|
1 to 30 September, 2006 |
|
1 to 30 September, 2006 |
Right: Joe O'Neill fights for posssession at Aldershot, as Robbie Lawton helps out.
Aldershot Town report that "Altrincham arrive at the Rec on Saturday afternoon with manager Terry Brown keen to erase the memories of last season's encounters with the Cheshire side. Graham Heathcote's team inflicted the double over the Shots and have started this season with some impressive results which has lifted them to a mid table placing in the Conference table although all four victories secured this season have been against sides in the lower half of the table. One player who is hoping for a return to the starting line up is Marcus Gayle... The former Jamaican international has been on the bench for the last four matches". Manager Terry Brown said, "I am continuing the pursuit of a loan deal but whether it will be this week or next is not confirmed at the moment. Darren Barnard is a playmaker for us and he is going in for an operation next week and I want it done as soon as possible. If needs be I could play him this weekend and have been told that it won't make any difference to the injury because he is already scheduled for the op. Darren has trained with us this week and I firmly believe that once Darren has the operation there are still plenty more years left in him. We have had a major blow with Mark Pritchard's injury.. it looks like an ankle ligament problem. It is up like a balloon and he won't be taking part for six to eight weeks... Dave Lee has looked a lot sharper in training this week and is about ready for a game. The positive thing about it is that he came to see me and said he is feeling more confident and is ready to play'.... Aware of the fact that Altrincham did complete the double over his side last season boss Brown said, 'It is about being professional and being up for these games. We won't take anything for granted off of any team in this league. We need to be a little bit more solid at the back. The reason that Oxford are top of the table is that they grind out results and keep clean sheets. We need to be doing that'".
And another twist in the Crawley Town saga comes from the club's website: "On Monday the 25th September 2006, Crawley Town Football and Social Club accepted an offer from Britannia Sports Management to purchase 100% share. The acceptance of this deal was based upon a number of conditions and reassurances. Failure by Mr. Pearson, who has been working closely with The Devils Trust, to provide funds for a deposit to prove his commitment to the Club and fulfil his promised obligations, has forced the Board to regretfully announce that negotiations have ceased. Crawley Town Football and Social Club will not enter into further negotiations with Matthew Pearson or Britannia Sports Management. The Board are disappointed that this deal has fallen through but are determined to push Crawley Town Football Club forward, and get back to focusing on the future successes of the team".
From the BBC we learn that "Kidderminster Harriers striker Dean Sturridge is to undergo surgery on an Achilles tendon injury. Sturridge, 33, has not played for three weeks and will have an operation on Saturday to repair his damaged tendon. The former Derby and Wolves striker has made just four Conference appearances, including one start, for Kidderminster since joining from QPR in the summer. Defender Jeff Kenna is also sidelined with a hamstring problem which may keep him out for two more weeks". But "Veteran Halifax Town defender Gus Uhlenbeek has agreed a deal to extend his stay at The Shay. The 36-year-old full-back joined Town on non-contract terms last month and has now signed a full contract. Uhlenbeek, whose previous clubs include Sheffield United, Fulham and Ipswich, has started eight Conference games for Chris Wilder's side. Halifax have also signed former Leeds United midfielder Nick Gray, 20, the son of Leeds legend Eddie Gray".
"Exeter City defender Jon Richardson has been rewarded with a contract until the end of the season. Richardson, 31, joined the Grecians for a second spell in the summer on a deal originally running until Christmas... He told the Express and Echo: 'To get the year's contract was something that I set out to achieve, so I am delighted it has happened'.
"Torquay have signed much-travelled Rushden & Diamonds striker Leo Fortune-West on a month's loan... Fortune-West joined Rushden during the summer after leaving Doncaster" states the BBC who also report that "Defender Matt Robinson is to join Forest Green Rovers. The 31-year-old has agreed a non-contract deal at the New Lawn after leaving Oxford in the summer. Robinson started 44 games for the U's during the 2005/06 season following earlier spells with Reading, Portsmouth and Southampton. Meanwhile, Rovers' boss Jim Harvey has released Guy Ipoua after deciding that the ex-Gillingham and Scunthorpe striker did not figure in his plans".
"Veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole has agreed to stay with Burton Albion for another three months. Brewers boss Nigel Clough shook hands on a deal that will keep the 43-year-old stopper at the Pirelli Stadium until December 31st. And Clough has not ruled out the possibility of the Birmingham City academy coach hanging on to the number one shirt for rest of the season. Clough said: 'We'll sit down again with Kevin and discuss his situation when the transfer window re-opens. He's been our most consistent player after 11 games this season, but he might decide after twenty-five or thirty games that he's had enough. At the moment, though, we're delighted with his contribution, and it won't surprise me if he stays for the rest of the season'" reports tha Burton Mail.
Woking say that manager's son "Sam Cockerill has gone on a month's loan to Winchester City. Jerome Maledon played in a friendly for Ashford Town recently, purely a one-off for match practice. Saheed Sonkoh played for Cheltenham Town reserves this week, also a one off and he has travelled with the squad to Northwich for the match tomorrow".
St Albans City "have made their second signing of the week in 21-year old wingback Nathan Simpson.Nathan is a left-sided midfielder with plenty of pace who loves to get forward at every opportunity. He began his career in the professional game with Crystal Palace before injury kept him on the sidelines for some time. He returned to football last season".
Meanwhile Shots' keeper Nikki Bull said, "At the moment we're either really up or really down. We were dreadful on Friday night but against Stevenage the other week we could have honestly scored ten before half-time".
Alty now meet Worksop Town away in the next round of the FA Youth Cup. The winners of that match play either Morecambe FC or Vauxhall Motors (not Workington as Morecambe had previously reported). The Shrimps and the Motormen clash in the 2nd Round Qualifying Round at 1pm on Sunday 15th October. The date of Alty's trip to Worksop is yet to be confirmed.
SAM has interviewed Alty centre-back Karl Munroe (pictured right by Gavin Rathbone). It says that "The 27-year-old centre half had a tough time last season, hampered by injury and unable to nail down a place in the first team. But after injuries to first choice partnership Peter Band and Gary Talbot, Munroe grabbed his first team chance with both hands and has been one of Alty's most impressive performers of late. Speaking exclusively to SAM, he said: 'Last season definitely wasn't the best. It didn't help that I was injured for four months. But it was just one of those seasons that I had to cross off and start again this season.
It takes a while to settle in at any club. I'm a Manchester lad and I live only 20 minutes away from the ground but it's always hard. It's just about confidence. You do have a boost when you have a good game and that has helped me recently. I get on well with all the lads at the club and I feel at home here now". Karl added that despite the many injuries to the squad, in each game "It's 11 versus 11 so you shouldn't really worry about what players you don't have, just concentrate on winning your battles on the pitch. I'm pleased with the way me and Rosie [Stephen Rose] have been playing and we get on just as well off the pitch as we do on it. He is a good strong player and he was at Manchester United as a kid so he is very good technically. With the players we have got here, there's nothing in this league that should really worry us. I'm fully confident we can stay in the Conference and not have to worry about it going into the last game of the season".
