Altrincham Football Club News Archive
November, 2006

Tuesday's FA Trophy replays included:

CHESHIRE NEWS

JAMES ON THE MOVE

BREWING UP FOR CHRISTMAS

CONFERENCE (& CHESHIRE) NEWS

Mr Cummins was also, coincidentally, the referee of our most recent home game against next Saturday's visitors, Burton Albion. In that match, won 2-1 by the Brewers, he booked six Alty players and left the field to a chorus of booing at the end of the game. He also reffed the Alty v Dagenham game earlier last season in which he allowed a goal to be scored into an empty net from a quick freekick when the ball was moving, with Alty keeper Coburn stranded.

Right: Flashback to March 2006 as Chris Adams becomes one of six Alty men shown a card by Mr Cummins in Burton's 2-1 win last season at Moss Lane. Three of the other four Altrincham players in the picture were also booked that afternoon - Peyton, Owen and Aspinall.

And Mr Cummins was in the news again this weekend... From This is York we learn that "Fuming York City boss Billy McEwan labelled referee Steve Cummins' decision to play Saturday's home match with Dagenham and Redbridge an 'absolute joke' after the visitors turned up 45 minutes late for the match. The game, which ended in a 3-2 defeat for the Minstermen, eventually kicked off an hour late at 4pm and McEwan believed the delay was unfair to his players and the club's supporters. He also felt it contributed to Darren Craddock's pulled hamstring muscle in the second half and called for Dagenham to be heavily fined. McEwan accepted that the reason for the visitors' late arrival was beyond their control and it later emerged that a fatality on the railway track at Stevenage had been the cause for their delayed train. But the City manager felt that the Essex club's decision to catch the 10am train from London would have always represented a risk. He said: "It was an absolute joke that the game went ahead. I was told three different times for the kick-off - 3.15pm, 3.30pm and 4pm - so I warmed my players up and down three times. You can't be hanging about like that and for them to turn up at that time is disgraceful. We run things professionally at our club. I'm not saying they don't but you can't leave youself wide open on the risk of a train arriving on time. It did not and if they don't get heavily fined I will be bitterly disappointed. They should have been sent back on the train and that would have been their punishment, coming back to play the game in midweek. It's not their fault that the train was late but that will never happen to York City for as long as I'm here... I'm really disappointed that the fans had to sit in the stand and wait and wait on a cold day for the game to go ahead... It's not fair on the paying customer and you have to treat people with respect'"

"McEwan also found Dagenham's ungracious attitude at the final whistle distasteful... He added: 'There was some nonsense after the game outside our changing-room from their players and we don't need that. I know they won the game and they are entitled to make their feelings known but they should not be stood outside our door shouting as if they had won the European Cup. I was angry with that and that's not the way I run my football club'... McEwan did not want to offer the delay as an excuse for defeat ... He did, however, feel his side were denied a first-half penalty, saying: 'There was a blatant penalty not given even though it was GBH on Martyn Woolford. I thought the referee had a poor game. He got a lot of decisions wrong including the major one to play the match'. City left-back Nathan Peat also incurred the wrath of McEwan, as he missed the match through suspension having received five cautions this season. The City boss said: 'He cost us the selection of a good player for a big match although Anthony Lloyd came in and did as best as he could'".

"New Grays boss Andy King admits chairman Mick Woodward's decision to offer him the job came like a 'bolt out of the blue'", states the Thurrock Gazette. King had been hotly tipped to become Blues boss last summer, following the resignation of Mark Stimson, only for Woodward to make an eleventh hour choice to plump for Frank Gray instead. The ex-Swindon boss freely admits that he 'wrote off his relationship' with Grays after being rejected for the manager's post in June... I was coming back from watching an Arsenal v Fulham reserve game when I got the call... It was the first time I had spoken to the chairman since the summer". King added: "I was out of work and I knew a bit about Grays. I know they have lost a couple of players who were about goals... But it's not a club that is in big trouble. It's not at the bottom of the league. They have an ambitious chairman, he is talking league and to be quite honest there's not a great divide between the non-league and the league at the lower level. In fact Rushden and Diamonds' facilities are better than most lower league clubs". The article continues: "King's first game in charge was Saturday's 1-1 draw with Altrincham but after just a couple of days to prepare for the game, the 50-year-old says he is having to learn fast. 'I came in on Thursday and it was deadline day, which I didn't know, and that made it an unbelievably hectic day', he said. 'Then I had Friday and you can't touch a lot then. So, I had not seen enough to make a decision on who I would play. I was hoping we would pinch a result and then I would see enough in the game to start changing things the way I want to... I have found out there is some character. (Charlie) Comyn-Platt's debut was quite good, Jay Smith did well and Dennis Oli obviously did well. Stuart Thurgood got better as the game went on and Justin Richards got better in the second half when he started playing the way I asked him to and started to use his strength. There's no short term fix in this game. There's some things that I can do nothing about. What I said before the game and what I maintain is that I'm happy with what I have got. What I have to do now is to mould it into my way of working'".

"Forest Green Rovers' forward Les Afful has been added to the England National Game squad for their European Trophy decider against Holland at Burton Albion on Wednesday. Afful, 22, replaces Grays Athletic striker Dennis Oli, who picked up a knock in Grays' draw with Altrincham" reports NL Daily.

The Argus reports that "Dave Woozley insists Crawley need to appoint an experienced manager on a permanent basis. But he says there is no rush after extending his unbeaten run as joint caretaker-boss to four games. Woozley, 27 next week, and fellow defender Ben Judge, 29, have proved they are more than capable of holding the fort since John Hollins was sacked at the end of October... They have shown they can handle the transfer market as well after the signings of loanees Gavin McCallum from Yeovil and Mark Wright from Grays, as well as non-contract player Ronaye Benjamin. McCallum could not be involved [on Saturday] because clubs are only allowed five loan players in their squad but Wright made his debut at left-back against the Shaymen and looked solid defensively and almost scored with a stunning 30-yard drive which keeper Craig Mawson turned around a post... Asked if Reds need a more experienced boss, Woozley said: 'I would have thought so. This is not a Mickey Mouse level of football, this is a professional full-time club'... Winger Tony Scully, in particular, has been in sparkling form since Hollins left... Woozley said: 'I have been really pleased with the character of the lads. They have got together and are all pulling in the same direction. Everyone has a bit more responsibility because we haven't got that authoritative figure". Coach John Yems added: "We don't have any big-time Charlies in the team. We have a system for them to play and they all run their socks off, from the back to the front". But "In contrast, Halifax manager Chris Wilder, a former Brighton & Hove Albion defender, was disgusted with his players... He said: 'Crawley have a lot of good players and I don't get sucked in by the financial situation because people like Scully, Jake Edwards, (Dannie) Bulman and Woozley would get into a lot of Conference sides'".

The Kidderminster Shuttle says that Harriers' boss Mark Yates "has responded to the Stevenage setback by challenging his side to win their next five matches... Yates has set his players a 12-point target from their Conference matches against Gravesend, Altrincham, Stafford and Southport... 'There's five games now, with the Trophy, between now and the new year and we've got to be looking to win five out of five. That's our aim and we're capable of it but we've got to stop talking about it and put it into action'. But Kidderminster's cause will not be helped by the absence of skipper Stuart Whitehead who limped off 20 minutes from the end with a hamstring problem. Whitehead is almost certain to miss next Saturday's trip to promotion-chasing Gravesend. 'He's tweaked his hamstring and we don't know how bad it us, but we took him off straight away as a precaution. We'll know the full extent in the next couple of days. He's been fantastic for us. He had a shaky start by his own admission but in the last three months he's been the main man and he's developed a decent partnership with Mark Creighton'".

This is Weymouth states that the Terras' "assistant manager Kevin Hales is confident that the club's players can turn around their recent poor form. The Terras have claimed just one point from their last four league games... Hales said: 'With the transfer window coming up in January we are talking all the time and finding out who is available and who is not but at the same time we have still got every confidence in the bunch of lads we have already got... Players do not become bad players overnight and we are still fourth in the league. We have had a good start to the season but we know we cannot rest on our laurels. We have got to get back down to some hard graft'".

Meanwhile, "Weymouth are awaiting confirmation from the Football Association in regards to the contract status of St Albans City striker Paul Hakim. The Terras believe he is on non-contract terms at the Saints and have said they possess an e-mail from the FA saying exactly that. Weymouth chief executive Gary Calder said: 'We have clear evidence that he is a non-contract player and that we followed the rules regarding our approach to him to the letter of the law'". City chairman John Gibson strongly refutes Calder's claims and has so far refused to sign forms releasing Hakim, accusing Weymouth of making an illegal approach for the 24-year-old".

Stevenage Borough report on Jason Goodliffe to the effect that "York have extended Jason loan period for a further month. [Also], Sam Hatton (19) has joined Maidenhead United to obtain some match fitness".

BURTON WIN

ALTY DRAW LAMBS

COLIN ON LEWIS

YOUTH REPORT

Above: L to R, Marcus Baxby, Alex Murphy, Kieran Raynes and Danny Browne move upfield in unison, against Bootle.

Report on Youth Page.

CONFERENCE NEWS

RESERVES

OLD BOYS

THROUGH THE YEARS

MORE ON GRAYS

Above: Will the proposed development on the Moss Lane car park produce flats with as good views of the pitch as these at Grays? Despite the building's height, Stuart Coburn still managed to kick clearances well over the roof - twice!

In the Football Paper, Graham Heathcote says of yesterday's game at Grays. "Anything we get away from home is hard earned. It's always difficult for us. Every side we seem to come up against at the moment sems to have caretaker managers or new managers, and that's a difficult time to play anybody. They came out and bombed us a bit but we set our stall out to match them and I think we did that in the first half. My main concern at the end was fitness, but we did OK".

Photos of the match from Grays are on their forum.

OLD BOYS

GRAYS ATHLETIC 1 ALTRINCHAM 1

Above: Steve Bushell, Warren Peyton and Gary Scott prepare to take an Alty freekick at Grays.

Match report here.

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F A TROPHY - NORTHERN RESULTS

Alty enter at the next round for which the draw is on Monday.

VIEW FROM GRAYS

Right: Graham Heathcote and Dalton Steele on the touchline at Grays last December

SAM's Connor Murphy has interviewed "Grays fan and programme editor Kevin Lamb". Kevin says "When Frank Gray came in we won a few games and it looked promising but when our form dipped, fans got a bit restless. Micky Woodward took control and got a a draw and a loss from his two games but then decided he couldn't do it anymore and brought in Andy King. By all accounts Andy King did a reasonable job at Swindon on a tight budget so I'm pretty optimistic. We've just lost both Aaron McLean and Michael Kightly, who were our two best players! But we have enough quality in our squad, it's just about making a team out of them... We've had that much success in recent years that it's become expected at the club... Glenn Poole is one of the favourites and Ashley Bayes, who's just a nutcase! Lee Boylan is a player the fans are looking forward to seeing more. He's been playing too deep so far this season but hopefully he can start coming into his own if Andy King uses him up front... The two who constantly find themselves getting stick from the fans are Adam Green and Jay Smith. I didn't say that though!... Ashley Bayes winds the opposition and the fans up and he's just such a great bloke... Squeaky-voiced comedian Joe Pasquale is a Grays fan and said in a recent interview that he still keeps track of what's going on at the club. But he doesn't come down here that much because he has moved away from the area now. Otherwise, Teddy Sheringham's brother is a Grays supporter and actually used to play for the club... Alty fans will be in the Bradbourne Road end because all games are segregated nowadays so they might get wet! But if it makes them feel any better, we could get wet as well because our new stand isn't under cover either... We all get on well with the Alty fans. There's a good link between the two clubs now and there's always good banter at the games between us so it would be good to speak to a few of them before the game".

When Alty played Grays last season, on 6 December 2005, the Tuesday night game did not kick off till 8.30pm because fo a floodlight failure. Kieran Lugsden's last-minute goal secured a 1-1 draw for Altrincham whose side that day was:

1. Stuart COBURN; 11. Gary SCOTT, 17. Karl MUNROE, 4. Mark MADDOX (capt), 3. Chris ADAMS; 37. Ged MURPHY, 8. Val OWEN, 30. Steve BUSHELL, 12. Warren PEYTON; 9. Colin LITTLE, 19. James ROBINSON. Subs: 7. Colin POTTS, 14. Lewis CHALMERS, 20. Kieran LUGSDEN, 28. Pat McFADDEN, 29. Kyle WILSON.

The BBC confirms that Grays' "new manager Andy King will kick-start his reign at Grays with three new faces in the squad: Will Hendry, Charlie Platt and Sheku Kamara. Andy Sambrook (virus) and Cameron Mawer (knee) remain in the treatment room". Hendry (20) is a central midfielder from former Conference club, Hayes, who was previously with Millwall but he made no first-team appearances for the East End club.

THIS WEEKEND

Pictured right, by Gavin Rathbone, is Alty centre-back Karl Munroe who, with Lewis Chalmers, Robbie Lawton, Joe O'Neill and Warren Peyton, has been in the Altrincham first-team squad for every Conference game this season.

Saturday 25th

RESERVES' SQUAD

The squad, in alphabetical order, for the game at Ossett Albion, is: Laurence BALL, Justin BOWLER, Mike BROWN, Rick CHETCUTI, Ben DEEGAN, Aaron EDWARDS, Danny HEFFERNAN, Andy KEOGH, Colin McALLISTER, John MALONEY, Lee MANNION, Astley MULHOLLAND, Chris ROWLEY, Keith WEDGE.

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Woking boss Glenn Cockerill swooped to beat the loan deadline and sign Southampton goalkeeper Michael Poke. The 21-year-old has joined the Cards for a month following Shwan Jalal's move to Sheffield Wednesday. Poke is yet to make a senior appearance for Southampton but got a taste of first-team football during a loan spell with Northampton last season. Cockerill also wanted Stevenage's Jon Nurse but was unable to get the striker on loan for a second time this season" says the BBC.

Stafford Rangers "have signed two new players. Matthew Barlow, a 19-year-old striker, has arrived on loan from Oldham Athletic while Chris Basham comes from Bolton Wanderers on work experience. Matt will spend two months with Stafford and Oldham have given permission for him to play in the FA Cup".

The Kidderminster Shuttle reports that "Stuart Whitehead has set his sights on clean sheets and keeping his nose clean as Harriers play host to fellow under-achievers Stevenage Borough on Saturday. The Kidderminster captain is...one booking away from a suspension... A one-match ban now would come at the worst possible time for Whitehead who is showing glimpses of the form which has made him a solid lower league defender... 'At the start of the season I was a bit ropey, but I didn't play a lot of games near the end of last season', he said... Whitehead believes Harriers have the makings of a solid backline with Mark Creighton partnering him in central defence, Scott Bevan in goal and Michael Blackwood and Jeff Kenna at left and right back".

From Rushden Today we learn that Diamonds "had planned to name Paul Hart's successor yesterday less than 24 hours after Keith Cousins took over as chairman. However they called off a press conference and this morning it remained unclear who will be in charge of the team for tomorrow's home game against Aldershot Town. Goalkeeping coach Tony Godden, who insisted that last Saturday's 3-2 defeat at St Albans City was his final game as caretaker-manager, refused to comment over what will happen next... Speculation is continuing that former Farnborough and Stevenage boss Graham Westley will be named as Diamonds' manager... Despite his own mystery investment Diamonds Cousins warned: 'The new manager will be given a budget which is substantially less than the current one."There have to be some financial constraints. We have to make this club run as a business and I'm confident we can still be successful'... If Diamonds fail to win on Saturday they will match the club's worst-ever run of 12 league games without a victory... After the latest delay in naming their new manager, Diamonds also released midfielder Ben Sedgemore yesterday".

This is Weymouth states that the Terras' "hopes of landing St Albans City striker Paul Hakim still hang in the balance. The 24-year-old, who was present at the Terras' 4-3 defeat at Bury in the first round of the FA Cup on Tuesday, has been heavily linked with the Dorset outfit since last week but a contract dispute is delaying the potential switch. The Saints, who have accused Weymouth of an illegal approach which the Terras strongly refute, are currently refusing to sign forms releasing Hakim... City manager Colin Lippiatt said: 'You can never say never but I believe Paul will leave our club. I can't see how we could take him back and I think it would be quite disruptive if he came back now'. A statement on Saints' official website from chairman John Gibson backs up Lippiatt's view".

