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1 to 31 October, 2006 |
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1 to 31 October, 2006 |
Meanwhile, striker Ben Deegan is helping Witton Albion by turning out for them tonight.
Next week's away Reserves' game at Farsley Celtic has been postponed as the Yorkshire club has a clash with a cup competition then.
In a "Here and There" variation on the schools tour option, manager Graham Heathcote is going to Elmridge Primary School soon to speak to the children in assembly, followed by a return visit by the children soon after.
On-loan Lincoln City centre-back Luke Foster was recalled to the team although he is due to return to Sincil Bank today unless an extension to his stay can be agreed. Foster was one of the few City players to come out of Saturday's game with any credit but, with James Dudgeon due for a return to action for the reserves tomorrow, David McGurk close to a comeback, Jason Goodliffe on loan until December and Danny Parslow fit, McEwan might decide against carrying five centre-backs... McEwan said: 'We need to speak to Lincoln now because that was Foster's last game... McEwan adopted a 4-3-3 formation for the second successive game at Benfield but hinted that he may return to more conventional tactics after a horses for courses approach in the last two away matches. He said: 'We have better balance with 4-4-2 and we needed to try and play more in the middle of the park but I picked a team for a battle on Saturday. Our footballers sometimes have to be sacrificed like Lewis McMahon and Mark Convery'".
The joint supervisors confirm that only limited funds have been received by the 4pm deadline for the monies to be received from S A Retail Limited in settlement of the monies required pursuant to the Company Voluntary Arrangement of Crawley Town Football & Social Club Limited.
The joint supervisors have discussed at length with the company directors and representatives of S A Retail Limited the reasons why not all of the monies have been remitted. They have advised that S A Retail Limited remains committed to supporting the football club and that the funds are unavailable due to reasons beyond its control.
S A Retail Limited is currently continuing to raise the balance of funds due both from within the S A Group of companies and by seeking external investment. In the meantime, the joint supervisors will take steps to realise the equity within the former chairman's, Azwar Majeed, residential property. The property is already on the market for sale.
The joint supervisors will now convene a further meeting of creditors to discuss the conduct of the Company Voluntary Arrangement and will continue to use their best endeavours to ensure the survival of the football club and a return to creditors.
"Weymouth's FA Cup first round tie against Bury will be screened live on BBC TV's Match of the Day. The match will kick off at 1415 GMT on Sunday, 12 November at Weymouth's Wessex Stadium... Clubs featured in live televised ties in the first round will receive £75,000 from the Football Association's broadcast payments. In addition, winners of all 40 first-round ties will receive £16,000."
"Grimsby are in talks with Stevenage about a possible extension to Tony Thorpe's loan spell at Blundell Park. The much-travelled 32-year-old striker has made six appearances for the Mariners, without scoring, during his first month with them... Thorpe joined Stevenage from Colchester in July, but has only started one game [at Altrincham] and made two substitute appearances for the Broadhall Way club".
Another departure from Haig Avenue is reported by Southport GB. "Striker Mark Jackson has left Southport to join Leigh RMI... The 20-year old made seven starts for the Sandgrounders this term after joining from Preston North End in the summer but failed to find the target. Having featured eight times when on loan at Haig Avenue last season, Jackson becomes the seventh player to have parted company with Paul Cook’s side since August. Excluding their four loan recruits, the Southport squad now features just thirteen players who have made a first-team start... ‘Port boss Cook will again try to strengthen his depleted side prior to next weekend’s match against Tamworth. ‘I need to bring in a couple or three better players,’ he said after Saturday’s defeat against Kettering. ‘They need to be brought in quickly. I’m a great believer that we’ll be fine... We have to work hard on the training ground and we certainly have to work hard in the transfer market. That’s what we’re doing at the moment'".
Crawley Today has a Club statement which reads:
"The Directors of Crawley Town Football Club have announced that Manager John Hollins and Assistant Manager Alan Lewer have parted company with the club. Crawley Town FC has had a difficult year both financially and on the pitch and the decision to find a new management team has not been taken lightly.
The Club is pleased to announce that Captain Ben Judge and player David Woozley will take the reigns of Crawley Town FC for the foreseeable future. Former Milwall and Fulham Coach, John Yems has been appointed Coach of the team. Crawley Town Football Club would like to thank both John Hollins and Alan Lewer for all their hard work with the club and wish them the very best for the future. It has been a tough year for the club and its directors are determined to strive forward after some disappointing results on the pitch and having the constant pressure of administration.
The Directors would like to thank the Reds Fans for their support through these tough times and would like to assure them everything is being done to push the club to new heights".
Five Conference managers have now departed their jobs this season, including four managers from the current bottom seven clubs. The affected clubs are Forest Green Rovers, Cambridge United, Rushden and Diamonds, Grays Athletic and Crawley Town.
And another player's landmark is on the horizon. When Stephen Rose recovers from the injury he suffered on Saturday, his next appearance will be his 150th for The Robins.
Tom Bailey crosses the ball for Rick Crawford to head into the net.
A report on the Youth team's 2-0 win over Leigh RMI on Sunday afternoon is in the Youth team section.
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Right: For the first time this season, Alty had a substitute keeper on the bench for Saturday's game at Rushden. Here sub-keeper Stuart Coburn looks on as Richard Acton faces his team-mates' shots in the warm-up.
A poor performance from Altrincham saw them dumped out of the FA Cup by managerless Rushden.
STAR hopes that all supporters will be able to respond positively to this initiative and thanks you in advance for your help.
Right: Karl Munroe deals with a cross from the left by Rushden..
Above: Alty warm up before the league game at Rushden on 9 September.
SAM's Sport reporter Connor Murphy has spoken to Rushden fan Alan Jenkins about his team. Alan says "In the last few weeks our expectations have nose-dived somewhat... The last real high point at home was, ironically, our last game against Altrincham when Simeon Jackson scored his first hat-trick of the season. However, having lost eight out of nine (or something equally ridiculous) since, we weren't feeling too confident about the rest of the season until Hart got sacked last week and we followed that with a 'winning draw' against Weymouth away, a very difficult place to go this season. I would hesitate to say this to an Altrincham fan, but it seems Northwich Victoria did us a long-term favour by giving us the right good stuffing which precipitated Hart's departure". As for their team "Greg Pearson is - unfortunately for him - clearly the worst player to pull on a Diamonds shirt since... well, since forever. I've never seen anyone with a worse first touch... If the Airwair Stand is opened (which it will if you are bringing more than 200 fans) it will only take 50 decent singers to drown us out".
"Rushden and Diamonds host one of the biggest names in non league football for FA Cup upsets on Saturday. Altrincham are the visitors to Nene Park with both sides hoping to make the 1st round proper. Diamonds' caretaker manager Tony Godden says the players are ready for the big match. He told the official site: 'Preparations have gone very well, the lads have been bright again and bubbly. Discipline has been good although one or two have tried it on - which I knew they would - and they have been put back in their place again! I don't have any injury worries so I will have a full squad to pick from' reports The Football Conference.