Like Alty, the Aldershot News & Star reports that Saturday's opponents, Aldershot Town have an "injury crisis". Indeed, "young striker Mark Pritchard could face up to two months on the sidelines after he became the latest Aldershot player to pick up an injury. The former Swansea reserve forward damaged his ankle ligaments in a training ground incident on Wednesday morning and will face a lay-off of between four and eight weeks, according to the initial prognosis. The injury comes at a bad time for the Shots, who are already without Rhys Day, Mark Molesley, Louie Soares and Darren Barnard for tomorrow’s home match with Altrincham... However, the visitors also have an extensive injury list, with seven first team regulars in the treatment room, all unlikely to make the trip south. First choice keeper Stuart Coburn joins last year’s top scorer Colin Little, Steve Bushell and Gary Scott on the sidelines, while centre back pairing Gary Talbot and Peter Band are also out. Summer signing Peter Thomson has yet to play for the club due to a knee injury and will not feature at the Rec either. Despite his own side’s injury problems, the Shots’ manager is targeting six points from the home games with Alty and Tamworth. 'We expect to win our home games — anything less would be disappointing,” Brown said. 'Altrincham have a good team spirit and are very well organised. They inflicted defeats on us both home and away last season so we know that if they get their noses in front, they’re a real handful. We have to impose ourselves right from the word go. My concern is that the bulk of the squad are very young and we can’t carry them. Apart from Andy Edwards, the current backline are all quite young and while they have done very well, we need a bit more experience back there so I’m looking to bring someone in on loan. We have two or three targets in mind but the timing has to be right... We can’t have a back four that, apart from Andy Edwards, has no real experience'. Brown revealed that changes are expected for tomorrow’s game, with Marcus Gayle likely to return to the starting line-up".
On Tuesday night the Conference fixture computer has given us a long trip down to Cambridge - but you can travel in style on the STAR supporters' coach. The Cambridge Evening News reports that "new Cambridge United manager Jimmy Quinn. said it would not be an overnight task to transform his squad to the level of condition he wanted. 'As a squad, we need to get much fitter, but it's something we'll do gradually over the next couple of months', said Quinn. 'If you're fitter and stronger, you go into games with more mental strength.. If we want to get up the table and out of this position, we've got to be fitter and stronger'... Quinn added that his No 2 Steve Castle would play a big part in getting the squad to the required level... Meanwhile, Andy Duncan is set for another stint at Lilleshall as he continues his rehabilitation from a thigh injury... but is still two or three weeks' away from full training". But team captain Mark Peters "is set to be ruled out for at least two months with a heel injury... Meanwhile, Liam Marum hopes he will be handed the chance to make it three in a row for United at Tamworth on Saturday.The former Reading trainee striker has scored in both his last two games after being given his chance because of injuries to Danny Carey-Bertram and Robbie Simpson... 'I know that to stay in the first team I need to play better and score a few more goals', said Marum, who went off because of cramp after an hour against the Shots.... And with Carey-Bertram likely to be back in contention after a hamstring injury, Quinn may face a selection headache for the weekend".
Admission £5 for adults, £3 for concessionaries.
Former City players involved will include Peter Barnes, Asa Hartford, Andy Morrison, Steve Redmond, Andy Brightwell,Andy Dibble, Mark Lillis, Kevin Reeves, Dave Bennett. Ex-United players will be Clayton Blackmore, Lee Martin and ex-Macclesfield stalwart John Askey is also taking part, plus a few extra celebrity guests on the day !
The game will be kicked off by City legend Ken Barnes. And there will be pre-match entertainments including a 16-piece brass band, pan pipers, The Berzercus Circus and face painters as well as a pre-match raffle and a tombola.
"Manager Sammy McIlroy has vowed to revive Morecambe's fortunes following a disappointing start to the season. His side were among the pre-season promotion favourites but have won just three games so far and dropped four points from their last two home games. McIlroy told the Morecambe Visitor: 'It has been the worst week I've had since I've been at Morecambe but I can assure people that I'll turn it around. Once I get my first team out there, I know we will zoom up that league'" reports the BBC
"'Southport have signed Carlisle defender Dan Kirkup on a month's loan. The 19-year-old centre-back signed a one-year professional deal with the Cumbrians in the summer, but has not yet appeared for their first team. Playing matches will be fantastic experience for him and it should toughen him up' boss Neil McDonald told his club's website".
 |
THANKS, IANSensport Kits, the company run by former Alty goalkeeper Ian Senior supplied a very smart new kit for Altrincham FC Youth last night for which all at the Club are very grateful. |
In Wednesday night's FA Youth Cup match (right), Altrincham overcame Sheffield side, Handsworth FC 3-0, though for half the game such a margin of victory looked unlikely.
Match report in the Youth Team Section.
The Shots website says that "With a heavy schedule of four games coming up in a nine day spell starting with the visit of Altrincham on Saturday manager Terry Brown is considering making a loan signing due to the absence of key players at this current moment in time. Talking to The Shots he said, 'It is quite evident that we are like a Jekyll and Hyde outfit at the moment. We are utilising the services of some of our younger players far more than I would have liked to and whilst they have done a fantastic job and will be terrific players in the future the idea was to bring them through as and when there was a chance for them. I would have every confidence that they could come in and do a fantastic job for a short period of time but not all at the same time. Three of my back four are currently 20 or younger. These players should have been developing through the Pontins League and not en bloc in the first team'. The boss also explained that experienced defender Darren Barnard is to undergo a groin operation next week... The absence of the former Welsh international is compounded by the loss of his fellow countryman, Rhys Day, who has been sidelined since coming off with a knee injury in the 4-0 victory at home to Stevenage Borough a fortnight ago and midfielder Mark Molesley". Day is "a bit off playing a game" whilst Brown added that "Mark Molesley was, for me, our best player in pre season... He has a lower disc problem in his back and there is no magical cure for it. You don't just go and see a chinese herbalist who gives you a load of pills and cricks your neck and you are suddenly back and ready to play. It is a time thing". Meanwhile "Another player who has yet to appear in a competitive match this season is midfielder Dave Lee. The boss... said, "Ideally I need to get Dave Lee on loan. I am aware that people have been questioning why Dave hasn't been playing. It is a big ask to throw him straight back in after his ordeal. It may be a case that we have to but I would have loved him to have had a month somewhere and for him to come back match fit and hungry". Lee is recovering from a broken leg". Brown added that he and colleagues will "be viewing a number of midweek matches with the view of making a further loan acquisition".
The Cambridge Evening News says that "Defenders Rob Gier and Trevor Robinson are in line to be offered extended deals with Cambridge United. The full-back duo were brought in on month-long contracts by former manager Rob Newman on transfer deadline day... Gier, 26, who was released by Rushden & Diamonds at the end of last season, has proved to be a revelation at right-back while 22-year-old left-back Robinson, formerly with Millwall, was a worthy replacement during Tommy Jaszczun's recent three-match suspension". Robinson scored against Alty in the FA Cup whilst at Tamworth last season. Cambridge manager Jimmy Quinn said, "We haven't got the biggest squad at the moment and I'll be talking with the chairman when he comes back later in the week, because we need to have a look at both of these players. But we also need to see whether or not there are any better players out there who might help us improve Cambridge United as well". But "Quinn used his weekend off to spy on United's next opponents in their 2-0 defeat at Altrincham. 'Tamworth were a bit disjointed,... they couldn't have played any worse," As for United he said, He said: "It's the mental side of the game more than anything, they just need to go away from the Abbey, be positive and try to win every game rather than think about just getting a point". Meanwhile, Cambridge have confirmed that Mark Peters is out injured for 8 weeks.