GRAYS GAME

Left - Colin Little.

In this week's Sale & Altrincham Messenger, Graham Heathcote says, "We will get a friendly reception at Grays and we owe their chairman a great debt of gratitude for what he did for us last season. [He funded part of Altrincham's legal costs in their appeal to the FA]. But in football terms it's a difficult place to go, especially if we want to put our away problems behind us. There have been quite a few changes at the club in recent weeks and they've moved on a couple of very good players. But they have also brought in Justin Richards, last season's top scorer in this division, and they have a very good side. I'm just so desperate to get a win away from home. It's been very frustrating. But we still need to go there with a positive attitude and, if we play like we did against York, I would be very happy. We need to score more goals, it's as simple as that. We have tightened up a lot at the back but we have struggled up front. Colin Little's just come back from injury and it's up to other players to take on the goalscoring mantle, which hasn't happened so far. I've been looking for players to bring in before the loan window closes on Thursday but finding the right calibre of players has been difficult, especially on loan. Strikers who will score 15 goals in this league are very hard to come by and inevitably cost more than we can afford".

The Thurrock Gazette reports that "Grays chairman Mick Woodward has sensationally backed-tracked from his decision to manage the side for the rest of the season and appointed ex-Swindon Town manager Andy King as the Blues' new boss. King was on the brink of getting the job in the summer, after Mark Stimson's departure to Stevenage, before Woodward decided to plump for Farnborough manager Frank Gray instead... Grays were just three points off a play-off place when Gray got the bullet but rumours about the players not being happy with his "old school" training methods apparently forced Woodward's hand... King's first game in charge will be against Altrincham where Grays will be looking for their first home win in the league since September 9.... [Before the two loan signings reported here yesterday] Woodward said: 'We are trying to bring some people in the defensive department but going forward, in midfield and up front I think we are OK'".

FIXTURE CHANGE

CHRISTMAS TREE

ALTY'S ANGRY KID

FRANK PLUGS ALTY

CONFERENCE NEWS

Right: The Alty Idols await the start of the Exeter v Alty game from the undeveloped away end at Exeter's St James's Park.

This is Exeter says that "Exeter City have hired a consultancy firm to launch a full investigation into whether or not the club should stay at St James's Park.The Grecians have agreed to spend £25,900 on securing the services of Drivers Jonas, a specialist team of experts... Part of their brief will be to explore the possibility of the club remaining at St James's Park, while it is also believed they will investigate a potential groundshare with Exeter Chiefs, which Echo Sport understands to be the least likely option. They will also explore the possibility of building a new stadium elsewhere in the city and Grecians bosses will give them three potential sites to examine. The international company, who played a key role in helping Southampton and Swansea City - among many others - build their new stadiums, will mount a full feasibility study on all the potential options... The 14-week project will start next week and once the study is completed the firm will make a clear recommendation as to the best way forward... City's sporting director Julian Tagg said: 'This is all about what making the right decision for the next 100 years. Do we stay at this ground and redevelop it? Do we share a ground with somebody else like many other clubs have done or do we start again with something else?'... Tagg added: "It is an extremely expensive exercise which we can't really afford at all. The trust will pay £8,000, the club will pay £8,000 and once we have done that the two parties will come back together to see how the rest is going to be funded".

From the Burton Mail we learn that "Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough is holding out hope that striker Steve Scoffham's knee injury might not be as bad as first feared... He said: 'There is quite a bit of bruising, but we are hoping it is not as bad as first feared... The best case scenario is the bruising goes down, we get the leg moving and he is back in a few weeks, but the worst case would be that he needs an operation, and then you are looking at months'... There was more encouraging news on the striker front, with Shaun Harrad and Jon Shaw both netting twice as Albion reserves romped to a 7-4 victory... The pair, along with Danny Holmes, who was also on target, played an hour each while Ryan Austin — suspended for the 3-0 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge — completed 90 minutes. Clough said: 'Even in the reserves, scoring goals is good for a player's confidence'".

"For the first time, Daggers boss John Still has allowed himself to admit that his side are genuine promotion contenders", reports tha Romford Recorder. "'If you are in that top group and don't realistically feel you can win promotion, then you have no place being there', said Still after this crucial victory. 'Our current position is the culmination of three years' hard work. Of course, I feel we could win promotion, but there is still a long way to go and while I'm extremely proud of our young and inexperienced team, I don't know how far they can take us'".

The Kidderminster Shuttle says that the Harriers "have made a deadline day swoop to land out-of-favour Walsall striker James Constable on a two-month loan. The 22-year-old targetman has only made three starts and five substitue appearances this season. He scored three times for the Saddlers last season after signing from Chippenham". Meanwhile, the Harriers confirm that "Dean Sturridge is unlikely to play again for Harriers this season and could be forced to hang up his boots after a glittering career, Mark Yates has revealed".

From The Comet we learn that Stevenage "Boro have received an undisclosed bid from arch rivals Woking for striker Jon Nurse. The struggling Cards have renewed their interest in the Boro flyer after a run of just two wins in 10 games. An earlier bid was rejected but a new one is believed to have been tabled this week. Nurse enjoyed a successful loan spell at Kingfield earlier in the season but he has featured regularly in Mark Stimson's side on his return to Broadhall Way. Woking boss Glenn Cockerill admitted: 'We are trying to sign Nursey although Mark (Stimson) thinks what we've offered won't be enough to satisfy his chairman (Phil Wallace). We'll just have to wait and see'. If the deal does go through... it would also mean George Boyd, Steve Morison and the out-of-favour Tony Thorpe as the only forwards at the club with the experienced Darryn Stamp loaned out to York. Youngsters Chris Sullivan and Hector Mackie have also been loaned out this season... Winger Steve Guppy, who played in the reserves last week, may make his return from a long-term injury for the game".

The above is confirmed by the Woking News & Mail - "Struggling Woking have renewed their interest in Jon Nurse and have made an undisclosed bid to Stevenage Borough... The deal would involve Woking taking Nurse on loan for a month before finalising the move in the January transfer window... Since his departure [from a loan to Woking] and Goma Lambu’s injury, The Cards’ attacking flair has virtually disappeared and there is no doubt the Kingfield fans would love to see him back.'I had a bit of extra money given to me from the FA Cup games, although not much, and we are trying to sign Nursey', confirmed Cockerill. .. 'If we manage to get Nursey in it will mean someone going out as that’s how it is with the budget'... The Cards take on third-placed Weymouth at Kingfield on Saturday. Garry Hill’s Conference newcomers, understood to have a budget close to £20,000 a week... 'They are going to be able to do well with that sort of money' Cockerill said. 'Garry Hill has done well at the clubs he’s been at as long as the budget has been there for him. I don’t really see him around the scouting circuit much and that’s probably because we’re at different games. He’s probably at the Premiership ones. It’s a tough game for us and I suppose you could call it the princes against the paupers'". The Cards' manager added, “The lads have not gone from being very good players into being a bad team overnight. It’s down to a lack of confidence. We’re going through a barren spell but we’re making chances and as long as we’re doing that then I won’t worry... I’m very happy with the way we’re playing. It’s just not happening for us in front of goal which is where it counts'. The Cards' boss is contemplating starting with Saheed Sankoh up front alongside Craig McAllister, with available numbers still a problem. 'We’ve got two out on loan, with Liam (Cockerill) and Jerome (Maledon), which isn’t normally a problem but it’s the four injuries that have killed us. But that means the youngsters like Rubes get a chance and I thought he was terrific on Saturday'".

The BBC reports on last-minute loan deals. "Crawley have completed the signing of Yeovil Town midfielder Gavin McCallum on a short-term loan deal. The Canadian winger spent a spell on loan at non-league Tamworth last season and will remain with the Sussex club until 6 January... McCallum has also represented his country at under-19 level".

Meanwhile "Oldham striker Matty Barlow has joined Stafford Rangers on a month's loan. The 19-year-old moves to Marston Road for the chance of first-team football after just one appearance for the Latics this season. Barlow is to spend two months at Stafford and has been given permission to play in their FA Cup second-round tie at Brighton. Barlow has made 13 senior appearances, mainly as a substitute, for the Oldham since coming through the youth scheme".

Southport report that "Right-sided 22 year old Ciaran Donnelly signed on loan from Blackpool. The ex-Blackburn Rovers and England Youth international has made 39 Football League appearances for Blackpool. Paul Cook stated 'He is a quality midfield player with real talent our fans will appreciate. It is great to have got both Ciaran and [recent signing] Sean Doherty in as both have Football League experience. And as the clock ticks to cut off time at 5pm I am still looking to strengthen our defence if at all possible. It is important supporters know how active the club has been in the last few weeks and we are now doing what we have been striving to do- strengthening" .

Another Blackpool player moving to the Conference has arrived at Morecambe. "22 year old Blackpool left-sided midfielder Jamie Burns has signed on-loan until 1st January 2007".

Former Dagenham striker, Trésor Kandol, who scored twice at Moss Lane against Alty last season, has moved from Barnet to Leeds United on loan.

GRAYS STRENGTHEN

CRANEY LOANED TO SWANSEA

Speaking from the club chief executive Rob Heys said 'We are absolutely gutted to lose Ian in the loan deal, but unfortunately a clause in his contract allows him to talk to other clubs if certain conditions are met and Swansea have met those conditions. We did try to convince Ian to stay here at Accrington at least for the time being but unfortunately it wasn't to be. The deal is only until January and so we shall see what happens then. In the meantime Ian has been a great player for us and we wish him all the best'".

Earlier Stanley chief executive Rob Heys stated "We'll be speaking to Ian today to try and convince him that he should stay at Accrington, we're not simply going to let a team from a division above take away one of our best players and we won't let Ian go anywhere without a fight". Altrincham FC have a sell-on clause relating to Craney worth 50% of his transfer fee should the move become permanent.

Swansea City confirm that "they have completed the loan signing of highly-rated Accrington Stanley midfielder Ian Craney.The 24-year-old completed the customary medical today and will link up with the squad tomorrow in time for Sunday's League One clash with Bristol City at the Liberty Stadium (1.30pm)... 'The loan will run until the end of December', confirmed manager Kenny Jackett. 'We are keen to make the loan deal permanent and we have already discussed this with Accrington. We will progress the matter further when the transfer window opens on January 1'.... A leader on the field and consistent goalscorer, he has scored 28 goals in 86 appearances for Accrington, including 14 goals last season. He has already chipped in with five League and one cup goal so far this season. Craney will go straight into the squad for the visit of Bristol City on Sunday".

The BBC adds that "Swansea City have signed Accrington Stanley midfielder Ian Craney... Swansea triggered a clause in Craney's contract allowing them to speak to the former England non-league international player after lodging a suitable bid".

GRAYS APPOINT NEW BOSS

Alty Safety Officer Phil Taylor has been advised by his counterpart at Grays that Saturday's match against Altrincham "is segregated with away supporters' access via Bradbourne Road. Alty fans will be accommodated on an open, tiered terrace although there is a small area which is covered. Access to a seated area may be possible for the elderly / disabled at the discretion of the Club. There will be no access to the Grays Social Club before the match. Supporters are recommended to use the Bricklayers Arms which is on the same road as the Ground". Last season there was no segregation and no trouble and Alty fans spent a couple of hours in the excellent social club. But it seems that Grays have now introduced segregation for all games.

Above: The open away-end at Grays' Recereation Ground as seen, before the floodlights failed, at last season's unsegregated game. Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast this Saturday!

Altrincham fans are particularly well-disposed towards Grays Athletic after the Essex club's chairman, Mick Woodward, paid some of Altrincham FC's legal expenses in the failed bid to overturn the deduction of 18 points last season and many had hoped to show their appreciation during this visit but it seems that this will now be difficult.

COACH MODELS

CAR BOOT

Don't forget there is a car boot sale on the Moss Lane car park at Altrincham FC on Sunday 3rd December. Full details are available from the club, from whom pitches can be hired.

CONFERENCE NEWS

The Cambridge Evening News says that "John Howard has warned Cambridge United they are going the wrong way about trying to get the Abbey back in their hands. The club's former vice-chairman has said he would not stand in United's way if they present signed lease agreements for the Newmarket Road End redevelopment and show they have the cash to repurchase the site by the deadline next June. But Howard said he had been angered by comments made by United directors regarding their attempt to exercise the first part of the ground buy-back scheme from his firm, Bideawhile. In particular, he was incensed by Paul Barry's claim to fans at a question and answer session after the Gravesend & Northfleet game that Howard had not returned calls made by the club. He said: "I'm disappointed with Paul because that's just not the case when all I'd had was one email about the rent not coming through on time. I just don't understand it. It all seems to be getting very personal and I'm disappointed about that.. When I spoke to Lee (Power, chairman) the other day, I told him I needed an apology in the News'... The contract states the club need to pay £1.35million to repurchase the site, as well as prove they have takers for the estimated £6.5million redevelopment that includes a hotel, health and fitness suite, crèche and other leisure facilities,plus a new stand and supporters' club. United have to buy back the site before they can exercise an option to repurchase the rest of the Abbey. Howard said: "A legal agreement is a legal agreement, and we look forward to seeing their leases in place and so on. It's all written down what they have to do. If they can address it to the letter, there's no argument. I just can't understand why they'd come out and say they expect a legal challenge. Why should I keep taking the rap for things that aren't the case? I feel some of the comments that have been made are extremely inflammatory'... He added that Bideawhile were still moving ahead with the plans for a new stadium at a site in Milton".

The BBC says that "Woking goalkeeper Shwan Jalal has joined Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on a month's loan deal. The 23-year-old was picked up by Spurs from Hastings in 2001 before joining the Cards on loan during the 2002/2003 season and then permanently in 2004. Cards manager Glenn Cockerill told BBC SCR: 'I don't want to lose him because we need a win but it's a wonderful opportunity for the lad. I would never stop any player trying to get into the League'".

"Former Peterborough vice-chairman Keith Cousins has been named new Rushden & Diamonds chairman", states the BBC. "Cousins heads an investment group taking over ownership of the Conference club and one of his first tasks is to appoint Paul Hart's successor as boss. Supporters Trust chairman Paul Hadjuk said: 'We've been able to rescue the club from almost certain closure'".

Southport manager "Paul Cook has brought in left winger Sean Doherty from Accrington Stanley. Paul Cook said 'Sean is a great crosser and he will deliver quality. I have wanted Sean for sometime and I am pleased John Coleman has allowed Sean out to us. Sean has been playing for Accrington this season and he has experience at Everton, Fulham and Port Vale'.". He has also signed "François Dubourdeau on loan from Accrington Stanley. The ex-Forfar Athletic 26 year old keeper comes into the squad with Ryan Robinson's loan spell coming to an end after December 2nd. Robinson has to sit out as the number of days he is permitted on loan from Morecambe will have been completed. Ryan Robinson is expected to sign up as a Southport player permanently once the transfer window is lifted in January". Also , "Carlisle centre back Daniel Kirkup is back at Haig Avenue on loan. Kirkup is available for Saturday's home match against Cambridge United having completed a three match suspension after being sent off in the Kettering FA Cup tie at Haig Avenue".

From Crawley Today we learn that "Joint caretaker managers Dave Woozley and Ben Judge are hoping to secure at least one more loan deal before the deadline this week. Last week, Woozley and Judge secured the services of 19-year-old Ryan Peters from Brentford. And his signing paid dividends immediately with Peters scoring in the 1-1 draw at Altrincham on Saturday".

Former Conference club Scarborough's "plans for a new ground designed to keep the club in business have been thrown into jeopardy. Scarborough Borough Council has deferred a decision to lift a covenant to allow the McCain Stadium's sale. Opponents of the proposals want the Conference North strugglers to continue playing on their existing ground. The club's owners say without selling the ground to pay off £1.6m debts and fund a new home, Boro will go bust with the ground sold to pay creditors" reports the BBC.

Rushden & Diamonds have issued a club statement:

The Trust Board of Rushden and Diamonds are delighted to announce the arrival of new investment into the football club in an arrangement designed to fund the future of football at Nene Park. In 2005 Rushden & Diamonds Football Club, together with the majority of the existing Nene Park complex, was passed into the ownership of a group of volunteers determined to manage the operation of the club whilst new investment was secured. During the last two years the Trust has successfully reduced the inherited annual operating losses of £1.5m, however the Club is still losing approximately £600,000 per annum.

