ralph is unable to continue subsidising the club which is running at a deficit of around £170k a season... We have been told that the club has built up an Inland Revenue debt of close to £70,000. Even more worrying is that proceedings have begun to wind the club up, putting Town into a precarious situation. The news comes just days after the Rugby Club announced their very own financial plight. ‘Fax need to raise £90k within three weeks to enable them to see out the current season. If they fail to meet this figure before the deadline of September 11th the club will be wound up. Professional sport in Halifax at the moment is a sorry tale of doom and gloom... Once again it’s a time for the supporters of the two clubs to pull together to save their respective clubs and ensure both ‘Fax and the Shaymen live on".

The BBC Radio Kent says that "Liam Daish is delighted by Gravesend and Northfleet's new sponsorship deal, despite it not boosting his budget. 'It was all part of the budget that we would have a shirt sponsor', Daish revealed to BBC Radio Kent. 'But it's good we've raised the profile a bit and it's another step nearer being a proper full-time club again'. Fleet's new sponsors, Austrian Airlines, will have their logo on the front of the club's shirts. The airline succeeds Gladwish Land Sales" as sponsor.

BBC Ceefax claims that for the game at Altrincham, St Alban's City "manager Colin Lippiatt has warned against defensive naivety... But he will be without Ben Martin (knee) and Scott Cousins (ankle). Gary Elphick is back from suspension". Elphick has been sent off twice this season but his first card was rescinded.

The Conference North Forum says that "Kettering Town have today completed the signing of 26 year old left full back David Perpetuini from Stevenage Borough".

Weymouth "Football Club bosses and Dorset Police are confident they have the necessary measures in place to ensure the Bank Holiday Monday fixture against Oxford United goes smoothly. The former football league side is expected to bring around 2,000 fans down for the Wessex Stadium clash... But Weymouth FC chief executive Gary Calder isn't expecting any problems... The club has installed two new turnstiles behind the east end of the ground to get fans in quicker. A new covered area for disabled fans will also be available from Monday. Oxford United's ticket allocation has sold out, and home ticket sales are selling reasonably well. Mr Calder said: "I must remind people that the game is all-ticket, we're not allowed to sell tickets on the day... We've done everything possible to make sure the [home] tickets are on sale to our fans only... Anyone causing trouble will be ejected from the stadium'. Dorset Police inspector Alan Jenkins said: 'Extra officers will be on duty in view of the large number of away supporters and the expected large crowd... Under no circumstances will kick-off be delayed because people are not inside the ground on time'".

Meanwhile, Weymouth chairman Martyn Harrison "stressed he will continue funding the club through his Hollybush Hotels firm which owns more than 80 per cent of Weymouth's shares. 'I was extremely disappointed by the attendance for our game last weekend and that remains the case', he said. 'To only get just over 1,700 in the ground when we're top of the table and in one of the best league positions in the club's history left me feeling angry, upset and very disillusioned. I did wonder whether it was worth carrying on and said a few things in the heat of the moment with the hope of making a point to the people of Weymouth and the surrounding area. I know a number of our supporters were upset with what I said, but I certainly didn't mean to criticise any of our loyal supporters. What I was trying to get across was how important it is that people get behind us and I feel Garry Hill and the team deserve a bigger support than we got for the Cambridge game. Maybe my words sounded a bit over the top but I'm a passionate guy and desperately want Weymouth Football Club to succeed. That can only happen though if more people come through the gate than were here against Cambridge United... I'm going to carry on doing what I've been doing, enjoying my football and hope the good results continue." Harrison said he appreciated fans' concerns over increased gate prices this season - adult terrace admission at the Wessex is now £13, up from £9.50 last season, while under-16s are now £5 each rather than being eligible under the previous kids-for-a-quid scheme. The admission prices are good value and in line with the rest of the Conference', said Harrison".

Tamworth report that "Manager Mark Cooper has shown he means business as he tackles head on Lambs' wretched start to the Conference campaign, leaking 11 goals in three games. He has made three signings ahead of Saturday's visit of Exeter City... Defender Matt Redmile has been released and the club wish him all the best in the future, and coming in on loan from Yeovil Town are defender Bradley Thomas and Gavin McCallum, another defender who can also operate in midfield. The third signing is forward Taiwo Atieno, the former Walsall trainee who has also featured for Rochdale, Chester and Kidderminster. Meanwhile a decision is yet to be made over Portuguese goalkeeper Jose Manuel Da Veira who has taken part in two training sessions so far".

Stevenage Borough "striker Jon Nurse will go on loan to Woking from Friday, for one month. The arrival of Steve Morison has meant that manager Mark Stimson has an abundance of strikers to select from and feels that the 25 year old forward needs as many games as possible in the next month to regain the power and pace he displayed last season".

FRIDAY SCORE - YORK GO TOP

MANAGERS SWAP VIEWS

"Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote hailed the attacking intent of his opposite number Colin Lippiatt ahead of their meeting on Saturday. St Albans City, along with the Robins and Stafford Rangers, are the only part timers among the Conference elite and Heathcote appreciates the way City are approaching the new challenge. The Altrincham manager said: 'St Alban's are taking the philosophy to attack teams and have a go at this level. Whether it is the right or wrong option we will know at the end of the season. I have a lot of respect for Colin Lippiatt. He should be applauded for sending the team out with a positive attitude. We know we will have a difficult game Saturday'... Heathcote said: 'We did ever so well against Stevenage Borough and played well against Exeter City. There was no football played at Stafford, it was all long ball. You have to look beyond results and see the performance was good against Exeter City. We played some football. We are part time and the aim first and foremost is survival. It is really tough for the part time clubs. That is not negative, just realistic. There are only three part time clubs, ourselves, Stafford Rangers and St Albans. You cannot do anything about the fitness but our intentions are improving on what we did last year. I would like to think that we can push for play offs but I don't see that from us. This is a tough level of football and you have to keep the ball. If you keep giving the ball away you will struggle in this league'".

Right L to R: Gary Talbot, Robbie Lawton, Karl Munroe, Stephen Rose and Val Owen.

MEN IN BLACK

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Morecambe have recalled goalkeeper Ryan Robinson from his loan spell at Conference neighbours Southport. He returns to Christie Park following a hamstring injury to Steven Drench. 'You can't take a chance with that type of injury so it looks like Ryan will play on Saturday', said Shrimps' boss Sammy McIlroy" says the BBC

"Oxford United have had two players named in the first England National Game squad of the season following their relegation to the Conference. Defender John Dempster, 23, and striker Yemi Odubade, 19, are in the squad to play Forest Green on 5 September to mark the opening of Rovers' new ground. Boss Paul Fairclough has restricted his selection to players from the south of the country for the game. Rushden & Diamonds midfielder Marcus Kelly, 20, is another new face... England National Game squad: Goalkeepers: Jalal (Woking), Lee-Barrett (Weymouth). Defenders: Smith (Aldershot), Dempster (Oxford), Okuonghae (Aldershot), Morrison (Cambridge), Griffiths (Dagenham). Midfielders: Kightly (Grays), Davis (St Albans), Bampton (Tamworth), Fuller (Stevenage), Kelly (Rushden). Forwards: Morgan (Yeading), Peters (Basingstoke), Odubade (Oxford), Soares (Aldershot)".

This is York announces that "York City will top the Conference table tomorrow night if they beat Burton Albion but goalkeeper Tom Evans will not be getting too carried away if that happens.... Billy McEwan's unbeaten side have the opportunity to head the table for at least 19 hours. But the last time City topped any table also came after just four games and the club ended the season relegated from the Football League... Evans said: 'I wasn't aware that we can go top tomorrow night but it does not really mean anything at this stage.. I think seven points from our first three games is probably what we would have hoped for... I've been impressed with our defensive qualities and I think we are doing the basic things properly. If the ball needs to be cleared, it's cleared. You don't mess around at the back and the midfielders are also defending the right way when they come back. You just have to stop yourself from sliding in and giving away a penalty which you will do if you don't stop running towards the ball. You've got to try to make the centre forward make the decision and don't commit yourself because most of the time they will hit you or knock the ball to you. It's all about making it as hard for the striker as possible".

This is Weymouth asserts that "Martyn Harrison insists he's not about to pull the plug on Weymouth Football Club. The Terras chairman has come under fire for criticising the level of support at the Wessex Stadium and has threatened to withdraw his company's bankrolling of the Conference National leaders.A crowd of 1,766 watched Garry Hill's team return to the top of the table by beating Cambridge United, down from 3,583 against Aldershot Town for the previous home match.But Harrison today stressed he will continue funding the club through his Hollybush Hotels firm which owns more than 80 per cent of Weymouth's shares".

The Tamworth Herald says that "Under-pressure Tamworth manager Mark Cooper has been given the full backing of chairman Bob Andrews. The Lambs' boss has been given the green light to rebuild his beleaguered squad, which has lost all three of their Conference games, leaking 11 goals in the process. Defender Matt Redmile, who was last season's players' player of the year, has been the first player to leave after joining Hinckley United. And Cooper has circulated the names of six or seven other players who are available for transfer or loan. Cooper has drafted in Brad Thomas and Gavin McCallum on loan from Yeovil Town, and has been taking a look at goalkeeper Jose Manuel Monteiro da Veiga. The Lambs boss has also revealed he has made an enquiry for Ryan Sugden of Halifax Town but was quoted a price of £15,000 for the 25-year-old striker. 'The performances so far have been unacceptable', Cooper said. 'They have come as a shock to me as much as anyone after the way we played in pre-season... I feel under no pressure from the board, only pressure from myself to turn this around... We want young players with energy who have something to prove... Matt Redmile came back for pre-season unfit and he picked up a minor knock which stopped him getting fitter.'

We felt we needed more pace in defence because that is how the Conference is going. I haven't told the players who are on the list I have circulated. I want to see what offers I get and whether or not I get a reaction from them, like I got from Adie Smith last week'... Cooper made his squad meet the fans in the bar after last Saturday's embarrassing defeat at Dagenham and admitted it made for some uncomfortable moments. 'I appreciate the effort the fans make to watch us and I felt the players and I needed to face the music,.It made for uncomfortable listening at times but it was constructive. The least they expect is 100 per cent effort from the side and they haven't been getting value for money... I want a performance from the players more than a victory'".

The Comet says that "one of the few England men ever to play for Stevenage Boro is keen to show he has still got what it takes. Steve Guppy made his debut in Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Crawley Town. He played for more than an hour before being sacrificed for goalkeeper Alan Julian after the controversial dismissal of Danny Potter. The 37-year-old follows the likes of full internationals Graham Roberts and Brian Stein in turning out at Broadhall Way at the end of their careers... He said: "I was thinking about retirement when I got back from the States but I spent the summer getting fit....I was delighted when the phone rang and Stevenage gave me this chance. I've got some very fond memories of my time playing in the Conference. And I'm under no illusions - it's going to be difficult at this level.The Conference is a tough league and there's little to choose between it and League Two'. He has only joined on an initial one-month's deal but this could well be extended... 'We will look at it after the month is up'... Boro boss Mark Stimson said: 'Steve gave us the balance down the left on Saturday... He has been there and done it and should be a good addition'"

Southport GB reveals another departure from Haig Avenue. "Southport FC central defender, Gary 'Sumo' Brabin has left the Club. His contract was terminated earlier in the week. Brabin signed a professional contract with the Sandgrounders in April 2006. He had agreed with Liam Watson to become head coach at the end of last season."

Woking announce that "The board have reviewed the club’s policy with regard to the segregation of away supporters. Whilst unnecessary segregation is unpopular with home supporters who wish to use the Chris Lane Terrace, it is essential that the comfort and safety of home supporters in the Kingfield Road End is assured. To that end the following matches for the 2006/2007 season have been designated as segregated:- Rushden & Diamonds, Aldershot, Exeter City, Weymouth, Cambridge United, Oxford United, Stevenage Borough, Stafford Rangers, Grays Athletic. The club will continue to monitor the situation and may segregate additional matches if police intelligence or changing circumstances dictate".

Stafford Rangers announce that "Striker Dave Walker has been released and joins Redditch United."

GEORGE RETURNS - PART 1

Altrincham Reserves are in the Eastern Division of the Lancit Haulage Lancashire League, along with Farsley Celtic, Goole Town, Guiseley, Hyde United, Ossett Albion, Ossett Town, Rossendale United, Wakefield, Woodley Sports and, it seems, Bradford PA.

In mid season, from mid November to mid-February there will be a League Cup competition, played on a league basis in the early stages. The Cup 'leagues' include Group C: Altrincham, Farsley Celtic, Hyde United, Rossendale United, Woodley Sports.

GEORGE RETURNS - PART 2

SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS

JUSTIN ADJUSTING

KIERAN & PAT

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT

Meanwhile, "Ross Smith believes the decision to go full-time has made a massive difference to everyone at Stonebridge Road despite an indifferent start to the season... The Canadian explained: 'Full-time has helped so much because you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of everyone. We do miss some of the part-time boys because the likes of Jimmy Jackson and Jay Saunders are undoubtedly quality players... There has been a massive overturn [turnover?] in playing personnel over the summer and Smith has been particularly impressed by one of the new boys. 'Mark DeBolla [ex-Grays] has done really well so far... Mark has already scored three goals and they have all been magnificent strikes. Sacha Opinel is another who has impressed me because he has a great passion for the game and was very unfortunate to break his arm at Aldershot. The team are working well together and have a lot of promise even though our points total doesn't really reflect that'... Smith and his colleagues will be looking to put that right over the Bank Holiday weekend when they face Forest Green and Altrincham in the space of 48 hours... 'We are taking one game at a time but these are definitely two matches we can take maximum points from'".