I noticed on the official website that the wheelie bins full of ice water were given a mention at that Meet the New Recruits evening and if you ask me that's crazy! I don't know whose idea it was but I'm definitely not doing it. The good thing is that it's not being policed at the moment so I can get away with it and you're not going to catch me taking a dip in ice water when it gets to the middle of December!".
But the reliable Bullsnews says that "The Non-League Paper is closing. Next Sunday will be the last edition. The paper was recently taken over by its third owners in four years. Non-League Media started the paper but then sold it to Greenway Media. It went bust last June owing £750,000 and was then bought by BHT Media. Several West Midlands press reporters and cameramen were thought to be owed money by the paper. London-based Greenways Media Ltd published both the 'Non League Paper' and the 'League Paper' and has a total turnover of £2.2 million. The appointment of the joint administrators was made following the discovery of financial irregularities and after the board of directors had taken legal advice. The company is continuing to trade whilst the joint administrators seek a buyer for the business and assets... Conference coverage will be incorporated into a new 120 page paper called the Football Paper. It is assumed that the League Paper will also close".
We also learn that "Experienced defender Scott Hiley says the FA Cup could be crucial to Crawley's future. Reds take on Conference south Lewes in the fourth qualifying round... Owners Chas and Azwar Majeed must repay creditors almost £500,000 by Monday or the club could be liquidated by administrators. The winner of tomorrow's clash will earn £10,000... Hiley said: 'The FA Cup is massive for a club like ours because of the financial gain you can get out if it... It is a different world for players if they can get on a good run and get a draw away at somewhere like Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford... We need to get out of the scenario we are in because if we carry on we will stay down the bottom of the league. I don't know if it's complacency of what but we cannot continue losing after every win'".
Meanwhile, IC Cheshire claims that "Northwich Vics are due to submit accounts to the Nationwide Conference League in the next few days. The club is expected to send them in by the end of the month... The Conference board next meets on November 16 but [the Conference's] Mr Moules is confident the matter will be addressed by then. He said: 'I have talked to (chairman) Mike Connett and he has promised they are being prepared and we are happy with that.' Mr Connett told the Northwich Chronicle last week: 'There is no problem at all'". "Southport FC have secured the services of experienced Boston United forward Paul Tait on loan until January... He is expected to play some part in Saturday's FA Cup qualifier against Kettering after being given permission to play in the competition. Tait started his career as a trainee with Everton and went on to join Wigan on a free transfer in July, 1994. He then had spells with Runcorn and Northwich before signing for Crewe on a month-by-month deal".
Tamworth "boss Mark Cooper has moved quickly to bring in Portuguese goalkeeper José Manuel Montiero da Veiga after Matthew Ghent, who made his debut last Saturday, had is contract cancelled with immediate effect due to unforseen circumstances. With Sean Bowles going out on loan to Hinckley United for three months, Cooper needed to fill the space between the sticks quickly and signed the former Benfica, Levante (Spain), Valladolid (Spain), Estrela da Amadora and Sporting Club Olhanense player after international clearance had been confirmed with the FA. Cooper is also hoping to bring in midfielder Darryl Taylor, previously with Bury, AFC Bournemouth, Hereford and Walsall in time for Saturday. Another player to go out on loan is Graham Ward (to Worcester City), while Adie Smith must serve a one match suspension for collecting 5 yellow cards and Yeovil have said that Bradley Thomas cannot feature but Gavin McAllum can".
From the Aldershot News and Mail - "The News understands that Terry Brown could face the sack if Aldershot lose their crucial FA Cup tie at Haverhill Rovers tomorrow. With the board reportedly split over the manager’s future, a poor result... could herald the end of Brown's four-and-a-half-year reign at the Rec. Aldershot have endured a miserable run of late, winning just two out of their last nine games but the boss insists he is not overly concerned about his future. 'I’m not particularly worried', he said. 'As any manager will tell you, you're always five or six bad results away from the sack in this game."
The Cambridge Evening News says that "Jimmy Quinn has shown his players that no-one is indispensable as he seeks to turn around Cambridge United's fortunes... He has circulated a list of players' names, believed to number up to 10, to other clubs within the Conference set-up. 'After two disappointing results, I've sent a circular round to see if there's any interest, not forgetting that the transfer window doesn't open until January', said Quinn. 'If teams aren't performing, it's always nice to send a circular round to see who's interested in your players. It may be a way of generating money for me. It's no good waiting until January to do it... We've had one or two inquiries but, to be honest, it's one or two inquiries that don't suit me or the club. From time to time you have to do that, but it gives the players a bit of a wake-up call to make sure they don't become complacent. As far as I'm concerned, they've short-changed the fans a little bit in the last two games and these things happen'".
And "Quinn is calling on Cambridge United to 'get dirty' at Northwich Victoria in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup tomorrow. 'I've been here long enough and I think some of the players are a little bit weak in commitment levels. I want to build a team that every time they take to the field the fans can be proud of. I just feel, after the honeymoon period, one or two have gone back to their old ways... It's about going to Northwich with that confidence and bit of arrogance. We've got to get dirty - it's not nice to watch, but it's about grafting. Teams such as Northwich and Altrincham set the standard for anybody. They've not got the biggest squads or budgets but work their socks off for each other to get results. You need to roll your sleeves up and earn the right to win in this game, and that involves hard work. If we have the determination and grit there's no reason we can't get the result'".
A date to put in your diary is a week on Saturday (4th November) when Alty Resrves are again scheduled to play at Moss Lane, against Ossett Town (k.o. 2pm). As Alty's first team has a Sunday game that weekend (at York City on 5th November), why not come to Moss Lane and watch the Reserves on the Saturday (4th)?
It is believed that Altrincham supporters may be accommodated in the North Stand (which is along the side of the pitch) for this game, rather than in the Airware stand (behind the goal), where we have previously been located.
"Cambridge United have released defender Trevor Robinson after the 22-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Jimmy Quinn. The former Millwall player had been on non-contract terms at the club and had started seven games since August. But, according to the BBC, Quinn told the club website: "He's done well but is not what I'm after'. Former Leicester trainee Liam Norval has also been allowed to go but loanees James Meredith and Ben Gill will be permitted to play in the FA Cup".
"Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough may be thwarted in his attempt to sign winger Daryl Taylor. The 21-year-old midielder has impressed during his trial period... but having been registered as a player with both Bournemouth and Bury this season, any future deal must reportedly run until the end of the season. Clough told the Burton Mail: 'It is unlikely we can offer him a contract for the next seven months'".
The Tamworth Herald says that "Lambs' boss Mark Cooper has warned his players against complacency as they approach this Saturday's FA Cup qualifier against Harrogate Town, claiming: 'We have become a scalp'. Cooper believes the attention Tamworth received during last year's memorable cup run - when they disposed of league sides Bournemouth and Hartlepool before the replay loss to Stoke City on penalties - means they have become a target for giant-killers themselves. He told Herald Sport: "A lot of people would be looking at this game and thinking there is a chance of a Conference North team beating a Conference Premier side. We have got to make sure there is no complacency as we have become a bit of a scalp now... Financially they [Harrogate] are probably a bit better off than us... There's prize money for this game and if we go on a run again it takes a lot of the pressure off for next year. Also, from the players' point of view, it's a chance for them to earn a bit of notoriety and pit themselves against players at a higher level'".