On the field however the picture has been less successful with the club having been relegated from The Football League at the end of the last season. Some restructuring of the team has been undertaken during the summer months but the resources necessary to sufficiently strengthen the squad have become difficult to secure.

During this time the Trust Board have worked with a number of potential investors to ensure the right partners were found to take the club forward.This has proved extremely difficult, due to the onerous conditions placed upon the Trust in the original transfer from The Griggs Group. The Trust Board are therefore pleased to announce the completion of an agreement which will see an investment group headed by Keith Cousins who will become Chairman of the Football Club with the existing club directors (Helen Thompson, Shaun Hodgkin and Nick Archer) resigning their positions to allow the creation of a new football club board.

After months of confidential discussions, Trust Chairman, Paul Hajduk, welcomed the deal saying 'I am pleased that we have been able to rescue the club from almost certain closure. The Board has worked tirelessly to secure the long-term future of the club and we are delighted to now have completed this agreement with Keith. The Trust Board have worked with one single aim in mind, to ensure the survival of the football club, which remains in a perilous financial position. We are confident that, with Keith's help and particularly with his injection of expertise and resources, we will see the football club flourish once more'.

Hajduk also paid tribute... to the strong band of volunteers who are the real heart of the club". Mr Cousins said "We need to address urgently all aspects of the finances and endeavour to put the Club back on a firm financial footing... Nene Park was an immense vision on the part of Max Griggs which has been developed into an outstanding sporting and commercial venue being more than capable of supporting that of a Football League club. Whilst I have invested substantial funds into the club unfortunately I am not a new Max.This club is and will remain in a serious financial position and it will only be through a great deal of hard work and financial support that will ensure the club maintains the standards that this club so deserves... The first thing to do now is complete the appointment of the first team Manager and I hope to make an announcement in the next 24 hours... I also hope to announce some further additional players joining the club before the loan deadline of 5.00pm".

In an open letter from the club's Trust, Mr Hajduk adds, "We had to act decisively over parting company with Paul Hart and his team only a few weeks ago. During the intervening period the football club directors have interviewed a range of potential managers; however, it would be folly to not recognise that we were also close to completing the deal to bring in additional investment and it is therefore appropriate that Keith makes the appointment of the First Team Manager. If people did expect us all to fail then they have been proved wrong.At the time we took over the previous owners had been seeking a buyer for over eighteen months. Through the hard work and support of us all we have turned the business round to a point where an outside investor has been attracted. And do not forget two things. Firstly, if we had not taken over when we did the club would have folded at the end of the 2004/05 season. And secondly, at the time we took over, the £750,000 we received was only enough to keep the club running for a further six months. So what we have achieved so far is fantastic and today signals the start of the next phase of the development of our football club".

The Trust chairman produced a long list of FAQs of which one is: Q. What would have happened without Keith's investment? A. It is almost inevitable that the club would enter administration because the costs are too high in relation to the income. This could lead to the transfer of the club to alternative parties where the Trust would have no influence in the ongoing running of the club.

OLD BOYS

FIXTURE POSTER

Above: The new Altrincham FC fixture poster was unveiled at last Saturday's game against Crawley.

Altrincham FC have produced a colour fixture poster for 2006-07, free copies of which will be available from the Club. The two-sided poster features a team photo surrounded on each side by a different array of local companies' adverts - which supporters are urged to patronise. If your business, local pub or workplace could use the attractive poster, please contact the club for a copy and try to generate more spectators at Moss Lane as a result.

LUCKY 13TH?

In addition Paul Ellender was selected for the England side in 1998-99 whilst at Altrincham but did not play.

ST VINCENT'S VISIT

UNICORN'S RICH VEIN OF TALENT

Unicorn Athletic from the Timperley & District Junior Football League are guests for the home game at Moss Lane against Burton Albion on 2nd December.

... AND TIMPERLEY ENJOYED THEIR VISIT

More than 60 members responded to Altrincham Football Club's invitation to attend their home game on the 18th November. The members, mainly representing the U13s teams included some of our newest and youngest members had a great time learning Alty's favourite terrace chants (the clean ones). The quality of the game was, according to regulars, not up to the usual standards but our kids didn’t mind. They spent heavily at the catering caravan and were treated to a half time pie by the [Timperley Villa] Club. All our members sported new team strips with many welcoming protection from the weather from their new Club jackets".

CONFERENCE NEWS

From the BBC we learn that "Southport's survival fight has been boosted by the news that on-loan Blackpool striker Sean Paterson has been allowed to stay at Haig Avenue. The teenager will remain with the Sandgrounders until January, although Blackpool have included a 24-hour recall clause in the deal. Paterson has scored once in two games for the Conference strugglers so far. Meanwhile, Port boss Paul Cook is hoping to strengthen his squad before Thursday's deadline for loan signings".

But "Cambridge boss Jimmy Quinn has lost the services of defenders Tommy Jaszczun and Andy Duncan, who may both require surgery on new injuries. Jaszczun has fractured a bone under his toe joint, while Duncan appears to have a cartilage problem in his knee. 'It's one thing after another since I came in', Quinn told the club website. 'Mark Peters has just returned to training and hasn't played a game, but we may have to throw him straight back in this weekend'... U's striker Robbie Simpson hopes to resume full training next week after having sutures in a head injury removed", says the BBC.

NL Daily says that "Kidderminster Harriers have bolstered their squad with the one-month loan signing of West Bromwich Albion youngster Rob Davies. The 19-year-old midfielder, who has won two Wales under-21 caps, joined the Albion from Wrexham in the 2003/04 season... The Welshman has appeared in the second-string games played under the floodlights in Kidderminster.". However, the BBC adds that "Plymouth Argyle have recalled striker Reuben Reid from his loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers. The 18-year-old received a red card on Saturday, incurring a three-match ban and leaving him unavailable for the rest of his two-month loan period. Harriers boss Mark Yates was keen to keep him for another month... 'I'd like to have kept him for another month but he's Plymouth's player'" he said.

CUP REPLAYS

YOUNGSTERS AT MOSS LANE

Firstly, the game witnessed the inaugural event of the recently established Featured Club scheme, through which a local junior football team is invited to watch a first-team game at Moss Lane from the Brown Dunne and Gray Family Stand, as guests of the club. The first group to participate in the scheme comprised some 70 children and adults from Timperley Villa Youth FC, who play in the successful Timperley and District Junior Football League (TDJFL). Joining them in the Family Stand were children from Sale's Forest Park School, who were paying a visit to the Club.

In addition to these two initiatives, children from the Elmridge school in Bowdon were separately accommodated in the Carole Nash (Main) Stand.

At the next home game, on 2nd December, the Featured Club scheme will continue with Unicorn Athletic Junior FC, also from the TDJFL, the welcome guests of Altrincham FC. All the youngsters visiting Moss Lane under the Featured Club Scheme and also those groups who come as part of the club's Schools initiative will be given reserved seating in the Family Stand.

After Saturday's game, Mr John Barnett, chairman of the Timperley and District Junior Football League, said that the Featured Club event had been a great success and that his League looks forward to developing further its links with Altrincham FC. Meanwhile, Altrincham FC Schools Coordinators, Dana Laidlar and Karen Rowley, have already received a letter from a representative of Forest Park School, Mr Neil Swift, indicating that the children enjoyed their visit very much. Mr Swift added that, "In typical Alty fashion, everyone at the Club made us feel welcome and it was particularly impressive that the Manager found a few moments to come and say hello. One of the early 'pay backs' for the Club will be the record takings at the catering wagon... There must be some re-stocking to do today!"

GRAHAM CRITICAL

Right: This season Stephen Rose has established himself with Karl Munroe at the heart of the Alty defence. Here he is pictured against Crawley by Gavin Rathbone, whose GR Photography website has more images.

In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger "Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote hit out at the officials who are 'killing the game' after his side's 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Crawley on Saturday... after a string of poor decisions had hampered both sides and continually disrupted the flow of the game. 'I though the game was spoiled for everybody watching by a very pernickety official', he said.'It was almost impossible to get any flowing football going, it was the perfect example of an official officiating for other officials. It could've been a good game of football between two decent sides but the players couldn't get any impetus going with the referee blowing his whistle every few minutes. You see this more and more nowadays and it's killing the game'".

The Crawley Forum has pictures of the game, as does Alty's Gavin Rathbone.

From the A< href="http://www.theargus.co.uk">Argus we read that "Crawley Town caretaker boss Ben Judge hailed loan star Ryan Peters after his goal secured a 1-1 draw at fellow Conference relegation battlers Altrincham. The 19-year-old signed from Brentford last week capped an impressive all-round debut display with a well taken strike just after half time, deftly flicking home Lee Blackburn's cross... He said: 'Ryan played very well, he gave us a different option up front, offering more pace than Jake (Edwards) or Scott (Rendell)... We've not drawn many this season and although they got on top in the last 20 minutes I think we dealt with the threat well."

SIX IN A ROW!

FRIENDS

MATCH SPONSORS

SQUAD CONFIRMED

CONFERENCE NEWS

Meanwhile NL Daily claims that "Graham Westley is ready to take control of Rushden & Diamonds. The former Stevenage Borough boss seems certain to be confirmed as Nene Park's new owner and first-team manager just over a month after Paul Hart was sacked along with coaches Ian Bowyer and Ian Woan. Current chairman Helen Thompson confirmed this morning that the club are expecting to issue an official statement over the manager's job on Wednesday when the contracts have been signed... It saw the Diamonds dropping into the Nationwide Conference's relegation zone after extending their dreadful run of form to eleven league games without a win. It is believed that a deal has already been agreed for ex-Farnborough owner Westley and businessman Colin Hill – brother of Weymouth boss Garry – to take over the cash-strapped club with financial investment as well as management of the struggling squad. Westley and Hill have kept a low profile over the last five weeks as speculation grew over their arrival amid further rumours linking former Diamonds striker Colin West with the manager's job... But the new boss only has until Thursday evening to strengthen the squad with any loan signings before the transfer window closes. It re-opens in January. Godden said: "I think this was my last game in charge as caretaker-manager. It has gone on for too long now and this needs to be sorted out... The players don't know what's happening the longer this goes on with more rumours. It has got to be stopped'".

The FA confirms that Kidderminster Harriers' Ruben Reid has been "suspended from all football until the Club have completed 3 first team matches for a sending off in a match played on 18/11/2006". Alty play Kidderminster on December 9th.

LEWIS STRIKES

Above: Lewis Chalmers in the act of scoring a magnificent 25-yard goal against Crawley Town on Saturday, as pictured by Gavin Rathbone. This and other excellent images from the game can be seen on Gavin's GR Photography website and copies may also be ordered from the Robins' Shop.

In the NL Paper section of The Football Paper, Graham Heathcote says of Lewis Chalmers (above), "The lad is buzzing after his England call-up and he showed that by scoring a great goal. He is improving all the time with the help of the rest of the squad and should continue to do so as he's working really hard".

FRIENDS WINNER

ROBBIE MOTORING

VASE

YOUTHS REACH CUP FINAL

FEATURED CLUB SCHEME

CRAWLEY VIEWS

SORRY STATE

OLD BOYS

ALTRINCHAM & DISTRICT FA YOUTH 0 THE WIRRAL & DISTRICT FA YOUTH 1

Above: The Wirral score the only goal of the game from the spot as Sheridan beats stand-in keeper Michael Howe. Moments earlier Alty keeper Lewis Bishop had been dismissed for bringing down an opponent in the box, to concede the penalty.

Altrincham and District FA reached the final of the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup despite playing for eighty minutes with ten men when goalkeeper Lewis Bishop was sent off after conceding a penalty against The Wirral at Trafford FC on Sunday. The Wirral converted the penalty but, despite a strong second half from Altrincham, neither side scored a goal from open play and the match ended 1-0 to the visitors, with stand-in keeper Michael Howe having an excellent game. Altrincham's qualification for the Final of the District Cup depended on whether Macclesfield won their game today by seven goals or more - and they did not. Report to follow.

NEXT GAME

Howard Watts's Through the Years records for 25 November are here.

BALLBOYS & GIRLS

Above: Ray Armstong and Mike Antrobus's well drilled ballboys and ballgirls are a vital component of the club on matchdays. Here they are seen before the match against Crawley Town.

CURRENT AND OLD BOYS

Paul Ellender also netted, for Boston against Macclesfield, yesterday.

ALTRINCHAM 1 CRAWLEY TOWN 1

Above: Timperley Villa from the Timperley & District Junior Football League were guests as the "Featured Club" at Moss Lane today. Here they are seen listening to Alty boss Graham Heathcote and, as Graham would have us believe, they are paying more attention to him than the first-team does!

Match report and more photos of our young visitors here..

FEATURED CLUB - TIMPERLEY VILLA

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

STAR has the Christmas Raffle tickets available for collection from the Shop - profits from the raffle are very important to the club so please sell and buy as many as you can!

And you can also get your tickets at the bar for the Altrincham FC Christmas Celebration Evening at Moss Lane 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.

GRAHAM'S TWO SYSTEMS

Above: Colin Little and team-mates (as well as the impartial referee Charles Heathcote) listen as Graham Heathcote explains his two systems during last Saturday's training game at Moss Lane - meanwhile, Steve Aspinall has hit upon the most successful system of all - pulling your socks up!

Colin Little has written another column for the Sale & Altrincham Messenger He says that "Sometimes you don't really want a break in the middle of the season but I think it's come at just the right time for us. We were looking a bit tired and a few of the lads had picked up injuries so it was good to have a week to recover. We've had a few games amongst ourselves and the extra time to prepare for the Crawley game has allowed us to try a few different things in training. We've had time to look at different formations properly - these are things I always say to Graham (Heathcote) we should do more often but we just don't have time when there are only two sessions in a normal week". As for last Saturday's training game with the reserves, "Some of the lads were taking it really seriously, especially Scotty (Gary Scott), who thought it was the FA Cup final. When his team won he thought he was going to go up the Wembley steps to pick up the cup!... We all know what we are supposed to do on Saturday so there can't be any excuses from the players, we just need to go out there and do our job. Graham has developed two systems so it will be interesting to see which one he goes with, but whatever he decides we will be ready for Crawley. We do need a win against them but it won't be easy because if they hadn't been deducted 10 points they would be in the top half of the table by now. They are a good team and have some good players but we have to be confident that we can give anyone a game at Moss Lane".

The Cambridge Evening News is an unlikely source for news of Crawley Town but it is... "After being released by crisis club Crawley two weeks ago due to their ongoing financial problems, [Cambridge midfielder Danny] Brown said 'It's a refreshing change to know that, touch wood, you know you're going to get paid at the end of the month and be in a proper football club environment where there are no politics about that you have to deal with'". Referring to Crawley's sacking of John Hollins, Brown said: "If I'm honest, it was a bit of a surprise to me, but needs must. I suppose something had to give and they weighed up their options. Of course, it affects you if week in, week out you don't know if you're going to get paid, but you just try to get on with it and do your job. The manager tried to almost make it a joke with us. In a situation that's that dire, it's sometimes the only way of looking at it... They've got decent enough players, but they're lacking in numbers, which they'll find hard as the season goes on". As for his new club Brown's view is that "There's no reason we can't get in the play-offs... I wouldn't like to class myself as an ugly player, but you need people who can do a job and organise".

The BBC reports that "Defenders Stephen Rose and midfielder Val Owen return from injury to give Altrincham more options [against Crawley]. Utility player Peter Band is sidelined with a knee injury while centre-back Gary Talbot faces a fitness test after picking up a knock. Crawley will hand a debut to winger Ryan Peters, who signed on loan from League One outfit Brentford this week. Ben Strevens and Jake Edwards are both doubtful, but Scott Hiley, Tony Scully and Ben Judge are expected to return".