Also, "Woking manager Glenn Cockerill has not ruled out bringing Stevenage striker Jon Nurse back to Kingfield. Nurse has returned to Stevenage following a successful loan spell with the Cards but Cockerill will continue to monitor the 25-year-old's progress. Cockerill told BBC Sport: 'Stevenage boss Mark Stimson knows I am interested in something if Jon isn't fulfilling his potential'".
This is United reports that "Oxford United striker Marvin Robinson will today find out the extent of his knee injury. The 26-year-old undergoes exploratory surgery on his right knee after picking up the injury in the televised win over Crawley last week... Robinson is yet to score for the U's since his move from Macclesfield a month ago... United physio Neil Sullivan said 'We know that Marvin had done damage to the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee... I would say that you are probably looking at between ten and 12 weeks'... There is good news on United's injury front however, with Gavin Johnson making good progress from his hamstring injury. Sullivan explained: "He would be looking for a reserve game in around a fortnight to get back into the swing of things'".
St Albans CIty "are pleased to announce the signing former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Nicolas. The 23-year old London born player attended training last night... He played in two Premiership games for the Blues... As Chelsea's spending and squad grew Alexis found his opportunities limited and went... to Brighton... He played in 44 League games and two League Cup ties before leaving at the end of last season... As one player joins the club so another leaves with Josh Sozzo becoming the third departure from Clarence Park this week. Twenty-seven year old Josh signed for the Saints in the summer from county rivals Hitchin Town, the Canaries are believed to be one of several clubs interested in re-signing him".
The Dorset Echo says that "Andy Harris and Wayne Purser have been assured they still have long-term futures with Weymouth. The midfielder and striker are both set for first-team recalls after they return from loan spells at Nationwide South side Eastleigh".
Handsworth United Youth are from Sheffield, though they share their club name with a Birmingham team.
The Altrincham squad is 1. Lewis BISHOP, 2. Tom BARCLAY (capt), 3. Ben ROBSON, 4. Alex MURPHY, 5. Michael HOWE, 6. Marcus BAXBY, 7. Steven ROBERTS, 8. Michael BAXBY, 9. Tom BAILEY, 10. Rick CRAWFORD, 11. Anthony DAVIES (vice-captain). 12. James CORDINGLEY, 14. Ryan BURGESS, 15. Danny BROWNE, 16. Kirtis HOGAN, 17. Jack ENTWISTLE. GK. Scott BALL, 18. Reza ZAREH-OURANG, 19. Andy ASTON, 20. Kieran RAYNES.
The Alty team is a mix of last season's under-age players and some new faces. Ben Robson is the son of Manchester United and England star, Bryan Robson, who lives locally.
Right: Robbie Lawton in full flight against Tamworth, as captured by Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.
SAM reports that "Few results this season will fill the Moss Lane crowd with the kind of satisfaction that accompanied Saturday's 2-0 win over Tamworth. This was about much more than Alty climbing above their rivals in the scramble to avoid relegation from the Conference, it was 'get your own back' time. During last season's Robinson-gate saga, Tamworth had seized the chance to alleviate their own relegation worries by becoming one of the more vocal advocates for a full 18-point deduction to be imposed upon the Robins. 'You tried, you failed, we stayed up' read a banner in the Golf Road End, but Tamworth did more than fail on their latest visit to Cheshire. The Lambs were absolutely wretched, left to wander haplessly around the pitch before being led to the slaughter by a far superior outfit. Alty had the measure of their opponents right from the start, their direct approach and intelligent runs giving the visiting backline no end of worries".
Meanwhile, "Gravesend and Northfleet have completed the signing of winger Chris Anderson. The Scot, 19, impressed during a pre-season trial and has now received international clearance to complete his move to the Conference club. Fleet boss Liam Daish told his club's website: 'We have done well so far this season but it is going to be a long and difficult campaign. We need as a many quality players on board as possible and Chris will boost what a very strong squad'" states the BBC.
Yet another twist to the Crawley saga... The club website has the following: "The Directors of Crawley Town Football & Social Club Limited announces today that on Monday September 25th 2006 that it has accepted an undisclosed bid from Britannia Sports Management to purchase 100% share of the company. Britannia Sports Management has been working closely with the Devils' Trust in preparing a bid for the Company. Speaking on the proposed sale, Interim Chairman Susan Todman said 'We have received a bid which is acceptable to the board of the Football Club. The aim of our Board has always been to see the Club progress and compete on a level playing field with all the teams in the Conference National and we now look forward to Mr Pearson substantiating his offer'. The Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) which was accepted by the creditors will still be honoured by SA Retail Limited, leaving Crawley Town Football & Social Club Limited clear from debt. The Football Club will not be making anymore statements until there are further developments".
The Crawley Argus adds that "Chas and Azwar Majeed last night accepted an undisclosed offer from the London-based sports management company. Chas Majeed said: 'It is not done and dusted yet, it is in the hands of solicitors, but we have agreed to sell the club to them'. Europa managing director Matthew Pearson said: 'It is great news. There is still a lot to sort out but things are definitely moving in the right direction'. The Majeeds are unlikely to see any money from the sale as most will go to paying off the club's £1.8 million debts. Creditors are owed almost £900,000, which must be paid by the end of October or the club will be liquidated. Chas Majeed says the decision to sell was made following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat against Grays. The brothers suffered abuse from a minority of supporters during the game and again outside the ground afterwards. The Majeeds have become increasingly unpopular with some fans unhappy with the way they have run the club since taking over 14 months ago... Chas said: 'There is only so much abuse you can take from fans. It is only from a small number but when you are putting money into a club and are then getting constant stick, you get fed up in the end. We've had enough of it. Everyone is saying we should sell up and that other people would do a better job than us, so now we have decided to do it and see if they are right'... Pearson said: 'All our money is in off-shore accounts, which is why you can't find details of our accounts on the internet. We definitely can afford to buy the club and to run it and are very serious about wanting to make the club a success. It is a great club and we feel it has massive potential if it was run in the right way and we are confident we can do that. We also see it as a business decision and believe it will help our company expand in the UK'".
York City Football Club has "announced that the dates for their home fixtures against Halifax Town and Woking during the Christmas period have been changed to the following: York City v Halifax Town – Saturday 23rd December, 3.00pm kick-off. York City v Woking – Friday 29th December, 7.45pm kick-off. The Club explained that the Halifax game has been moved to Saturday 23rd December due to a proposed increase in police charges for the bank holiday game. In order to stage this game on Boxing Day, the police charges for this fixture would have increased by 55%, a cost inflation the Club cannot afford. York City also confirmed that Woking approached the Club to change the fixture from Saturday 30th December to Friday 29th December. York City was happy to help as the fixture change will give the team an extra day of preparation before their trip to Morecambe on New Years Day. Also, Woking kindly agreed to a fixture change last season in order to avoid a clash with York Races and the Club was therefore pleased to reciprocate".
