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June, 2007 |
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June, 2007 |
Those heading to Altrincham FC who are following this diversion, should turn right from Oakfield Road into Moss Lane at the second set of traffic lights outside Tesco. The ground is half a mile further down Moss Lane on the left. (See map links here).
To add to the problems the Metrolink tram system to Altrincham is also undergoing major repairs. From 2 July to 27 August 2007 all services from Altrincham to Stretford will be withdrawn and from Friday 27 July the closures will extend from Altrincham to Trafford Bar. Replacement bus services will operate from Manchester St Peter's Square to Altrincham Interchange. One replacement service (numbered X4) will be direct to and from Manchester and will run every 10 minutes during the day seven days a week, and every 20 minutes in the latter part of the evening. The other replacement bus (numbered 500) will zig-zag between every closed station. It will run every ten minutes (every 15 in evenings). For full details see the Metrolink website. Alternatively, just catch the normal Arriva bus service 263 to and from Manchester Piccadilly bus station to Altrincham.
Meanwhile in the main shopping area of Altrincham, in George Street, the multi-storey carpark (accessed from High Street) is to be demolished and a new car park created in 2008. From 2 July 2007 the multi-storey will close, apart from the rooftop level and from 10 July that level will be accessed via a ramp off Post Office Street.
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports that "Graham Heathcote is delighted by the commitment shown by his squad after seeing a big turnout at two voluntary training sessions. The Robins' boss organised the sessions in order to ease players back before preseason officially starts on Saturday. And Thursday night's session saw 21 players turn up, including a couple of possible signings. Also among the number was Colin Potts (right), who is hoping to prove his fitness to Heathcote in order to earn a move back to Moss Lane. An announcement on the arrival of Alty's key midfield target has been delayed until Saturday at the earliest but the Alty manager will also be speaking to a winger on Sunday as he looks to add to his squad. The Alty manager said: 'We had 21 down at the second voluntary training session so I was pleased with that, it's a good start. The deal with our midfield target has not quite been completed yet but I'm still positive about it. I will be speaking to a wide man on Sunday but, to be fair, Colin Potts has also looked good in training so far. He's improved his fitness quite a bit'".
"Weymouth captain Trevor Challis and goalkeeper Jason Matthews have signed new one-year contracts, reports BBC Radio Solent. Defender Challis, 31, and 32-year-old Matthews will be key members of boss Jason Tindall's squad next season. Also, defender Ashley Vickers, 35, and midfielder Simon Weatherstone, 27, are also set to sign one-year extensions. Nick Crittenden, Anton Robinson, Stuart Beavon and Danny Phillips have already tied up new deals with the Terras".
"Crawley Town defender Ronnie Bull has agreed a new deal to stay at the club. The former Millwall and Grimsby Town full-back, 26, will be part of manager Steve Evans's new-look squad after agreeing terms for next season" says the BBC.
"Highly-rated forward Dean Bradshaw wants to 'nip in the bud rumours to the effect that he is not staying with Histon. Bradshaw has admitted receiving contact from one of his former coaches at Spanish side Real Betís about joining him at Rayo Vallecano, but says: 'I am totally committed to Histon... My first aim is to establish myself as a regular and help the club in non-League football`s top flight. So I want it known that I am committed to Histon for this season - anything else beyond that will just have to wait and see'" reports NL Daily.
This is Exeter says that "New signing Neil Saunders has revealed how a glowing reference from George Friend helped convince him to join Exeter City. The Team Bath skipper yesterday became Paul Tisdale's third summer signing when he penned a one-year deal at St James's Park. And the 24-year-old, who has just returned from a five-week trip to Bali, said: 'George Friend was on loan at Team Bath last year and he had nothing but good things to say about Exeter - he really sold it to me. I gave him a call before I signed and chatted about the club and having him in the squad is a bonus for me'. Saunders becomes the second summer arrival from the University of Bath following defender Matty Taylor's transfer earlier this month".
NL Daily reports that "Nuneaton Borough's footballing journey could come to a tearful end at the town hall. If Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough councillors demand a payment of £580,000, the highest fee suggested to compensate the lifting of the covenant at Manor Park, the club will go into administration and its very existence will hang in the balance. The protracted debate regarding the covenant placed on the club's former home is likely to reach its conclusion on Friday night... Nuneaton Borough has submitted an offer to the council to pay £100,000 up front upon the release of the covenant, to be followed by £150,000, paid in £30,000 annual instalments over the next five years. This offer has been recommended by the council's officers, but even this agreement could jeopardise Boro's long-term future. A source from inside the club said: 'Our message is clear, we can give so much back to the town if the council just lifts this covenant... We estimate having a 3G pitch could help us generate £100,000 a year, and it will benefit the whole community, because there isn't another facility like it in the town at the moment'. Local rivals Hinckley United's Marston's Stadium complex boasts a state of the art 3G pitch which was partially funded by the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council... And insiders at Nuneaton Borough are hoping for the same kind of support, they added: 'There are examples up and down the country of how local borough councils have supported their football club, all we are asking is for ours to do the same... Since last November's public meeting, Borough has exploded into life within the local community, with dozens of schools benefiting from coaching sessions run by club secretary Graham Wilson, ex-striker Duane Darby and many other qualified coaches. Over thirty junior, women's and mens' teams will play in the distinctive blue and white stripes of the Borough next season, but only if financial security can be gained tomorrow tonight".