SATURDAY GAMES

Two years ago this weekend (20/11/04), Altrincham lost 1-2 at home to Alfreton Town, with (right) Eddie Hussin lifting the Man of the Match award. Altrincham lost their unbeaten home record to a deflected shot by Duffield in the third minute of added time at the end of the game. It was missed chances by Altrincham, especially in the first half, which cost them the points in a game in which they more than held their own against the solid rather than spectacular league leaders. Alfreton took the lead with virtually their first chance, two minutes before the interval when the Alty defence opened up to allow Duffield to net. Strong pressure from Altrincham brought a bizarre equaliser when Talbot's shot went wide but came back into play off the advertising hoarding behind the goal and Hussin put the ball into the net. Referee Knee gave a goal and was then mobbed for more than three minutes by virtually the entire Alfreton team in scenes of complete chaos (80 mins). Sadly, once play resumed Alty surrendered the initiative which they had held for most of the second half. As the final whistle approached, Goddard broke away but he was halted by Band. However, he laid the ball off to Duffield whose shot left the underemployed Coburn flat-footed as it deflected off a defender into the net (90+3 mins). Alty's line-up was 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Stephen ASPINALL, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Peter BAND (capt.), 5. Gary TALBOT, 6. Val OWEN, 7. Colin POTTS, 8. Eddie HUSSIN, 9. Marcus HALLOWS, 10. Colin LITTLE, 11. Gary SCOTT. Subs: 12. Rod THORNLEY, 14. Mark MADDOX, 15. Kieran LUGSDEN, 16. Steve TORPEY, 17. Sean SMITH."

CONFERENCE NEWS

NL Daily says that Fleetwood Town have released centre half Joe McMahon and immediately replaced him with Morecambe’s Shaun Gray, who joins on loan for a second spell but this time with a view to a permanent move... Gray is no stranger to Fleetwood fans, having enjoyed a highly successful loan spell at Highbury last season".

Rushden & Diamondsannounce that they have signed "Defender Chris Plummer on loan from Peterborough United". Plummer had just returned to Boro' from a loan at Grays.

Kidderminster Harriers are "set to complete the temporary signing of Wales U21 international Rob Davies from West Bromwich Albion".

Confirmation comes from Grays Athletic that the club has "released both Michael Kightly and Jamie Slabber on loan. Michael has joined Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until December 31 with a view to a permanent deal in the new year. Jamie has joined fellow Conference side Oxford United on a months loan". Also, "Grays Athletic have signed James Coutts from AFC Bournemouth on a month's loan. James is a 19 year old midfielder who came through the youth system at Bournemouth he is capable of playing central midfield or wide right as a winger or wing back".

This is United says that "Oxford United manager Jim Smith strengthened his squad by signing striker Jamie Slabber on a month's loan from Grays Athletic yesterday.And he then sprang a surprise by declaring that his new capture would go straight into the starting line-up for Saturday's game at Gravesend & Northfleet".

Burton Athletic report that "manager Nigel Clough confirmed at the club’s Extraordinary General Meeting that pending receipt of confirmation from the Conference, Accrington Stanley striker David Brown would be joining the Brewers on a one month loan deal... Brown, 28 joined Accrington from Hereford and was a part of their Conference winning squad last season... The loan signing of Brown coincides with Albion striker Steve Scoffham going to Conference North side Alfreton Town... Clough also confirmed that he still had an interest in signing Boston United striker Anthony Elding having made an attempt to take the striker on a two month loan with a view to a permanent deal being struck in January but Boston wanted Albion to agree a 'substantial' fee in advance and guarantee to take the player in January which the club were not inclined to do without seeing how the player fitted in with the rest of the club. Clough insisted their was no doubting the player’s ability but with the player living in Boston it would be a risk if he failed to settle in. There was also an admission that an attempt had been made to take Justin Richards on loan from Peterborough United prior to his temporary move to Grays Athletic but there was still a chance that something could happen in January when the transfer window reopens again. More good news on the player front was that the manager has shaken hands on a deal with Kevin Poole which will see the keeper remain at the Pirelli Stadium for the rest of the season. Clough also confirmed that it was his intention to begin negotiations with leading striker Daryl Clare to extend his stay at the Pirelli Stadium 'in the next few weeks'. On the injury front it was stated that Chris Hall was awaiting results of a scan on his knee injury but the worst case scenario was that it could require surgery which would keep him out for the remainder of the season".

Burton made "an operating profit of £835,000 which was largely attributable to the F.A.Cup matches against Manchester United... Due to the ongoing legal proceedings over the pitch problems encountered last season the club were unable to discuss this issue with the shareholders".

From This is Glos we read that "Forest Green manager Jim Harvey has admitted his side are still learning how to close out matches in the Nationwide Conference. Rovers have got themselves into winning positions in their previous two league matches, but have had to settle for a point on each occasion... 'We really should have taken six points from the last two games, which would have made a huge difference to our league position... We've got to learn how to win, and sometimes that means shutting up shop and closing games out when we get ourselves in front'. Harvey confirmed he has so far had no inquiries for transfer-listed players Allan Russell, Tony Butler, Christian Edwards and Matt McEntegart.... 'There's been nothing wrong with Allan's attitude in training or in games' said Harvey. 'He wants to find a club who can guarantee he'll play every week'... A possible replacement for Russell could be ex-Cheltenham Town youth team player Steve Cook, who has scored 14 goals for Taunton Town this season and been invited to train with Harvey's squad for the past fortnight".

This is Exeter says that "Exeter City's attempts to bring Martin 'Buster' Phillips back to St James's Park appear to have failed, according to Torquay United manager Ian Atkins. City had talks with the winger on Tuesday night after they were informed by Torquay that he was available on loan until the end of the season. City agreed a financial deal with their League Two neighbours and it was left to Phillips to decide if he wanted to return to his former club. Phillips has not been in contact since his initial meeting on Tuesday... 'Exeter City have enquired about his services on loan and he didn't want to go on loan', said Atkins. 'He wanted to get something on a more permanent basis and, in the end, I don't think he wanted to go'... City manager Paul Tisdale also admitted midfielder Neil Barrett had rejected a short-term deal offered to him".

The Cambridge Evening News claims that "Cambridge United are steeling themselves for a possible court battle to buy back the Abbey Stadium. The club aims to present signed lease agreements from companies wishing to be involved in the Newmarket Road End redevelopment scheme to landlords Bideawhile by February as part of its bid to repurchase the ground. But even if United are able to raise the cash to take up the option of buying the site and prove they have firms lined up to rent the planned amenities, director Phil Law admitted he did not expect it to be plain sailing.Law said: 'My guess is that they'll probably want to go and legally challenge it because they won't want to let it go. It would be nice to think if we can do well with trying to exercise this option and really make strides that Bideawhile will come and sit around the table with us to negotiate something. We'd probably offer to give them a premium price on it'... The clock is ticking for United, with a deadline of next June to recover the Newmarket Road site, which has planning permission for an 86-bedroom hotel, a fitness suite, a creche, a new stand and other leisure facilities plus a new supporters' club. United have to take up that option - stated as £1.35million in the contract signed with former club vice-chairman John Howard's firm two years ago - if they are to then repurchase the rest of the Abbey in the following 18 months, with the annual rent being halved to £100,000 during that time. Law said United were hopeful of pulling off both the estimated £6.5million redevelopment project and the buy-back option. He said: 'What we're trying to do is mount a genuinely credible assault on this option at the very least... "We've had some really interesting people coming forward who want to assist... people who are quite happy to provide a couple of million here or there and it's not a problem'".

"Cambridge United's new midfield enforcer Danny Brown made his mark with a committed display on his debut... 'I've not come here to make friends, I've come here to win football matches', said Brown. 'I'll do whatever it takes to win a match and if that means geeing the lads up and telling them how I feel, I will. They aren't going to pay my bills at the end of the month. I think we've got the players to do well here, it's just the mentality that you have to instil into them... When something comes from the gaffer, it's almost as if the manager is the enemy, so they might not take it on board, but if it's coming from another player, sometimes it's different. That's what I'll try to do'. Manager Jimmy Quinn is convinced Brown, who can also play at left-back, is the kind of player United have been lacking and has said his aggressive qualities have already sparked a change of atmosphere on the training ground".

ONLY TWO OUTS

LEWIS CHOSEN

RESERVES

NEXT OPPONENTS

Though printed before this week's High Court judgement, the following from IC Surrey does explain some of the complexities of the Crawley Town situation. "The firm that owns Crawley Town FC will today face a High Court petition to be wound up by Revenue and Customs. SA Retail owners Chas and Azwar Majeed have been engaged in late attempts to win an adjournment of the hearing, which involves alleged non-payment of tax. The court date will be followed just three weeks later by a crunch meeting between Crawley Town FC administrators and creditors. An SA Retail source said: 'We have a turnover of £60 million a year.We'll never go under for something as minor as this. SA Retail will get matters adjourned in court because this is only a matter of paperwork. The firm doesn't owe tax - it's just that accounts weren't filed at the right time'. A Revenue and Customs spokesman said: 'When a firm faces a winding-up petition it means either tax - or tax and national insurance - is unpaid'. If the winding-up petition is successful, it will mean liquidators are brought in to break up SA Retail. Financial expert Malcolm Fillimore,who advises the Crawley Town supporters' trust,said: 'I understand SA Retail did not file their tax accounts for several months. Revenue and Customs sent the firm an estimate as to how much was owed in tax. SA Retail disputed this figure. It remained unpaid. That's why we have a court appearance'... The High Court action is only the first of two showdowns that could settle the club's future - or demise. Creditors of the club will meet in the club's Broadfield Stadium on December 4. Options will include liquidating the club but because Crawley Town FC does not own Broadfield Stadium there are only limited assets, including players, which could be sold off to pay back creditors. Creditors, which include Inland Revenue, Crawley Council and former players,could also accept a new offer from the Majeeds - or an offer from an outside bidder... A statement from club administrators Begbies Traynor said a sale of Azwar Majeed's £1.4 million Brighton apartment could mean the club clears its debts of £450,000... The administrators have confirmed that £115,000 of the debts has been paid".

CONFERENCE NEWS

The Northwich Guardian says that "Halifax Town are holding up an investigation into Vics' skipper Stuart Elliott. The Yorkshire club reported the 29-year-old midfielder to the FA last week after accusing him of racially abusing one of their players. But yesterday the game's governing body said they were still waiting for evidence. Spokesman Mark Whittle said: 'We have yet to receive any statements from Halifax regarding Stuart Elliott'... Tyrone Thompson claimed he was abused on at least three separate occasions during the second half".

Meanwhile Halifax Today says that Shaymen "boss Chris Wilder has finally conceded defeat in his attempt to bring former skipper Denny Ingram back to the Shay. 'We are not pursuing our interest in the deal', said Wilder. "We couldn't raise the £3,000 a month ago when it could have happened... We resurrected the possibility this week, but it is over and that's disappointing. It sets out where we are as a club'. When Wilder decided to stay at Halifax in September, rejecting the chance to move to Cambridge, he clearly thought that he would be given the means to strengthen the squad... Since then, the manager has been allowed to bring in youngsters Rob Atkinson and Nathan Joynes from Barnsley on loan. But the failure to land Ingram, on top of an inability to attract the likes of Darryn Stamp when he wanted to in the close season, has clearly upset the manager... 'Two and a half months ago I had my reservations as to whether it would be sorted out. It has yet to be decided'", he said."

The unofficial Shaymen on Line adds its perspective. "The Shaymen face a bleak winter with the prospects not looking good for the remainder of the season. The clubs inability to financially support Chris Wilder’s attempts to bring in Denny Ingram this week could be yet another damaging set-back for the manager... There has been little news about the proposed investment into the club which further puts in jeopardy not just the future of Chris Wilder at the club but that of Halifax Town... It’s a dangerous game relying heavily on one individual and yet that is what is happening at the club. The decision of the council over the future of The Shay is expected mid-December and this could give the club a much needed boost... Unfortunately the main criticism has to return to those at the supporters’ trust; there to act as guardian to the club on behalf of the supporters and there to ensure a positive and prosperous future. And yet its inability to influence forward movement in terms of commercial activity is simply baffling".

This is Exeter says that "Exeter City have confirmed they have offered Martin 'Buster' Phillips a deal at St James's Park - and are waiting to see if he accepts the terms. The 30-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at St James's Park has been made available by his current club, Torquay United, and the Grecians have swooped with an offer to take the winger initially on loan with a view to a longer-term deal".

Oxford United "hope to have striker Jamie Slabber available at the weekend after joining on a month's loan... Last season saw the six foot tall striker join Grays, where he has netted 15 times in 24 starts (plus 20 as sub). That form saw him called into the England National Game XI. With Rob Duffy still nursing a broken hand, Marvin Robinson at least a month away from a return and young striker Billy Beechers picking up an injury while on loan at Oxford City manager Jim Smith was keen to add an extra option up front, and Slabber is likely to go straight into the United squad for the trip to Gravesend on Saturday"

Meanwhile Wolverhampton Wanderers report that "Michael Kightly will take part in his first training session at Compton today. A deal to sign the Gray's winger on loan until January is expected to be completed tomorrow (Friday). It is unlikely that Michael will be included in this weekend's squad to travel to Birmingham but boss Mick McCarthy will keep his options open. 'He will join us on loan until the transfer window and take part in training today', confirms Mick. 'It's probably too early to include him in the squad for Saturday but if he pulls up trees then we will take a view on it. He's a talented lad and will come here hungry to impress'".

CLAYTON OUT

RESERVES LOSE FOR FIRST TIME

OPPONENTS SEEK NEW FACES

OLD BOYS

CSC

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Rushden and Diamonds chairman Helen Thompson says the board is taking its time in picking a new manager. She said: 'We haven't rushed into a decision as it is not just about moving the club away from where we are but also about building to the next level. We are also looking for someone who can get stuck in straight away and start putting some points on the board', Thompson told the club website. Caretaker manager Tony Godden has been in charge since Paul Hart was sacked".

"Exeter City have launched a bid to bring winger Martin Phillips back to the club from neighbours Torquay. The Grecians want to re-sign Phillips, who started his career at Exeter before spells at Manchester City, Portsmouth and Plymouth. Any deal for the 30-year-old would initially be a loan move until the transfer window reopens in January. He has made 78 appearances for Torquay since joining the club in July 2004 but has started just 10 games this season" says the BBC.

From This is Weymouth we learn that "Weymouth boss Garry Hill has been out and about looking for potential new signings. The Terras' manager is keen to add to his squad and there is the possibility that new faces could be drafted in before the transfer window re-opens in January. Assistant boss Kevin Hales has been taking training over the past two days in Hill's absence. Hill said: 'I have been out looking today and I have not been at training for the last couple of days. If I am not there the players know something is going on, it is not hard to work that out with me. I have not been seen for the last couple of days and I probably won't be seen for another couple of days... Things will only happen before January if everything is right... We have got a few knocks'. One of those players struggling is winger Nick Crittenden... Hill said: 'He could be ruled out for a bit but it depends how he reacts to treatment because some players react better than others'".

The Burton Mail says that "Albion striker Steve Scoffham has joined Alfreton Town on loan to speed his recovery from injury. The 23-year-old former Notts County player will spend a month with the Conference North side after a long lay-off with damaged knee ligaments... Meanwhile, Clough has extended Terry Henshaw's loan at Hednesford Town to a third month".

"With his loan deal at the club concluded, Kidderminster Hariers can confirm that midfielder Craig Nelthorpe will be returning to parent club Doncaster".

CRAWLEY CARRY ON

Despite the financial mess they are reportedly enduring, our next opponents, Crawley Town, are confident about their future as their website has just announced the sale of Half-Season Tickets. As it says, "There’s nothing quite like having your own seat each time your favourite team plays. Take your place at Crawley Town’s Broadfield Stadium by purchasing a Half Season Ticket and witness the ‘business end’ of the Conference season... You can save as much as £58 on individual tickets and let's face it, it’s going to be an exciting end to the season! You don't want to miss out on the excitement, so why not treat yourself or a loved one to a Half Season Ticket?".

From the BBC we also learn that despite their well publicised financial mess, "Crawley have signed striker Ryan Peters on one month's loan from League One side Brentford. Peters, who graduated from the Bees' youth team, has only started one game for the club so far this season after suffering injury problems. He has however made six substitute appearances for Leroy Rosenior's side".

NEIGHBOURS

Flixton has also become something of a sanctuary for former Chorley players after manager Paul Wright registered both veteran goalkeeper Mark Molyneux and forward Anthony Hargreaves last week... Hargreaves, who played for Molyneux at Trafford as well as Chorley, can also boast spells with Woodley Sports, Altrincham, Hyde, Bamber Bridge and Maine Road. They joined other former Magpies in forward Dave Eatock, 30, formerly with Fleetwood Town, Lancaster City, Northwich Victoria, Leigh RMI and Newcastle United, full back Jamie Bates, who played in the Conference with Runcorn, Stalybridge Celtic and Northwich and has also been at Salford and Maine Road, striker Lee Wilkinson, 31, who numbers Bacup Borough, Stand Athletic, Trafford, Hyde, Mossley, Castleton Gabriels and Bury amongst his previous clubs, defender Phil Bayliss, formerly with Rossendale, Lancaster, Ashton, Trafford and Crewe Alexandra and midfielder Anthony Hogan, 32, and previously at Trafford, Flixton, Maine Road, Curzon Ashton and Ashton United, who doubles up as assistant-manager.