The Conference confirms that "Stevenage Borough manager Mark Stimson has confirmed that experienced midfielder Steve Guppy has re-signed for an extended period. Guppy has been in impressive form so far this season and has shown his commitment to the club by extending his original one-month contract which he signed on August 17th. The former England international, who despite only making one cap for his country is a quality player nonetheless, has played seven games for Borough this season and has made his wealth of experience count for his new team".
The informative This is United site says that "Midfielder Carl Pettefer believes the fitness of Oxford United's players is playing a big part in their stunning start to the season. The U's looked stronger as the game went on at Marston Road Stadium and by the end there was little left in the tank for many of the Stafford players. Pettefer said: 'We showed our superior fitness in the second half, which is down to us being full-time and them being part-time... If we're going to get promoted, these are the kinds of games that we need to win, as well as our home games. Stafford came up from the Conference North, so they are used to winning, which makes these big games. It was a good result for us'. Pettefer, who joined United from Southend in the summer, said 'It's not much different to League Two, to be honest. It's hard to get the ball down and play, you don't get much time, but we've shown that when we do that, we can tear teams apart... It's always a good sign. If you're not playing that well and are winning . . . those are the teams that are successful. And there's no doubt, if it does all come together for us, one day we're going to give a team a hammering. We played quite well against Northwich and beat them 5-1, and hopefully somebody's going to get a spanking from us". Meanwhile "Jim Smith's focus on a rock-solid defence, and his capture of Welsh striker Rob Duffy seem masterstrokes after... a comfortable 1-0 win at Stafford... United have now kept four clean sheets in their six away games". After the Stafford game, United boss Jim Smith said: "People always talk about you having to score goals, which you obviously need to win a game, but if you keep clean sheets it certainly gives you a lot better chance to win a game... Obviously the fitness levels came out because they're part-time"... Already without Phil Gilchrist, Gavin Johnson and Marvin Robinson, they were dealt a further blow with Andy Burgess unable to travel because of illness. Yet Oxford still had too much for their opponents".
Above: Gavin Rathbone's excellent photo of Val Owen's overhead kick in the Tamworth game. More of Gavin's photos are on his website and they can also be purchased in the Robins' Shop.
Right, for the first time since 23 April 2005, against Redditch United, club captain Eddie Hussin (no.23) takes to the field in a first-team match at Moss Lane. He is seen here coming on as a late sub. against Tamworth last Saturday, exactly 17 months later.
NL Daily reports from St Albans that "Following Saturday's defeat to Gravesend & Northfleet, Colin Lippiatt, manager of St Albans City, has released two players with more comings and goings at Clarence Park believed to be a possibility. Left-sided winger Adam Wilde, signed in the summer from Salisbury City, has been released along with recent signing Kurt Husnu. Wilde, 27, featured in ten of the Saints' eleven league matches this season, making seven starting and three substitute appearances. Husnu had one of the briefest City's careers on record, with the former Southend midfielder having only signed for the club on Friday. He played for the opening 45 minutes on Saturday and was then released two days later".
And Howard Watts's Through the Years files tell us what happened in previous years on the day we travel to Aldershot.
Match report here.
Above: Warren Peyton, Stephen Rose, Karl Munroe and Richard Acton keep Tamworth at bay.
The official website at Tamworth says "We didn't deserve anything. Lambs boss Mark Cooper blasted his side after their 2-0 away defeat to the hands of Graham Heathcote's Altrincham on Saturday. 'We simply weren't good enough. I said before the game that Altrincham will punish a side that isn't totally focussed and we allowed them the opportunity of scoring both their goals by creating a situation that shouldn't have been. Our defenders and our goalkeeper got mixed up between them and they caught us out because of it. They were hardworking and workmanlike but didn't really threaten us other than when we let them in. We obviously then had to score to get back into the game and Taiwo missed two golden chances late on, but at the end of the day we didn't deserve anything out of it on that performance. I feel let down by 5 or 6 of the side today who didn't look committed to the task and their spaces are not guaranteed in our next game'". The Tamworth site also has a match report.
Right: Alty's Peyton, Lawton, Owen and Potts are all in line as Tamworth's Atenio wins the ball. Lewis Chalmers looks on, left/
Leigh RMI report that "On the field as a substitute, debutant Carl Furlong looked terrific in his link-up play with both the RMI midfield and fellow striker Chris Simm, and is was through his ability that he managed to get himself in a position to lay the ball off to McAuley, who promptly fired a terrific, curving shot past Alfreton goalkeeper Dale Roberts and in to the top corner of the net".
Josh Mitten scored two as Flixton won 2-0 in the FA Vase, whilst former Alty Youth Deon Depeiaza netted for Trafford in the same competition. Stuart Schueber scored for Nantwich in the NWCFL.
Referring to his sending off at FGR on Tuesday, Alty boss Graham Heathcote told the NL Paper, it was "the most ludicrous sending off I've ever seen or received in my entire life. I've not seen the official report so I don't know what's going to happen to me. I am allowed in the dugout this Saturday's match, but I refuse to go. I have decided to impose a ban on myself! The reason for that is because if I can get sent off for what I got sent off for on Tuesday, then it's not a safe place to be".
Going on to discuss injuries, Graham added, "It's a complete nightmare". Nine players missed the game at FGR, which he described as the worst crisis "in his four-year tenure at Moss Lane". He said that against Tamworth, on Saturday, Alty could have "A case of mssing eight first team players - I already have six different teams in my head! They've all got various knocks. Bushell (right, pictured by Gavin Rathbone) is certainly out with his hamstring injury and the others don't look great". But, he went on, "I've never questioned the spirit of my side. They've always given their all. Our character shone through on Tuesday and gives us a lot of confidence. The players that came in showed tremendous heart". As for the visitors, he concluded, "Tamworth are a good side, a side who will come here fancying their chances against us, like they do most weeks against every other team".
The BBC says that "Altrincham midfielder Val Owen returns from suspension but Gary Talbot (calf), Steve Bushell (hamstring), Colin Little (ankle) and Gary Scott (knee) are out. Midfielder Peter Band (knee) remains a worry alongside Justin Bowler (foot) and goalkeeper Stuart Coburn (groin) is unlikely to feature. Tamworth welcome back midfielder John McGrath (bruised foot). But the Lambs will definitely be without defender David Bampton (knee) and midfielder Graham Deakin (ankle)".
As Alty fans know, Geoff's coach company Go Goodwins were the transport providers for the Australian cricketers on their last tour of England. And "Popeye" as Geoff is nicknamed by the Aussies because of his muscular arms revealed that England captain Freddie Flintoff had jokingly told him, "Popeye, you're a traitor" for his friendship with the tourists. In fact, Darren Lehmann and Glenn McGrath were recent guests at a charity dinner at Lancashire CCC, organised by Geoff and his wife Suzanne, from which a large portion of the proceeds went to the McGrath Foundation, which was established by Glenn and his wife for the provision of breast-cancer nursing. Geoff also told Wilson that when the Aussies came to watch Altrincham play a pre-season friendly last year, they turned down an offer of hospitality at Manchester United to do so.