First leg: 19 July, second leg: 2 August.
Also additional volunteers are required for the following on match days:
The club had previously been set a deadline of June 30 to pay off the remainder of the cash it owes to former players, staff, HM Revenue and Customs and its landlord Crawley Borough Council. An agreement that 50p for every pound owed to creditors was reached last year under the terms of the agreement but has so far not been paid, despite assurances from the club that it would. The sale of the flat is seen by Begbies Traynor [who recently dealt with Scarborough in a much shorter time] as a last ditch method of ensuring the debts are paid and allowing the club to start this season in the Conference league. However that deadline is now likely to be extended. Mr Sadler said: 'A further sum of approximately £140,000 is required to pay the balance of the dividend due to creditors under the terms of the Company Voluntary Arrangement proposal. This sum is secured upon the residential property of Azwar Majeed. In order to effect the sale and distribution of the funds, I will be proposing a short extension of the arrangement. While creditors could object to this proposal it is unlikely that they will turn down the opportunity to receive the proceeds of Mr Majeed's property'... Azwar Majeed was unavailable for comment yesterday".
"Tim Sills is the latest addition to Paul Buckle's squad" at Torquay United. "The 6ft 2in striker has signed a two year contract with the Gulls and will join the squad next week for training.... [But] striker Lee Thorpe has had his contract mutually terminated. Lee played 44 games for Torquay last season and scored 8 times".
"Rob Smith, manager of Blue Square North club AFC Telford United, has completed his summer shopping spree with the signing of former Shrewsbury Town favourite Steve Jagielka. The 29-year-old has shaken hands on a move from Nationwide North champions Droylsden and will put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract at training on Thursday evening".
"Oxford United defender Luke Foster has confirmed his place in manager Jim Smith's plans by signing a new twelve-month deal. Foster, 21, joined the U's from Blue Square North side Stalybridge Celtic in March and impressed enough to earn a longer stay".
"Stevenage Borough confirm that they’ve agreed terms with defender Mark Arber to join on 1 August from Peterborough. The 29 year old centre half has made over 400 appearances in a Football League career spanning 9 years. Chairman Phil Wallace said 'Mark is a great signing for us. If there was one thing we possibly lacked at times last season, it was experience at the back. Mark has made over 400 appearances with Barnet, Oldham and Peterborough.... The search is now focused on a quality striker to add to the squad'".
At Northwich Vics "Neil Redfearn has unveiled his new player coach as Kevin Sharp. The vastly experienced defender Sharp was born in Canada and has played for Leeds United, Wigan Athletic, Huddersfield and of late Hamilton Academicals".
FromCambridge United we learn that "A date has been set for the transfer tribunal concerning Robbie Simpson. The 22-year-old striker is set to join Coventry City next week but the two clubs have failed to agree a transfer fee so a transfer tribunal will decide upon a compensation package on Monday 9th July... He will be out of contract at the end of this month and is expected to sign for Coventry City on July 1st, but because he is under the age of 24 and was offered a new contract by United the club is entitled to compensation".
The Gravesend Reporter says that "Liam Daish has admitted he may struggle to re-sign Mark DeBolla after the midfielder made an unexpected U-turn in wanting to put pen-to-paper... DeBolla had previously rejected numerous contract offers, forcing the Ebbsfleet United boss to look elsewhere and bring in Woking's Neil Barrett. The former Grays player now appears willing to negotiate new terms, yet with Barrett already in place and a limited budget required to buy two new strikers, Daish insists it's now a question of priorities. 'Mark had turned down a number of contract offers and I was resigned to losing him', the Fleet boss explained. 'I then moved on and brought in Neil Barrett and now Mark has been in touch and wants to sign. Mark was my first choice but, for whatever reason, he did not want to sign and now he does. I've always wanted him but the timing and the budget restrictions have hampered that. I'm trying to juggle everything, but it's very difficult'. DeBolla could potentially have provided an alternative up front, where the Fleet are now short of options following Onome Sodje's decision to join York City last week... 'I think Onome's advisors decided it was best for him to go to York and I don't think it was his real choice that he went there', he revealed. 'Because of his work permit situation, we could not be seen to have Onome under contract which means someone else could come in and do exactly the same to York as they did to us with a seven-day approach'. The Fleet boss hopes to sign a new striker by the end of this week and is also hopeful of landing a winger-cum-frontman in due course".