In addition, Flixton can boast experienced players such as Josh Mitten, who played a major part in FC United`s title success after spells with Altrincham, Ashton United, Radcliffe Borough, Mossley and Curzon Ashton, midfielder Neil Hall, 34, who has played in Nationwide North for Droylsden as well as the UniBond Premier with Hyde, Witton Albion and Winsford United, and brothers Franny and Graeme Vaughan, who both featured at Trafford under Molyneux and were formerly with Salford".

The BBC reports on another local club. "Macclesfield will investigate the incident when play was suspended in the FA Cup draw with Walsall after a number of balls were thrown on to the pitch. About 20 balls were launched from outside the club's Moss Rose stadium, landing at the Star Lane end. Chief executive Patrick Nelson told BBC Sport: 'At the moment we have no idea where they came from. We know nothing. It might bring a wry smile to people's faces but we had TV cameras here for the game and we wanted to put our best face on. That's not what we wanted. But it is a difficult thing to investigate. Where do you start?'".

CONFERENCE NEWS

United manager Jim Smith said: 'We're just having a look at him and will make a decision after tomorrow. He's certainly got a good pedigree. He was at Tottenham for a long while and even played for them against Liverpool in the Premiership three years ago - although he's only 21 now - but then lost his way. There have been some problems for him at Grays so he's looking for another club, but he's still a Grays player so it would be a loan deal. We're looking for another striker because Rob's had his hand problem and Marvin Robinson is out for a while. When we have Yemi (Odubade) and Bash (Steve Basham), we're too lightweight'. Grays, who have been in financial difficulties, have already loaned out Aaron McLean - who was highly impressive when he played at Oxford - to Peterborough, who have agreed to pay £100,000 in January. And midfielder Michael Kightly was last night talking to Wolves about a loan move to Molineux that similarly involves a possible six-figure payment when the transfer window opens".

The Football Conference says that "Oxford United have confirmed that they will give run-outs to two trialists on Tuesday afternoon when the reserves travel to Leyton Orient. 21-year-old Portsmouth midfielder Scott Harris will be re-united with Us reserve team coach Shaun North, while Essex-born Jonathon Docker will also have a chance to impress. John Dempster and Gavin Johnson are likely to play in a bid to build up match sharpness, while goalkeeper Chris Tardif looks to have overcome a neck problem in time to captain the side".

"On-loan Bristol City striker Elliot Benyon has secured an extended stay with St Albans City. Saints boss Colin Lippiatt reconsidered his decision to curtail his loan spell and the 19-year-old will now stay at Clarence Park until mid-January. Benyon, who is yet to make his senior debut for Bristol City, has scored twice in his first five appearances for Lippiatt's side", says the BBC, which also reports that "Kidderminster boss Mark Yates wants to keep on-loan Rochdale striker Iyseden Christie until the end of the season. Christie's loan deal expires at the end of December and Yates hopes to extend that for the remainder of the campaign".

Meanwhile, "Barnsley are set to send three players out on loan to Conference clubs. Striker Nathan Joynes, 21, made his first-team debut for the Tykes in April 2005 but is poised to spend the next month on loan at Halifax Town. Also moving to Halifax on a month's loan is defender Robert Atkinson, 19, who spent much of last season in the Conference, on loan at Scarborough. The third player leaving is midfielder Simon Heslop, 19, who is set to join Tamworth on loan later this week".

The BBC says that "Northwich manager Steve Burr is hopeful of securing the services of defender Greg Young from Halifax Town. The 23-year-old is set to agree to a one-month loan at Victoria Park, having made just seven starts for the Shaymen this season. Young has previous experience with the Vics, spending a spell on loan with the club in January 2005. The defender has made 50 Conference appearences for Halifax, despite a number of injury problems".

This is Exeter states that "Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale has hinted that he may bring in a loan signing before the current transfer window closes on November 23... He said. 'Nothing has been done or organised yet, but that might change'... The departure of Danny Clay to Salisbury City has freed up some funds for Tisdale to dip into the transfer market. But hopes of securing the services of midfielder Neil Barrett appear to have hit a snag, despite the former Portsmouth player being offered a contract until Christmas. Tisdale says he is waiting to hear back from the ex-Chelsea trainee... 'I have spoken to him and offered him a deal which is best for the club', said Tisdale. 'I think he maybe wanted a bit more and he is looking at other options at the moment. I don't know whether he will be back or not'. The City boss added that negotiations over extending the contracts of several key players are having a major bearing on his budget... Of City's 24-man squad, just six are contracted beyond the end of the current campaign. Skipper Chris Todd, strikers Adam Stansfield and Lee Phillips, assistant manager Paul Buckle and defenders Rob Edwards and George Friend are all tied to St James's Park until July 2008. Patrick Ada yesterday extended his contract until the end of the season. It is understood that City are keen to extend the contracts of the likes of Jon Challinor, Matt Gill, Danny Woodards, Billy Jones and Jamie Mackie. Tisdale says 'You have two choices - you either wait until the end of the season and risk them going elsewhere, or you put your money where your mouth is. Players are not going to sign for the same money they are on now, so it all costs. It is a difficult balancing act because all of this has a bearing on your budget'. Tisdale says that the club is trying to arrange a Conference game on December 2 - the day of the second round of the FA Cup. A possible trip to Northwich Victoria or a home clash with Grays are both being explored".

From Halifax Today we learn that "Town are set to make a double loan swoop for Barnsley youngsters Rob Atkinson and Nathan Joynes. The duo were expected to complete the deal at Halifax's Marley Stadium training ground today... Atkinson is a central defender who has previous Conference experience with Scarborough. Joynes is a tall striker who has made one senior appearance for the Tykes. 'We have looked at the squad and the areas where we know we should be better', said boss Chris Wilder... The duo clearly fit the bill for Wilder who, along with assistant Wayne Jacobs and coach Lee Butler, have been scouring the Football League for potential signings. Atkinson, 19, is a 6'1" centre back who made 22 appearances during a spell with Scarborough last season... 'We have not been sitting back on our laurels, we have been very pro-active and looked at a lot of players'".

"Northampton Town midfielder Bradley Johnson has agreed to join Stevenage Borough on a month's loan. The 19-year-old signed a professional contract with the Cobblers in June 2005 after coming through the youth ranks" says the BBC.

CLAYTON'S SUCCESSOR

FEEDBACK

CUP COVERAGE

THE ROAD TO NORTHWICH

GATES

FRIENDS' DRAW

CONFERENCE NEWS

Grays Athletic confirm that they have "granted Wolverhampton Wanderers FC permission to talk to Michael Kightly about a possible transfer. No details are available at present but Chairman & Manager Mick Woodward wishes to emphasize the following; the terms and conditions on Michael‘s contract allow him to talk to any club above Division One who have shown an interest in signing him and who have made a financial offer to the club. Mick stated 'we would be sorry to loss Michael but when it comes to a player signing for a Championship team then who are we to stand in his way?' .

Meanwhile The BBC confirms that "Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey admits the club are considering signing Grays Athletic midfielder Michael Kightly. The 20-year-old began his career as a trainee at Southend United before joining Grays in July 2005. 'We are in discussions with Grays Athletic about the possibility of taking Michael Kightly on loan, and maybe an option to buy', said Moxey. 'We made good progress with those talks over the weekend and I expect to speak to the player in due course'" .

"Halifax Town striker Andy Campbell is facing a further three months on the sidelines after being told he requires a knee operation. The 27-year old forward has been out of action since sustaining the injury at the start of October. Tests have revealed ligament damage which will require the ex-Middlesbrough and Cardiff man to undergo surgery."

This is United reports that "Oxford United will sign a striker on loan at the end of this week to boost their bid to win the Nationwide Conference. Manager Jim Smith said he has a player lined up from another Conference club. 'We could have done something for today but clubs won't let players get cup-tied, so we're waiting until next week', Smith said after Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Wycombe. 'We'll be signing somebody on Thursday, so it gives us a longer month. I know who I can get. At the moment in time, I'm talking about a guy in our league, but that might change'. Smith wouldn't reveal the name, but one of those he is known to admire is Woking's highly-rated 18-year-old Giuseppe Sole. With Rob Duffy missing Saturday's match and Marvin Robinson a long-term injury, it left just Steve Basham and Yemi Odubade as the only fit strikers on United's books. Youngster Billy Beechers has been injured for most of the season and joined Oxford City on loan last week".

And "A report that Oxford United's new owners will complete the sale of the stadium this week has been shot down. An article in Saturday's Daily Mail claimed that the deal would go through this week.But well-informed sources said that timescale was just not realistic. It's understood that Nick Merry is still hopeful the purchase of the stadium can happen by Christmas".

From The Cambridge Evening News "Cambridge United are still waiting to meet with John Howard to discuss their future at the Abbey despite repeated attempts to contact their landlord. Chairman Lee Power announced almost six weeks ago that he hoped to arrange a showdown with Howard and his partner in stadium owners Bideawhile, Steven Clark, in the following 10 days. But following Saturday's 3-0 win over Gravesend & Northfleet, director and major shareholder Paul Barry said the club had been unable to track down the former United vice-chairman. He said: 'John Howard hasn't been returning calls - I think that says it all'. Barry added that while he felt the best long-term solution for United would be to relocate to a new stadium, it was important to try to buy back the Abbey by the deadline of next June.

The News contacted Mr Howard this morning and he said: 'I have not been ignoring anyone. I always return calls whether it is about good or bad news because that is what I have always done in business. Why wouldn't I want to talk to them?' Meanwhile, Barry said while he could not give out exact figures on United's financial situation due to inadequate account-keeping following former secretary Andy Pincher's move to Blackburn a year ago, he said the club was safe until the end of the season. He added: 'It's going to be very tight, but it can't be done without people volunteering and putting their time, effort or money in. The club will be losing money this year, but I'm putting money in, Johnny Hon has agreed to and CFU always do'. Barry added that Power had several commercial ventures lined up in a bid to boost United's coffers, including a six-figure deal with an un-named brewing company". Despite this situation, "Power told fans cash would be available to manager Jimmy Quinn to bring in players during January's transfer window - if United are in a position to make the play-offs".

OLD BOYS

RESERVES

FA CUP

The games are to be played in the weekend of 2nd December. So, our conquerors, Rushden have received their third successive home draw.

CONFERENCE NEWS

The BBC says that "Midfielder Alexis Nicolas has decided to leave St Albans City, where he had been on a week-to-week contract. The 23-year-old former Chelsea and Brighton man had made just six appearances for the Clarence Park club. 'When fully fit I hope to join one of the League One or League Two sides who are showing an interest in me', Nicolas told the Saints' website. 'But St Albans are a great set of lads, and I will be coming down to see them play during the season'".

Meanwhile, "Oxford United have allowed striker Billy Beechers to join neighbours Oxford City on a month's loan. The 19-year-old made his U's debut in February 2005 but has not featured in the Conference yet this season... Also, United defender Andrew Gunn has extended his loan spell at Didcot Town, who play in the same division as City".

Morecambe report that "Central defender Danny Meadowcroft has joined his former club Mossley for a one month loan spell".

YOUTH MATCH OFF

ALTY GO THROUGH THEIR PACES

Above: A rare sight for spectators as Alty's Colin Little beats Alty's Stuart Coburn from the penalty spot. Watching the spot-kick are trialist Adam Eaton (no.2) and reserves' centre-back Laurence Ball (no.5).

With no first-team game on Saturday, Moss Lane witnessed a training match between two sides comprising first teamers with a number of Reserves. The team which included the four Reserves won 5-4. The first teamers (wearing the red and white stripes) comprised Stuart Coburn, Steve Aspinall, Karl Munroe, Gary Talbot, Warren Peyton, Steve Bushell, Lewis Chalmers, Robbie Lawton, Rod Thornley, Joe O'Neill and Colin Little, though they tried to confuse the opposition by wearing the wrong shirts. Robbie Lawton masqueraded as Steve Aspinall, whilst there were two Karl Munroes wearing no.17!

The "Reserves", wearing blue, comprised Chris Rowley, Gary Scott, Laurence Ball, Aaron Edwards, Adam Eaton (a trialist), Colin Potts, Pat McFadden, Astley Mulholland, Lee Hendley, Sebastian (a trialiast) and Peter Thomson. Present but prevented by injury from taking part were Val Owen, Stephen Rose and Peter Band.

In a match of three segments, two of half an hour and one of fifteen minutes, Colin Little fired the first team into a two-nil lead . The first converted an excellent Peyton cross with a flicked shot and then a deft chip over keeper Rowley doubled the lead (22 mins). In the second period the goalkeepers switched over.

In the second period of 30 minutes there were six goals. In the first minute a brilliant overhead shot from Thornley hit the post but then a superb cross from the left by Hendley was headed home by Peter Thomson and then an equally good cross from the right by Potts was brilliantly volleyed home by Lee Hendley to level the scores at 2-2. Pat McFadden fired the reserves ahead with a well taken goal after just 10 minutes of the second period. Then referee Charles Heathcote bravely awarded a penalty for handball against Stuart Coburn's team and felt the wrath of the Alty keeper for his pains, as did penalty taker Colin Little!. However, Colin calmly beat Stuart from the spot to level the score at 3-3. Four minutes later Peter Thomson put the reserves 4-3 ahead with a mishit shot after a good combination with Colin Potts. The second period ended 4-4 after Thornley scored another excellent goal with the outside of his foot, which went in off the inside of the post. Thomson then struck the post for the reserves before a fine shot from Little produced a magnificent save from Coburn.

In the final period Thornley scored a hand of God goal which referee Charles Heathcote spotted, unlike his World Cup counterpart. Laurence Ball fired a superb 25 yard shot against Coburn's bar before the two trialists combined to seal the game. Excellent approach work from Sebastian fed left-back Eaton, who has experience with Preston NE, Mansfield and Macclesfield, who calmly made space inside the box to slide the ball, low, into the corner of Coburn's net to seal the game 5-4. Despite the strong, cold wind, this match provided good entertainment and some really good goals, though the lack of fouls meant there was no practice for free kick takers.

Both trialists gave solid performances whilst Colin Little showed that he has regained his sharpness after his injury lay-off. Lee Hendley will have done his cause no harm whilst Astley Mulholland and Pat McFadden showed their versatility with their game in central midfield. Reserve centre-backs Ball and Edwards also did not look out of place against Conference standard players.

MEANWHILE AT LEIGH...

CUP CONSEQUENCES

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Nationwide South club Thurrock has signed Dagenham & Redbridge captain Tim Cole on a month's loan. Cole has been allowed by Daggers' boss John Still to make the switch to Ship Lane in a bid to regain full match fitness following a return from injury. The 30-year-old defender has been restricted to just one appearance for the Daggers so far this season" says NL Daily.

The Conference reports that "Bristol Rovers have offered a trial to former Arsenal and Watford midfielder Paolo Vernazza, who is currently training with Dagenham & Redbridge. The 27-year-old has been training with the Nationwide Conference outfit in recent weeks but is desperately looking for a return to the Football League".

WEEKEND

Right: It's exactly a year since Warren Peyton joined Altrincham (see below). He is seen, right, after his debut game against Exeter City.

Conference

FA Cup 1, involving Conference clubs

Sunday 12th

ANNIVERSARY

"Graham Heathcote has signed Chris Butler and James Robinson, both of whom were at Accrington Stanley. They have initially only joined for a month but this short period is only because the management has not yet been able to see them in a competitive game after last week's Reserves' game was postponed. Former Leigh RMI man Warren Peyton (25) has been signed as well and all three are likely to be with the squad tomorrow for the game against Exeter. However, Tamworth's Tristram Whitman has opted to join Crawley for three months rather than come to Altrincham, with whom an agreement had been made"

James subsequently moved to play football in Australia - but he would still be very welcome back at Moss Lane - whilst Chris Butler played only 45 minutes before moving on to Barrow. Warren, of course, has become an ever-present in the Altrincham side.