SPONSORS

CONFERENCE NEWS

Woking FC "confirm that Liam Cockerill has joined Salisbury City on loan until 31st December 2006". Liam is the son of manager Glenn Cockerill.

Oxford's This Is United site says that "There will be a different look to the Kassam Stadium for the game against Northwich Victoria on Saturday with the big Oxford Mail boards behind the East Stand coming down this week. The Oxford Mail has decided not to renew its sponsorship of the stand, because the fee went straight to the stadium company and did not benefit the football club. Instead, the Oxford Mail will continue to give its backing by putting financial support directly into the club".

The Argus reports another twist in the Crawley saga. "An international sports management company has revealed they want to buy cash-strapped Crawley Town on the day Azwar Majeed quit as chairman. London-based Europa Sports Promotions have told The Argus they are willing to clear all the club's debt if creditors reject a bid from Azwar and his co-owner brother Chas Majeed to regain control... Creditors not connected to the Majeeds' company SA Retail Limited will vote on whether to accept an offer of 50 per cent of the £940,000 they are owed next Wednesday. They have been told by administrator Rob Sadler that: 'Should creditors reject the revised CVA (company voluntary agreement), proposal, we will have no choice but to cause the company to cease trading, which would see no further football played this season'. But Europa, who run soccer schools across Europe and represent top class athletes, say they are waiting in the wings to take over. Company director Matthew Pearson, 24, said: 'We are willing to pay the creditors the full amount they are owed over a set period. We have seen the accounts are in a bit of a mess so we are not prepared to pay any more than the debts of the club. It does not have any assets so you are really only buying a name. The way we see it is that if we take on all the debts, that would be us buying the club. We have been looking to buy a football club for a while, especially abroad in places like South America and Africa'... Europa had an offer to buy the club turned down by administrators Begbies Traynor on August 10. They made a second proposal but were told they were too late to meet the deadline.

A Begbies Traynor spokesperson said: "ESPL (Europa Sports Promotions Limited) did make the deadline of noon on August 10. They were the only other bidder and the bid was not pursued'. Pearson said: 'I made a bid at about 11 o'clock on the Thursday and we got an email back saying they had already accepted a bid and they wouldn't be pursuing ours any further. I then saw on the internet that the creditors had been offered 50p in the pound, which I found strange when we were offering the full amount. I then emailed saying we would pay 57p in the pound immediately and the rest later on and they came back saying it was too late'. Europa, formed in 2004, run soccer schools for some of Europe's top clubs. Their clients include AC Milan and Paris Saint Germain". Perason added "We would certainly be prepared to pay the £1 million owed to the creditors.". However, "Crawley's total debt is £1.8 million but over £800,000 of that is being claimed by the Majeeds". But Pearson said: "We would challenge that debt because I don't see how they can claim the club owes them money... If you make an investment you can't then claim it back".

The Argus says that "If the majority of people owed money by the club, including the Inland Revenue, players, former staff and Crawley Borough Council, accept the offer then the Majeeds will retain control. If more than 50 per cent reject the offer the club will be wound up and the team dissolved... The Inland Revenue, owed more than £200,000 by the Majeeds, has indicated it will refuse the offer... The Majeeds were unavailable for comment".

The Northwich Guardian reports that "Steve Burr has urged Vics' fans to get behind the team... after they went down to successive home defeats... He said: 'The players are finding it hard to accept after starting so well at Cambridge United... Opportunities are not going to keep coming along every five minutes like they did last season, and balls just aren't quite dropping for us in the penalty area at the moment'. The Vics' treatment room should see less traffic this week with captain Stuart Elliott and midfielder Danny Mayman in contention to play at pacesetters Oxford United on Saturday... 'Everyone is raving about what a great start Burton have made, but we are only one point behind them'", added Burr.

From Morecambe Today we read that "Danny Carlton was still a Morecambe player this week as his on-off transfer to Blackpool continued to rumble on... But manager Sammy McIlroy was desperate to hear what was going to happen with only a week left until the transfer deadline on August 31... 'I think it is affecting his play', added McIlroy". The boss said, "Four out of six points from difficult places like Northwich and Woking is a step in the right direction but we know we can still improve...The fixture list is testing us. Don't rule Stevenage out yet. They have lost three but they have got a new manager trying to put his own ideas across, you can't take them lightly". The report adds that "McIlroy may recall [goalkeeper] Ryan Robinson from his loan spell at Southport... Scott McNiven has signed for Morecambe on a short-term deal, mainly as cover for Meadowcroft and Bentley. Three squad members have gone out on loan Paul Lloyd (Fleetwood), Kieron Walmsley (Kendal), Jamie Davies (Leek) with Shaun Gray also likely to follow.".

MATCH OFF

TAKE THE EASY WAY

WRISTBANDS

MARCUS

CHARITY GAME

CONFERENCE NEWS

Halifax Today confirms that "Halifax Rugby League Club will go into liquidation in three weeks unless it can raise cash to plug a £90,000 overspend on players' wages. That was today's stark warning from club directors, who have written to Fax's 120 members calling an emergency meeting at the Shay on September 11. Fax's four-man board will propose the club be wound up and a liquidator appointed".

Above: Halifax Town convert a penalty on Alty's last visit to The Shay in September 2005.

Another twist in the Crawley saga... The club's Official site says that "As the Club faces a new chance to demonstrate its ability within the Nationwide Conference, Azwar Majeed today announced that he is stepping down from his role, resigning as Chairman. He considers this as a positive step, encouraging the focus of the fans to be on the team’s success. It has been a difficult but necessary decision, as Azwar will focus on his other businesses in order to generate sufficient revenue to meet the future financial requirements of the Club. For the interim period Susan Todman has been appointed as the new Chairman following her history with the Club as a Board Director. She will work closely with the current management team, including Barry Munn, General Manager, and John Hollins, 1st Team Manager, whilst they seek to find a new Chairman who has knowledge and history within the football field. Crawley Town FC is now establishing a solid foundation upon which it is building a successful team and youth infrastructure within the community. It is with great enthusiasm, passion and dedication that the team have launched into this season, winning the first three games in a row. Azwar thanks many of the fans who have shown their support through the turbulence of the past year. They have brought strength and encouragement to the Club. Azwar will still maintain his financial commitments to Crawley Town and wishes the new Chairman every success in the future".

Crawley Town's Trust has issued a press release: 'Crawley Town Supporters Trust (The Devils Trust) has agreed that creditors should accept the second CVA proposal even though it means the Majeeds will retain control of the club. Speaking on behalf of the Trust Antony Weller said: 'We understand some people don't want the Majeeds at any cost but the simple fact is that without acceptance of the revised CVA there will be no football club this season. That opportunity evaporated when the administrators decided to allow this last-ditch offer to be made. We therefore have two options. Continue with the revised CVA in the hope that the Majeeds can find the money within 60 days or face being wound up, possibly with no chance of future resurrection. That view has been proven by the second CVA proposal which, if accepted, will cost the Majeed brothers the same amount financially as it would have cost to keep the club running. In short, the Majeed brothers could have spared the club and its fans all the uncertainty and unrest recently experienced... The revised CVA is a more realistic proposal in so far as it places a time limit of just 60 days on SA Retail to pay up. It means that they have to find around £500k by October 29th if their offer is accepted. The Trust still has serious concerns that they are unable to achieve this. The large amount of money they need to find, in such a short space of time, appears to hinge on urgent financial investment in the club, investment they have so far showed an inability to obtain because of their actions'".

Another club facing the loss of their chairman is Weymouth. The BBC confirms that ""Weymouth chairman Martyn Harrison has warned he may pull the plug on his financial backing for the club unless crowds improve. Weymouth pulled in 1,766 for Saturday's win over Cambridge, 1,800 less than the previous home game against Aldershot. Hotelier Harrison told the Dorset Echo: 'A crowd of 1,700 when we're top of the table is disgraceful. If the town can't be bothered I don't see why I should, and they'll have to find somebody else to pay the wages'".

"Cambridge United have signed striker Marcus Richardson after his departure from rivals Weymouth. Richardson, 28, joined Weymouth during the summer but left for personal reasons after failing to make an appearance for the Terras. Boss Rob Newman told U's website: 'He's a good old-fashioned centre-forward and been successful in the lower leagues'. Richardson returns to Cambridge after spells with Torquay, Hartlepool, Lincoln, Yeovil and Chester".

"Grimsby are set to complete the signing of former Stockport and Oldham midfielder Danny Boshell... Grimsby beat off competition for the 25-year-old Boshell from Conference outfit Northwich Victoria".

Tamworth "Manager Mark Cooper has shown he means business as he tackles head on Lambs' wretched start to the Conference campaign, leaking 11 goals in three games. He has made three signings and is also in discussions to add a striker and a midfielder in time for Saturday's visit of Exeter City. In the meantime, the club can confirm that central defender Matt Redmile is in negotiations with Hinckley United and also that a number of other players have been circulated as available for transfer.Coming in on loan from Yeovil Town are defender Bradley Thomas and Gavin McCallum, another defender who can also operate in midfield. Cooper is also signing a Portuguese goalkeeper José Manuel da Veira, the move just waiting on international clearance".

This is Exeter says that "Midfielder Danny Clay has secured his short-term future at Exeter City by signing a new deal until the end of the year. The 20-year-old’s future was in doubt when he rejected the offer of a one-year contract extension at the end of last season, fearing his first team opportunities at the club would be restricted. But the departure of former manager Alex Inglethorpe gave Clay fresh hope and he decided to return to Exeter at the start of pre-season training following the appointment of new boss Paul Tisdale. The City youth product then signed a one-month deal while he mulled over the next step in his career. Now he has decided to bring to an end speculation over his future by signing the short-term deal".

Rushden Today reports that "Paul Hart has told Rushden & Diamonds fans not to get carried away as he warned the club cannot afford to strengthen their squad for a promotion push. But the boss believes his side will still challenge towards the top of the table – although he has urged supporters to lower any expectations of a title challenge after two defeats in the opening three games of the Nationwide Conference campaign. Hart spoke out after issuing a reality check following Saturday's 2-0 home win over Forest Green Rovers as he predicts 'a tough old season'. He said: 'There will be no players coming in for the foreseeable future because we are at our limit. The budget is very tight and certainly not one of the biggest in this league. "The size of our squad is small and this is a difficult division. We have always said that we are top-heavy with young players which we inherited and that's a fact. They will come on and improve but I don't want people's expectations to drag them down. The supporters' trust have been fantastic since they took over this club by significantly reducing the losses from around £1.3m to hopefully reaching a break-even point at the end of this season. Considering what happened here a few years ago, when at one point the club was awash with money, now there needs to be an adjustment of thinking. That's just the way it is and I accept it. I'm not frustrated because I've known the situation since I came into the job'. Hart brought in eight summer signings for a 20-man senior squad – although goalkeeper Scott Tynan has joined Hereford United on loan and former Nottingham Forest midfielder Andrew Rigby agreed non-contract terms which means he only gets paid expenses".

Southport GB reports that "Southport FC footballer, Carl Baker appeared before North Sefton Magistrates this afternoon Monday 21st August 2006 charged with three driving related offences. The court were told how Baker was stopped by police whilst driving his car in Southport on 13th August 2006. Police suspected Baker of drink driving after smelling alcohol on his breath. He was asked to take a roadside breathalyser test but refused point blank. He was arrested and taken to Southport Police Station and charged with Failing to provide specimen for analysis / Lab. Test (Drive./Att. Dr), Failing to co-operate and provide a roadside specimen of breath, and use of a motor vehicle without third party cover. Magistrates withdrew the failing to co-operate and provide a roadside specimen of breath charge. He pleaded guilty failing to provide specimen for analysis / Lab.Test (Drive./Att. Dr), and his solicitor, Mr Braham, explained to the magistrates that Baker could provide valid insurance in 7 days time. Magistrates were told that Baker had a previous drink driving conviction dating back to 2002 when he received a 12 month driving ban. Magistrates adjourned the case until 1st September 2006 for a fast track delivery report (guideline sentence is a community punishment) and sentence. He was given unconditional bail, but Magistrates gave him an interim disqualification (part of his sentence). Onthespot interviewed Carl who said: 'I feel that I have let everybody down at Southport Football Club, including management and my team-mates. I have also let down all the young supporters at the club, and I deserve to be punished hard for what I have done. I would like to make a public apology, put this matter behind me and make a fresh start'".

COME AND HELP ASHLEY

RESERVES' SQUAD

The Woodley website reports on their Reserves' home defeat by Guiseley 2-4. Alty Res. beat Guiseley 3-0 last Wednesday. "The home side were fielding a squad containing 7 of last season's Youth team squad. .. The game ended with Guiseley 4-2 victors, despite the disappointment of the result, an entertaining game played in good spirit, taught the Woodley youngsters a few lessons about life in this League. Next game is a tough fixture away at Altrincham FC". The Woodley team was 1- Rick Dolphin 2- Matty Teasdale 3- Danny Kay 4- Andy Walsh 5- Lee Wright (Captain) 6- John Rourke 7- Stuart Hynes 8- Mark Haslam 9- Troy Williams Condor 10- Tom Thornton 11- Sam Walker 12- Scott Hodges 14- Matty Kilheeney 15- Dale Fleet 16- Rick Bell 17- Ashley Voss.

GRAHAM REFLECTS

Above: Graham Heathcote directs the Alty team photo-shoot as Rod Thornley (right, front row) pays close attention while Warren Peyton pulls his socks up and Colin Little chills out!