This is Weymouth states that "It appears Roy O'Brien's career at the Wessex Stadium is over. The defender has had no contact with the club since the end of last season. O'Brien said: 'I have not heard anything and I am quite disappointed about that. If they do not want me it would be nice of them to let me know but to be honest I am not too fussed now anyway as I have got a couple of other things lined up'".
Altrincham chairman Geoff Goodwin has announced a major fundraising event to benefit both Altrincham FC and the McGrath Foundation, run by Jane McGrath and her husband the famous Australian test bowler, Glenn. As the the McGrath Foundation website explains, "Jane McGrath co-founded the McGrath Foundation with her husband Glenn after her initial recovery from breast cancer. Jane experienced first hand the shortage of breast care nurses in Australia during her treatment and became determined to help others in her situation. Today, the McGrath Foundation aims to raise funds to place more breast care nurses throughout the country while generating support and raising awareness of the cause". Alty fans will recall that our chairman Geoff Goodwin and his wife Suzanne have forged strong links with the Australian cricket team as Geoff's coach company Go Goodwins has been the official supplier of coach transport to the touring Australians, through his contract with the England Cricket Board.
The event will be a football match on Sunday 30th September at 1pm at Moss Lane between a side which will include not only Glenn McGrath but also other cricketers including England's Darren Gough and Alec Stewart. The opposition will be a side featuring stars from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. A number of the Aussie cricketers joined the Altrincham FC supporters' trust, STAR, when last in England and have kept in regular touch with Geoff and Suzanne from Down Under, where they follow the results of Alty. Glenn is seen, right, in his Alty shirt.
Geoff and Suzanne hope that there will be a bumper turnout for the game for these two excellent causes. From the Football Club's point of view it is vitally important that such fundraisers are fully supported - and there can be few more enjoyable ways of raising money for the Club and the Foundation than watching stars of sport and TV live on the Moss Lane pitch. Provisional prices for the game are £5 for adults, £2 for concessionaries and just £10 for a family of two adults and two children. So, please put the date in your diary.
Further details of the game and its participants will appear on the website in the near future.
NL DailyWorksop Town following his second spell with Division One side Stocksbridge Park Steels. A player who wears his heart on his sleeve, Hawes will play a major role in Worksop`s attempts to regain their place in the Blue Square North. He is an experienced player after spells at both Altrincham and Sheffield United where he was the youngest player to represent the Blades in the Premiership. Hawes has been bought for an undisclosed fee and has agreed personal terms.
Though yet to pay their debts (due this week), Crawley Town seem to have no money problems at the moment as they are "delighted to announce the signings of all action midfielder Tyrone Thompson and star striker Guy Madjo for next season... Thompson, 25, joins from Halifax Town and was the main man in their midfield last season. He was instrumental when he helped his team fight from a goal down to take all three points against the Reds in April. Thompson became a crowd favourite at the Shay thanks to his robust tackling and all action displays... Cameroon-born Madjo, 23, joins us in West Sussex from Stafford Rangers with whom he spent the 2006-07 campaign... The player claimed a clean sweep of all the individual awards given out by the supporters, players and management... Reds’ assistant boss Paul Raynor said: 'Tyrone is someone I worked with as a youngster at Sheffield United and have continued to watch his career since leaving United... In fact we tried to sign the boy at Boston United... As for Guy Madjo, he is an outstanding talent with frightening pace who has a real eye for a goal... The lad had numerous clubs after his signature and quite rightly he has taken his time to make sure he joins the right club at the right time. It is a nice bonus for us considering the work the Gaffer has put into this over the last few weeks and when you also consider he could have been much more financially rewarded had he gone elsewhere. He also brings competition for the likes of Magno Vieira, J-P Pittman, and with the Gaffer locked in talks we could possibly have another two strikers on-board by early next week... I can assure our supporters we have a number of exciting trialists also joining us when the lads report back on Monday. We will look at those trialists with the view to signing them should they show the attributes we are looking for'".
The BBC claims that "Halifax are set to sign former Fulham and Rotherham full-back Rob Scott. Scott has agreed a deal with the Shaymen after being released by Macclesfield at the end of last season. The 33-year-old will become the third new summer signing for Town boss Chris Wilder and will fill the gap left by Steve Haslam's move to Bury".
"Weymouth pair Stuart Beavon and Danny Phillips have both signed new one-year contracts, reports BBC Radio Solent. Striker Beavon, 23, scored seven goals last season after signing from Didcot Town in January, and had been attracting attention from other clubs. Midfielder Phillips had arrived on a non-contract basis in February".