OLD BOY

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

CONFERENCE NEWS

Halifax Today says that "Town striker Andy Campbell has been dealt a massive blow with news that he could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks. The former Middlesbrough and Cardiff City frontman has been told that the knee problem that has kept him sidelined since the start of last month almost certainly requires surgery. The damage is to a ligament at the back of Campbell's knee... Shay boss Chris Wilder said, "It is a real blow for us and for Andy because he could be out for three months".

From the Kidderminster Shuttle we read that "Harriers warhorse Mark Creighton has revealed he has been playing through the pain barrier to protect his proud ever-present record. The strapping centre-half has been the find of the season with his commanding displays at the heart of defence since signing from Redditch United in the summer... 'It's not really treatable', said Creighton. 'It feels like a groin strain but it's not, it's my abdomen. My lower abs are slightly torn or just weak.'... But the Harriers medical team are anxious to avoid subjecting the giant defender to too much weight-bearing work so Creighton has spent a lot of time in the swimming pool. 'We're hoping to manage it at the moment by making sure I get enough rest, but not too much that I lose fitness', he said. 'It's a fine balance. At the moment I'm battling through it but we'll see how it goes. I've been playing through this for about two months and I'm not the kind of player who will miss a match easily'".

The Harriers' official site says that "Harriers have been dealt a blow today with the news that Crewe Alexandra have recalled Paul Bignot from his loan spell at Aggborough". And the BBC confirms that "Crewe Alexandra have recalled Paul Bignot from his loan spell with Kidderminster Hariers. The Gresty Road side have a number of defenders struggling with injury and Bignot is set to start Saturday's FA Cup tie against Bradford... Bignot, 20, has been on loan with Conference side Harriers for the past six weeks but has only played three games because of serving a suspension".

Grays Athletic report that "Following the one month loan of Chris Plummer, the Club can confirm that Chris has now returned to Peterborough".

Forest Green Rovers "announce that the following four players have been circulated as available for loan or transfer: Tony Butler, Allan Russell, Mat McEntegart and Christian Edwards. Providing he passes a medical then Chris Giles will be re-joining the club today - Friday 10th November, with a view to register him in time for the visit of St Albans. ... Hopefully new player Chris Giles will available to join the squad tomorrow. Defender Giles was with Crawley Town last season and joined Rovers in pre-season but was let go originally by Gary Owers due to a thigh injury". The club's forum later "confirmed that Chris Giles has passed his club medical and has been registered with the FA and the Conference".

Exeter City report on the "Danny Clay Transfer. Move to Salisbury expected to be completed today".

The Crawley Forum has a posting which could be termed "More questions than answers" but is actually a "Statement from Rob Sadler, partner at Begbies Traynor, joint administrator and joint supervisor for Crawley Town Football and Social Club Ltd. In response to several questions.

Q: When and where is the meeting for Crawley Town creditors? If a date/time has not yet been fixed, when can we expect an announcement?

A: The proposed meeting is 4 December 2006 at 11am at Broadfield Stadium. Notice to creditors will be distributed through the course of next week.

Q: What is Begbies Traynor's view of the winding-up petition lodged by HMRC against SA Retail Ltd, due to be heard in court on Wed Nov 15? How much of a threat is it to SA Retail Ltd and Crawley Town?

A: The joint supervisors' view is that the issuing of a petition is serious, however, the supervisors' have broadened the funding agreement for the Company to include other SA Group companies.

Q: How will the winding-up petition and court date affect the date and content of the creditors' meeting?

A: The issuing of the winding up petition will not effect the date and content of the creditors' meeting.

Q: How else will the winding-up petition affect the work of Begbies Traynor in relation to Crawley Town?

A: Begbies Traynor have never been instructed to act on behalf of SA Retail Limited and thus the issue of the petition will not effect the supervisors' appointment with the Company.

Q: What does Begbies Traynor expect to happen? What are the options?

A: The supervisors have been advised by SA Retail Limited that the issue relating to the winding up petition will be settled before the hearing date of the 15 November 2006.

Q: How much was received for the deadline and therefore how much still remains to be paid?

A: The sum of £115,000 was received from the SA Group of companies prior to 4pm on 30 October 2006.

Q: How much do you expect to receive from the sale of Azwar Majeed's property?

A: The estate agents who are acting on behalf of the vendor are confident of a sale of the property in excess of the amount required to settle the terms of the CVA".

What all this means, your guess is as good as mine.

STEVE BRUNDETT

KIERAN AND EDDIE

Leigh RMI host Droylsden tomorrow and a number of ex-Alty faces could be on show in that game. As well as the possible involvement of Kieran and Eddie, Mark Maddox is now a regular for Leigh whilst Chris Adams is a Droylsden player. Pictures courtesy of Gavin Rathbone.

NEXT GAMES

First Team:

Reserves:

Youth Team:

FEATURED CLUBS SCHEME

"The Timperley and District Junior Football League are delighted to be involved in the new initiative by Altrincham FC of featuring a junior club at their home matches.

There is no doubt that over the last few years open age football has declined both in the Altrincham / Trafford area and beyond. It is therefore imperative that we all try to change this trend and look to the future.

The Timperley & District JFL is now probably the strongest and best supported league in terms of member clubs and teams, some 50 plus clubs and over 400 teams take part in organised, friendly but competitive football being played every week.

It is these players that we have to target with a view of extending all of their future football requirements, from the junior game into the open age leagues, Northwest Counties, Unibond, Conference and hopefully some will progress even into the higher leagues.

We see the Altrincham FC initiative as a means of introducing both the club to a wider audience but, more so, giving the opportunity for these children to observe some of the younger players who have come through the system and are now looking to secure a first team place.

I know that the good work carried out by George Heslop with his youth team over the years has given the opportunity for some to break into the first team squad and we applaud this. I also have to say that some of these youth players have come from the T&DJFL including a number of this season’s squad, currently doing so well in the FA District Cup Competition.

We hope that the partnership between Altrincham FC and the T&DJFL via the ‘Featured Club Scheme’ will enable the points mentioned to come to fruition.

John Burnett, Chairman, T&DJFL"

GRAHAM PLEASED BUT PLANS CHANGES

NATIONAL GAME MATCH

Lewis Chalmers (Altrincham), Ryan Austin (Burton Albion), Michael Morrison (Cambridge United), Scott Griffiths & Craig Mackail-Smith (Dagenham & Redbridge), Daniel Woodards & Billy Jones (Exeter City), Lance Cronin (gk) (Gravesend), Michael Kightly & Dennis Oli (Grays Athletic), Adam Quinn (Halifax Town), Danny Carlton, Craig Stanley & Adam Yates (all Morecambe), Michael Carr & Kieran Charnock (Northwich Victoria), Steve Morison & George Boyd (Stevenage Borough), Arran Lee-Barrett (gk) (Weymouth), Shwan Jalal (gk) & Giuseppe Sole (Woking) and Clayton Donaldson (York City).

CONFERENCE NEWS

The BBC says that "Striker Lee Moore is keen to stay on at AFC Telford United when his three-month loan spell from Tamworth ends. The 20-year-old has scored five goals in seven games... Moore told the Shropshire Star. 'It's a couple of divisions lower but the odds are we're going up this season and it'd be difficult for me to turn it down if I do get offered anything'".

"Kidderminster Harriers striker Scott Eaton, 19, is set to join Stourport Swifts in a one-month loan deal, despite their recent managerial change. Ex-Harriers' boss Phil Mullen has taken charge of the Southern League side". Meanwhile, the BBC also reports that "Reading defender Curtis Osano is to extend his work experience loan spell at Aldershot Town, after a successful first month at the Recreation Ground. Osano, 19, has made five Conference appearances for the Shots". The Burton Mail. says that "Yeovil Town have given Burton Albion a helping hand ahead of Saturday's FA Cup first round clash with neighbours Tamworth... The Glovers have recalled winger Gavin McAllum, who has been on loan at The Lamb. And they have told Tamworth boss Mark Cooper they do not want central defender Bradley Thomas cup-tied. Thomas is also on loan at The Lamb, but Yeovil may need the youngster later in the competition... Albion are hoping for a crowd of around 3,000 for the first FA Cup meeting between the clubs in 16 years".

The Cambridge Evening News states that "Jimmy Quinn believes he will have to ease the training schedule to prevent further injuries ahead of Cambridge United's important home clash against Gravesend & Northfleet on Saturday. After the news that Rob Gier will be out for up to six weeks with a torn hamstring, the United boss is hampered by fitness issues. Mark Peters and Josh Simpson are both still on the sidelines, skipper Andy Duncan is unlikely to be back in full training until tomorrow (Thursday) after recovering from a chest infection, while Rob Wolleaston may miss the game as he remains at home with tonsillitis. On top of that, Courtney Pitt and David Bridges have both picked up niggling problems in training which Quinn does not want to see develop further... He said: 'This is a massive game for us and if it's a case of having a rest for a day or two to patch people up, that's what we might have to do.... When you're going hammer and tongs and doing closing-down sessions where you've got to work hard, as we have been over the last few weeks, something is more likely to happen, and we can't afford to lose anyone else. We'll just do some flexibility and stretching sessions, and some weights as well, for now'".

The Kidderminster Shuttle reports that "Chairman Barry Norgrove has underlined the importance of a money-spinning FA Cup run as Harriers prepare to visit Morecambe.... The Harriers board are banking on Mark Yates's men seeing off their Conference rivals after admitting lower-than-expected home crowds have hit their finances... Under FA Cup rules, Harriers will also be given half of the gate receipts from Saturday's tie at Christie Park". Norgrove said, "We're desperate to get through it because it's a bit of a lifeline with the finances. It would be a big help. You get the money in one go when you get knocked out but we'd love to go a fair distance in this. If we get to the next round it goes up to £25,000. We haven't had a very good start and we're upset about that. The crowds haven't been as good as they probably would have been if we'd done better. I calculated it this week and so far, including last Saturday, we've averaged 1,600. I can't grumble but we need a bit more than that to keep it all going. My calculation is we need about 2,500 to break even and we're not going to get that because of the away support".

From IC Cheshire we learn that "Northwich Vics' midfielder Stuart Elliot has been accused of racial abuse by Halifax Town skipper Tyrone Thompson. Halifax have made a formal complaint to the FA alleging abuse on 'at least three occasions' towards black midfielder Thompson during Saturday's Conference clash at the Victoria Stadium. Thompson says he reported the incidents to the referee during the game. But Vics boss Steve Burr retorted: 'I am amazed something so serious could allegedly happen and no-one from Halifax saw fit to mention it to me on Saturday. Indeed, neither did the match referee say anything either and neither did he take any action during the game - and he's the one in charge. And I am astonished they have seen fit to publicly name Stuart Elliot before there has been an investigation. I have spoken to all my players about it and we will conduct our own investigation'... The FA will hold an inquiry and Elliot, if found guilty, faces a ban. Worse for the 29-year-old Londonder would be the stigma attached to him among his fellow players and spectators... ''We have faxed the Football Association with an official complaint of racial abuse by Stuart Elliott towards Tyrone Thompson. We will not tolerate any form of racial abuse from anyone,' said Town general manager Angie Firth'".

LEWIS HONOURED

GAME ON SATURDAY

If you are also looking for a 3pm match on Saturday, a local option is a NW Counties league cup match between Trafford and Formby at Shawe View, Flixton.

CRAWLEY

And Surrey Online adds that "Crawley Town's youth players must be ready for first team action as the club tries to cope with a diminishing squad, Ben Judge has said. The skipper's rallying call comes after former captain Danny Brown and defender Pat Sappleton left the club at the end of last week leaving the Reds' squad down to the bare bones. Saturday's deserved 2-1 win over St Albans City was achieved with just 11 senior players and an inexperienced substitutes' bench made up mainly of teenagers. But Judge is certain the club's young players will have a key role to play in the battle to avoid relegation. 'We couldn't have changed the team a lot on Saturday', he said. 'What we have is the 11 senior players and some youngsters who can come in and do a job for us. It's hard for them because they are so young but now they have to stand up and be counted. We'll be looking for that and will also hope to bring in loans later in the season.'.

Whether Crawley Town have a season left is yet to be resolved. The club's owners Chas and Aswar Majeed must either play debts and start running the club the way it should be, or cut their losses, find an investor and appoint a new manager. Last week both John Hollins and his assistant Alan Lewer left the club as the owners failed to meet the creditors £500,000 debts. The Majeed's company SA Retail was then handed a winding up order by the Inland Revenue on Wednesday for unpaid corporation tax. Creditors meet later this month to decide the club's future and the option is still there to liquidate completely..

The Reds' new management team of Judge, Dave Woozley and youth team coach John Yems secured its first win in temporary charge on Saturday... Woozley says ... 'Judgey and I are primarily players but we are more than happy to help out with running the side', he said. 'The Devils' Trust issued a statement this week expressing their continued "concern" at the way the club is being run. We want to assure our fellow supporters we are doing everything we can to safeguard the club's future'".

QUIZ NIGHT

CONFERENCE NEWS

The BBC states that "Oxford striker Robert Duffy is hoping a protective cast will enable to him to face Wycombe in Saturday's FA Cup tie. Duffy sustained a fractured second metacarpal in Oxford's win over Aldershot last Saturday. Meanwhile, "Exeter winger Wayne Carlisle is ready to step up his comeback after recovering from a burst appendix. Carlisle has been out for three weeks since undergoing surgery but is due to resume training on Thursday. The 27-year-old is yet to play for the Grecians since returning for a second spell at the club in October".

OLD BOYS

GOLF ROAD CLOSED

United Utilities are currently undertaking a £1.2M construction programme within the Altrincham area to improve the performance of unsatisfactory sewer overflows. As part of the construction programme, Golf Road has been closed to enable a mechanical stormwater screen to be constructed deep beneath the road surface.

Pedestrian access to the Golf Road turnstiles will be maintained via the existing footpath on the left hand side of Golf Road (the right hand side footpath is closed). The road is expected to re-open in April 2007.

United Utilities apologise to all supporters for any inconvenience caused.

NEXT GAME

YORK REPORTS ON ALTY AND SIDEBOTTOM

Mainlyfax has plenty of pictures from the York v Alty game.

The official website of York City has a present-tense review of "Frank Sidebottom At The York City Social Club... Around sixty people are there, mostly from York, but with a sprinkling of Altrincham fans, and others from as far afield as Huddersfield, Doncaster and Grimsby. If the amount of money they spend at the bar is anything to go by, they're all having a great time. All the old numbers are here. 'Guess who's been on Match of the Day?' he warbles. 'You have, with your big shorts', respond the audience in unison. Frank further improves his standing with the Yorkshire audience by saying the great thing about living in Timperley is that you can look over the fence to see what's going on in Manchester without actually having to go there... His terrace anthem 'The Robins Aren't Bobbins' has the audience joining in with gusto: 'The only team for me is Altrincham FC' they sing, whether they support Altrincham, York City, or Grimsby Town... It shouldn't be funny at all - with no pithy observations about modern life, no swearing, no sex, no politics, no religion, it's almost a throwback to a less cynical time that never really existed. Nevertheless, it's hilarious from start to finish... With a new TV series in the offing, and another York appearance promised for next year, Frank Sidebottom is back with a bang". Frank is seen, right, on the pitch at KitKat Crescent.

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Halifax and Southport are both facing disappointment in their bid to sign Scarborough defender Denny Ingram. Ingram, 30, had been a target for both clubs after handing in a transfer request but has now decided to stay with the Conference North club. Boro boss Mark Patterson told the Scarborough Evening News: 'The matter regarding his transfer is now dead. Halifax wanted him but couldn't afford him. Southport wanted him but he didn't want to travel there. I am delighted that he is still here with us'" says the BBC.

"Cambridge defender Rob Gier could be out of action for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury. Gier limped off before half-time in Cambridge United's 1-1 draw at Grays Athletic on Saturday. The injury comes at a bad time for Gier as it is thought the 26-year-old was close to agreeing to a longer deal. Meanwhile, fellow defender Mark Peters is in the final stages of recovery from a foot injury and is expected to join full training next week".

"Plymouth striker Reuben Reid has been given the go-ahead to extend his loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers. Argyle have agreed to let the 18-year-old, who has scored twice in five games for the Harriers, remain at Aggborough for a second month. Boss Mark Yates told his club's website: 'He's done well for us and scored goals'".