"It was more a feeling of justice, as I never felt we did anything wrong, and we have had to put it behind us," Graham Heathcote told BBC Sport, after the summer deduction of 18 points. "The summer had its difficulties as a club but we've had to move on and get focused on the coming season. I always believed we had a right to be in this league because of the amount of points we had until circumstances took over. The players' commitment to getting fit has been total, and I can't ask for any more than that. The important thing was to come through it with dignity, which I believe the club did. That's behind us now. Perhaps we will use it as a motivation in certain games, but the important thing now is to make sure we stay in the league. We brought the players in in June and it has been a long pre-season. In terms of fitness levels in the first two months of last season we were found wanting late on in games so we have had try and address that the best we can as a part-time club... It's a really difficult scenario to try and improve your players when you've really got no finance to do so. I have tried not to make wholesale changes because bringing in nine or 10 players makes it very difficult to knit and gel. It's not rocket science. We relied on Colin Little massively for goals so we had to improve there and you have to be competitive in midfield so we have strengthened there as well. I have just brought players into areas where I felt we needed them and tried to improve our attacking options. The players are wiser and they know what's required, commitment-wise... But hopefully those we have brought in are good lads. The players did their job last season, but they can't rest on their laurels and have to be better than last season. If we do that then we give ourselves a chance of not being involved in a mad scramble at the end...We want to improve on last season".

STUART ON KEEPERS

TWO VIEWS OF THE SAME GAME!

From the same game comes this alternative view from This is Exeter . "Another three points on the board, an unbeaten start to the season and just one goal conceded in three games - Paul Tisdale's reign as Exeter City manager has got off to a pretty good start. Entering the game as only one of two sides yet to ship a goal in the Nationwide Conference, the Grecians' resolve and character were tested to the limits when they fell behind after only 89 seconds... City gave notice that that they really mean business this season. The victory was well-deserved, with Tisdale's troops eventually forcing their guests to crumble under some heavy second half pressure. Make no mistake about it, take the first 20 minutes out of the equation and this was City's best display so far this season... This is a City side which seems to have been given fresh belief with the arrival of a new manager... Let's not get carried away - there are still areas for improvement and this was far from the complete performance. Old habits die hard and the team still occasionally slipped back into the ugly long ball game that won few admirers last season... However, Altrincham might have stretched their lead had Little not stabbed wide with the goal at this mercy after City's defence had been carved open. Yet the traffic was flowing mainly in one direction and it was Altrincham who were reeling on the ropes for the remainder of the half....The visitors threatened at the beginning of the second half,... But it was not long before his opposite number Coburn was in the thick of the action... and it was Mackie's turn to threaten a breakthrough. The young whirlwind breezed into the box before unleashing a low shot that was scrambled around the post by the alert Coburn. At this point the rocking Alty were surviving on their wits alone. Outgunned in midfield and struggling at the back, their hopes of a draw were rapidly diminishing with City pouring forward in numbers. Stansfield sent shockwaves through their rearguard every time he seized possession. But the former Elmore man, exhibiting quick feet and balance on the ball, twice failed to pick out the rampaging runs of Mackie. Altrincham were beginning to crack under the pressure and Mackie's instinctive header was narrowly off target... And the star striker [Phillips] almost made an immediate impact, connecting with Taylor's laser-guided cross only to see his header loop over the back-pedalling Coburn and onto the roof of the net... With time running out, Challinor conjured a touch of the sublime to send St James's Park into raptures. Having switched to the right flank, the talented midfielder chested down Taylor's deep cross and hit an explosive volley past a static Coburn to seal a deserved victory. His chest-thumping celebration told its own story of pure relief of a player who, by his own admission, has started the season slowly.Altrincham were shot". A little less effusive was player Jon Challinor who said, "The gaffer has instilled in us that we must enjoy our football and get the ball down and play. We know where we want to go, we want to get down the sides and attack. But there is a definite emphasis on enjoying it - sometimes that is going to be short ball, sometimes long ball, but enjoy it and the results will come. The pitch is unbelievable. It is zipping about and it will be interesting to see how it holds. There has been a lot of work done on it. It looks beautiful and encourages us to play".

NEXT OPPONENTS

The FA confirms that "Gravesend & Northfleet's Jay Stubberfield is suspended from last season for four games." But the FA says his ban ends on 10 September which, if correct, should mean he misses the match against Altrincham.

OLD BOYS

CONFERENCE NEWS

NL Daily reports that "Guiseley, who have been a comfortable mid-table side in the UniBond League Premier Division for the past few seasons without ever really mounting a challenge, seem likely to make a push this time around. The Yorkshire club have also signed Stuart Gray from now Conference National outfit Oxford United. The Scotland under-21 international has more than two hundred appearances under his belt in the full-time game, having made his debut for Celtic in 1992/93 season and going on to play around thirty games for the giants of Scottish football. He then moved south of the border to play for Reading and Rushden & Diamonds".

The unofficial This is United site says that "Oxford United boss Jim Smith has sent out a warning to the Nationwide Conference – saying that his side will get even stronger. The U's boast one of only three 100 per cent records, but says that his squad will be considerably stronger now that two suspensions are over. Chris Willmott missed the first three games of the season after being sent off in United's final game of last season, while Barry Quinn was ruled out of Friday's 2-1 win at Burton after being dismissed in the midweek victory over Dagenham and Redbridge. 'I'm delighted for the players – they've worked really hard and when you work hard, you get your rewards', Smith said. 'We've got three players coming back next week – I'm hoping to sign a striker and I've got Chris Willmott and Barry Quinn back in the fold... As always, our fans were great," said Smith...

ANOTHER SQUAD NUMBER ASSIGNED

DEVON VIEWS

For this site's report, please click here.

STAR INITIATIVES

On behalf of the supporters' trust, STAR, Mike is also arranging regular monthly quiz nights in the Noel White Suite at Moss Lane. The dates booked so far are as follows:

The Quiz entry fee is just £1.00 per person and there is a maximum of 6 persons per team. Doors open at 8.00pm and the quiz starts at 8.30pm.

FCUoM BACK AT MOSS LANE

CONFERENCE NEWS

St Albans's opponents, Aldershot Town report that "There was no hiding manager Terry Brown's disappointment after the referee's final whistle at Clarence Park despite his side netting five goals in a 5-3 victory. Indeed Coach Martin Kuhl held a player's forum on the pitch after the match to discuss the frailtiies of the final ten minutes". Brown said, "The one thing we needed to do here was be tighter at the back. I congratulated the defence at half time together with a solid midfield performance but we lacked up front. After the break I got my wish up front but I cannot accept that the players can either attack or defend. Once the game opened up we just needed to keep the ball. You don't win leagues or win promotions by conceding three goals away from home. I am not looking forward to looking at the video. We got the attacking right but we need to work more at our defensive play". But Brown concluded, "There were plenty of positives out there too. We are very quick on the break".

Harriers Online reports that Kidderminster "gained their first win of the season at a very wet Northwich with a first half goal from Luke Reynolds. So far we have scored in every game this season... With memories of the Worcester friendly still clear in our minds it was another early injury that was to shape the game. The Northwich striker, Chris Williams, fell badly following a fair challenge by Mark Creighton and had to be taken from the playing field on a stretcher with later reports saying that he had received a broken fibula in the incident". On the Vics' Message Board Wiliams's father adds that the "injury was a compound fracture to the tib and fib. He is at Wythenshawe Hospital which is five minutes from his house... He may need a second operation to place a skin graft on his leg to cover a small hole left in the leg to stop infection".

NEXT UP

The next first-team game is on Saturday (26th) when Alty host St Alban's City for their first visit to Moss Lane (3pm). Then, on Bank Holiday Monday, Alty have a long trip to Gravesend & Northfleet (3pm). STAR will be running a supporters' coach as usual; details will be available on Saturday.

Right: Steve Bushell and Robbie Lawton (in blue) compete against Exeter City

EXETER CITY 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

Match report here.

OLD BOYS

Connah's Quay Nomads' former Alty winger Marc Limbert scored yesterday as did ex-Alty Reserve Ashley Stott for Bangor City, for whom Marc Lloyd-Williams scored twice. Meanwhile the Leigh unofficial site reports that on Saturday "Mark Maddox went close with a strike from the edge of the area that the goalkeeper gratefully dived upon".

WEEKEND GAMES

Right: Justin Bowler, Steve Bushell, Lewis Chalmers & Gary Talbot.

Friday

Saturday

OLD BOY

FCUoM report that "Former [Altrincham and] Stafford Rangers’ left-sided forward, Jamie Phoenix has signed up with FC United. Assistant Manager, [ex-Alty player] Phil Power, revealed that Jamie came highly recommended by [ex-Alty reserve] Adie Orr. 'Even so', commented Phil, 'when Jamie came on trial and showed us his stuff, he turned not a few heads. We needed a left-sided attacking player and Jamie made an instant impression. The fact that he turned down at least one offer to join a Conference North club to join illustrates how much he wants to play for us'".

RANGERS' VIEW

CONFERENCE NEWS

Southport have witnessed a high turnover of players over the summer, since Liam Watson's departure. And the changes continue behind the scenes as the Southport Forum reports that "Fitness coach Barry Simms spoke of hurt he felt after being told he was no longer required at Southport FC. Simms along with physio Mark Fairhurst were asked the leave the club this week after beginning the new season as two of the few survivors from the previous coaching staff. Simms joined Southport in 2003 with Liam Watson and Fairhurst had been at Haig Avenue since last season. Both played key roles and worked tirelessly to help the club... Barry said: 'Paul Cook phoned me on Monday and said I was no longer required at Southport Football Club. I was sacked with them owing me £800. It is absolutely scandalous! Clapham never had the decency to speak to me'".

Morecambe Today says that Shrimps' boss "Sammy McIlroy wants the futures of Danny Carlton and Dave Perkins sorted - 'the sooner the better', he said this week. Blackpool have put in a bid – their third of the year – for Carlton while interest has been shown in Perkins, who was transfer listed last week.The Christie Park board were considering the bid for Carlton, which is believed to be in the region of £70,000, but there have been no official bids for Perkins. With the transfer window shutting on August 31, McIlroy was hoping that the situations would be clarified soon, allowing him to bring in replacements if either player, or both, do leave. He said: 'I would definitely have to get someone in, there's no doubt about that, if Danny goes and Perks goes then I will be getting replacements in. We would have to do it pretty quickly so we need to know sooner rather than later what is going to happen with these two players'. Perkins put in a second transfer request last Wednesday and this time the Morecambe directors decided, reluctantly to transfer list him... McIlroy was concerned that the transfer talk might affect Perkins. 'There is a lot on the boy's shoulders... the speculation flying around is not doing him any favours'. Rumours linking teams like Accrington, Barnet and Stevenage with a move for Perkins would be playing on his mind, he added. Chief executive Rod Taylor said there had been no offers for Perkins but one expression of interest... '"We have always said as long as the deal is right for the player and right for Morecambe FC, he will go with our blessing'" said Taylor. But "McIlroy did bring a player in last week, signing Adam Yates [who trialled for Alty this summer] from Leek Town in time for him to make his debut on Saturday. 'He is a tremendous prospect, has got a bit of pace and will be a good addition to the squad', said McIlroy" As for injured captain, Jim Bentley, McIlroy said: "We always like him around but he has got to be right, it's no use a half-fit Jim Bentley'... [But] goalkeeper Ryan Robinson has joined Southport on a month's loan".

NL Daily adds that "Morecambe have completed the signing of former Chester City defender Scott McNiven after a trial spell... The 28-year-old, whose twin brother David joined the Shrimps in June, has agreed a non-contract deal. McNiven started forty-one games for Chester last season following spells with Oldham Athletic and Oxford United. Morecambe have also allowed midfielder Keiran Walmsley and defender Jamie Davies to move on loan to UniBond Division One side Kendal Town and Premier side Leek Town respectively."

York City's "signing spree continued today with Welsh under 21 international, Danny Parslow, being the latest player to join the Minstermen. The 20 year-old central defender previously played for Cardiff City before his release in the close season.. The Club cannot confirm he will be eligible to be included in tomorrow’s squad as York City is still awaiting international clearance from the Football Association". Also, "York City Football Club has signed 21 year-old trialist, Lewis McMahon. Lewis is an attacking midfield player... [who] previously played for Notts County FC".

NL Daily confirms that "Striker Steve Morison has left Bishop`s Stortford to join Stevenage Borough. A clause in the ex-Northampton Town striker's contract allowed Boro to approach Morison and, with a full-time contract in the offing, he has left Woodside Park for an undisclosed fee".

Forest Green Rovers announce that "At last night's AGM, Colin Gardner was confirmed as Rovers new Chairman, whilst Trevor Horsley was accepted as Vice-Chairman. Mark Coles, John Clapp, Jenny Anns, Ken Boulton and Martin Anns are now all Executive Directors. Peter Vick was elected as club President, whilst John Duff was elected as Vice-President".

And, of course, there is the daily dose of cryptic news from Crawley, where The Argus reports that "Crawley boss John Hollins insists he will only work for current club owners Chas and Azwar Majeed. Hollins says he will walk out if there is a new takeover and believes most of the players and his assistant Alan Lewer will follow him. Former Farnborough chairman Graham Westley is believed to be interested in buying cash-strapped Reds. He is thought to have been left millions by his late father and wants to get back into football after stepping down as manager of Stevenage at the end of last season. Westley is reported to have contacted Crawley's administrator Rob Sadler last week but was told he was too late to make a bid. Sadler only received one offer to buy the club when he put it up for sale last month, which came from the Majeed brothers. But, now he knows Westley is interested, Sadler may be open to new bids if creditors turn down the Majeeds' attempt to regain control within the next ten days. Hollins said: 'There are these rumours going around about people wanting to come in and I will say now that I, along with Alan Lewer, will only work with the people who are here now. If anybody wants to come in, I won't work with them and nor will Alan. We will go and I have no doubt the players will go as well'... Despite the off-field turmoil, Hollins has brought together an impressive squad and guided them to maximum points from their first two games. He said: 'We have built an instant team, plus we have brought in (youth coach) Johnny Yems, so we have young players as well. There is no doubt anyone new would kill all that. I don't need anyone coming in and telling me who I have to work with. I work with people I want to work for and that is why I am here and why I stayed'... Westley, a former Crawley player, is renowned as a controversial character. He is hated by Farnborough fans after he walked out days after a lucrative FA Cup fourth round tie at Highbury in 2003... He withdrew his funding and took almost all the players with him when he left to take over at Stevenage. Farnborough never recovered and were forced into administration during the summer with debts of £500,000. Westley guided Stevenage to the Conference play-off final last year but left when his contract expired in June to concentrate on his other businesses".