The BBC reports that "Burton Albion defender Terry Henshaw has joined Hednesford Town on a month's loan. Brewers boss Nigel Clough allowed Henshaw to move to Keys Park for the chance of first-team football". And another departure from Haig Avenue to join ex-manager Liam Watson, "Southport forward Robbie Booth has left Haig Avenue to sign for Burscough. The move reunites Booth, 20, with former Port boss Liam Watson, and means a second spell with Burscough following a loan stint there last season. Booth, who joined Southport following his departure from Chester City in July 2005, had the remainder of his contract terminated by mutual consent. He had made six appearances for the Sandgrounders this season".
Friday's NL Paper says that Dagenham and Redbridge may sue the FA after the former Boston United manager and chairman were found guilty of fraud during their 2002 promotion season in the Conference. Dagenham would have been promoted had more severe sanctions been taken against Boston at the time.
This is United says tha "Oxford United have been dealt their second big injury blow of the season with the news that striker Marvin Robinson could be sidelined for ten weeks. The much-travelled 26-year-old, who only joined the U's from Macclesfield three weeks ago, has a torn ligament in his right knee... Manager Jim Smith said after training yesterday: 'He's having keyhole surgery either tomorrow or on Monday. He could be out of first-team action for ten weeks. It will be anything between six and eight weeks before he can start to play football again'... This is the second long-term injury United have suffered this season. Left back Gavin Johnson suffered a badly torn hamstring in the first half of the home game against St Albans which is sidelining him for six weeks. And with Oxford's squad not the biggest, it's of some concern, especially as reserve team striker Billy Beechers picked up an injury... in midweek... Robinson's injury means Rob Duffy returns up front alongside Steve Basham in tomorrow's game at Stafford Rangers".
And "Woking boss Glenn Cockerill is waiting to hear if they can extend the loan period of Jon Nurse from Stevenage. The 20-year-old striker is set to return to Broadhall way after Saturday's home match against Rushden and Diamonds. Cockerill told BBC Southern Counties Radio: 'He's enjoying it here, he likes the club and he's given us that extra bit we didn't have last year'".
"Aldershot defender Dean Smith has signed a new long-term deal at the Recreation Ground. Smith, 20, who joined the Shots after leaving Chelsea in the summer, has signed up until June 2008. He told Shots website: "I want to be part of Aldershot Town's future. I've discovered there are a lot of good players in the Conference and I'm really appreciating the fact I can play regular first-team football'".
NL Daily says that "Faced with mounting injuries to his strike force, Gary Mills, manager of Alfreton Town, pulled off something of a coup to land the experienced Mark Rawle in time for last Saturday’s game. Rawle, 27, was signed just over 24 hours before the game and despite not having played regularly since the back end of last season with Gravesend & Northfleet and Woking in the Conference National, he made his mark with a man-of-the-match all-action style display".
"Managerless Principality Welsh Premier club Caernarfon Town have signed experienced defender Steve Yates from Morecambe. Previously he was with Halifax Town, for whom he signed in January 2006 on a contract until the end of the season but he was released in May of this year and joined Morecambe and featured eight times for the Shrimps" says NL Daily.
SAM SAM says that "A Herculean effort from a patched up Alty side saw them claim a point at Forest Green on Tuesday night after the most unlikely of comebacks... With the final result seemingly a foregone conclusion and the home fans enjoying a chance to taunt their visitors, Altrincham hit back... But the performance on the pitch was marred slightly by the sending off of manager Graham Heathcote five minutes before half time. Heathcote was left fuming by the referee's decision Speaking to SAM Sport after the game, he said: 'After that, I don't know what way I'm going myself. If I got sent off for what the referee thought I said then I'm really struggling with that one. I said to him that he needed to be a bit more even with his decision-making and then said you are having a blinder. He told me not to make another comment like that or I would be sent off and when somebody behind me shouted something, he sent me off. I did explain it to him but he just told me it was too late because he had already sent me off and then ordered me into the stands. I can't afford to keep getting sent off like this but I really can't live with that decision tonight'". Of the game he said, "It was an absolutely fantastic show of character," he said. "We came here with eight injuries and had to sign three players yesterday to be able to even put a squad out. So after all that to go down and come back after all that, words can't express how highly I think of the players right now".
Right, are seen three players who, until a week ago, had not started a Conference game between them this season but who all excelled at Forest Green last Tuesday; Kieran Lugsden, Colin Potts and Rod Thornley.
Oxford's unofficial This is United site says that "Oxford United are reaping the dividends from ensuring they have a strong 15 or 16-man group of senior players... Midfielder Chris Hargreaves... said: 'When you look at our bench, the bench is strong. We had Eddie Hutchinson, who was playing in a higher division last year, John Dempster, who's a decent player, Yemi (Odubade), who keeps scoring when he comes on, Rob Duffy, who's done very well this season, and Chris Tardif. By sending on strong players from the bench it keeps the pressure on opponents when they're getting tired towards the end of games. That's the difference, we've got some firepower on the bench'". Manager Jim Smith added, "That was our strength at Crawley, it was a fantastically strong bench for this league, and that played a big part on the night".
Alty travel to Cambridge on 3rd October when Ritchie Hanlon should still be suspended, having picked up a four-game ban after being sent off last Saturday.
And from This is Glos we read that "If Jim Harvey is to haul Forest Green out of the pits of the Conference, he must eradicate the needless defensive errors that cost his side their first victory of the season at the New Lawn. They frittered away a comfortable two-goal lead in the second half against a mix-and-match Altrincham side. With only three first team regulars making the trip south due to the raft of injuries and suspensions damaging Graham Heathcote's ranks, this was the ideal opportunity for Rovers to end their winless run... Frustrations boiled over for the visiting contingent, with Heathcote sent from the dug-out after referee Simon Snartt took exception to the Altrincham boss's comments. The same happened last time he visited Nailsworth and it was the second time this season Heathcote has been sent to the stand - the last was against St Albans for a similar incident when his team were winning. This served to exacerbate the agricultural verbals from the travelling support and galvanise the Altrincham players".
NL Daily says that "Exeter City have taken former Portsmouth, Dundee and Livingston midfielder Neil Barrett on a week's trial. The former Chelsea trainee, 24, has been without a club since leaving Livingston last season. Barrett joins former Forfar winger Colin Marshall, who joined the Grecians on trial last week, and is set to remain with them for a few more days. City boss Paul Tisdale is also looking at striker Jake Reid from his former club, Team Bath".
The BBC reports that "Burton boss Nigel Clough said he was keen to keep veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole after he helped the Brewers to their first home win of the season. Daryl Clare scored the winner as Burton beat Cambridge 2-1 on Tuesday. 'Kevin Poole was brilliant. In 10 games he's been immaculate', said Clough. 'So if Kevin is happy, we are happy for him to stay indefinitely'. Burton had lined up a loan deal for Crewe's Stuart Tomlinson but he has not yet been allowed to leave Gresty Road. Clough added: 'We're at a stage where we certainly can't keep waiting for ever and ever for Crewe'".