Gravesend & Northfleet "are setting up meetings with prospective new development partners following the breakdown of talks on the new stadium project with property developer, Bannertown... Director, Brian Kilcullen, stated 'We have decided to move on and are already making arrangements to meet with other prospective developers... It is a temporary setback but we are aggressively working towards building our new stadium sooner rather than later. There are four or five potentially suitable sites in our area and one in particular that we favour. We are doing some of the feasibility work on the site in-house, but it will then get to the point where we need more specialist property advice and funding to go onto the next stage'".

YORK VIEWS

From the opposition perspective, This is York says that "City boss Billy McEwan has insisted only 'ridiculous' offers should be considered for leading scorer Clayton Donaldson. Wolverhampton Wanderers' manager Mick McCarthy was the latest to run the rule over Donaldson as he proved City's match-winner once again with the only goal of the game in yesterday's victory over Altrincham. Scottish Premier division side Hibernian have also looked at Donaldson recently but McEwan is in no mood to cash in on the 12-goal striker when the transfer window reopens in January. He said: ' brought Clayton here to help build York City up as a football club. We want to progress up the Conference and hopefully get back into the League. It's not my job to sell players here unless we get a ridiculous offer from somewhere and we feel that the money could be used to buy four players'. McEwan still feels, however, that 22-year-old Donaldson would be best served continuing his football education at KitKat Crescent. He added: 'The build-up to the goal, involving young Martyn Woolford, was superb and so was Clayton's finish. Some of the finishes this season have been far too good for the Conference. Clayton's a big player for us and, when he went down injured we held our breath for a bit before he was okay but, if that did happen, then it would give somebody else a chance. Clayton would be the first to admit he can't do anything without his mates giving him the service. Woolford came back in and did well. He's still a baby and has got a lot to learn but he has all the ingredients of what I want in my team. It's the same for Clayton, he's only been here a season and a quarter and hasn't got much experience but I'm pleased with his progress and he's a genuine boy who will always give you 100 per cent commitment'. McEwan admitted he had mixed feelings about yesterday's game, being left angry by a poor first-half performance but then delighted by some of his side's second-half football. He said: 'The Bristol City scouts here for next week's FA Cup tie were probably thinking no wonder they are in the Conference after the first-half because I would have been saying the same as a scout. In fact, you couldn't have blamed some of our supporters if they had left at half-time and not bothered waiting for the fireworks display. I was angry at half-time but some of our football in the second-half was delightful and I'm glad it happened in that order because our fans will go away remembering that rather than the first-half'".

OLD BOYS

Meanwhile "AFC Telford United have jettisoned their attempts to sign forward Carl Furlong (right) and another striker target to retain the Bucks’ 'unbelievable' team spirit. Despite agreeing personal terms with much-travelled Furlong from Leigh RMI, the move was postponed at the 11th hour after the player failed to attend training" claims the Shropshire Star.

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Cambridge United midfielder Stephen Smith has joined Eastern Counties Premier side CRC on a month's loan. CRC are mainly comprised of Cambridge's reserve and youth players - but remain a separate entity from United, so Smith has formally gone there on loan. The 20-year-old... has only started five league games this season".

RESERVES

YOUTHS LOSE

YORK CITY 1 ALTRINCHAM 0

Above: Stephen Rose clears the lines for Alty.

After a very good first-half performance by Altrincham, York scored immediately after the break and then stepped up a gear in the second half to emerge deserved winners. The only of the match goal came when Man of the Match, Clayton Donaldson exchanged passes with Woolford and got behind Scott before firing into the top of the net (47 mins). Had York been without Donaldson, Altrincham might well have taken something from the game, especially if they had managed to convert one of their first-half chances.

Above: Warren Peyton sees off Clayton Donaldson.

Goalkeeper Richard Acton was unlucky to be dropped in favour of Stuart Coburn whilst, in midfield, Steve Bushell replaced the injured Val Owen. With Steve Aspinall suspended, Gary Scott moved to right-back. Up front, Colin Little returned.

Match report here

CLAYTON GOES

SUNDAY GAME

Altrincham will be weakened for the game at York by the suspension of right-back and leading scorer, Steve Aspinall, after he amassed five cautions. Also doubtful, through injury, is midfielder Val Owen (right, pictured by Gavin Rathbone), whilst striker Peter Thomson's long-awaited first-team debut is also in jeopardy after he picked up a foot injury in the Reserves last Wednesday.

The BBC reports that "York manager Billy McEwan has no injury concerns to contend with ahead of his side's clash with Altrincham. Defender James Dudgeon played for the reserves in midweek but is not match fit, while David McGurk has recovered from hamstring and throat problems. Altrincham's Colin Little has recovered from an ankle problem, while Steve Bushell is back after a knee injury".

This is York has a video interview with York manager Billy McEwan. The same website also says that "Former York City midfielder Steve Bushell could return from injury to face his old club. Bushell, who is now 33, scored a spectacular goal for Halifax Town on his last appearance at KitKat Crescent back in April... Bushell's impact at Moss Lane has been hindered by a hamstring problem, which has seen him sidelined since September bar an aborted 20-minute comeback attempt three weeks ago against Morecambe when he suffered a recurrence of the injury. Bushell came through 90 minutes unscathed during a 1-1 reserve draw against Hyde United this week although Robins' manager Graham Heathcote is likely to keep faith with Robbie Lawton for the Minstermen clash... Altrincham's firepower is likely to be boosted by the return of veteran striker Colin Little tomorrow... He has been out with tendonitis since scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Halifax on September 12 but is now fit to take his place alongside ex-City striker Joe O'Neill, who has only hit the target once in 18 matches for his new club - a run that extends to 31 games if the end of his KitKat Crescent career is taken into account. Injured, influential centre-back Peter Band is definitely out of the reckoning for Alty, while Richard Acton is expected to continue in goal, having usurped former first-choice number one Stuart Coburn, who lost his place after a back injury... Luke Foster will continue to boost York City's defensive options after a deal was reached to extend the centre-back's loan spell at KitKat Crescent. City boss Billy McEwan said the move was 'good from both ends' after the 21-year-old Lincoln City stopper signed up for a second month, just in time for the clash at home to Altrincham... 'I still feel he can get better and he's got a lot of work to do here if he wants to stay at City'" said McEwan. James Dudgeon and fellow centre-back David McGurk made their long-awaited returns from injury in the reserves' win at Lincoln on Wednesday, but McEwan intimated neither were ready for a first-team recall. Wednesday's game saw Mark Convery and Martin Woolford also 'pick up whacks' which forced them to come off, so both were facing late fitness checks ahead of tomorrow's match. McEwan, whose side have yet to win by more than a single goal this season, gave no clue as to whether he would continue with the three-pronged attack which was used in last week's 1-0 FA Cup win at Newcastle Benfield.

But he warned that Altrincham, under his old friend Graham Heathcote, would be hard to break down either way. 'They're not a bad side', he explained. 'They like to play football the correct way, which is passing the ball, whether it's short or long. I know Graham very well. He gives me videos of teams we're due to play and I give him videos. They will make it difficult. They held Oxford to a draw, which is a big achievement. They will be looking to get a lot of players behind the ball, try to frustrate us and hit us on the break, and we've got to be ready for that'... Tomorrow's teams - City (possible): Evans, Craddock, Goodliffe, Foster, Lloyd, Bishop, Bowey, Panther, Stamp, Donaldson, Farrell. Subs from: Reid, Greenwood, Convery, Parslow, Woolford, Peat, McMahon, Webster.

Altrincham (probable): Acton, Aspinall, Munroe, Rose, Scott, Chalmers, Lawton, Owen, Peyton, Little, O'Neill. Subs: Thornley, Potts, Talbot, Coburn, Thomson. Referee: Guy Stretton (Leicestershire)".

RESERVES REPORT

Ben Deegan is almost off the picture (right) after heading Alty Reserves' fourth goal yesterday. Lee Hendley (yellow boots) is also seen.

A match report on the Reserves' 7-2 win over Ossett Town is in the Reserves' section, as is a picture of a couple of Alty fans at the game.

PAST PLAYERS

OLD BOYS

CONFERENCE NEWS

Kidderminster Harriers "confirm that midfielder Jamie McClen has left the club on a temporary basis to join Nothern League side Bedlington Terriers on-loan".

"Grays Athletic chairman Micky Woodward will stay on as boss of the Conference side until the end of the season, reports BBC Essex... He told BBC Essex: 'There won't be anyone coming in. I will be manager until the end of the season and then reassess it in May. I just felt it wasn't happening under Frank and there was no point in hanging around, something had to be done. I've got everything I need here and I want us to get back to playing how we did under Mark Stimson last season'.

RESULTS

RESERVES WIN 7-2

Above: Altrincham Reserves pictured before today's game. Back row, left to right: Alan Ainsley (physio), Lee Hendley, Justin Bowler, Colin McAllister, Kieran Lugsden, Chris Rowley, Aaron Edwards, Ben Deegan, Michael Risk, Neil Brown (manager). Front row: Laurence Ball, Pat McFadden, Keith Wedge, John Maloney, Astley Mulholland, Lee Mannion, Rick Checuti, Mike Brown.

If you want a larger version of the above photo, please e-mail me.

SATURDAY AT MOSS LANE

YORK REVISITED

Above: The Alty fans watch a throw-in by York's Price. during the match in September, 2005. Rose, Adams and Hilton are the Alty players in the foreground.

The Alty team that day was:

1. Stuart COBURN, 17. Karl MUNROE, 4. Mark MADDOX (capt.), 15. Peter BAND, 3. Chris ADAMS; 12. Steve HAWES, 8. Val OWEN, 21. Stephen ROSE, 25. Nehru McKENZIE, 23. Kirk HILTON; 9. Colin LITTLE. Subs: 27. Christopher CLOHERTY (gk), 10. Rod THORNLEY, 19. Gary WILLIAMS, 24. George MELLING, 26. Lee HENDLEY.

Of the starters at York, only Munroe, Owen and Rose also began Alty's match last Saturday. Five of the 2005 game's starters have since left the club (Maddox, Adams, Hawes, McKenzie and Hilton). The game was noteworthy for the Alty Conference debut of Kirk Hilton and for the sole Alty-career appearance on the bench of former Coventry City apprentice Chris Cloherty, a goalkeeper who, at the time, was on Trafford FC's books.

Alty have also met York three times in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, on This is York we learn that "Former York City striker Joe O'Neill has warned his old team-mates that his new club Altrincham will not fear Sunday's trip to KitKat Crescent. O'Neill returns to York with Altrincham this weekend and the Cheshire visitors have proven one of the toughest teams to beat on their travels in recent weeks... O'Neill said: 'We struggled a bit in our first four away games but have been to a few places since and got some good results, including the Oxford match. We took a bit of stick for that performance from their fans and manager but we defended well and scored a penalty. I think the criticism came because they expected to beat us, but, away from home, we just set our stall out and are not scared of anybody. I'm sure Sunday's game will be played at a very high tempo and, from what we have heard, York have carried on from what we were like last season in terms of closing down teams quickly and working hard. Hopefully, we can match what York can do'. .. [Joe] was offering his inside knowledge to current manager Heathcote at training last night... He said: 'I've been playing every game and feel like I'm part of the team. Your fitness is also always better when you are playing regularly. I would have liked to have stayed at York because I enjoyed my season there so I was a bit disappointed when I had to leave. But I'm not really out to prove a point on Sunday. I just want to do my best for Altrincham'".

CUP DISAPPOINTMENT

CONFERENCE NEWS

Meanwhile, "Cambridge United have released former Macclesfield Town and Lincoln City midfielder Ben Sedgemore. The 31-year-old left Canvey Island in the summer when the club were in all sorts of off-field trouble and joined the U's on non-contract terms last month. Sedgemore scored one goal in only four appearances for the club and has decided to move on in search of regular football. Manager Jimmy Quinn told the club's official website: 'I'd like to keep him but I need people to do a job right now and he needs to go and play regularly'". Sedgemore has now signed for Rushden & Diamonds.

The Conference also says that "Weymouth chairman Martyn Harrison has confirmed the club are considering three sites for their proposed move to a new stadium. Harrison has also revealed he is in definite talks with a mystery landowner but that discussions are only at an early stage... Harrison told the Dorset Echo: 'We have been looking at three separate possibilities. One of them is to redevelop our existing site at the Wessex Stadium... The other one is right next door at the golf club - taking away part of the golf course and using land owned by the Jersey Trust. That gives you two of three but I can't say what the other possibility is... Sharing with Dorchester is one thing that is not going to happen', he added.

"Northwich Victoria manager Steve Burr has managed to extend the loan deal of Leicester City striker Louis Dodds for a second month. The 20-year-old has has played three times for Vics since he arrived at the club and has found the back of the net on two occasions... Burr told BBC: 'We are doing well at the moment."

NL Daily reports that "Burton Albion have reported a record profit of more than £835,000 in the wake of last season's epic FA Cup run... as a result of the historic clashes against Manchester United. The two third-round ties against the Reds provided the bulk of the surplus, netting the club around £800,000 after the deduction of expenses and VAT payments... Gate receipts rose from £201,000 to £1million and other income soared by 259 per cent to £1.2m" helped by the move to the new Pirelli Stadium. Brewers' chairman Ben Robinson said: "It underlines how fortunate we are to have Nigel Clough as manager... Once again, the directors of the club have given their time and effort without remuneration, and the windfall from the Manchester United games has been re-invested for the benefit of the community as a whole'". But "The wage bill rose by 29 per cent to £816,000 as the club took on full-time office and ground staff for the first time, while stadium overheads also rose sharply in comparison to the cost of running Eton Park. The accounts show the Brewers' chairman loaned the club £250,000 to cover the balance of monies due from the Football Foundation... Robinson said the club would be able to press ahead with the proposed hotel development once projects such as landscaping and the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Princess Way had been completed... 'In view of local demand, we would like to increase the number of rooms to 40'", the chairman told the Burton Mail.

Jon Kennedy, the goalkeeper Witton Albion sold to Halifax Town for £5,000 nine months ago, has returned to Wincham Park - for nothing... Kennedy was released by Halifax and joined Lancaster City" says .

This is United reports that "Oxford United midfielder Eddie Hutchinson has turned down a loan move to League 1 outfit Port Vale. The former Brentford man, who signed a three-year contract at Oxford in the summer, has found first-team chances limited with the fine form of Chris Hargreaves, Carl Pettefer and Andy Burgess. Former U's striker Martin Foyle, the Port Vale manager, approached U's boss Jim Smith about taking Hutchinson on loan to Vale Park, but the player rejected the opportunity... 'We did receive an approach from Martin Foyle at Port Vale to take Eddie on loan', Smith confirmed. 'I didn't want him to go, but did give him the chance... He told me that he wants to stay and fight for his place here and that is fantastic news... When you look at the lads that are here, it is the spirit they have that has pulled us through on a number of occasions and you don't want to put that at risk. You can bring in a good footballer but bad person sometimes, and having that one bad one in the squad can bring everyone else down... The players here are also so supportive of each other, whether they are playing or on the bench and it is so nice to see that at a football club'".

Managerless Grays Athletic "have signed Ronnie Bull until the end of the year with the option to extend, Ronnie is an experienced Left Back wo has played for Millwall, Yeovil Town, Brentford, Grimsby and most recently Rushden & Diamonds".

Dagenham & Redbrisge say that "Young striker Shaun Batt has gone on loan to fellow Nationwide Conference side St Albans City. Shaun has featured in four games to date for the Daggers since joining from Stevenage Borough".

Halifax Today reports that "Chris Wilder has admitted he would be 'disappointed' if Southport proved to be a bigger lure to Denny Ingram than Halifax. Town remain hopeful of bringing the Scarborough defender back to the Shay 10 months after he left for the east coast. And the Sandgrounders appear to be the biggest threat to the Shaymen's hopes. 'I was disappointed to lose Denny when we did last season and, if I am honest, I would be disappointed if we lost a player to Southport', said Wilder. 'I am sure that he wants to come to us and it is up to the two clubs to sort out a deal'".