SAM's Connor Murphy quotes Graham Heathcote, "The FA Cup is massive for every non-league club in this country. It's full of dreams and ambitions, this club as much as any knows what's possible in this cup. But we don't want our cup run to remain a dream and it will take a lot of hard work to turn it into a reality... It's going to be a very hard game but we are aware of the dangers of the game and I am confident that this side can win the tie... I would never treat the FA Cup as a distraction... I just hope we can get through this round because once you've won your first game, that is when the real buzz kicks in and maybe we would be able to build a cup run out that. The financial aspect would be a big bonus as well. But that's all this club is viewing it as, we are not about to plan our finances around revenue that isn't secure. It would make life easier but if it doesn't happen we wouldn't have to start making any drastic changes".
Rushden Today claims that "Former England international Gordon Hill is ready to work his 'magic' as the new Rushden & Diamonds manager. The 52-year-old – who won the FA Cup as a Manchester United player in 1977 – wants to return from America and is putting his name in the frame to become Paul Hart's long-term successor at Nene Park. Hill's agent Jon Slocombe revealed: 'He has got his own football academy in Dallas and now he wants to come back to this country. I had already written to Diamonds on behalf of Gordon just to say he was interested should the vacancy arise and then the following week Hart was sacked. We haven't heard anything yet as the club are apparently collating all the CVs. In his playing days Gordon was known as Merlin the Magician. So, hopefully, he is given an opportunity to perform at Diamonds'. Hill's interest in the job to replace Hart leaves him as a candidate alongside the likes of former Diamonds striker Colin West ...ex-Kettering and Northampton boss Kevin Wilson is also expected to be among the frontrunners with former Leyton Orient manager Tommy Taylor and current Boston United chairman Jim Rodwell who had a successful spell as a central defender for Diamonds... [Hill] ran the centre of excellence at Chester City and became director of football, briefly taking over the first team during American Terry Smith's ill-fated period. In 14 games at the start of the 2001-02 campaign Hill won just twice with nine defeats amid problems behind the scenes. After a playing career featuring 450 games Hill also went on to manage Northwich Victoria and Hyde United".
The Football Conference also claims that "Ex-Macclesfield Town and Port Vale boss Brian Horton is on the shortlist for the vacant post at Rushden & Diamonds. Other names linked to the job are Graham Le Saux, Dave Penney and ex-Norwich boss Mike Walker... It is thought that BBC pundit Graham Le Saux is also very interested in the job and could be ready to manage his first side"
The only terracing at Nene Park is for home fans. So visiting fans will be accommodated in an all-seater stand behind the goal where admission is £15 for adults, £10 for concessionaries, £4 for under-16s and free to accompanied under-8s.
The BBC reports that "Altrincham striker Peter Thomson (right, pictured by Gavin Rathbone) could soon be available to make his first-team debut. The former Luton Town and Southport forward, 29, joined the Robins from Stafford in the summer but has since been sidelined by a number of injuries. But Thomson is set to play for the reserves again on Wednesday. Manager Graham Heathcote told BBC Sport: 'It's been frustrating. But this is his fourth game and hopefully he will play 90 minutes'". However, Wednesday's game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch in Bradford.
And as if that were not enough, there is also organising a a "Xmas party for just £10. Have we gone mad? There will be a Christmas Celebration Evening on December 9th, after the Kidderminster away game. Tickets are just £10 and include entertainment and a buffet and many of the players will be in attendance. Tickets are available from the club". And there's more..."On New Year's Eve there is a free party in the Noel White Suite at which children are as welcome as adults. Plans for a buffet are being made with it possibly being a "bring a dish event". Entry is by ticket only, which are available from the club".
And finally, "On Boxing Day for the home game with Northwich Victoria there is a dining package available in the Sponsors' Lounge comprising free reserved seating for the match, pre-match drinks, hot food and a complimentary programme for just £30. Contact Barry Pond or the club offices on 928-1045 or via e-mail."
For details of all the above see the STAR website, where you can also sponsor Alty director Andrew Shaw "who will be walking off his Xmas and New Year's indulgences on his sponsored 15 mile-ish walk from Altrincham to the Northwich away match on Tuesday 23rd January 2006. Andrew will be setting off at around mid-day and given the number of hostelries on the way he should just make the 7.45pm kick off.".
The Southport Visiter quotes Southport chief executive Haydn Preece as saying, "We will be nowhere near the bottom four at the end of the season. Preece also commented on the club's suspension of Carl Baker, saying "He was not doing what he as meant to be doing in training". Referring to the club's move to full-time he added, "It is taking a little bit more time than we thought and things haven't gone as planned, but it will happen for Southport FC". But a supporter of 20-years standing, Simon Jackson, responded, "I think they've made a mistake going from part time to full time. They also have a manager who is inexperienced which is a risk". Southport FC add that "Paul Cook has defensive changes to make for Saturday's FA Cup tie versus Kettering as Danny Ventre has not got permission from Accrington Stanley to play. Chris Lane is the most obvious replacement. Carl Baker returns to selection."
The Argus says that "The owners of Crawley Town are confident that creditors of the debt-ridden football club will be paid in full next week... Chas and Azwar Majeed must pay creditors about £450,000 on Monday - or risk throwing the club into a further period of uncertainty. Yesterday Chas Majeed... said: 'The money will be paid, no problem at all, and then we can all move on. There are still a few things to be sorted out before next week but we're very confident the money will be there. Even if it's not, my brother offered his flat as a guarantee at the creditors' meeting and it is already on the market so the money will be there. The club will not be in danger, either way. We want to get on with the rest of the season and concentrate purely on what happens on the pitch'... Andy Sprott, agent to former players owed money by the club, said: 'I really don't know what's going to happen and I wouldn't really like to speculate... I don't know if it is going to be the Majeeds' money they intend to pay to us or money from another source. It could be money from somebody who wants to invest in the club'".
Alty striker Colin Little (left) and centre-back Gary Talbot (right) were both set to return to action in the match. Colin has missed the last nine first-team matches through injury, after being fouled against Halifax Town, whilst "Talbs" has missed ten games with a calf problem. The squad included ten first-team squad members in total. The full squad was: Stuart COBURN, Gary TALBOT, Eddie HUSSIN, Justin BOWLER, Colin POTTS, Colin LITTLE, Peter THOMSON, Pat McFADDEN, Kieran LUGSDEN, Aaaron EDWARDS, Keith WEDGE, Colin McALLISTER, Danny HEFFERNAN, John MALONEY and Mike BROWN.
Adjacent photos courtesy of Gavin Rathbone.