Above: Kick-off at The New Lawn - with Alty in blue.
An Altrincham side lacking nine of the first -team squad, (the injured Coburn, Scott, Band, Talbot, Bushell, Little, Thomson, Bowler and the suspended Owen), staged a fine comeback in the second half after trailing 2-0 at the interval and having manager Graham Heathcote sent off for alleged "sarcasm".
Graham Heathcote has confirmed that he will be without seven first-team regulars tonight at Forest Green. These include six injured players. These are goalkeeper Stuart Coburn (groin), left-back Gary Scott (twisted knee), centre-backs Peter Band and Gary Talbot (calf), midfielder Steve Bushell (hamstring) and striker Colin Little. Also sidelined is suspended midfielder, Val Owen.
Pictured by Gavin Rathbone are Richard Acton (left) and Eddie Hussin (right).
Into the side comes goalkeeper Richard Acton. Richard was the club's regular first-team keeper in 2002-03 but suffered a bad shoulder injury at Harrogate Town in August 2003 and did not play a league game at all for the rest of the season. In the following three years or more, he has started one league game, at Runcorn FC Halton in Nationwide North in October 2004, though he made two cup and a number of Reserves' appearances last season. Graham has also signed three players on Conference forms. One of these is Eddie Hussin, who will have squad number 23. Eddie Hussin was a major factor in the club's promotion to the Conference at the end of 2004-05 but he underwent a cruciate ligament operation that summer and has yet to re-appear in the first team. Midfielder Eddie is the club captain. So far he has played in several reserve games as part of his rehabilitation. Also signed are defender George Melling, who returned to the club recently from Leigh RMI, and former Manchester City reserve, Paul Collins, who is a young left-back. Paul has played two reserve games for Altrincham recently. All three players will be travelling to FGR today.
The BBC says that "Altrincham are looking to sign some temporary reinforcements" before they travel to Forest Green on Tuesday. "First-choice keeper Stuart Coburn (groin), Gary Talbot, Peter Band, Steve Bushell and Gary Scott are all out". Scott twisted his knee in Saturday's game, whilst Bushell has a hamstring strain. Talbot injured his calf in the warm-up a week ago, whilst Band has been playing with several knocks this season. Striker Colin Little and winger Justin Bowler both missed last Saturday's game, whilst midfielder Val Owen remains suspended. Two other squad members, striker Peter Thomson and midfielder Eddie Hussin have yet to play this season through injury, so the club is down to the bare bones.
Pictured by Gavin Rathbone are Stuart Coburn (left) and Gary Talbot (right).
However, "On-loan Forest Green striker Charlie Griffin has been released from hospital after sustaining a head injury... Griffin, who is on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, was knocked unconscious and was kept in hospital until Monday... The ex-Swindon striker, 27, is not expected to play for the next week... while Arek Zarczynski is also out (Achilles)". The FGR Secretary writes on the club Forum that "Following the injury to Charlie Griffin... Jim Harvey worked with club officials late last night to secure the emergency loan signing of 27yr old Adriano Rigoglioso, which was completed this morning. Shelly (nickname) will be allocated squad No 23. He was originally with Liverpool as a youngster and besides Morecambe spent time in the Football League with Doncaster Rovers. The loan is initially for one month".
The referee for FGR v Altrincham will be Simon Snartt.
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports that "Altrincham FC star Colin Little (right) refused a breath test after trying to dodge the police. Magistrates in Manchester heard how the 33-year-old abandoned his BMW near his home and ran away. During a chase he leapt over a garden gate and disappeared, said prosecutor Sabrina Sohota. On being traced to his home, officers found the front door open - and blood on the door handle of the conservatory. Miss Sohota said Little was found upstairs in boxer shorts and when arrested claimed he didn't even have a car. But on being asked why his arms were bleeding he said: 'I did it running through the bushes when you were chasing me'. Little, who is married with two children, joined Alty in July 2004... The striker admitted failing to provide a specimen and was bailed until December for sentence. Miss Sohota said the chase took place following an incident in Yattendon Road, Brooklands, one night last July. At the time the defendant had been dressed in a T-shirt and shorts and trainers. After being interviewed he made a prepared statement saying he had loaned his car to a friend, and hadn't realised it was an offence to refuse a breath test. In court Little, a £300 a week part-timer with Alty, said: 'I have admitted it to clear my conscience'".
"Stafford Rangers have signed Stoke City defender Sean Robinson on loan... on a short-term deal... A second-year scholar, Robinson plays for Stoke's Academy and reserve sides and joined Rangers following a number of injuries at Marston Road" says the BBC.
NL Daily says that "Margate have announced the signing of Pat Sappleton, a central defender from Crawley Town... Meanwhile, it is expected that Hasim Deen will join Conference National outfit Stevenage Borough on a month`s loan with a view to a permanent transfer".
Meanwhile, the Football Conference says that "Paul Cook, manager of Southport, has secured the services of Nigerian striker Awan Douglas. The 6' 5" frontman arrived in England last week after plying his trade in Lithuania and has been training at Haig Avenue since. Secretary Ken Hilton has confirmed that Douglas's international clearance has gone through... The tall forward has previously been on trial with Brentford and Derby County and boss Cook will give Douglas a place on the bench to boost his options".
Altrincham enter the competition at the 4th Qualifying Round on 28th October.
The youth team's early season fixtures have now been released and are viewable in the Youth section.
The Woking official site reports that "An inspired fightback at Moss Lane led the Cards to their fourth win in five and to eighth place in the table, despite having gone 2-0 down within the opening twenty minutes. Goma Lambu led the show with two goals and countless mazy runs, but the energy for the comeback was primarily due to a team performance brimming in character. Truth be told though there wasn’t much of that character from an unchanged Woking line up in those first twenty minutes.. The team will face stronger sides than Altrincham over the course of the season, but there aren’t many sterner tests than overcoming a two goal deficit away from home".
This site's report is here.
Woking boss Glenn Cockerill said, "We were lucky that injuries hit Alty". At half time "I had to get at some of the players and I changed a few things around... we deserved the win thanks to our work in the last hour".
![](06091620a.jpg")
Above: Robbie Lawton takes the congratulations after putting Altrincham 2-0 ahead.
Injuries cost Alty dear after they had taken a two-goal lead.
And Blake Norton scored for Worksop Town.
Above: Colin Little receives the congratulations of Karl Munroe after scoring against Halifax last Tuesday as Robbie Lawton and Joe O'Neill arrive to join in the celebrations. This and more of Gavin Rathbone's photos can be ordered via the Robins' Shop or his GR Photography website.
In the NL Paper, Graham Heathcote says "Every game is tough for us and we treat them all the same... and we have the added problem of injuries... but, having said that, we beat Halifax despite these problems. We're a wiser club than we were last season but we do have a problem with recovery from injuries... Our home form has been good but we do have a problem on our travels and are picking up whatever results we can... Woking turned us over twice last season and we are expecting a physical game and a difficult one. But, whatever happens, we will remain level-headed. We don't plunge to the depths when we lose and but the same token we don't jump up and down when we win either". The Cards have a settled side with only one change in their last four games, the inoitroduction of Shola Oyedele to replace the injured Steve Evans in midfield.