Crawley's second CVA proposal has been published here. It shows a further £400,000 of debt since the first CVA, mostly money owen to players as compensation and bonuses not included in the previous CVA. The details are as follows. The SA companies are owned by the Majeeds:

OLD FRIENDS

LEE OUT FOR FORTNIGHT

ALTY RESERVES

EXETER ON SATURDAY

Above: Last April, Alty's day at Exeter got off to a bad start after the players' coach broke down on the way to Exeter from their overnight stay at Taunton. 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. A report on that game is here.

This is Exeter quotes Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale, "You can see that Adam [Stansfield] is going to score goals this season. He hasn't struck me as someone who is lacking confidence. He is a level-headed, optimistic, positive chap who has fitted in really well... He is going to hound centre-halves ragged. Nobody will like playing against him". Also, Tisdale "hailed the return to action of Lee Phillips as a 'huge boost' after the striker came off the bench in Tuesday night's triumph. Last season's leading goalscorer has spent three weeks on the sidelines nursing an ankle injury and was not expected to be back playing until Saturday at the earliest... The former Weymouth man looked back to his bustling best... The Grecians have collected four points from their opening two games, kept two clean sheets and have a great chance to continue their promising start to the season with a home game against Altrincham at the weekend". Also, Lee Phillips "who was the subject of an approach from Stevenage last week... says the fuss created by Stevenage's interest has not affected his focus... 'I did not really pay much attention to it... I have been made vice-captain, which I am proud of. I love the team and the players, the manager has been great to me and I really enjoy playing here at the moment.. I can still feel [the injury] a bit, but I discussed it with (physio) Claire Turner and we decided I was up to it. I would love to start at the weekend, but there are certainly no guarantees. Jamie Mackie and Adam Stansfield have done very well together'".

LAST GAME

NEXT HOME GAME

CSC

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

NL Daily says that "Former Tamworth defender Dan Douglas [has] signed for UniBond League Division One club Gresley Rovers... Manager Gary Norton said: 'Dan was on a contract with Tamworth last year but was sent out on loan to Loughborough Dynamo. He went back to Tamworth for pre-season, but has not signed'".

The Tamworth Herald claims that "The futures of two of Tamworth FC's most senior players was put into doubt this week after manager Mark Cooper promised to make drastic changes. Cooper... has vowed to shore up a leaky defence that has shipped seven goals in two games. But it will not be the youngsters or new boys that will feel his wrath. 'There will be one, possibly two, players gone before Saturday', said Cooper, who is trying to tie up deals for two new defenders... one on loan and one on a permanent deal. 'It will be two of the more experienced players who have been at the club a while and who are struggling to come to terms with being more professional'. Cooper would not name names but the only experienced defenders at the club are Matt Redmile and Adie Smith. 'Our strength in previous seasons has been our defence but we are making too may individual mistakes, especially from set pieces. We have looked okay going forward... Everything else will fall into place when we get the defence sorted out'. Meanwhile, Cooper has promised to buy a drink for all the fans who were on the Supporters' Club coach that broke down on the way back from Gravesend on Tuesday night. The fans were stranded on the M1 as they waited for a new coach to pick them up and did not arrive back in Tamworth until 6am... Cooper said, 'I will personally buy them all a pint at Dagenham and Redbridge this Saturday'".

Meanwhile, Worcester City "have completed a thorough investigation into the incident that happened during the recent pre-season friendly with neighbours Kidderminster Harriers. Allegations were made against Worcester City's assistant-manager Andy Morrison and following a full enquiry and taking advice from the club`s legal advisors and ACAS, the board of directors have unanimously decided to fine Morrison the maximum allowed under FA guidelines, suspend him for three games... and give him a warning to his future conduct... The board of directors would like to take this opportunity to apologise to both sets of supporters for the abandonment of the game, following the decision of Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates to withdraw his players from the field of play".

The Conference reports that "Cambridge boss Rob Newman is optimistic that he can add at least one player to his strike force in time for Saturday's clash with Weymouth. The manager claims he has spoken to two strikers. He told the clubwebsite, 'If not it will give someone like Michael Gash a chance to stake his claim. We've agreed deals with the clubs and we spoke terms to both players yesterday. It's down to the players now and we're waiting for an answer today, and hopefully we'll get at least one in by the end of the day'. Both players are reportedly at Conference sides and have league experience. Cambridge have failed to find the net in their first two outings and, with Danny Carey-Bertram suspended for the next three games, a tried and tested goalscorer could prove a huge bonus to the side's campaign".

But York City have "confirmed 28 year old, central defender, Simon Weaver [ex-Scarborough] has been released by the Club. Weaver, who was on a short term contract with York City has been offered season long terms by Conference club, Tamworth. City Manager, Billy McEwan was not in a position to offer Simon Weaver an extended contract as he feels he has not yet had enough time to assess the player properly. Billy McEwan therefore agreed to Simon Weaver’s release earlier today".

Stevenage Borough say that "Three trialists turned out for the Stevenage Borough Reserves... on Wednesday afternoon. Damien Batt, the former Barnet right full back, Daniel Phillips, a Charlton Athletic trainee, and Lloyd Blackman, the former Woking and Farnborough Town, strikers, all wore the red and white stripes for the first time".

The Comet reports that "One, two, three, four - that's the number of strikers Stevenage Boro boss Mark Stimson wants to bring to the club. Stimson has seen his side lose their opening two Conference fixtures, going down by the odd goal in three at Altrincham on Saturday and then at home to York City... Stimson has been thwarted in his attempts to bring in Exeter's Lee Phillips, Ray Jones from QPR and Jamie Guy from Colchester... Boro's official link with Premiership Spurs has also failed to yield any rewards so far. 'We definitely need some more firepower up front', admitted Stimson. 'I'm working down a long list and putting in a great number of phone calls. I would like at least four new strikers. If we do, it would mean some movement out of the club'. Boro currently have three frontline strikers in Darryn Stamp, Jon Nurse and Tony Thorpe, as well as youngsters like Hector Mackie and Chris Sullivan. 'It depends who we get in on who will leave', continued Stimson. 'We signed someone like Thorpey to get goals and that hasn't happened so far... I really don't like losing... You have to be positive... Adam Miller always wanted the ball and although he gave it away a lot, he kept wanting it back again'".

The Comet reports on the defeat "against relegation favourites Altrincham". The Borough manager said, "I am not used to losing. I don't like it, in fact I hate it, and it spoiled my weekend, because all I live for is results... For the first goal we switched off and allowed Little to get a free volley and for the second goal there is only one place that the ball should have ended up and that should have been on the M6! We tried to be clever and we got punished, and we cannot do that there, you have got to play the percentages'".

The BBC says that "Weymouth have added to their squad with the capture of former AFC Bournemouth utility man Jason Tindall. Tindall left Bournemouth at the end of last season after starting almost 150 games for the Cherries. Terras boss Garry Hill has signed the 28-year-old on a non-contract basis to cover injury problems with several defenders unavailable".

The York Press says that City Reserves "fielded former Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County midfielder Lewis McMahon and ex-Cardiff City trainee defender Danny Parslow as trialists" in midweek.

The Kidderminster Shuttle says that "Harriers hard man Russ Penn insists that he and his team-mates need to be prepared to muscle their way into the Conference play-off picture. Penn has tipped Harriers to take the physical approach from Tuesday's draw at Burton Albion in to Saturday's trip to Northwich Victoria. And the 20-year-old midfield schemer is relishing his role in the new-look Harriers rat-pack... The former Scunthorpe man also antagonised the Pirelli Stadium crowd with his tough-tackling and was singled out for treatment by Albion hard man Darren Stride... 'We need to be ready for a physical battle and to be strong when we're taking on these teams. That's more my game, getting stuck in and that's what the Conference is all about. Teams don't like to see a little rat like me tearing around and nibbling at their ankles all of the time. Darren Stride came on in the second half the other night at Burton and was trying to wind me up and get me sent off because I was on a yellow. But the gaffer has told me that I need to keep my head'... Meanwhile, Yates has yet to decide whether he will use the 4-5-1 counter-attacking system for Saturday's trip to the Victoria Stadium... 'I will use the 4-5-1 again this season because I think it's a good flexible formation. When you've got attacking midfield players like we have with the likes of Russ Penn, Brian Smikle, Michael Blackwood and so on it can become more like 4-3-3 so it's not necessarily a negative formation'", he stated.

The The Thurrock Gazette reports that against Rushden "One interesting and unfamiliar tactic used by [Grays' manager, Frank] Gray was to drop striker Lee Boylan into a midfield position when defending, at times ensuring Grays had 10 men behind the ball. 'We dropped Lee off to counteract the diamond formation they play in midfield and it worked a treat for us. It left McLean on his own but you have to adapt to situations and we adapted first class'".

HENDLEY INJURY MARS RESERVES' WIN

"WE BLEW IT", SAYS GRAHAM

This is Staffs reports on Alty's defeat on Tuesday. "New boy Guy Madjo fired Stafford Rangers to their first Nationwide Conference win of the season at Marston Road last night. His 80th-minute effort decided a tight game against Altrincham and gave Rangers their first home win over the Robins since 1991. A crowd of more than 1,400 turned out to see Rangers' return to non-league's top flight after an 11-year absence, and they were rewarded with an absorbing tussle. But despite some quality approach work by both sides, chances were at a premium... It was Rangers manager Phil Robinson's introduction of Del Olaoye with 20 minutes left that swung it for Rangers. With 10 minutes to go, he chased a lost cause to the right-hand corner of the Altrincham box. His driven cross was blocked by Owen and had keeper Stuart Coburn dithering about whether to pick up the ball as a back pass. Olaoye seized the initiative by setting up Madjo to whip in his first Rangers goal from a dozen yards... Robinson said after the game: 'This was a tight game, but there are going to be a lot like it this season. Credit to the players for keeping their discipline'".

ALTY BEWARE!

ALTY'S & AUSSIES' GOOD CAUSE

Now Jason, alongside Yorkshire teammate Darren Lehmann, is hosting a benefit dinner at Lancashire County Cricket Club in aid of both Alty and the McGrath Foundation, the cancer charity set up by Aussie paceman Glenn McGrath and his wife Jane, who has herself fought a long battle against the disease. The dinner, which takes place on Monday September 18, also includes entertainment from impressionist Mike Osman - as well as some special guests - and Jason is promising an enjoyable night out. 'It's going to be a pretty relaxed night raising money for charity and for the football club', he said. 'We'll just have a bit of a laugh and there'll be an auction, which has some really good lots. The fact that a football club in England wants to help out with the charity has both surprised and pleased everyone involved. (Former Aussie cricketer) Michael Bevan's wife, Tracy, will be there as well to represent the Foundation and it is a really good cause. It's good to raise money for grass roots sport though as well. All grass roots sport is vitally important to the success of that sport because without the lower levels, the sport's values won't filter through to the top'.

Jason and his national teammates hope to pay another visit to Moss Lane in the near future but Alty's Aussie link will not end with the current generation of cricketers. Jason explained: 'Geoff has put a couple of the club's shares in the name of my six-month old son Jackson so maybe, in 20 years time, he might be able to take a place on the board - maybe the shares will be worth a little bit by then'. The dinner starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £60 each, £600 for a table of 10 and £720 for a table of 12. For more information click here or contact Suzanne Goodwin on 0161 969 9660".

CSC

OLD BOYS

Leigh RMI lost to Farsley Celtic on Tuesday. "The similarities to Saturday’s defeat continued to develop and it came as no surprise that RMI were pegged back to level terms thanks to a defensive mistake, just as the same thing happened on Saturday. This time centre half Mark Maddox was at fault, failing to effectively deal with a cross in to the area and as a result allowing Simeon Bambrook to get in front of him to fire the ball past John Lamb in the RMI goal... RMI right back Mark Drew [ex-Alty Youth] was unlucky to have a shot tipped over the crossbar after a terrific run saw him beat several opposing defenders".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Southport manager Paul Cook is keen to add former Everton and Wigan striker Stuart Barlow to his squad. Barlow, 38, spent part of pre-season with the club and remains a target for Port boss Cook. 'We hope to bring Stuart in, but it's just a case of watch this space at the moment', Cook told BBC Sport. Barlow played in the Conference for Morecambe last season, scoring five goals in 10 starts after signing from Stockport County".

The BBC reports that "Crawley boss John Hollins hopes his team will have a permanent future after their superb start to the season... He said: 'All the players are keen to work and are fighting for contracts, which we hope to give them if and when things behind the scenes get resolved. When you have people who work hard and respond to what you are trying to teach them you can get results'".

But "Tamworth boss Mark Cooper is set to make changes after his side's defeat at Gravesend & Northfleet. Cooper said: 'Two or three didn't look interested and there'll be changes before Saturday, with hopefully some permanent additions'. Tamworth conceded three goals from free-kicks and a mistake by Alan Neilson gifted Gravesend a fourth goal. Cooper added: 'The fourth rubbed it in and summed the evening up, but dead-ball situations let us down'".