But it obviously costs money to run the Reserves and gate money far from covers that, especially now that Altrincham reserves find themselves in the Eastern section of the Lancashire League which might more accurately be called the Yorkshire League! The Reserves normally travel to away games in pooled private cars, with the players driving themselves and receiving petrol money from the Club in return.
A very practical way of helping Altrincham FC would be to sponsor the travel costs to a Reserves' away game. As little as £30 would go a long way but any sum would be very welcome. In return you would receive recognition in the Robins' Review programme and on the website (if you so wished) and you would have the satisfaction of knowing that you had done the Club a great service. If you can help, please contact Neil Brown, the Reserves' manager via the club on 928-1045 or via e-mail.
"Southport have been given a boost ahead of their FA Cup tie against Kettering Town with the news that at least three of their loan signings can play. Carlisle are allowing defender Daniel Kirkup to play in the fourth qualifying round tie at Haig Avenue on Saturday. Morecambe have cleared Ryan Robinson to play and Blackpool will allow striker Sean Paterson to be cup-tied. But boss Paul Cook is waiting to hear whether Accrington defender Danny Ventre will be given the all-clear".
"St Albans City have brought ex-Queens Park Rangers winger Ben Walshe back to Clarence Park for a third spell. Walshe, 23, left Saints in the summer after they won promotion, but returns as a free agent and is eligible for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Yeading. Walshe, who also works as an actor and has appeared in the football soap Dream Team, started his career at Rangers. He made two senior appearances for QPR, and played 22 Conference games in a loan spell at Gravesend & Northfleet" says the BBC.
Woking announce that "Glenn Cockerill, the management team and players will visit Woking centre on Wednesday this week to meet fans and give out vouchers for this Saturday's FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round prize draw. Supporters coming to the match on Saturday (28th) will be able to enter a prize draw for an autographed shirt, autographed football and some some pairs of match tickets. To have a chance of winning one of these prizes you will need to have your voucher at the match. Glenn and the players will be in town from approx 11.00 to 12.30 full details to follow".
SAM's website has a column by Colin Little (right) in which he says, "The draw we got at Oxford last week was an absolutely unbelievable result. The way the lads have been grinding out results recently has been really impressive and we're actually becoming quite hard to beat away from home.. Teams need to take us seriously, we can put up a fight against anyone in this division. People do need to start giving us the respect that we deserve... I was actually surprised at Jim Smith for his reaction after the game, I don't know why people like that can't just give credit where credit's due. It has been really hard not being involved myself. This injury really is starting to do my head in. I had been pencilled in to play for the reserves on Wednesday but I wasn't quite ready, I'm not quite able to kick a ball without getting any pain yet... I was happy to see Thommo (Peter Thomson) getting back to match fitness. I've been training with him recently and I have to say, he's got one of the hardest shots I have ever seen! When he hits the ball it's like a rocket, it flies off his boot. I wouldn't like to get in the way of one of them, it would take your head off!... Playing alongside a big guy like him who will win flick-ons and do all the physical work is good because it would mean I wouldn't have to play so deep. That said, I'm not even guaranteed to get back in the team myself the way some of the lads are playing right now".
This was only Tomlin's second start of the season as former boss Paul Hart rarely gave him an opportunity to shine – only a few months after Liverpool invited him for a trial as the best player at his age in the country... It was a chance for everyone to prove themselves again and Diamonds produced a much better performance. Caretaker manager Tony Godden went back to basics with a 4-4-2 formation rather than the three-man attack or diamond midfield which Hart favoured. It worked so well that they probably deserved to go home with three points... Tyrone Berry and Marcus Kelly seemed much happier on the wings to create chances. Tomlin's shock selection... paid off as he could have been celebrating a first-half hat-trick... Diamonds failed to deal with Dean Howell's corner – not the only time they have struggled at set-pieces – and Terras skipper Ben Smith smashed his shot into the bottom corner of the net...With two of the biggest budgets behind runaway leaders Oxford United – the only other side to have avoided defeat at the Wessex Stadium so far this season – we might have expected a more entertaining game... But, most importantly, Diamonds had delivered a performance which they could take pride from – despite dropping down another league position after making it nine games without a win".
And the BBC adds "For a club once dubbed the 'Manchester United of the Conference' the current league table does not make pretty reading for Rushden and Diamonds. Back in the Conference following five seasons as a Football League club, the Diamonds are just one point and a handful of places above the drop zone, having won just four of their first 16 games. Paul Hart, hired in the summer as only Rushden's fifth manager but third in the last two years, paid the price by losing his job... Chairman Helen Thompson told BBC Sport: 'With a person like him we expected to be in a play-off position. He had a budget which was not the highest in the Conference by any means but was certainly at the higher end and he got some good players... He worked very hard and was a gentleman but it did not work out for us'... Under Brian Talbot the club, formed in 1992 following the amalgamation of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds, followed up their Conference title success of 2001 by winning League Two two years later. But relegation followed immediately and after Talbot left, two seasons of struggle culminated with last season's slump to the bottom of the League... Max Griggs's wealth from his Dr Martens footwear firm powered Rushden's rise but in June 2005 he handed over the keys of Nene Park to a Supporters' Trust... The club have had to reduce an operational deficit of £1.3m down to £300,000 - and come next summer the Diamonds hope to break even. With no bank loans to service and up to 200 volunteers working for the club at every level to keep costs down, Rushden are better off than many. But Thompson does not regard being solvent at the lower end of the Conference as an option. The hunt for Hart's replacement has begun and according to the chairman, Rushden have been 'inundated with people of a very high calibre looking to be his successor'... Thompson said: 'Lots of football clubs are finding it hard going. The establishment of the Premiership had made football at this level a lot more difficult and with the Bosman ruling there are not the transfer fees around. But we have got a good brand name and fantastic facilities, and we want to see the Diamonds sparkle again'".
Congratulations to Altrincham FC Director Andrew Shaw, who has been elected to the National Conference board, whose regular meetings are held at Burton and Stevenage. Andrew's appointment marks a further step in Altrincham FC's rehabilitation at Conference level after several years outside the Conference fold. Andrew is pictured (right) with neighbour Michael Carter with whom he completed a sponsored walk to the Alty game at Morecambe last season. Andrew is repeating the performance this season with a sponsored walk from Altrincham to Northwich for the away game against The Vics on January 23rd 2007.
The Club has arranged three Christmas events:
There will be a Christmas Celebration Evening on December 9th, after the Kidderminster away game. Tickets are £10 and include entertainment and a buffet and many of the players will be in attendance. Tickets are available from the club.
And on Boxing Day for the home game with Northwich Victoria there is a dining package available in the Sponsors' Lounge comprising free reserved seating for the match, pre-match drinks, hot food and a complimentary programme for just £30. Contact Barry Pond or the club offices on 92801045 or via e-mail.
And on New Year's Eve there is a free party in the Noel White Suite at which children are as welcome as adults. Plans for a buffet are being made with it possibly being a "bring a dish event". Entry is by ticket only, which are available from the club.