SAM adds that "Last season the Cards out-muscled and embarrassed Alty at Moss Lane, running out 4-0 winners against their injury-hit hosts. The omens are not good ahead of this year's clash, with the Robins again facing something of an injury crisis. Colin Little is out after picking up a knock in midweek, while Gary Talbot is also still injured. Peter Band has a 50/50 chance of being fit for the game but it seems likely that the partnership of Karl Munroe and Stephen Rose will continue in the heart of defence. In midfield, Val Owen serves the second game of his three-match suspension, although Colin Potts will return to Moss Lane after three games on loan at Burscough. Fellow winger Justin Bowler will play in the reserves on Friday as he looks to regain full fitness, while Peter Thomson is also fully on the road to recovery after... four days' intensive training at Lilleshall next week. Thomson has organised the trip himself through the PFA and hopes to back playing within the next two weeks. But despite the long queue at their treatment room door, Alty are much better prepared to cope with the physical threat posed by Woking this time round. Against Halifax, Steve Bushell and Lewis Chalmers were colossal in the midfield engine room and the Robins will certainly not let themselves be bullied by anyone. Woking, meanwhile, have a fully fit squad to choose from, with both Ollie Berquez and Chris Sharpling returning from injury... After a poor start to the season, Woking have improved significantly and enter Saturday's game on the back of a four-match unbeaten run". Having suffered a hat-trick from Rushden teenager Simeon Jackson a week ago, Alty face a Woking teenage sensation in 18 year-old Giuseppe Sole who "graduated from the Woking Academy in the summer and has since scored four goals in four starts".
Meanwhile Woking say that "A repeat of last season’s 4-0 mauling would be very nice... Altrincham have made a steady start to this season".
Southport "Striker Tony Gray is almost certainly ruled out with a hamstring strain that has not responded to treatment as quickly as hoped. While James Olsen [ex-Alty] is definitely out. Coach Mike Marsh has this morning signed a Conference form and will have number 28 as his squad number. Fellow coach John Durnin has already signed a form and both can be utilised if and when required". Also, "Southport have re-signed goalkeeper Ryan Robinson on loan from local rivals Morecambe - with a view to a permanent move in the January transfer window. The 23-year-old ex-Blackburn trainee had previously joined Port on loan just before the start of the season. However, he was then recalled when Morecambe suffered injury problems. 'Ryan has indicated he wants to play here, and the acquisition adds strength to the squad', Southport manager Paul Cook told his club's website".
The BBC says that "Former Forfar Athletic winger Colin Marshall has joined Exeter on trial. The 21-year-old ex-Aston Villa trainee is a free agent after leaving Station Park in August, having made just seven appearances for Forfar. 'He is down for a week, and at the end of the week it might be a 'yes', a 'no' or it might be 'come back again',' boss Paul Tisdale told the Express & Echo".
Stevenage Borough have "signed 22 year old central defender Hasim Deen on loan from Margate after a 1 week trial. The Gambian defender has represented his country at U17 and U21 level and signed for Margate last season upon his arrival in the UK". The BBC adds that "Stevenage Borough boss Mark Stimson is hoping to extend winger Steve Guppy's stay at Broadhall Way. Guppy, 37, reaches the end of his initial month's contract... after Saturday's game against Cambridge United. Stimson told his club's website: "I will be having another chat and I'm hopeful that we can do something for another period of time. 'He does add that bit of quality to us', Stimson added".
The Argus says that "Crawley boss John Hollins is today bracing himself for the departure of one of his first team regulars...Hollins is waiting to see if the player turns up today when Reds travel to Southport for tomorrow's Conference game... Hollins said: 'I might be about to lose a player, we will have to wait and see. I can't say who it is but he is someone who has been in the 14 since the start of the season. I have spoken to his agent and now it is down to him. This is the problem we face, unfortunately, and we have to get on with it'.. Beyond the starting line-up, Hollins does not have strength in depth and admits it could become a problem... Hollins said: 'If we lose players we can't bring in any new ones because of the transfer window. If one goes that would leave us with 13 which is not a lot. It is very hard when you have such a small squad. It is not about tiredness because I don't like that as an excuse, it is about picking up knocks and suspensions... If we get a few injuries we would be in trouble so we have not been able to train players very hard just in case. People think because we have won a few games that it is going to be easy. We have to work very hard to squeeze everything we can out of the players and at the moment they are giving everything'".
Northwich Victoria extend "Congratulations to Steve Burr who was yesterday informed that he had won the Non- League Club Directory Manager of the Year award for 2005/06, for his achievements with Northwich Victoria & England. Steve will receive his award at the F.A. Headquarters in Soho Square at the launch of the 2006/07 Directory on the 14th of October".
Above: Gavin Rathbone's fine shot captures Lewis Chalmers in action against Halifax last Tuesday. Gavin's photos can be ordered via the Robins' Shop or his GR Photography website.
And the BBC says that "Halifax Town manager Chris Wilder has had a change of heart and is set to stay at The Shay. Wilder, 38, was poised to take over at Conference rivals Cambridge United... But after receiving assurances about future plans at Halifax, he is to continue his four-year tenure there. Cambridge had called a press conference for Thursday to unveil their new manager, while Halifax will now stage one of their own on Thursday afternoon".
Meanwhile "Cambridge United defender Adam Davies has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury... The Wales under-21 international faces a second operation to reconstruct the knee, which also sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage. U's physio Greg Reid told the club's website: 'He won't play this season'" .
The Football Conference reports that "Bradford City reserve goalkeeper Russell Howarth's proposed loan move to York City was blocked by red tape. Howarth was expecting to play for the Minsterman against Morecambe on Tuesday evening after their regular shotstopper Tom Evans was suspended following a sending-off. However, the deal was scuppered only six hours before kick off due to UEFA rules which state that clubs are not allowed to use an emergency loan to replace a suspended player. The Football League had given the go-ahead but the Nationwide Conference insisted the loan could not proceed. Howarth told the official Bradford City website: 'I started the day ready to play for York and ended up completely in limbo. It's unbelievable really'".
NL Daily says that "Garry Hill is ready to pledge his long-term future to Weymouth. The Terras' boss... says he is 'fully committed' to Weymouth and has ruled himself out of the vacant position at AFC Bournemouth".
At the excellent Chef Peking restaurant in Urmston, Altrincham FC held a Chinese banquet in honour of Ashley Brown (right) who suffered a double leg fracture in pre-season, playing for Altrincham Reserves. More than eighty guests attended the evening, which was compered by Altrincham manger Graham Heathcote, who even "treated" the diners to his rendition of "New York, New York" acccompanied by the restaurant owner, Tony. Guests of honour were Altrincham chairman Geoff Goodwin and goalkeeper Stuart Coburn, who fielded questions from the floor. An auction at the end of the evening saw a four-figure sum raised with the star item being the England shirt worn by Wayne Rooney against Trinidad & Tobago in last summer's World Cup. The shirt, signed by Wayne himself, had been donated by Alty striker and England masseur Rod Thornley. It raised £950. Also auctioned was a framed and signed photo of the England 1966 World Cup winning team, donated by "Rod Stewart" and a World Cup 1966 book, signed by Geoff Hurst.