The BBC also says that "Few managers know the Conference like Weymouth boss Garry Hill knows the Conference... The manager who left Hornchurch after a financial collapse has found a chairman in Martyn Harrison to match his own ambition.... Hotelier Harrison has not been afraid to put his money where his mouth is, the cash is available to sustain Weymouth's full-time status and to bring in a quality of player which suggests mere survival is not on the agenda at the Wessex Stadium. 'This is a club with a lot of potential, it's probably underachieved and the chairman wants to take it in the right direction', says Hill. 'Dorset might be considered a bit of a backwater, but the people down here are passionate about their football. There isn't a Football League club on the south coast between Bournemouth and Torquay, so the catchment area is there. The fan base here is encouraging. Three times last season we had crowds of 4,000-plus, which would be good in the Conference itself, let alone the Conference South. I suppose for our inspiration we have to look at Yeovil, who came through non-league football and have done superbly ...You get some people at this level who have played and managed in the Football League but this is a completely different type of football. Non-league is more physical, and there are players who are right for certain clubs and certain levels of football' said Hill, who likes to recruit winners. 'Tony James was captain of Hereford and part of a successful side and Ashley Vickers was with me at Dagenham. Andy Harris won the Conference with Chester, Nick Crittenden won it at Yeovil and Simon Weatherstone at Boston. These are not only experienced players but they're successful at this level as well," added Hill, who has also managed to get striker Raphael Nade back from Carlisle on a season-long loan. Hill guided Dagenham & Redbridge to five successive top-five finishes in the Conference... 'To be realistic, the Conference is a competitive league. The clubs who have come out of the Football League will be competitive... We're full-time, one of 20 clubs out of the 24 who are, and that shows and tells you how much the Conference has moved on in respect'".

St Alban's City says that after "Tuesday's highly entertaining, though goalless, draw with Cambridge United the City manager Colin Lippiatt said: 'We all have our opinions when watching games but I have to be honest and say that in terms of passing and counter-attacking this was one of the best games I have seen in a long while. Cambridge United are a decent outfit, no one should underestimate that, but I am very proud of my team that in the two games we've played we have conceded just one goal, scored three and got four points out of six. That is a decent start for us. I am very, very disappointed in the sending-off, two red cards in two games is unbelievable. We try to tell defenders that they can't get away with it, they won't get away with it in the modern game. Even his (Gary Elphick's) first card was on the edge of the box. The lad is distraught and is very low, we will try to lift him up. He is a young lad who has just come out of the pro game and is on a learning curve. But at the end of the day it (the sending off) does change the type of game we want to play in as much as we have to change the shape of the team. Due to the sending-offs we have had to sacrifice Adam Wilde twice and he was actually playing very well... Obviously I don't follow Cambridge and it is not my problem but I don't know whether they are going to score enough goals... But in terms of comfort on the ball and all round the pitch they are a threat, they move the ball around well, like ourselves, with a good tempo of play and technically good players'". The report explains that "City's Gary Elphick, ironically only available for the game after the FA overturned a red card he collected on Saturday, picked up two yellow cards to see red again. Although the foul which earned him a second yellow of the night was not malicious, the fact that he came in from behind on Danny Carey-Bertram left referee Simon Hooper with little option to hand him his fourth dismissal in less than a year. No need to bother the FA with a video this time. As for the United dismissal, Carey-Bartram reacted in astonishing fashion to Elphick's challenge and shoved his head into Elphick's chest reminiscent of a certain Frenchman. The Cambridge player, however, can expect a three-match ban rather than the community service punishment given to Zidane".

After Elphick had his Saturday red card rescinded by the FA, Aldershot have done the same. Their website says that "Midfielder Ricky Newman expressed his delight at the reversal of his sending off at home to Gravesend and Northfleet that enabled him to feature at Weymouth on Tuesday evening... After assessing the video of the match at the weekend manager Terry Brown decided to appeal as he viewed Newman as the innocent party in the matter and it was a view confirmed by the Assistant Referee who played a contributory factor in the original decision. The boss explained 'The linesman was very gracious and not many officials admit to making a mistake but he did and we thank him for that'".

STAFFORD RANGERS 1 ALTRINCHAM 0

Match report here.

COMMENTATOR NEEDED!

RESERVES KICK OFF

GOAL SPONSORS WANTED

Jon and Winnie Stack of STAR write on the Fans' Forum, "So the Stevenage result raised £40.45 for the Club. Thanks for all your support". See the STAR website for details of how to join the scheme.

ALAN WON'T BE LATE!

SAM REPORT

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Gravesend & Northfleet manager Liam Daish has defensive problems after losing both his left-backs. Sacha Opinel was injured at Aldershot on Saturday, while Peter Hawkins was sent off and must serve a suspension. 'I get my squad and think I've got cover, and then I lose two left-backs in one hit - it would hurt anyone', the Fleet boss told BBC Radio Kent. 'It's going to be a major headache. Peter is out for three games, and Sacha will probably be out for three too'. Daish is hoping to sign a left-back on loan, or recruit an unattached defender on non-contract terms".

" Halifax Town boss Chris Wilder has strengthened his squad with the signing of veteran defender Gus Uhlenbeek. The 35-year-old has agreed non-contract terms with a view to a permanent deal at the Shay. Uhlenbeek joins after making 40 appearances in League Two for Mansfield Town last season. The Dutchman has previously played in Yorkshire for Bradford and Sheffield United after starting his career in this country with Ipswich Town".

No day is complete without news from Crawley Town, where The Argus says, "Former Premiership defender Scott Hiley, 37... was one of ten new players who signed non-contract terms last week after Reds were given the go ahead to start the Conference season [despite the club not having paid many of it existing players for months]. Hiley made his league debut in Saturday's 1-0 home win over Rushden and Diamonds. His inclusion in the side raised a few eyebrows as Crawley would appear the last club a player in his twilight years and of his calibre would wish to join. The club cannot offer the stability of a contract as they may go out of business in a fortnight when a creditors' meeting will decide its future. Hiley, who was released by Exeter at the end of last season, is willing to suffer the off-field turmoil for the chance to work with Reds' experienced boss. He said: 'Some players may have joined to be in the shop window but I'm here because I want to work with John Hollins. I spoke with John a while ago and I tried to join at the end of last season but couldn't because of the transfer window... Our aim now is to try and get back as many of the ten points as possible to try and keep us in the league. We are not looking any further than the next game and getting three points".

TUESDAY SCORES

Graham Heathcote (right) and the Stafford management duo watch the game.

STAFFORD CONFIDENT

FRIENDS OF ALTRINCHAM FC

TUESDAY GAMES

Like us, Rangers got the season off to a good start on Saturday, This is Staffs states that "Stafford Rangers' manager Phil Robinson felt a point was a good result after his side drew their first game after promotion to the Nationwide Conference, facing Grays Athletic... Robinson said: 'I thought it was a good performance. It took us 10 minutes to get ourselves into the game and to get accustomed to the pace of Conference teams. After we did that we competed pretty well... But there are lots of things to still improve on". In a 1-1 draw, Rangers' goal was a penalty which came when ex-Alty "new signing Ged Murphy was fouled inside the area and Grayson confidently sent home keeper Ashley Bayes the wrong way with the resulting penalty... [Later,] Bayes pulled off a great point-blank save to keep out a shot from Murphy... In injury time, Guy Madjo, who had an impressive Stafford debut, latched onto a through-ball down the middle and tried to snatch victory, but he was thwarted by two home defenders... Stafford Rangers: Williams, Sutton, Daniel, Murray, Talbott, Gibson, Murphy, Street, Grayson, Madjo. Subs: Lovatt (for Murphy, 86), Edwards, Quailey, Olaoye, Alcock

"Stafford took the field without commanding central defender Craig McAughtrie. He is suffering from a thigh injury and Liam Murray deputised. Manager Phil Robinson gave a full debut to Guy Madjo and started with midfielder Ged Murphy who made one appearance for Stafford in 1999".

OLD BOYS

Halifax Today report that the Shaymen's "sub Steve Torpey was unlucky to see the ball ricochet to Yemi Odubade whose short pass found Andy Burgess. The Oxford man struck the ball from 35 yards and in a split second it had flown past Mawson and into the net."

BORO'S VIEW

Above Gavin Rathbone captures Gary Talbot and Lee Hendley going for an aerial ball against Stevenage.

After defeat at Moss Lane, Stevenage Borough say that "It was a tale of poor defending and unproductive finishing as Borough fell to an opening day defeat in Cheshire on Saturday. It was not all despair however, as excellent performances from Craig Dobson, Barry Fuller and in particular, Adam Miller, gave the travelling faithful heart for the long season ahead. Stevenage fell behind to two sloppy first half goals and although George Boyd pulled one back early in the second-half, their late onslaught failed to rescue a point from the long trip North. It is seven years since Borough triumphed on the road on opening day – ironically at Altrincham".

CONFERENCE NEWS

Two other of Alty's upcoming opponents had players sent off on Saturday but both should be back when they play us. The FA confirms that "Gravesend & Northfleet FC's Peter Hawkins wil be suspended from all football until the club have completed 3 first team matches for a sending off in a match played on 12/08/2006" whilst St Albans City FC's Gary Elphick is likewise "suspended from all first team football until the club have completed 1 first team match".

"Grays Athletic striker Jamie Slabber will not be going anywhere unless the club finds a replacement for him before the transfer window shuts, Blues boss Frank Gray has revealed. Slabber, 21, handed in a transfer request on the eve of the new season after a frustrating pre-season when he played second fiddle to new signing Lee Boylan and Aaron McLean...'Jamie is a big part of the plans so long as he is here', said Gray. 'He is frustrated and I can understand his frustration. He wants to play football he thinks he can play at a higher level possibly. I think every player wants to play at a higher level but he has handed in a transfer request'... Gray did have some good news in the attacking department last week though as Dennis Oli returned to full training. Oli spent much of pre-season trying to win a move to Watford but Hornets' boss Aidy Boothroyd, did not commit to a deal and he was sent back to Grays... He came off the bench against Stafford and produced an entertaining 21 minute cameo that pleased his manager" reports the Thurrock Gazette.

The Argus says that "Crawley midfielder Lee Blackburn has urged supporters to get behind the owners' bid to save the club... The Majeeds are unpopular with some fans after they took Reds into administration with debts of almost £1.4 million, a year after taking charge. Just over 1,000 supporters were at Broadfield Stadium to see Crawley open their Conference season with a 1-0 win against Rushden and Diamonds. The figure was 700 down on last year's first home game. Blackburn had his wages cut in half by the Majeeds last March and has not been paid for three months. But he said: 'I think the fans will see in due course that the chairman is trying to take the club forward. He is getting a lot of stick and rumours have circulated that have been unjust. If the players who were here from last year are showing their support, the fans should as well'... Hollins had just 48 hours to scrape together a side of non-contract players and had one day of training to prepare them... Hollins used his wealth of contacts to field an impressive team and needed all his experience to somehow make them play as an organised unit... Hollins said: 'There are lots of twists and turns at Crawley and lots of people are trying to do things to disjoint us but we are made of tough stuff'... The Reds' boss has kept a nucleus of players together over the summer, made up of trailists, youngsters and those who stayed at the club, and has trained them every day despite the offfield problems. He also brought in goalkeeper Ben Hamer on work experience from Reading and Michael Bostwick, who had a temporary spell at Reds last season, on a month's loan from Millwall... Blackburn said: 'All the players have been up and down and are uncertain about their futures. But we all want to be here and this performance showed our commitment and desire to work for the gaffer'".

Woking confirm that "Former Mansfield and Millwall player Goma Lambu has put pen to paper and signed on non-contract terms for the Cards".

CHESHIRE NEWS

ROBBIE FIT

BOROUGH GAME PICTURES

Seen left is Alty's Lee Hendley in action against Stevenage, as caught by Gavin Rathbone's camera lens. More of Gavin's photos are on the GR Photography site. Gavin rushed from a wedding at Bradford, which finished at 3.30pm, to get to Moss Lane for the closing stages of Saturday's game - that's dedication! For a Stevenage photographer's images, visit Boropics Match report here. In Sunday's NL Paper, Graham Heathcote said, "Some people said we looked a bit short in pre-season but the players got switched on when the season started and they all came to the party today. We are not going to get carried away, though. Our performance was good and we created a lot of chances against a team who will be challenging for the title this season, but we need to repeat this every game. They were fortunate to get back into the game.. but we held our nerve well". The NLP includes Stuart Coburn, Robbie Lawton and Colin Little in its Team of the Week.

TUESDAY'S GAME

Right: Boxing Day 2004: On a snow covered pitch, (l. to r.) Gary Talbot, Colin Little, Val Owen, Steve Aspinall, Eddie Hussin and Gary Scott await a throw-in at Marston Road, whilst Stuart Coburn appears to be exchanging pleasantries with Stafford fans behind the goal.

Tomorrow, (Tuesday), Alty take on Stafford Rangers for the first time in a Conference National match since 1994/95 season, when Rangers were relegated. However, the sides met as recently as two seasons ago in Conference North, with our last visit to Marston Road being the snowy encounter pictured above, which Alty won 1-0. Alty have a quite good record at Stafford, having won 8 of their 14 Conference National games there and drawn twice. Current Rangers players with Alty connections are Ged Murphy, who started for Rangers on Saturday and Jamie Phoenix, who played pre-season for Rangers but has apparently not been allocated a squad number.

The Football Conference confirms that "Crewe Alexandra defender Ritchie Sutton has returned to Stafford Rangers for his second spell at Marston Road on a one-month loan deal. Sutton will be welcomed back into the Rangers fold after helping Phil Robinson's side win promotion to the Nationwide Conference last season. The 20-year-old signed a one-year contract extension at Gresty Road during the summer after impressing on his first year as a professional".