Howard Watts's Through the Years information for Saturday is here.
Right, Brian Flynn accepts the Altrincham FC Friends' Monthly Draw prize of £100 from Vice-Chairman Grahame Rowley before Saturday's game. Brian's daughter, Lori, was the winner but she trusted him to collect the cheque for her!
The unofficial Southport site also has a report. It remarks on "A superb turn out from the travelling faithful, 252 in the away end plus around 50 in the stand shows just what potential support we could have if we were going well... You really could tell the division in the fans today, the Cook must stay faction against the Cook must go brigade, It's amazing how there is such a split in the fans but then again thinking back to last season it was there with Liam Watson but never to this extent. Things got a touch heated at times on the terraces and I understand a punch was thrown".
The Football Conference reports that "Weymouth manager Garry Hill suffered a suspected heart problem at the end of his side's 1-1 draw with Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday. Hill needed to be escorted from the touchline and straight to hospital ten minutes from the end of the Nationwide Conference clash at Wessex Stadium. Weymouth chairman Martyn Harrison was on hand to explain the situation: 'Following a free ride to Dorchester Hospital and a complete checkup Garry was released last night and is today well enough to go to West Ham to watch his son play for their juniors. Panic over. Personally I think it was our teams performance yesterday .... enough to make anyone stressed. Garry has been advised to take it easy for a few days'".
"Kidderminster boss Mark Yates will know early this week whether his loan players will be allowed to play in their FA Cup match with Droylsden. Harriers are set to host the Nationwide North leaders in a fourth qualifying round tie at Aggborough Stadium but may not have their full squad available. Rochdale, Crewe, Doncaster and Plymouth could still deny Iyseden Christie, Paul Bignot, Craig Nelthorpe and Reuben Reid the chance to play. Manager Yates told the club's official website: 'I don't know where we are with the loan lads at the moment... but if they're not we'll have a plan. If they aren't allowed to play then we've got some lads who are waiting in the wings to get a game'".
St Albans City "manager Colin Lippiatt has began the Clarence Park clear-out threatened in the aftermath of the Saints heaviest home league defeat for almost 50 years. Three players were released on Sunday with the possibility of new faces arriving during the week... The three players released are all recent acquisitions, Duane Jackman, Warren McBean and Nathan Simpson... Looking forward to Saturday's trip to Yeading the Saints hope to be able to add Gary Elphick, Magnus Okuonghae and possibly Lee Flynn to the squad... The game will be Colin Lippiatt's 100th as manager of St Albans City".
Match report here.
On Saturday night Altrincham FC hosted a well-attended Meet the New Recruits evening at which this season's signings Joe O'Neill, Steve Bushell and Robbie Lawton were the guests for a fish and chip supper at Moss Lane. The evening was compered in his inimitable fashion by Alty manager Graham Heathcote and was recorded for later, edited transmission by "Go Global TV". Amongst the paying guests was former Alty left-back Chris Adams, who had returned from warming the bench at Harrogate in the match against Droylsden. Graham and Chris engaged in spirited exchanges of banter throughout the evening.
Right: Alty manager Graham Heathcote comperes the evening with, left to right, Steve Bushell, Robbie Lawton and Joe O'Neill.
Graham pointed out that both Steve Bushell and Joe O'Neill had only ever been full-time footballers before joining Altrincham and going part-time. Steve, who hails from nearby Heald Green, is currently looking for a job to supplement his football earnings, whilst Joe has enrolled on a part-time physiotherapy course at Salford University. Robbie Lawton, however, is in full-time employment as a teacher of PE and psychology. Steve said that his only job outside football at the moment was chauffering Colin Little around!
Asked why they had joined Alty, Robbie stated that playing in the Conference was a step up for him from playing in Conference North with Vauxhall Motors, whilst Graham Heathcote revealed that Steve had joined Altrincham this season despite better offers from Northwich Victoria and Stalybridge Celtic. "Bush" (or "Bish" as Steve says Dalton Steele insists on calling him), said that he came to Moss Lane because he had given his word to Graham Heathcote that he would join us and because he had friends at Moss Lane, notably Colin Little. Steve confirmed that he had asked to leave Halifax and had not been released.
As for Joe, Graham had been impressed with his showing against us for York last season. So, when he heard that Joe had been released by York, Graham had spoken to York manager Billy McEwen about Joe. McEwen had given Joe a good reference but said that he did not score enough goals. Graham and Dalton met him at Birch Services on the M62 and made Joe an offer to come to us which he had subsequently accepted. He later admitted that he had had no other offers anyway! But Graham nearly blew his chance of signing Robbie, whom he had attempted to sign a year ago, as when he met the midfielder, he kept referring to him as Robbie Talbott instead of Lawton, prompting Robbie to wonder if Graham had made a mistake and really wanted to sign the Morecambe player instead! Robbie advanced the interesting theory that one way of assessing if a club is a vibrant one is by how many stewards they have on duty at games and Alty had passed that test as far as he was concerned. But before Darren and his stewards take all the glory for landing Robbie, Graham Heathcote also revealed that he had to sign the midfielder after his office staff at Moss Lane swooned when he came to see Graham. The Alty boss said that he had then signed Robbie as part of a new initiative, parallel to our Schools' Initiative, to attract young lady spectators!
Robbie told the guests that his boyhood hero had been Kenny Dalglish whilst for Joe O'Neill, his hero is Terry Sheringham. Steve Bushell opted for Bryan Robson and Roy Keane as his models. The evening was punctuated by compere Graham Heathcote's joking references to Steve Bushell's absence from match action with injury.
As for Alty's finishing position this season, Graham underlined that we are a better side this season than last. Steve thought we could finish on the fringes of the play-offs, whilst Robbie and Joe also thought that we could be a top-half side. Amongst the other interesting information to emerge was that the Alty players are immersed in wheely-bins of cold water after the games as this is believed to aid post-match muscle recovery - though Graham himself sounded sceptical and had not tried the therapy himself.
Graham also paid tribute to the players who had taken their chance this season when they got to play regularly in the first team due to others' injuries. Stephen Rose and Karl Munroe are apparently inseparable off the pitch as well as on it, whilst Richard Acton was praised for his laid-back attitude which meant that he had come into the side and performed excellently after seeing little action for almost three years. Lewis Chalmers was also mentioned as a player who had stepped up a level this season.
Graham revealed that he watches DVDs of every Alty game played during the season but he has only once forced the team to watch a recording - after we lost 5-0 at Forest Green last season. As for this Saturday's win over Southport he said that he had been minded to point out the team's failings to them but had decided to leave that till Tuesday night training! Nevertheless he was pleased with how they had achieved the target of gaining the three points even if the performance was below par.
For the event Barney's chip shop provided excellent food whilst the service from Sarah Rowley, Dan and Mike was equally good. If you get the chance to come to the next such event, don't miss it!
The NLP says that if the Majeeds fail to meet their end of October deadline for paying their debtors, diamond dealer John Goodwin is set to renew his bid to takeover. "Goodwin said he was certain that the Majeeds would not be able to find the money. 'My prediction is the club will fold before Christmas unless someone comes in'"
Match report here.