The guests included large numbers of Reserve team players including first team graduates Lewis Chalmers and Pat McFadden. Graham Heathcote emphasized that whilst Altrincham FC may not be a wealthy club, it tries to treat its players at all levels in a professional way and this fundraising event for Ashley was one example of that.
We all wish Ashley a full and speedy recovery from his injury. In fact, he was one of three people on crutches tonight as chairman Geoff Goodwin is recovering from a cartilage operation and Karen Rowley, a tireless worker for the club and wife of Vice-Chairman, Grahame Rowley, is getting over a recent fall outside the club bar - no alcohol was involved!
Halifax Today also reports that "Town boss Chris Wilder was due to travel to Cambridge today for talks about taking over the hot seat at the Abbey Stadium. And all the indications are that he will be quitting the Shay eight games into his fourth season in charge... Wilder confirmed last night that, with Halifax Town's permission, he was going to have talks with Cambridge chairman, former Shay striker Lee Power. 'I am going to speak to Cambridge'," said Wilder, who rejected the chance to manage Hartlepool United in the summer. 'I have my reasons but I will keep them to myself at the mom'... But sources close to Wilder said that his decision to quit would be based on what were described to Courier Sport as 'off the field matters'. Wilder certainly gave the impression of a man on the verge of quitting following the final whistle at Moss Lane last night. Unusually, he spoke at some length with his backroom staff – assistant Wayne Jacobs, coach Lee Butler, physio Alan Russell Cox and Ian Helliwell – on the pitch immediately after the final whistle. And was then involved in lengthy discussions with chairman Geoff Ralph and other directors. Ralph declined to talk about his manager's position but it is understood that Wilder is under no pressure at board level... Wilder looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders when he spoke after last night's 1-0 defeat. 'The players care', he said. 'That is plain to see from their reaction... but it's plain to see that we're not playing with the swagger or confidence we have over the past year or so'... Wilder conceded that Altrincham had deserved their victory and singled out a couple of former Shay players as the keys to the home side's success... 'Our quality in and around the box was not the best. We got in there numerous times and failed to pick a man out. Altrincham are game opponents who play a very expansive game. They played well and we lost out on a couple of battles. Colin Little did exceptionally well against Adam Quinn and Mark Roberts who didn't really get to grips with him and Steve Bushell gave the kind of wholehearted performance we know he can'".
Shaymen Online added that "Chris Wilder has resigned as manager of Halifax Town... Tuesday night’s defeat at Altrincham appeared to be the final straw. The full reasons are not yet apparent as to why he felt it time to end his reign... Where the summer was full of hope and anticipation, it will also have been full of promises on how the off field activities would be improved to aide the manager in his squad strengthening. If this is the case then these very promises have been broken which in turn has let down a manager who deserved much more. It is fair to say the conditions Chris Wilder has had to work with during his spell as manager at Halifax Town have been nothing short of amateurish. Whilst he has worked hard to improve the areas he could such as the training facilities, professionalism of the players and coaching etc, the same progress has not been made off the field".
The BBC says that "Forest Green Rovers defender Tony Butler has joined Conference South side Newport County on a month's loan. The former Bristol City and West Bromwich Albion man, 33, moved to Forest Green in the summer after ending a second spell with Blackpool". And "Veteran striker Bob Taylor has signed for Kidderminster Harriers on non-contract terms. The 39-year-old has been training with Harriers since the summer and made his debut in Tuesday's draw at Cambridge. The former West Brom, Bolton and Bristol City striker has spent the last two seasons with Tamworth. Meanwhile, defender Gavin Cowan has left Aggborough after being recalled from his loan spell a few days early by Shrewsbury Town".
Right: Robbie Lawton leaves the pitch after the game.
Middlesex Wanderers Tour 2006
By Stuart Coburn
After missing out on last year's tour to Japan because we were involved in the play-offs, I was delighted when I was invited to go on this year’s tour – the destination choice was a shock as I can’t say that I knew much about Botswana. Middlesex Wanderers were established in 1905 to promote good fellowship through football and as Bobby Robson, the club’s President, said “Make the most of the tour – opportunities like this don’t come along often”. I certainly agree.
I didn’t know that Gaborone was the Capital and that the currency is the Pula, but I had an understanding that it’s a developing country and I was aware that I was going to see and experience something very different.
The squad is made up of semi-pros, mainly from the Conference and the itinerary was packed with training, matches and a visit to the National Stadium to watch a four team tournament between Botswana, Madagascar, South Africa and Swaziland. From landing in Johannesburg it wasn’t long until the divide between our nations was evident. We had a 5 hour drive to Gaborone, our base for the tour, and as we travelled in relative luxury the view out of the windows was quite different – poverty is extreme and it makes you feel thankful for what you have. But, in meeting people in Botswana, you become humbled because of their passion that they have for their country and especially for their football.
The first couple of days that we were there, we trained and took in the social side of getting to know each other – mainly over a few beers!!! We also went to watch the Botswana National team who were playing in the 4 nation tournament, which they won by beating South Africa on penalties – it was the first time that they had ever beaten them and to see the fans celebrate was unbelievable. They partied for hours and our hotel was a good place to be as the National team were staying there.
Left: Stuart Coburn, pictured by Gavin Rathbone.
On our third day we played a local team, which we won 2-1. After coming on at half-time my first bit of action was to pick the ball out of the net after a shot from about 35 yards. Thought that I’d been set up and the lads didn’t let me forget about it for the rest of the tour. The next couple of days we just relaxed by having a round of golf and going on a safari tour. Our second and final game was played against a regional team who to look at we thought it was going to be an easy game but the commitment and fitness that they showed was tremendous. We won the game 1-0 so a clean sheet was much appreciated as there’s not been too many of them recently for me!!
So, a successful tour and some new friends made. Hopefully I made a good impression and represented Altrincham well and I’m hoping that I will get the opportunity to go on another tour – the talk of Argentina or the Maldives makes next year’s tour sound very attractive.
I can’t finish without mentioning “The Lamb” – the team’s mascot. All members must know the words of the club whisper which is rendered on all Wanderers occasions. I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who made the trip a memorable experience for me and especially to Altrincham Football Club who funded my place on the tour.
Thank You, Stuart Coburn.
Whilst Alty have almost half a team of ex-Halifax players in the shape of Little, Bushell, Bowler, Owen and Munroe, the Shaymen have recently signed former Alty winger Steve Torpey. With Bushell limping off at Rushden on Saturday, a game which Bowler missed through illness/injury, and with Owen suspended, it may only be Little and Munroe who face their old team tonight.
Rushden Today quotes 19 year-old Jackson, "I'm absolutely delighted. If you don't shoot, you don't score and we should have got more than three goals". However, "Diamonds' boss Paul Hart played down Jackson's match-winning role by revealing: 'I haven't said anything to him after the game and that's what he's paid for'". But Rushden's "defensive midfielder Jon Ashton was left on crutches at the weekend. Ashton went off just before half-time against Altrincham with an ankle injury... Hart said: 'He went over on his ankle and it's very sore. It was just an accident and so innocuous that there wasn't even a challenge'".