Crawley Town "Defenders Danny Brown and Patrick Sappleton have both left the club. Both Brown & Sappleton were given permission by the board to seek new clubs earlier this week and both have now left Crawley Town Football Club. Danny Brown joined the Reds in the summer of 2005... It wasn’t until the arrival of John Hollins that Brown found a regular spot in the side. Brown was moved from his regular midfield role to left back and was handed the captains armband in February... Brown started the first 11 games this season, but again injury plagued Danny... Central defender Patrick Sappleton joined Crawley Town this summer... Patrick was mainly used from the bench".

But in The Argus, "Crawley joint-caretaker boss Dave Woozley has dismissed fears of a player exodus in the wake of John Hollins's shock sacking... The majority of Crawley's squad were brought in by Hollins on non-contract terms during the summer. Defender Scott Hiley and striker Ben Strevens have both admitted they only joined because they wanted to work with the former Chelsea boss. Woozley admits Hollins was 'extremely popular' with the players but.. he said: 'I don't envisage anyone leaving. Don't get me wrong, the players did have a lot of loyalty to John, he was very good to them. But at the same time they understand these things happen in football and everyone has to worry about their individual situations... but I don't think people want to go anyway'... Crawley cannot afford to lose any players as they go into tomorrow's home game against St Albans with just 14 senior professionals to choose from. Defender Danny Brown is suspended... Strevens is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines after being taken to hospital"... Woozley said: 'Ben has three fractures in his cheek and face. He is optimistic he will only be out for six weeks... We are down to the bare bones but it is quite nice for me and Judgey in that we do not have to upset anyone. We can't drop anyone because pretty much everyone who is fit will play'".

OLD BOYS

FRIDAY GAME

Right: Steve Aspinall and Robbie Lawton close in on Rushden's Tomlin in last Saturday's game.

Friday 3rd

Stevenage's defeat against 10-man Albion leaves them 15th, just behind Alty in the table.

YORK COACH

OLD BOY

FEATURED CLUB SCHEME

NEXT GAME

Above: 17 September 2005 and Mark Maddox raises his arms in despair as Joe O'Neill opens the scoring for York City against Altrincham. On Sunday Joe will be looking to score for Altrincham against York.

Alty are away to York City on Sunday. This is York reports that "York City centre-back James Dudgeon has been told to shed the pounds before he thinks about reclaiming his first-team place. Dudgeon, 25, returned to reserve action during a 3-0 win at Lincoln City yesterday, having not played since the Minstermen's 2-1 triumph away to Woking in mid-September. But, after the game, City boss Billy McEwan insisted Dudgeon, who appeared for the first hour at Sincil Bank, would need to lose weight before he returns to Conference duty. McEwan said: 'He has not played for a while and is well short of what we expect from him. He needs a lot of fitness work and has to get some weight off. He's on a fitness programme and has to get back into condition'. Dudgeon's fellow centre-back David McGurk, who has been sidelined for a month with hamstring and throat problems, completed 20 minutes as a substitute against the Imps. Youth trainee Liam Shepherd, Alex Rhodes and Martyn Woolford scored City's goals.

The Football Conference confirms that "Lincoln defender Luke Foster has extended his loan spell at promotion-chasing Conference outfit York for a second month. Foster has appeared four times for Billy McEwan's side, and will now remain at KitKat Crescent until Saturday December 2. The former Sheffield Wednesday trainee, who joined the Imps in June 2005, has yet to feature for his parent club in the league this season".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Rushden & Diamonds' chairman Helen Thompson says the managerial vacancy has attracted top quality applicants. Tony Godden has acted as caretaker manager since the sacking of Paul Hart last month and has overseen a draw and an FA Cup win in his two games. Thompson told her club's website: 'I think people will most certainly be impressed with the candidates. The board have now commenced the interview process. We will not, however, be rushing into a decision'.

"Nottingham Forest midfielder Felix Bastians is set to join Northwich Victoria on a month's loan. Bastians, 18, made 13 appearances for Forest last season after coming through the City Ground youth system. However, the German youth international has not figured so far this season and will move to gain first-team football. Vics' boss Steve Burr made his move for Bastians after watching him again in a midweek friendly and may give him a debut against Halifax on Saturday" reports the BBC. and also

On the Morecambe Forum is news that the BBC will be filming at Christie Park this weekend. Alexandra Hounslow of the BBC explains, "I'm currently working on a 12 part documentary series for Saturday nights on BBC2 called 'The Comedy Map Of Britain'. The series moves across Britain from region to region seeking out the key places where comedy has been made, the places that have inspired comedy and the places where comedians have come from, that have shaped them and their comedy... The series tells the story of British comedy in an authentic way, using only testimony from those who were there and getting interviewees to revisit the locations where key incidents happened and describe how events and stories unfolded. Obviously we'll be featuring Morecambe and its links with comedy legends such as Eric Morecambe and we're also keen to feature more unusual, quirky stories. As such would really like to include an item on you as supporters of Morecambe FC, specifically when you dress in tribute to Eric Morecambe in flat caps, glasses and Macs, which in turn establishes Morecambe on the football map. I have heard of the games in which 30-40 people have dressed up and it looked fantastic. We are looking to film you on Saturday 4th November at Morecambe FC, I would like to ask you, if it would be possible at all, for as many of the supporters to come dressed in the 'Eric' outfit on Saturday. This would look fantastic on camera and would illustrate the story brilliantly. Many thanks for your time and help". Any volunteers at Moss Lane to dress up as Frank Sidebottom?

Kidderminster Harriers "confirm that terms have now been agreed for Crewe defender Paul Bignot to remain at Aggborough on-loan for a second month".

And just when you thought the Crawley saga could not get more complicated, Crawley's Argus confirms that "the Revenue and Customs is trying to force the closure of the club's parent company, SA Retail, over what it claims are unpaid debts. The company, jointly owned by brothers Chas and Azwar Majeed, is due to appear in the Royal Courts of Justice at 10.30am on November 15 to face a petition for a winding-up order. Yesterday HM Revenue and Customs refused to divulge its reasons for pursuing the case but Chas Majeed told The Argus it was for alleged nonpayment of corporation tax. If the order is granted the court has the power to appoint a liquidator to begin the compulsory sell-off of SA Retail's assets, including Crawley Town Football Club and its players. Chas Majeed said he was confident that the matter would be resolved before it reached the court, dismissing the problem as a 'matter of paperwork'. He said: 'We are waiting for HM Revenue and Customs to send us the correct paperwork so that we can pay them the money owed. We've told them we can pay it as soon as they make it available and that is the case. I can guarantee that come November 15 the hearing will not take place and that all of this will be sorted out'. As far as he was concerned the pending court hearing posed no threat to the football club or its future.

HM Revenue and Customs is a creditor of the club and is owed around £220,000, along with former players who are owed an estimated £440,000 and Crawley Borough Council which is owed an estimated £70,000... Crawley Borough Council confirmed yesterday it had set no deadline to receive the money it is owed from the Majeed brothers. A spokesman said: "There are so many issues surrounding this situation that there is no way realistically that we can set a deadline... we are in unchartered territory really'. Scottish football schools tycoon Matthew Pearson confirmed he had made a second bid to buy Crawley Town Football Club which was rejected. His offer includes paying off all of the club's creditors. He had a bid rejected in September".

"RESERVES" FALTER

Match report in Reserves' section.

GRAHAM TO MAKE CHANGES

SAM's Connor Murphy adds that "Colin Little could be in line for a return to the starting line-up against York... Several key players - including Steve Bushell (left), Colin Little and Peter Thomson - were expected to continue their comebacks from injury in Wednesday's reserve match and some players may find themselves dropped for the visit to the KitKat Crescent. 'I have got nine players playing in the reserves this week and I would expect to make some changes for the York game because I'm not trying to hide my disappointment with how we played on Saturday', said Heathcote. 'It was an inept performance and I'm still not really over it to be honest. I feel sorry for the fans because they are not used to seeing Altrincham FC go out of the FA Cup in such an easy manner. I've told the players what I feel the season holds in store and if we can be so easily second best it worries me for the tougher games in the run-in. I don't expect us to be a surprise package for anyone this season because teams will have sussed us out as much as we have sussed them out. We have to have everyone battling for each other, we can't afford to have even one or two people off their games. We are going into a mish-mash period now. We play Sunday against York but we don't play the week after and although we have a game against Crawley on November 18, our following home game might be re-scheduled if Burton get through to the second round of the Cup. So it's going to be really difficult to get any kind of momentum going and it makes the game against York extremely important. We will have to see what the repercussions of going out of the FA Cup are, without the financial benefits it would have brought. We cut our cloth accordingly in terms of finance and would never budget for FA Cup revenue but it would relieve some of the pressure'".

CONFERENCE NEWS

"Grays Athletic chairman Mike Woodward has been installed as the Conference club's caretaker manager... following the dismissal of Frank Gray" reports the BBC, who also confirm that "Weymouth boss Garry Hill has won the Nationwide Conference manager of the month award for October".

The Argus reports that "The boss of a troubled football team has vowed it is not for sale despite a renewed offer for the club. Yesterday Matt Pearson, of Britannia Sports Management, approached the administrator, Begbies Traynor, who are dealing with Crawley Town Football Club's debts. Mr Pearson has made two offers to the administrator to pay the outstanding amount of the creditor's voluntary agreement in full, excluding the debts to the owners, or to pay the difference between the money lodged by the SA Group and the outstanding money owed to creditors. He made an offer for the club in September which fell through when the he failed to produce the money before the Majeeds' deadline. If the offer is accepted he will ask former manager John Hollins, who was sacked on Monday, to re-join the club. Mr Pearson said: 'At the end of the day the creditors are after their money. If I was in their position I'd take any offer'. Last night Azwar Majeed, who owns the club with his brother Chas, dismissed the new bid. He said: 'The club is not up for sale. It is our decision if we sell or not and we are not. We said we would sell my flat if the money wasn't paid to the creditors by the end of October and it has been on the market for a month'. The penthouse flat on North Street, Brighton, is on the market for £1.4million. Begbies Traynor have asked Mr Pearson to provide more financial information, before it considers the offer". Andy Spratt, a sports agent who represents players owed money by the Majeeds, said: "If any other substantiated offers come in then the creditors will wish to be given opportunity to give it full consideration. Councillor Beryl Mecrow, executive member for leisure and cultural services at the borough council, said: 'We want the club to continue but the money [owed to the Council] belongs to the people of Crawley'.

"Crawley owner Chas Majeed says there are no immediate plans to appoint a permanent successor to sacked manager John Hollins. Players Ben Judge and Dave Woozley were put in temporary charge... Asked if the club are planning to replace Hollins, Majeed said: 'We haven't decided yet. We will decide at the weekend. We have received applications but we don't know if we are going to go down that road or not'. Woozley said: 'We are two of the most senior players so, because we are managerless, we have just been asked to help out... There has not been a briefing about how long we will be in charge or that they are looking to make it permanent and I would be very naive to think that was the case. We are just looking to help the club through this period'". As for Hollins's sacking, Woozley said "I never saw it coming to be honest. Under the circumstances he did a very admirable job. He was a very popular figure among the lads and we feel we let him down with a couple of recent performances. It is disappointing but the manager is always going to be the one who pays for it".

Southport GB reports that "It hasn’t been an easy start to the season at Haig Avenue, but recent months have represented a particularly difficult time for Carl Baker. Banned from driving for three years in September, the Southport attacker has failed to flourish under the new full-time regime and a fortnight ago was penalised for a ‘serious breach of club discipline’. But after serving a one-week ban implemented by manager Paul Cook, the crowd favourite returned to action last Saturday against Kettering Town and has promised lead the Sandgrounders’ resurgence. Speaking about the incident for which he was recently suspended, Baker told the weekend’s Football Echo: ‘After the Weymouth game we didn’t get back until 2am and the gaffer told us to prepare for a hard week’s training and that to make sure we all stayed in at the weekend. But it was the first time we didn’t have a midweek game coming up. I’ve only recently moved to Southport and that Sunday night was my first chance in ages to meet up with a few friends. On the Monday morning I was fine and turned up for training half an hour early. I was all ready to get going when the gaffer called me into his office. He said he had been told I was out on the town the previous night. We had words and then when I turned up the next day I was told I was being suspended and I was very disappointed. I understand I was in the wrong and I apologised for that, but I think the punishment was unfair and everyone I’ve spoken to has said it was very harsh. Two weeks wages was the maximum they could fine me. I wasn’t too upset about the cash, to be honest I was more gutted about missing last Saturday’s match (against Altrincham) because it was a massive game for us. It was all because I went out for a few drinks on a Sunday night but that was the punishment that they came up with and I’ve got to take it on the chin and get on with it... The gaffer has said he still wants me to be part of the squad... This week I’ve got my head down in training and worked really hard. I’ve been treated the same as everyone else and I can’t wait to get back playing. I want to stay at Southport because I get on really well with the fans'".

RESERVES

NOEL RESIGNS

CONFERENCE NEWS

Grays Athletic "have released Aaron McLean to Peterborough on loan until December 31st with the option of a permanent deal in the New Year... As part of the deal Justin Richards has signed a one months loan with Grays Athletic with options, also Chris Plummer‘s loan contract is to be reviewed with a view to extending this". BBC Essex adds that "McLean has joined Peterborough on loan - with the option of a permanent move for a reported six-figure sum... McLean, 23, has scored 13 league goals this season, and has been described as the hottest property in the Conference... Posh's 26-year-old striker Justin Richards has moved to Grays on loan for a month. Richards has only found the net once since moving to London Road from Woking in the summer".

The Crawley Argus reports that "John Hollins says he was sacked as manager of Crawley for financial reasons. The former Chelsea boss and his assistant Alan Lewer were fired yesterday by owner Chas Majeed, on the same day the club had to pay creditors almost £500,000 in debts... The axe fell two days after Crawley lost 3-2 against Lewes in the FA Cup to miss out on a £10,000 windfall... The club have not given reasons for the surprise decision but Hollins, who was working without a contract, says it is not because of results. He said: 'I want to stress that Alan and I did not walk out, we were sacked. We went into work as normal and were told that because of finance and everything else, the board of directors had decided we were leaving the club. I don't know what the club are saying but any way you want to interpret it, financially they couldn't afford to keep us'. Hollins believes his sudden departure could be linked with a takeover at the club. Majeed and his co-owner brother Azwar agreed to sell the club last month to a sports management company only for the deal to fall through and are believed to have held takeover talks with former Farnborough owner Graham Westley. Hollins said: 'It looks very suspiciously to me like a takeover. We have come in and sorted out the mess and they have said, thank you very much, goodbye. They probably have someone in mind and it will all become clear in the near future'... He verbally agreed a contract last April but was unable to sign it as the club were plunged into administration with debts of £1.4 million... Hollins said: 'We kept them up last season, got through the summer and then did a good job again this season. We have got the ten points back, got the club on an even footing and the budget is now monstrously lower than it was... It hasn't been easy, we have made it look easy under extremely difficult circumstances. For someone to say that's it, you're gone, is very disappointing'. Hollins's exit has caused uncertainty among the Crawley players, the majority of which do not have a contract. Defender Scott Hiley, who joined as a free agent from Exeter in the summer, said: 'It is very surprising because under the circumstances, results on the pitch have been good. I've got no idea what is going to happen now. I'm just going to play it by ear and see what happens'.

The Argus continues, "Crawley Town FC was plunged back into further crisis last night after the owners sacked the club's management duo and then failed to pay £450,000 to creditors. Later in the day, it was confirmed that the brothers who own the club, Chas and Azwar Majeed, had not met the 4pm deadline to settle with creditors who include the Revenue and Customs, former players and Crawley Borough Council. One said: 'It's no surprise really. We all know it is a mess but it now rumbles on once again'... A meeting of creditors will now be convened where a vote could be taken to liquidate the club... A statement from Begbies Traynor, the administrators, said: 'We can confirm only limited funds have been received by the 4pm deadline for the monies to be received from SA Retail Ltd in settlement of the monies required. We have discussed at length with the company directors and representatives of SA Retail Ltd the reasons why not all of the monies have been remitted. They have advised that SA Retail Ltd remains committed to supporting the football club and that the funds are unavailable due to reasons beyond its control. SA Retail Ltd is currently continuing to raise the balance of the funds due both from within the SA 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'.

John Thraves, Director of Community Services at Crawley Borough Council, said: 'We are concerned about the latest developments and hope that a creditors' meeting will be convened as soon as possible. We want the club to move forward and hopefully continue in the Nationwide Conference this season. Our town benefits from having a major football team and the council wants to support that'".

NLP