Right: Peter Band in action against Southport.
Details of both events are here.
Above: Southport prepare a freekick in last season's match on 15 October 2005.
The teams then were much different from the line-ups expected tomorrow:
ALTRINCHAM (Red and white striped shirts, black shorts and red socks): 1. Stuart COBURN, 17. Karl MUNROE, 15. Peter BAND, 5. Gary TALBOT (capt), 3. Chris ADAMS; 7. Colin POTTS, 12. Steve HAWES, 8. Val OWEN, 11. Gary SCOTT; 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Rod THORNLEY. Subs: 4. Mark MADDOX, 14. Lewis CHALMERS, 18. Lutel JAMES, 23. Kirk HILTON, 26. Lee HENDLEY.
SOUTHPORT: (All yellow):: 1. Steve DICKINSON, 19. Chris LANE, 3. Jerome FITZGERALD, 12. Farrell KILBANE, 4. Neil FITZHENRY, 5. Carl BAKER, 10. Dominic MORLEY (capt), 14. Kevin LYNCH, 20. Matty McGINN, 11. Steve DALY, 7. Kevin LEADBETTER. Subs: 15. Jamie SPEARE (gk), 6. Earl DAVIS, 16. Michael POWELL, 21. Robert BOOTH, 8. Neil ROBINSON.
SAM writes that "Alty will be hoping to claim their first win in six games when they take on bottom side Southport... Alty have played some good football at home this season and if they can display the kind of patient possession game they employed against Oxford, Southport will find it hard to cope. Robbie Lawton will once again be crucial driving the team forward from midfield and with Rod Thornley and Joe O'Neill using the channels up front, they could have plenty of joy against a shaky defence. Although Stuart Coburn has returned from injury, the impressive Richard Acton is likely to keep his place in the side... However, Colin Little is still at least a week from fitness and Steve Bushell could be out for even longer. Southport are likely to give a debut to on-loan Blackpool striker Scott Paterson, although midfielder Carl Baker will miss out after being suspended for a breach of club discipline. Striker Dino Maamria is also unlikely to feature... The Sandgrounders have not won in their last eight games and have only picked up two points from their last five on the road... Southport captain Mark Boyd was on trial at Alty last season before eventually signing for Accrington Stanley. Good in possession and confident going forward, the midfielder will be the main source of creative influence for the visitors. Liam Blakeman only got his chance last week because of injury and has been in and out of the Southport team this season can still have a big impact on his day. Quick and direct, he also possesses a good shot and could cause problems for the Alty defence running from deep".
The BBC agrees that "Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote will keep faith with keeper Richard Acton despite the return of Stuart Cobrun from injury. Colin Potts returns after a calf strain and Gary Scott should feature on the bench after a reserve-team run-out [Actually, Scott did not play in the Reserves]. Southport's Kevin Lee returns after ankle ligament damage".
Southport FC reported yesterday that "The players are on the Haig Avenue pitch this morning running through Paul Cook and Mike Marsh's training routine. Sean Paterson on loan from Blackpool is poised to make his Port debut. Striker Tony Gray has spent a week in hospital undergoing tests, Chris Lane is available after serving a one match ban and Kevin Lee is also included in the squad. Striker Dino Maamria is unlikely to feature".
Southport G says of Southport that "Twelve months ago, their defeat at Altrincham triggered a run of ten matches without a victory. Now Southport return to Moss Lane knowing that a similarly depressing wait for a win must not be allowed to spiral beyond the current eight-game drought. Statistically, their present series of results may not be as grim as the sequence that saw one point acquired from a possible thirty last season, but the Sandgrounders’ recent form is nonetheless a frightening cause for concern. With only two victories in the sixteen matches played so far, the ‘Port are bottom of the Nationwide Conference and have mustered a mere three points from their most recent eight outings. But perhaps more concerning than the facts and figures, is the blanket of despair that currently shrouds events at Haig Avenue. With restlessness amongst the Southport support rapidly on the rise, an alarming circulation of rumours and reports have been propelled throughout recent weeks, while performances on the field demonstrate a lack of purpose and direction. Paul Cook’s squad desperately require an injection of confidence and conviction, but with such an inexperienced side scarred by absentees and negativity, the forthcoming contests will provide a real test of their mettle.
Without Carl Baker, internally disciplined this week because of a ‘breach of club discipline’, the Sandgrounders are also expected to miss Alex Smith, who has not renewed his monthly contract but is apparently prevented from representing another club until November. Striker Dino Maamria has made only ten appearances this term and could again to be absent with a hamstring strain, but right-back Chris Lane is available for selection following a one-match ban and the ‘Port squad should feature striker Sean Paterson, who signed on loan from Blackpool on Thursday... The Moss Lane squad also features striker Joe O’Neill, who bagged a hat-trick at Haig Avenue for York City a year ago, but Peter Thomson, the former ‘Port frontman, is yet to make an appearance since joining in the summer. Stuck in a rut and without a win in their nine visits to Moss Lane, it’s time Southport experienced a change".
The The Football Conference says that "Nigel Clough, manager of Burton Albion, has revealed that he will dip into his transfer kitty in a bid to strengthen his squad. This is despite Clough's earlier assertion that he would not be signing any new players before Christmas. The Brewers boss has funds at his disposal following the club's FA Cup clashes with Manchester United last season and is preparing to do some spending in the coming week. 'It's possible something might happen next week because we're in touch with clubs who might release players once they get people back from injury', Clough told Skysports. 'There are one or two people who might become available who we would take'".
York City "confirmed this afternoon the Club has signed two new players from Stevenage Borough on loan. Striker, Darryn Stamp, and central defender and Stevenage captain, Jason Goodliffe, both trained with the team today and will be eligible to play against Tamworth tomorrow. 28 year old Darryn Stamp, who hails from Beverley, has joined the Minstermen on a 3 month loan period ending on 6th January. 32 year old Jason Goodliffe has joined the Club on a 2 month loan period ending on 15th December. City manager Billy McEwan said, 'Jason McGill and I have been working very hard to get this emergency loan deal sorted and are very pleased to welcome Darryn Stamp and Jason Goodliffe to the Club. We would like to thank Phil Wallace and Stevenage Borough for their help and co-operation'".
From Sussex, The Argus says that "Crawley are in danger of losing two of their best young players. Full-back Jamie Lovegrove, 16, is wanted by three League clubs, including a London Premiership outfit. Top scorer Scott Rendell, 19, on work experience from Reading until the end of the season, is a target for a Championship club. Manager John Hollins has confirmed they are two of six Reds players attracting attention from other clubs. Crawley's financial problems means all but four players - Tony Scully, Lee Blackburn, Ben Judge and Dave Woozley - do not have contracts and can walk out at any time. Hollins said: 'This is the problem we face. We have worked hard and trained these young players to make them better and then other clubs see them and want them. There is nothing we can do about it but at least it shows we are doing something right'... Rendell has been a revelation since being handed his first start due to injuries four weeks ago. He has scored seven goals, including six in the last five games. Captain Danny Brown has backed Rendell to carry on his goalscoring form against his former club Forest Green Rovers tomorrow. Rendell netted two goals in 18 appearances on work experience at the Gloucestershire club last season. Brown said: 'We see ourselves as a tophalf team and that is what we tell the players... Hollins said: 'We've been hit quite badly by illness, which has swept through us, but hopefully one or two will be back'".