TUESDAY GAMES

NEXT HOME GAME

OLD BOYS

CONFERENCE NEWS

BINGO!

ALTRINCHAM 2 STEVENAGE BOROUGH 1

Above: Steve Aspinall (no. 2) nets Alty's second, from the spot.

Match report here.

FUNDRAISING DRAWS

The winner of the first draw in the "Friends of Altrincham FC" scheme, held yesterday, was none other than Alty director Grahame Rowley (with no.5) - a worthy winner for all that he and his family do for the club.

The winner of the Bonus Ball Competition this week was Barry Woodyatt with No.6.

For details of all of these schemes, please click here.

CHILD VOUCHERS

OLD BOYS

The NL Daily says that "Leigh RMI are building a team fit for the Sports Village stadium. On balance, pre-season went well with wins at St Helens Town and [against] Altrincham and draws with Clitheroe and Rossendale United, but the unbeaten run dramatically ended last Saturday with a crushing 4-0 defeat by FC United of Manchester... Manager Andy Nelson said: "The worst thing about the FC United defeat is they fielded five players I've released in the past and there may have been an element of them raising their game to stick it to their old manager." The RMI squad has been strengthened by the addition of new players and some long-term injuries should return. "Gavin Lee is fully fit again and we've brought in Mark Maddox from Altrincham so there's plenty of experience in the squad now".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Veteran former Premiership star Kevin Poole has eased a Burton Albion goalkeeper crisis... Poole, 43, [made] his debut for the Brewers at Morecambe on Saturday after manager Nigel Clough was forced into a hurried signing... The much-travelled Poole has joined Burton on a match-to-match basis because Crewe Alexandra have temporarily halted Stuart Tomlinson's move to the Pirelli Stadium. Tomlinson had made three pre-season appearances for the Brewers - against Wolves, Derby and Sheffield Wednesday - in preparation for a long-term loan arrangement. But the Gresty Road club have failed to sign a new understudy to regular keeper Ben Williams and Tomlinson has been on the bench for their first two League One games of the campaign... The Brewers' boss said: 'Crewe have got to look after their own interests and have decided to hold Stuart back...and it's not helped that they've conceded five goals.. But the principal remains the same - they still want Stuart to join us and gain a season's experience... At the moment we're assuming that we might need Kevin to cover us for the first three games. It's only eighteen months since Kevin played in the Premiership for Bolton and he had quite a few games for Derby in the Championship last season. He's also played a few times this summer on trial at Walsall, so we're not concerned about his fitness or sharpness" he told the Burton Mail.

Tamworth report that manager Mark Cooper was "at a loss to explain opening game defeat... Cooper kept his side on the pitch after the final whistle had blown on the opening day defeat by Weymouth and asked some serious questions of them. 'We have worked hard on set pieces through the pre-season and I feel let down by my players today. It is the most down I have felt after a game... At the moment I don’t know who will be playing at Gravesend – Alan Neilson is itching to get back in the starting eleven and Matt Williams, although both are still not 100%, is the same. I am glad we only have a short rest until the next game when hopefully we can get it out of our systems and go back to playing the passing football we have been trying to work on'”.

SATURDAY GAMES

Right: Gavin Rathbone captures Joe O'Neill and Colin Little in action against Bangor City..

The promoted sides all won or drew today whilst last season's play-off losers had a bad day. None of the part-time sides lost either.

FRIENDS' DRAW

ONE THAT GOT AWAY

WYTHENSHAWE TOWN 1 ALTRINCHAM RESERVES 2

Match report here.

BAR OPEN

OFFICE HELP NEEDED

Meanwhile, we understand that George Heslop, matchday secretary and manager of Alty's youth team, remains in hospital with a foot infection. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

BORO SIGNING

OLD BOYS

ROBBIE SETTLES IN

CONFERENCE NEWS

The Crawley Argus says that "It had looked like Crawley Town would go into liquidation before the Majeed brothers tabled an improved offer of 50p for every £1 owed on Wednesday. But yesterday, the creditors' committee failed to agree whether to accept the bid, with the vote split evenly with two abstentions. The committee is made up of the Inland Revenue, which is owed £250,000 by the club; Andy Sprott, an ex-lawyer and sports agent; Crawley Borough Council, which owns Broadfield Stadium, and Ian Holman, an ex-Crawley Town employee. It is believed the Inland Revenue rejected the bid, the council accepted and Mr Holman and Mr Sprott abstained. However, the club's administrators held the casting decision and have agreed to pursue the bid. The vote will now go to all the individual creditors, who have 14 days to make a decision. If they refuse the bid, the club will go into liquidation. In the meantime, the Nationwide Conference has agreed [to lift its ban] for the club to sign on players and kick off the season against Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday. A statement from Crawley Town said: 'Following yesterday's increase in SA Retail [Majeeds] Ltd's bid to procure Crawley Town Football Club, the creditors' committee have reverted their decision. The Devil's Trust and supporters' club, who represent the fans, have shown their support and agreement for the current owners to continue taking the club into the next season. The next phase for the club is to enter into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for a second time, offering 50p to the pound to all the creditors'. A statement from Begbies Traynor administrator Rob Sadler said: 'As no serious offers for the assets of the club have been forthcoming, the administrators have decided that the offer should be pursued'".

The paper adds that manager John Hollins "is confident he can field a strong side but cannot make any guarantees as Crawley's future is still in doubt. He can only sign players on non-contract terms until creditors decide whether to wind the club up in two weeks' time... The five players who remained from last season - Ben Judge, Dave Woozley, Danny Brown, Lee Blackburn and Tony Scully - are expected to play [on Saturday]. Trialists Scott Hiley, Jake Edwards and Ben Strevens, who all impressed in pre-season, are also likely to be involved. Hollins said: 'The club has been given a reprieve but it is not out of the woods yet. What I am trying to do now is get players in to train before the game and get a team together. We will call all the people who have been on trial and played for us over the summer and try to get them in a squad for Saturday. We can sign players but they all have to be on non-contracts. That means they have to play for nothing and some of them might not want to do that. We can lose players at any time. We have lost two goalkeepers over pre-season and others could go but that has been the situation from day one'... Hollins said: 'I won't just be happy to get a team out, I want to win the game. We have to try to eat into those ten [deducted] points immediately'".

Northwich Victoria say that "After much deliberation Manager Steve Burr has allowed Peter Handyside to go on loan to Hucknall Town to keep match fit for the forseeable future". Also, the Vics advertise as follows; "Thinking of getting married? Why not get married at your favourite football club! The Chairman's Suite is now licensed for civil weddings and for your reception we have the Executive Suite with its own bar".

The BBC says that "Gravesend & Northfleet boss Liam Daish has signed former Charlton Athletic defender Mark Ricketts. The 21-year-old was released by the Addicks in the summer, after a season in which he also had a loan spell at Milton Keynes Dons... 'Mark can play at right back or centre half', Daish told Fleet's website".

"Forest Green Rovers have received international clearance for Polish striker Arek Zarczynski, who signed earlier this week. Zarczynski, 30, scored three goals in pre-season after being released by Polish side Caramika Paradyz and also had a trial period at Mansfield".

"York City have signed former Scarborough defender Simon Weaver, the 28-year-old central defender has joined the Minstermen on non-contract terms... York are expected to offer terms to ex-Hartlepool striker Jack Wilkinson, 20, after he impressed in pre-season."

GET BEHIND THEM!

IF IT'S A NEW SEASON, IT MUST BE ALTY v STEVENAGE

Above: Defending in depth; ten of Alty's eleven are visible as Stevenage attack in last August's match.

For the second successive season and for the third time in a row for Alty, the Conference season starts off with a match against Stevenage. On our first return to the Conference, in 1999, Boro came to Moss Lane on the opening day and won 1-0. Last season, we went to Broadhall Way and were beaten 3-0 in the first fixture. This season Stevenage return to Moss Lane against an Alty side which has never beaten them in a total of ten attempts in the Conference. Alty share with Stevenage the unfortunate distinction of having won the Conference (or its predecessor the Alliance) and not been admitted to the Football League.

The Alty line up last August was: 1. Stuart COBURN, 15. Peter BAND, 4. Mark MADDOX, 5. Gary TALBOT, 3. Chris ADAMS; 17. Karl MUNROE, 12. Steve HAWES, 8. Val OWEN, 14. Lewis CHALMERS; 19. Gary WILLIAMS, 9. Colin LITTLE. Subs: 7. Colin POTTS, 10. Rod THORNLEY, 13. Richard ACTON (gk), 20. Kieran LUGSDEN, 25. Nehru McKENZIE.

Of these, Maddox, Adams, Hawes, Williams and McKenzie have since left the club, whilst Potts is sidelined as he recovers from an operation.

Since last season Borough have seen massive changes. Their new manager is Mark Stimson, the successful former Grays Athletic manager, and he has brought in a host of new players. These include:

Amongst the players remaining at Boro are:

Players who have left the club since last season include Anthony Elding (to Kettering), Dino Maamria (to Southport), Simon Weatherstone (to Weymouth), Ollie Berquez (to Woking) and left-back Justin Gregory, (to Havant & Waterlooville).

Stevenage Borough have two very good websites:

Hertfordshire's, The Comet says that Stevenage Boro "start this season's campaign on Saturday with a trip to Altrincham followed by the visit of York City on Tuesday night. Stimson, [manager], is not making any rash predictions for the season. He said: 'We're putting a team together and only time will tell how quickly they gel. We will go out every game to entertain and treat every one as a cup final. If we play like we can, we'll win more than we lose. Ourselves are one of 12 or 13 teams who can win the league this season. I think it will be a very open league this time. The two games coming up are going to be difficult because everyone is out to impress at the start of the season. We won't underestimate Altrincham because they had a reprieve last season and will be keen to avoid a similar season of struggle this time'... On the playing front, midfielder David Hicks has been offered a short term deal by Stimson and Boro are waiting to hear back if the former Northampton man accepts.Flying winger Dale Binns, signed from Cambridge City in the close season, will miss the first few weeks due to injury but otherwise Stimson reported a clean bill of health. A battling 2-2 draw at home to Conference South side Kettering on Sunday completed Boro's pre-season schedule".

SAM DOES US PROUD

In its preview article, SAM says that "After the controversy that engulfed last season's finale, anything approaching normality would be a welcome state of affairs for Alty this campaign. The Robins will relish the chance to focus entirely on their on-pitch affairs and can at least take heart from the fact they surpassed all prior expectations in their first season back in the Conference. Their critics will again be out in force - with most observers predicting a season of relegation trouble... But manager Graham Heathcote is a savvy operator at this level and opposition teams should underestimate Alty at their peril. Summer transfer activity has seen the arrival of five new faces to bolster the squad, the most significant of which will be former Halifax Town midfielder Steve Bushell (left)... The absence of Colin Potts during the opening weeks of the season is a blow, but one that will be offset by the arrival of Bushell's former Halifax teammate Justin Bowler. One of a dying breed - an out-and-out winger - Bowler's game still needs plenty of polishing but if Alty can harness his blistering pace, he will terrorise Conference defences. Robbie Lawton, who arrives from Vauxhall Motors, is the flipside of the coin. Although he lacks the pure pace that defines Bowler's game, his hardworking attitude and drive from midfield could prove equally as important. Up front Joe O'Neill and Peter Thomson, from York and Stafford respectively, will lighten the burden on top scorer Colin Little and ensure the Robins are anything but toothless up front. The only worry appears to be in defence, where Heathcote has released veterans Mark Maddox and Chris Adams, without adding to his ranks as of yet... but the return from long-term injury of Stephen Rose could provide a surprise boost if he manages to recreate the kind of form he has shown in a couple of the club's preseason friendlies".

SAM adds that last season Steve Bushell "even scored a stunning free kick to set Town on their way in the play-off semi-final against Grays... But this season will be a completely different story for the former York and Blackpool star... He told SAM Sport: 'Alty's a great club. Graham and Dalton try to run it as professionally as they can and I know we're still part time but the training and everything else has been different class. We know it's going to be hard this season because we're one of the only part time teams in the league. But they held their own last year... Relegation hasn't even come into my thoughts because if you think that, there's absolutely no point playing. We've got to be realistic, we're not going to win the league and if we got into the play offs it would be a great achievement for the team, but just staying in the league would do us really'". Bushell added: "Colin Little was one of the main reasons I came to this club. I've known him for about 15 to 20 years so I jumped at the chance to join Alty when I left Halifax. The lads always rip us because we argue all the time when we're out on the pitch but as soon as we come off it's all forgotten. If you didn't have that it would just be useless though, you can't just go around saying 'I'm sorry' when you're out on the pitch".

Left: Steve Bushell, courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography, whose images can be ordered from the club shop or his website

"Altrincham FC could wipe their financial slate clean in just 12 months after they paid off another of their historic debts this week. The outstanding VAT bill run up by the previous board has finally been cleared, taking Alty one step closer to future prosperity. Only the club's debt to the Inland Revenue now remains and secretary Derek Wilshaw paid tribute to everyone involved in turning the club's fortunes around. He told SAM Sport: 'The important thing is that we have now paid off the final VAT arrears, which is great considering how big they were. It's a real credit to the current board that we've been able to achieve this and we've also got to thank STAR for their contribution over a long period of time. They have given us £500 a month, earmarked for paying off the VAT and Inland Revenue debts, which is very important. We can now increase our payments to the Inland Revenue and we should get rid of that over the next 12 months, which means, by that time, the club should be completely debt free. I was looking at figures from three years ago recently and the VAT debt was alarming but the club's financial future is now bright".