SAM marks the occasion with an article in which "Alty boss Graham Heathcote reflected on a job well done as he completed four years in charge at the club last Saturday. Since becoming manager, Heathcote has guided Alty from the lower reaches of the Unibond Premier to survival in the Conference National... But the Robins' manager insists he is not about to rest on his laurels and is now fully focussed on the even more challenging task of consolidating his side's position in non-league football's top flight. Speaking exclusively to SAM Sport, he said: 'We have taken this club forward over the past four years and we are now in a much better position than we were four years ago. They have been four very tough and demanding years but if we can keep progressing the way we have, it will make all the hard work worthwhile. The danger is that you could start back-pedalling or standing still if you begin to relax and that is just not an option for us. My players have given their all for me for four years and that will continue for as long as I'm here... I'm not one of those that celebrates their achievements, I just keep my feet on the ground. When you are 52 and have been in the game since the age of 16 you know anything can be just around the corner in football and I want to make sure we are ready for whatever the future holds'".
Above: Pupils of Springfield Primary School in Sale are seen enjoying their visit to Moss Lane on Thursday.
Altrincham hosted a very successful visit yesterday from children and teachers from Springfield School in Sale. The children had a tour of the ground and a lively talk from manager Graham Heathcote. This is part of the club's new "Schools Initiative" and further tours are being planned. All the pupils who attended have been given a complimentary ticket to attend any of the next three home league games.
Right: Alty manager Graham Heathcote shows the visiting pupils of Springfield School the second home of most of his players this season - the physio's room.
Graham Heathcote told SAM, "Saturday's an important game but we say that every week now. It's going to be a very tense occasion for both sides because there is so little between the teams at the bottom that a win can take you up a few places. We have had a few draws recently so it is important that we get back to winning ways, especially as we are at home. But I'm just looking for the players to carry on where we left off at Oxford and play the kind of football I know we are capable of at home".
Southport report that "Striker Dino Maamria remains a doubt for Saturday's trip to Altrincham. Paul Cook is working very hard to bring in players before Saturday's match. Training today went well in muddy conditions. Stephen Rowland should be fit after more treatment on groin. Alex Smith has not re-signed his month to month deal and Paul Cook will decide whether Smith, who cannot sign for anyone else in the next month, comes back in. Chris Lane is back in squad after one match suspension". And the BBC confirms that "Teenage Blackpool striker Sean Paterson has joined Southport on a month's loan. Port boss Paul Cook made his move for Paterson to bolster his squad ahead of Saturday's trip to Altrincham. The 19-year-old has made two first-team appearances for Blackpool and last season spent temporary spells at Lancaster City and Leigh RMI. Meanwhile, Southport have appointed former Lancaster boss Gary Finlay in a coaching and scouting role following the recent departure of John Durnin".
"Derby defender James Meredith has joined Cambridge on a month's loan. The 18-year-old has been given squad number 29 by U's boss Jimmy Quinn and could figure against Conference leaders Oxford on Friday evening. Meredith has yet to play a first-team game at Derby after coming through the club's youth scheme. But the Australian, who can also play on the left-hand side of midfield, was given a two-year professional contract at Pride Park in the summer".
An interesting piece from the BBC on the Conference's attitude this year to off-the-field demotions... "Conference chiefs are determined to ensure that the end of this season will not be dogged by the kind of controversy that has hit the league in recent years. For the first time, four clubs will be relegated from the Conference National - with two coming up from each of the North and South feeder divisions. And officials will be doing everything possible to make sure that the fate of clubs is determined through their playing records and not off-field problems. Conference chief operations officer John Moules told BBC Sport: 'It's paramount. The target this year is that all promotion and relegation matters will be decided on the field of play and not in the boardroom'.
Last season, the Conference campaign finished in a state of confusion with Altrincham being deducted 18 points but surviving when Scarborough were relegated for financial reasons. Canvey Island's resignation from the league meant that no other side went down as the Conference expanded to 24 teams. Looking at the way things are panning out, it is expected to be four down and four up. Twelve months previously, Northwich Victoria finished outside the bottom three but were relegated over ground and ownership issues. Northwich are again coming under scrutiny from the Conference, with an investigation into the club's finances by BBC Five Live Sport being passed onto the FA's compliance unit. The Vics will be one of a number of clubs whose positions will be discussed by the Conference management committee at its monthly meeting on Thursday. However, expulsion from the league is not on the agenda, with failure to produce accounts on time liable for punishment by a fine. Crawley Town are also being monitored as they owe money to creditors but they still have more than a week to meet the terms of a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA).
Clubs are constantly being advised on how to abide by Conference rules and with ground standards improving at Conference North and South level, Moules is optimistic that promotion and relegation will run smoothly. He added: 'This year we are fairly safely saying that looking at the way things are panning out, it is expected to be four down and four up'. The Conference is striving to get its house in order to further their argument with the Football League for three-up and three-down after gaining a second promotion place in 2003. The League has rejected that proposal for next season, but dialogue will continue".
Grays Athletic report that "John Turner has been released on one month's loan to Conference South side Braintree Town".
Confguide says that "York City centre-back David McGurk is set to undergo a throat operation later this week and is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks. The former Darlington defender is understood to be facing surgery on Friday and is likely to miss the next three games". Alty play at York on 5th November.
The Tamworth Herald says that "Dave Bampton could be back in a Lambs shirt by the end of January if his rehabilitation from a serious knee problem goes smoothly. Initial fears were that the Lambs midfielder would be out for rest of the season. But Bampton, who had an operation to repair medial ligament damage on Monday, this week gave a more positive outlook on his future... Bampton told Herald Sport 'Basically I will be in plaster for three weeks and then a brace for about four weeks... I have set myself a January target and hopefully I'll be back by early February at least'".
The Northwich Guardian proclaims that "Northwich Victoria will not be relegated for failing to file their accounts on time. On the same day the FA denied they had launched a probe into the club's finances, the operations director for the Conference also ruled out any punishment for the time being. John Moules said he wanted to wait until Vics had completed paperwork, which is five months overdue. He also rubbished reports in another publication that the Wincham oufit could be kicked out of the Conference for the second time in three seasons, despite being in breach of league rules. 'The ball is certainly in their court', he told the Guardian on Monday. 'But at this stage they do not risk being expelled'... Financial documents from five other unnamed Conference clubs are also overdue. When asked why Vics had been allowed to start the season if they had not sent accounts to Companies House, Mr Moules was categoric. 'The answer is simple', he said. 'It isn't a serious enough offence to prevent a club playing matches'. However, he did confirm the six teams in question had been fined. Mr Moules warned if there was further delay the Conference could consider banning boss Steve Burr from signing new players during the January transfer window. He claimed he had passed on the BBC's findings to the Football Association's Compliance Unit, but they offered a different version of events. Spokesman Andrin Cooper said: 'We have not received any documents either from the Conference or the BBC. There is no investigation'. The Conference board are due to meet tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss the matter further. Vics' chairman Mike Connett has declined to comment".