As for the addition of Derek, commercial manager Barry Pond and former Trafford chief executive Carole Hassan to the Alty Board, Barry said "I'm delighted that the board have asked me to join them and it will be great to have a part in the club's future... I want to continue to expand the club's activities in line with the league that we are in and we want to get ourselves into a position where we can do well in the league not just survive. Revenue this year has been better than for the past three or four years but we are still looking at ways to expand our commercial activities. The club is in good shape". Chairman Geoff Goodwin added, "Myself, Grahame, (Rowley), Andrew (Shaw) and everyone else at the club have worked extremely hard to clear the debts... But we can't afford to stand still... and hopefully the next generation of board members can help us push it forward".

CONFERENCE NEWS

The offer will see a return to unsecured creditors of 50 pence in the pound, although it is yet to be approved by the general body of creditors through a Company Voluntary Arrangement. It is sincerely hoped that the fans will be pleased that the Club is a step closer to staying in the Nationwide Conference and achieving some stability... The Club's next step is to comply with the rules and regulations of the Football Conference and Football Association in order to start the new season".

The Argus summarises the situation: "Administrators Begbies Traynor announced in the morning that the club was being liquidated after a creditors' committee rejected a bid by the Majeeds to buy back the Conference club. By the afternoon it emerged the Majeeds had made an improved offer in the final hour before the club was due to be wound up, which the committee was given an extra 24 hours to think over".

However, The Comet reports that former Stevenage boss Graham Westley "could be the saviour of Boro's first home weekend opponents, Crawley Town... Westley is strongly rumoured to be preparing a rescue bid for the financially-stricken Sussex club who are already starting the season with a points deduction for being in administration. Sources close to the club suggest Westley is part of a consortium which may bid to takeover from the unpopular Majeed brothers. The former Boro boss, who was in charge for more than three years, has been out of football since leaving the club in May by 'mutual consent'.

Cambridge United report that "Andy Duncan will see a specialist on Thursday after injuring his thigh, and could be out for several weeks".

And some news for the benefit of Conference matchday announcers: Forest Green give us a welcome Polish lesson as ""Rovers tied up the missing piece of their player jigsaw by agreeing a deal with Polish striker Aradiusz (Arek) ZARCZYNSKI (pronounced Sar-chink-ski)".

Grays Athletic confirm they "have secured the signing of the following players: John Turner: ex Rushden & Diamonds - Forward, Ashley Nicholls ex Rushden & Diamonds - Forward. Both players have signed a 1 year contract".

Morecambe announce that "Goalkeeper Ryan Robinson has today joined Southport for an initial one month loan period", whilst Southport confirm that "Steve Daly has today completed his move to Droylsden. Meanwhile Steve Dickinson will be moving to [his former club] Guiseley within the next 24 hours. Paul Cook has moved quickly and brought in 6' 3" Goalkeeper Ryan Robinson on loan from Morecambe".

The BBC says that "Kidderminster Harriers have signed Shrewsbury defender Gavin Cowan in a one-month loan deal. The German-born 25-year-old began his career with Braintree Town before moving to Canvey Island in 2003. Following a loan spell with Nuneaton Borough, Cowan joined the Shrews at the start of last season. The centre-half has struggled to keep a starting place at Gay Meadow and boss Gary Peters is keen for him to play more first team football".

Meanwhile, "Tamworth have signed striker Gary Birch and teenage defender Tom Kemp on month-long loans from Lincoln City. Birch, 24, agreed a new 12-month deal with Lincoln earlier this summer but has been an unused substitute in the Imps' opening two games. Boss Mark Cooper made his move for the former Walsall front man after summer signing Steve Burton was ruled out for a month with a knee problem. Tamworth have also signed youth product Shaun Ridgway, 18, on Conference forms".

And from Woking is news that "Shola Oyedele has today signed a one-year contract with the club... Woking Manager Glenn Cockerill said he "would like to thank the board of directors for finding the money to secure his services. I think there’s plenty of potential left in him as he’ll be just 22 next month".

GAME ON

CRAWLEY DEADLINE PASSES

Earlier today, the Crawley Argus reported: "The Majeed brothers have made a last-ditch attempt to buy back Crawley Town Football Club, hours after administrators announced the club was to go into liquidation. At 10am yesterday morning administrators Begbies Traynor announced the club would be wound up after a creditors' committee rejected the Majeeds' original bid for the club. Rob Sadler, administrator, said: 'The administrators are now seeking offers for the club's remaining assets. At this stage, the only certainties are that the club will not be in the Nationwide Conference for the 2006/2007 season and that Crawley Town Football and Social Club Limited will be wound up'. Hours later a new bid had been put in by brothers Chas and Aswar Majeed. Aswar Majeed said: 'I feel like the creditors were misled by individuals promising six figure purchases and who later declared their intentions were to go back to part-time and to relegate the club, not to maintain the position in the Conference. I am trying to save this football club. I want us to continue in Nationwide Conference and I want to work with the fans. The fans have given me great support and I hope that the individuals within the creditors' committee take on board the impact of their decision'. The club was put up for sale after a two-month administration period ended with creditors rejecting a deal put forward by club director Aswar Majeed. The only bid made for the club came from SA Retail Limited, a business owned by the Majeed brothers...

A creditors' committee was then established to represent the interests of all the creditors and consider any offers... The committee is made up of the Inland Revenue, which is owed £250,000, Crawley Council, which owns Broadfield Stadium, ex-Crawley employee Ian Holman and football agent Andy Sprott. They rejected the Majeeds' original bid to buy back the club but last night were considering the new offer in which 50 per cent of the debts would be paid back. A deadline for a decision on the latest bid is midday today, when the Nationwide Conference will meet to discuss the participating teams in the league".

Yesterday manager John Hollins said: "The situation is unbelievable and all we can do is sit and wait. We are ready to go if the club is allowed to continue, just like we have been all summer. I am ready and I have players ready, we just need to be given the nod". And a spokesperson for the Conference said: "As far as we are concerned, Crawley Town are still a member club and there will be a game on Saturday. That will be the case until we hear otherwise. If they are not liquidated, they will compete in the Conference this season".

STEVENAGE PREVIEW

WARREN CEMENTS HIS PLACE

Above: Warren Peyton has had a very good pre-season. Here he is photographed against Bolton Wanderers by Gavin Rathbone, whose images are available via the Robins' Shop at Moss Lane and the GR Photography website.

FLASH, BANGOR, WALLOP, WHAT A PICTURE!!

Above: Steve Bushell nets Alty's first goal against Bangor City. Photo by Gavin Rathbone, whose images are available via the Robins' Shop at Moss Lane and the GR Photography website. Gavin's photos from the annual pre-season photoshoot are also available. As well as the team photo, there are excellent portrait shots of all the players individually, including Robbie Lawton (seen below, right). Gavin's versions are both bigger and of better quality than can be reproduced on the website and in due course copies will be on view in the Robins' Shop.

OLD BOYS

NL Daily says that "Former Stockport, Woodley Sports, Stalybridge Celtic, Altrincham and Radcliffe Borough midfielder Danny Hooper has joined Ashton United from Tameside neighbours Hyde United".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Crawley Town administrator Rob Sadler has suspended Wednesday's midday winding-up deadline. BBC Southern Counties reports that the deadline was scrapped to allow a final bid for the club to be considered. The Majeed family had already had two bids rejected but upped their offer to creditors to 50 pence in the pound in the final hour before the deadline. If the club is wound up then they will lose their Conference status and must restart a minimum of two leagues below". If Crawley are not liquidated, it is unclear whether Crawley would be allowed to stay in the Conference.

Southport report that "Following a meeting last night with [goalkeeper] Steve Dickinson, the club has reluctantly accepted a written transfer request from Steve. The reasons given by the player were due to work commitments. The club have notified other football clubs of Steve's availability, and are seeking a suitable replacement. The timing of the request is unfortunate with the new season starting this weekend, however Steve has agreed to honour his contract until a replacement is found".

NL Daily says that "Hereford United have snapped up goalkeeper Scott Tynan from Rushden & Diamonds">

Alty matchday announcer "Rafo" will be pleased to learn that "Forest Green Rovers have clinched the signing of Polish striker Arek Zarczynski, subject to international clearance. The frontman was released by Polish side Caramika Paradyz at the end of last season, having also played for Locomotive Stendal, FC Lausitz Hoyerswerda, FC Freienbach, Linzer ASK, Odra Opole, Altmark Stendal, Miedz Legnica, FC Magdeburg and Zaglebie Lubin and went on trial with Coca-Cola League Two side Mansfield Town and Scottish outfit Aberdeen before joining Gary Owers' men".

The Weymouth confirm that "The Terras will be without six players for their Conference National season opener at Tamworth this weekend. Trevor Challis, Tony James, Andy Harris, Dean Howell and Simon Weatherstone are all injured and have all been ruled out of Saturday's trip to the Lamb. Shaun Wilkinson was last night added to Weymouth's crocked list after he needed three stitches in an ankle wound... The midfielder was already due to sit out the visit to the Midlands through a three-match ban, leaving boss Garry Hill with an under-strength squad... 'What has hit us harder than perhaps last season is that we're operating a smaller squad this year in terms of numbers and so to lose six players is a blow'" said the boss. "But I'm a great believer in looking on the positive side and their absence provides opportunities for others". Hill also "plans to hold talks with trialist Abdou El Khalti on his future with Weymouth later this week after the former Yeovil midfielder featured in last night's win at Portland".

St Alban's City report that "manager Colin Lippiatt has strengthened his squad with the acquisition of two promising youngsters previously with Boston United. Teenagers Dane Harper and Robert Norris have both signed Conference forms".

The Argus earlier reported that "A reformed Crawley Town will discover if they have a future next Thursday after sources revealed the club had gone into liquidation. The Reds are expected to confirm they have lost their fight against crippling debts today after a bid from brothers Chas and Azwar Majeed to regain control was rejected... A meeting of officials from the four major non-league competitions - the Conference, Ryman, Southern and Northern leagues - will discuss Crawley's situation [today]. A final decision will be made by the Football Association's leagues commitee next Thursday - just two days before the Ryman League season is due to begin. Ryman League chairman Alan Turvey said: 'My understanding is that Crawley Town has gone into liquidation and that they will be reformed as a new club with Mr Goodwin likely to be the owner. The club have expressed a wish to join the Ryman League but it is not as simple as that. When a club goes into liquidation and is reformed it has to drop a minimum of two levels and it could be even more than that. At the end of the day it is down to what the FA commitee decides next Thursday and I have no idea how that committee will feel. After that our board of directors would consider their decision and reach an agreement with FA. We are the obvious league for Crawley to go into but I'm not in a position to say if we will accept them at the moment... I would think division one would be the most likely league for them to join'... The Conference were unavailable for comment ... A spokesman for the Football Association said they were aware of the situation but had heard no more and did want to comment... Crawley's Supporters' Trust Spokesman Ant Weller said: 'The supporters are absolutely devastated but we can't say we are surprised. ... We will have to wait and see if John Goodwin makes good his promise'".

Grays Athletic confirm that "The Club have secured the signing of Mark Wright on a 1yr contract, Mark is a left back who started as a Tottenham youth and has had spells at Charlton, Southend and Lewes". But "Jamie Slabber handed in a transfer request today. The request has been rejected by the club at this time. Jamie was concerned that he was not getting selected to start during the pre-season friendlies and felt that he may have been being held back in his career as a result".

Also in Essex, Dagenham & Redbridge's "Danny Foster has signed an extension to his contract. The defender is the third player to have pledged his immediate future to Dagenham & Redbridge following the recent contract extensions of Anwar Uddin and Glen Southam".

Last season's Conference champions, Accrington Stanley played their first home league game on Tuesday. Bullsnews says "Accrington Stanley haven't had the best start to life in League Two with two defeats in two matches. They have yet to score and lie bottom bar one in League Two. Their form may well improve but what must be worrying for them is the poor support at their first two games and the financial implications that could mean. Last Saturday they took about 800 fans to Chester, a local game for them. Last night just 2667 watched their first home game in the League since 1962 and visitors Darlington are said to have brought over 700 fans with them. Contrast the support Hereford United received last night when 4405 fans watched the game at Edgar Street Although Lincoln brought 246 with them, the home support for the Bulls was over twice that at Accrington".

CRAWLEY OUT?

Crawley Town, who were set to start the 2006/07 season with a ten-point deduction after going into administration, will become the third team to lose their Conference National status for non-playing reasons in summer 2006 after Canvey Island's resignation and Scarborough's enforced demotion for financial reasons. Altrincham (who also almost lost their place for non-playing reasons, after suffering an 18-point deduction) were scheduled to play Crawley Town at Moss Lane on 18 November 2006 and in Sussex on 17 February, 2007.

ALTRINCHAM 5 BANGOR CITY 2

Match report here.

NEXT GAMES

The next first-team game is at Moss Lane on Saturday (3pm) against Stevenage Borough - more on that tomorrow. And don't forget that you can book on the STAR supporters' coach to Stafford (next Tuesday) and Exeter (Saturday 19th) in the Robins' Shop on matchdays or by ringing the club on 928-1045. Details are here.

TEAM PHOTO

The Altrincham team photo-shoot took place on Tuesday evening. Pictured above are: BACK ROW: Stuart Coburn, Andy Cummins, Richard Acton. MIDDLE ROW: Andy Hosgood (physio), Joe O'Neill, Lewis Chalmers, Gary Talbot, Peter Band, Peter Thomson, Graham Heathcote (manager), Karl Munroe, Stephen Rose, Val Owen, Robbie Lawton, Gary Scott, Dan Heathcote (kitman). FRONT ROW: Charles Heathcote (kitman), Steve Aspinall, Justin Bowler, Warren Peyton, Lee Hendley, Colin Potts, Steve Bushell, Eddie Hussin, Kieran Lugsden, Colin Little, Pat McFadden, Rod Thornley, Alan Ainsley (physio).

The squad numbers for 2006-07 are as follows. Pictured right are Andy Cummins, Steve Aspinall and Joe O'Neill.

1. Stuart Coburn (gk)
2. Stephen Aspinall
3. Gary Scott
4. Peter Band
5. Gary Talbot
6. Steve Bushell
7. Robbie Lawton
8. Val Owen
9. Colin Little
10. Rod Thornley
11. Warren Peyton
12. Joe O'Neill
13. Richard Acton (gk)
14. Lewis Chalmers
15. Justin Bowler
16. Peter Thomson
17. Karl Munroe
18. Pat McFadden
19. Lee Hendley
20. Stephen Rose
21. Kieran Lugsden

BBC VIEW

KIERAN AND PAT

CONFERENCE NEWS

NL Daily says that "Kidderminster Harriers have completed the signing of midfielder Dwane Lee following his release by Barnet. The former Exeter City player has penned a short-term deal at Aggborough, where he hopes to play a more important role on the field. Twenty-six-year-old Lee was part of the Barnet side which won the Conference title in 2005 and made 27 appearances in League Two last season. Manager Mark Yates was quick to snap Lee up after he had a trial spell with league rivals Grays Athletic this summer".

The BBC says that "Halifax have seen off competition from Conference rivals York to sign former Middlesbrough and Cardiff striker Andy Campbell on a 12-month deal. Campbell, who scored for Halifax in a friendly last Saturday, was a free agent after ending a short spell with Dunfermline at the end of last season. The 27-year-old began his career as a trainee at Middlesbrough before joining Cardiff for £950,000 in March 2002. He also had loan spells with Oxford, Doncaster, Bolton and Sheffield United".

Also, "Forest Green Rovers have signed Polish striker Arek Zarczynski, subject to international clearance. The 30-year-old scored three goals in pre-season and after being released by Polish side Caramika Paradyz and also had a trial period at Mansfield. Contracts have been signed and documents passed to the Football Association for them to apply to the FA of Poland to receive clearance. Rovers expect the deal to go through before the start of the new season".

"New Cambridge chairman Lee Power says he will look into buying back the Abbey Stadium from landlords Bideawhile. Power has confirmed that the rent for the ground has been guaranteed for three years. He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'There have been a few attempts and deals put forward but nothing has come out of it yet. We have guaranteed football is played here and put in an investment that will make sure the rent is covered'".

The Bullsnews says that "English League football is set to record its 500,000th goal, and will award the scorer with a special award. The Football League's programme of games tonight is expected to add the 63 goals necessary to see the half million mark notched up since League football was created in 1888. Football League Head of Communications John Nagle commented: 'The scoring of half a million goals... has taken more than 170,000 matches and 107 full seasons. We will be recognising this achievement by making a special award to the scorer of the goal'... To date, 485,405 goals have been scored in the Football League, with 14,532 in the Premiership".

Gravesend & Northfleet "have completed the signing of former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Lance Cronin. Twenty year old Cronin came through the youth system at Crystal Palace but failed to make a first team appearance... He moves to Stonebridge Road after spells at Shrewsbury, Wycombe Wanderers and at Oldham, where he made one substitute appearance in an FA Cup tie. Fleet manager Liam Daish is delighted to have made the signing in view of the injury sustained by Craig Holloway which will keep him sidelined for most of the new season".

WHO'S WHO

BOARD EXPANDED - AND VAT PAID OFF!!

After three years of prudent spending, Geoff Goodwin, Grahame Rowley and Andrew Shaw wish to announce that the final payment has been made to the “Customs and Excise” for the outstanding VAT bill which they inherited when forming the new Board just over 4 years ago. Energies will now be focussed on the Inland Revenue arrears which hopefully should be eradicated by the end of the coming season. Many thanks are due to STAR for their regular contributions towards these payments. Also announced today was a strengthening of the current Board. Commercial Manager Barry Pond, Secretary Derek Wilshaw and Ex Trafford Chief Executive Carole Hassan have all agreed to add their experience to the Board as the Club strives to progress in an increasingly competitive League competition. In addition, Grahame Rowley has accepted the Board’s invitation to become Vice Chairman.

CREWE TAKE RESERVES' KEEPER

FRIENDLIES

In the 2006 friendlies to date, the first team has won three, lost four and drawn two games, scoring 14 and conceding 16 - they have yet to keep a clean sheet. Colin Little and Lee Hendley have each netted five goals in first-team games.

OLD BOYS TONIGHT & ELSEWHERE

The Confguide Forum reports that Stafford Rangers "Manager Phil Robinson has added to his squad with the signings of [ex-Accrington] goalkeeper Danny Alcock, [ex-Forest Green Rovers] striker Guy Madjo, [ex-Alty] midfielder Ged Murphy (left) and striker Dolapo Olaoye".

And from Worksop Town we learn that "winger Blake Norton has been offered terms by the club and they currently await his reply. The flying winger left Sandy Lane for Conference National side Altrincham in February... Alty released him at the end of the season and it is also understood that he is talking to both Stalybridge Celtic and Scarborough".

In Saturday's defeat by FC United Leigh RMI used former Alty centre-back James Glendenning as a substitute - and, unfortunately, he scored an own goal.The NL Paper has two letters referring to the crowd trouble which followed FC United both to Altrincham and Sheffield recently.

CONFERENCE NEWS

A statement issued by the supporters' club and the Devils Trust said "All three organisations [Trust, supporters' club and Majeeds] remain wary of each other... 'As a gesture of goodwill, the Supporters' Club has offered to give up one seat on the board to the Devils' Trust. This has been accepted by Chas Majeed'... According to BBC Southern Counties Radio, the Inland Revenue is likely to be opposed to any involvement from the Majeeds, who led the club into administration. However, the Devils' Trust sent an open letter to the administrator saying the creditors would consider voting 'yes' if a number of conditions are met. Those conditions would include having a fans' representative involved in the day-to-day running of the club. If the vote goes against the Majeed brothers, former diamond dealer John Goodwin is reportedly ready to revive his interest in taking control of the club - and could try to revive them in a lower division".

The NL Paper reports that Halifax Town should emerge from their CVA if current negotiations with the Inland Revenue are successful. The CVA debt is reportedly "costing the club £3,000 a month".

The FA says that "At a series of Disciplinary Commissions held during June and July, fines have been issued against a number of clubs for their poor on-field disciplinary records during the 2005/06 season... Tamworth and Waltham Forest also had suspended fines from 2004/05 invoked. Tamworth were fined £9,000, including £6,000 suspended, and a further £7,000 suspended for 2006/07. The Commissions also dealt with other clubs whose poor disciplinary records during the 2005/06 season warranted consideration. The clubs were fined with further suspended fines for the forthcoming season issued pending significant improvement in their disciplinary records. Decisions were also reached regarding a number of Non-League clubs: Stevenage Borough (£6,000 fine, £4,000 suspended); Vauxhall Motors (£1,000 fine, £3,000 suspended); Kidsgrove Athletic (£350 fine, £1,000 suspended); Woodley Sports (£250 fine, £1,000 suspended); Ossett Town (£2,500 suspended fine); Witton Albion (£2,000 suspended fine). In addition, warning letters have been sent to the following Non-League clubs: Southport, Kettering Town, Worksop Town, Blyth Spartans, Frickley Athletic, Whitby Town" and a number of clubs in the South and Midlands. "Several clubs had suspended fines from previous seasons waived due to substantial improvements in their disciplinary records, [including]... Leigh RMI [and] Halifax Town".

Southport's Steve Daly is reported by the NL Paper to be trapped at Southport. As a £35,000 a year bricklayer he wants to remain part-time, but Southport will not let him leave without a fee, which has scared off those clubs interested in him.

TUESDAY GAME

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Kidderminster Harriers' manager Mark Yates issued the following statement following the abandonment of Saturday's friendly with Nationwide North neighbours Worcester City. Harriers had been leading 2-0 at St George's Lane... before Yates withdrew the visiting side from the field of play on 71 minutes. Yates issued the following statement: 'An off-the-field incident occurred that was not in the true nature of football and, as a result, I made the decision to withdraw my players from the pitch. I would like to apologise to all of our supporters and hope to see them at Aggborough next weekend'" .

"Grays Athletic boss Frank Gray has added two players to his squad on one-year contracts", reports BBC Essex. "Goalkeeper Danny Knowles, 20, who was released by Gillingham in April, has moved to the Recreation Ground. Knowles did not play for the Gills' first team, but spent time on loan at Conference South side Welling and Ryman Premier outfit East Thurrock United. The other new arrival is central defender Nathan Moulds, who previously played in New South Wales".

The Nationwide Conference Monthly Newsletter reports that "After several months of boredom, the newsletter is back and we trust that you're looking forward to the new season as much as us... A summary of this month's content is shown below:

To get the full newsletter go to the Nationwide Football Conference official website".

WYTHENSHAWE TOWN 4 ALTRINCHAM RESERVES 6

Left: Danny Heffernan is stopped on this occasion but he had a good game and scored one of Alty's goals.

A surprise inclusion at left-back for Alty Reserves was Chris Adams, last season's first-team left back who was recently released by Altrincham.

Match report here..

There is a second match between the same sides next Thursday at 7pm, also at Wythenshawe Town's ground, which is on Timpson Road, right next to the Tesco garage at Baguley.

CONFERENCE NEWS

The Football Conference says that Kidderminster Harriers "have pulled off another transfer coup... with the news that former Birmingham Captain Jeff Kenna has agreed to join the club... The 35-year-old former Republic of Ireland international began his career with Southampton before sealing a £1.5 million switch to Blackburn Rovers, where he played in the run in to their Premiership-winning campaign in 1994/95... Harriers' boss Mark Yates told the club's official website: 'If everybody can have the same attitude and dedication as Jeff then I know we'll be a force to be reckoned with... Jeff has been a great pro throughout his career and if everybody in the squad can have the same attitude and dedication as him then I know we'll be a force to be reckoned with'".

Stafford Rangers report tha "With the new season less than two weeks away, the squad numbers allocated so far are: 1. Williams; 2. Sutton; 3. Talbott; 4. McAughtrie; 5. Daniel; 6. Lovatt; 7. Downes; 8. Street; 9. Grayson; 10. Smith; 11. Robin Gibson; 14. Walker; 15. Edwards; 16. Quailey; 29. Robinson; 30. Murray".

The BBC states that "Hereford have reached an undisclosed settlement with Rushden & Diamonds over the transfer of Phil Gulliver. He recently joined the Bulls after two years with the Diamonds, but as he is under 24 and was offered a new deal, Rushden were entitled to compensation. However, an 'agreement acceptable to all parties' has now been signed, and Gulliver, 23, has returned to Hereford".

"Halifax defender Peter Atherton has been forced to retire from full-time football because of a knee injury. Atherton made his decision after undergoing surgery to repair tears in the cartilage in his left knee... He told Halifax's website: 'I've loved every minute of my time here, after a couple of tricky years at Bradford it restored my faith in football'", reports the BBC.

Exeter City confirm that they have agreed terms with centre-half Rob Edwards, who has been released by Blackpool.

OPEN MEETING

UMBRO TOURNAMENT

Group matches

Quarter Finals

Leek Town went on to win the competition.

CHRIS ADAMS RELEASED

Graham indicated that one further player may be added to the squad but that there would be further departures before the start of the season.

THIS WEEK'S GAMES

Ground Address: Moor Lane, Kersal, Salford, Manchester. Telephone: 0161 792 6287. Directions: M62 to junction 17 (Prestwich/Radcliffe) take A56 Bury New Road to Manchester, continue through four sets of traffic lights, turn right into Moor Lane, ground 500 yards on left. Nearest Railway Station: Swinton.

On Friday (4th), Alty entertain a Bolton Wanderers XI at Moss Lane (7.30pm). Entry is £5 (£2 for concessionaries and free for Alty season-ticket holders).

THE BORO CONNECTION

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Crawley manager John Hollins accepts that he could be out of a job by the end of this week. A new owner is expected to be announced at the Conference club by administrator Rob Sadler, and that could end Hollins's tenure at Broadfield Stadium. Hollins... told the Brighton Argus: 'I'm long enough in the tooth to know I could be out. We've shown signs of improvement, but we have to wait and see what happens. All I can do is carry on working hard and continue to improve the team. I thought Alan Lewer and I did a good job last year, we improved the players' fitness, stopped letting goals in and we got results under difficult circumstances'".

Weymouth "are pleased to annouce that Raphael Nade has signed for the Terras. Martyn Harrison was made aware that the popular frontman whose goals helped the Terras achieve promtion last season was available last Thursday. Manager Garry Hill, who was given full support from the Chairman, had little persuading in getting Raphael Nade to sign a year long loan from Carlisle Utd. There will be no call-back available throughout the season for the Cumbrian club, so Nade will be available for FA Cup and Trophy ties, as well as all league matches. Nade, who quickly became a fans' and players' favourite last season, will add further competition up front".

York City "has signed goalkeeper Tom Evans. The 29 year old has been on trial with the Minstermen for several weeks and has impressed manager, Billy McEwan, in the Club’s recent pre-season friendly games. Doncaster based Evans is an experienced goalkeeper and previously played for Scunthorpe United until his release this summer".

Nuneaton Borough report that "Brian Quailey has left Nuneaton Borough and stepped up to the Conference National with Stafford Rangers. This marks the end of Quailey’s third spell with the club and has seen him score 22 goals from 61 starts. Quailey has just recovered from a knee injury and was offered non-contract terms by Boro for this season. Manager Roger Ashby said, 'Stafford came in for Brian and he chose to go and talk to them and has completed a move over the weekend... We wish him well'".