Match report in the Reserves' section.
Fitness watch: The game featured several players on the way back from injury. Peter Thomson played for 63 minutes and displayed a powerful shot on several occasions as well as scoring. Stuart Coburn played the whole game and conceded twice, one a deflected goal, but otherwise had barely a save to make. Eddie Hussin improves with every game and played the full 90 minutes, as did Colin Potts who produced some excellent crosses and through balls.
So, don't be late if you don't want your meal to have gone cold!
The Southport GB Forum confirms that "Carl Baker has been fined and suspended for one week by Southport FC as a result of a ‘serious breach of club discipline,’ it was confirmed this morning. In the latest of a worrying series of suggestions to have emerged from Haig Avenue, the 23-year old midfield player was last night rumoured to be leaving the club. Having arrived from Prescot Cables in November 2003, Baker is widely regarded as the most exciting and talented prospect to have played for the Sandgrounders in recent years and, as mark of his progression, received international honours by representing England’s National Game side last season. It has furthermore been revealed that defender Paul Martin and Alex Smith, the experienced midfielder, have parted company with Southport after three months at the club. There are also reputed doubts surrounding the future of Liam Blakeman. Excluding three players currently on loan, the Sandgrounders’ squad now features only fifteen members who have made a league start this campaign. The ‘Port are at present bottom of the Nationwide Conference and without a win in eight matches, while it has been promised that Haig Avenue will this week be a ‘hive of activity’.
The squad for the game is, in no particular order, Stuart COBURN, Colin POTTS, Eddie HUSSIN, Pat McFADDEN, Justin BOWLER, Kieran LUGSDEN, Peter THOMSON, Danny HEFFERNAN, Keith WEDGE, Colin McALLISTER, Aaron EDWARDS, Laurence BALL, Colin McALLISTER, Astley MULHOLLAND, Michael RISK, Chris ROWLEY, Michael BROWN. Entry is just £2 (£1 for concessionaries, free for season-ticket holders) - and don't forget that Keith Davey's excellent refreshment facilities will be available. Pictured are the eight first-teamers in the same order as listed above. (First 7 photos are courtesy of Gavin Rathbone).
Further Reserves' news concerns Richard Gresty, the former Altrincham Youth team captain who graduated to the Reserves this season and got injured in pre-season playing for a Sale side in the Umbro International Tournament. Richard then arranged to go to Trafford FC to regain fitness and an agreement was reached between Altrincham and Trafford for him to return to Altrincham once he had re-established himself. However, the England Colleges centre-back has now decided to move to Hyde United, and he turned out for their Reserves this week against Farsley Celtic.
And Rushden Today says that "Diamonds' chairman Helen Thompson says she sacked boss Paul Hart for failing to deliver – despite having one of the biggest budgets in non-League football. But within hours of his exit yesterday, the Nationwide Conference club revealed that they had already received applications for the job from 'high-profile names' as well as messages of support from fans... The vacancy is still set to attract further interest from the likes of former Diamonds stars Colin West and Jim Rodwell, ex-Northampton and Kettering boss Kevin Wilson plus highly-rated Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough... During the recent run of eight games without a win [since they beat Alty 3-0!] which cost his job, Hart hinted that he felt let down by financial problems at Nene Park which affected his squad budget. He had also failed to sign a contract since taking charge in May but last night refused to comment over his dismissal. However, Thompson denied any suggestions there had been budget cuts... She said: 'Our financial situation is no different to a lot of other football clubs whether they are in League Two or the Conference. All clubs have difficulty making it pay and no-one does that from gate receipts alone. Our gates have not been fantastic so far this season but I'm sure they will go up later. Perhaps Paul's experience of working in the Championship was different to coming to this level. But I have to stress we have to spend our money according to our income and we don't have a lot. We have to make sure we are prudent because the fans own this club so it's their money. Paul had a decent budget to spend here and it's one of the biggest in the Conference apart from Oxford United and Weymouth. It's very disappointing because we had high expectations and we really didn't expect to be in 17th place now. That's just not acceptable'". She went on, "We have a good squad of quality players. But it just wasn't happening for them. This club has fantastic facilities and we have to aim for at least the play-offs. I know we are not quite at Oxford United's pinnacle but with Paul in place we shouldn't have found ourselves in 17th place. I saw Paul first thing yesterday morning and explained the situation along with the two Ians. I think they were surprised, although they understand football is a result- orientated business. So they accepted that was the decision made by the club board. The players' reaction was fairly non-committal. They are professional footballers who tend to express their opinions to themselves and there was no comment one way or another. We've had huge support from the fans. So I think we made the right decision at the right time. We didn't let it go too far down the line and I think this was probably better than at another time". The website continues, "Thompson says there could be loan deals within the Diamonds squad as striker Leo Fortune-West (Torquay United) and goalkeeper Dan Crane (Lewes) have already left.But she admitted: 'In the near future I can't see the squad being bolstered. We might get a few loans in, however I'm certainly not promising a huge increase in players at this time. It's all about ensuring players have a fair crack of the whip. I've not doubt there will be loans both in and out so we can go forward'".
The Oxford Mail reports that "Oxford United have expressed their disappointment after their glamorous FA Cup tie at Dagenham & Redbridge on October 28 was declared an all-ticket game.'I can understand why Dagenham have done it for security reasons, but I don't think it was really necessary', said United secretary Mick Brown, Oxford have been offered 1,570 tickets - 362 of them for seats - for the fourth qualifying round tie between the top two teams in the Nationwide Conference".
The Football Conference says that "AFC Bournemouth have announced that Kevin Bond has appointed former Southend Utd and Cambridge Utd Manager Rob Newman as his assistant". At Cambridge, "In incredibly difficult financial circumstances Newman built up a squad mainly from youth players and scavenging the non-league scene. Because of his looks, Newman gained the nickname 'Buzz Lightyear' amongst the fans with even a homage website set up. But despite popularity amongst the fanbase, Newman was sacked by United in September 2006'".
"Doncaster Rovers midfielder Craig Nelthorpe has joined Kidderminster Harriers on a work experience deal. Nelthorpe... is yet to make a league appearance for Doncaster... The one month loan-spell with the West Midlands side should help to give Nelthorpe, a product of Rovers' youth team, a chance to experience first team football" says the Conference site.
SAM says that the draw at Oxford "extended Alty's unbeaten run away from home to four games and they now sit 16th in the Conference table. Despite coming under plenty of pressure from the home side, a superb team performance saw Alty go in at the break without conceding.They finally went behind just nine minutes