BSCP newcomers "Histon have been boosted after the club secured a new three-year sponsorship deal with local businessman Tony Roach of JK Environmental. Roach, who will invest a six-figure sum into the club for the next three seasons, has also joined the board. 'The finance is obviously very welcome', Stutes chairman Gareth Baldwin told the club website. 'We will continue to build towards our target of having a stadium suitable for the Football League within two years'".
"AFC Telford United are set to sign former Shrewsbury and Sheffield United midfielder Steve Jagielka from Droylsden" reports the BBC
From This is Exeter we learn that "Julian Tagg insists Chris Todd's departure to Torquay United for £7,500 represents a good deal for Exeter City... In the last week City bosses have pocketed £25,000 in combined transfer fees from the sales of Lee Phillips and Todd... 'The negotiations were amiable', said Tagg. 'It is important that people know that £25,000 for two players who may or may not have fitted into our plans is exceptionally good business. I don't see many players in the Conference moving for money. If they go to higher league clubs then maybe, but it is not normal to command a transfer fee moving between clubs in the same league'... Tagg praised the impact City's director of football Steve Perryman... 'Steve (Perryman) has conducted the business and he has ensured that we have got considerably more than we may have expected. Without his involvement the figures would have been substantially less', Tagg said... 'Money is coming into the club and everyone is well aware that it is ring-fenced to be used on the playing side'".
The Salisbury Journal says that "Salisbury City have completed the signing of Woking goalkeeper James Bittner. The 25-year-old, who becomes the club's sixth full-time professional player, is no stranger to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. He made 24 appearances for City as a youngster during the ill-fated 2001/02 season, which ended with the Whites being relegated to the Eastern Division of the Southern League, prompting the restructuring of the club and the appointment of Nick Holmes as manager. Meanwhile, Bittner's career took him to AFC Bournemouth, Exeter City (42 appearances) and Torquay United from where he joined Woking in December last year... Salisbury player-coach Tommy Widdrington...explained that Bittner's arrival would increase the level of competition for the number one shirt, currently held by Ryan Clarke, who turned pro with the club earlier this summer... 'Ryan had an outstanding season for us, but if the situation arises where we have to put someone else straight in, we have to do so with 100% confidence'... As well as the two goalkeepers, City's professional ranks include strikers Matt Tubbs and Robbie Matthews, midfielder Mike Fowler and recent signing Liam Feeney... Fixtures for City's debut season in the top-flight of non-league football are now expected to be announced on Tuesday".
Hot on the heels of signing Lewis Chalmers from Altrincham, Aldershot Town "Manager Gary Waddock has confirmed to 'The Shots' that he has completed the signing of 20 year old West Bromwich Albion striker Rob Elvins. Alvechurch born Elvins is 6 ft 2" and joined the Albion at the age of 12... Then-manager Bryan Robson promoted Rob to the first team squad with whom he trained regularly. Rob experienced first team football in a loan spell at Cheltenham Town and, more recently, York City where he featured for the Minstermen in a three month loan spell earlier this year".
Lewis Chalmers's last encounter with Aldershot in an Alty shirt was the final game of last season, when a 0-0 draw condemned Alty to a relegation place. Above, on the pitch at the end of that game, a prostrate Lewis Chalmers is comforted by an Aldershot player whilst, in the foreground, Alty boss Graham Heathcote exchanges views with the referee.
From Aldershot Town we read that "Manager Gary Waddock has confirmed that 21 year old Lewis Chalmers has become his first signing for the club. Chalmers progressed through the youth ranks at Moss Rose [i.e. Moss Lane, Altrincham not Moss Rose, Macclesfield] and, in total, he made 96 appearances for the Cheshire club scoring six goals. He also possesses England National Game experience too. A delighted manager said, 'Lewis is a young lad who is a current England international and he wants to push on and succeed and he shares the ambitions as me. Lewis has played against Aldershot before and the biggest point that he made to me was how he noticed the support that the team get and how vocal and encouraging they are getting behind the players and that is a great credit to the Aldershot fans. He wants to play in a central midfield role and that is where he has featured for England. It is an important position. We have Ricky Newman who is an experienced pro added with the youth of Lewis and he will learn from Ricky. I said to Lewis also that I played in that position as did Martin Kuhl and hopefully we will be able to develop him as a player also. I am hoping to be in a position to relay more information pretty soon and give the fans more good news. Negotiations have been positive and players want to come and play for Aldershot Town. I said at the Fans Forum that I wanted to sign players of a younger age with quality and the signing of Lewis is testament to that'. A full interview with Lewis Chalmers is available on Shotsline- 09066 555 855- calls cost 60p per minute".
There is more bad news for Grays Athletic as they "have released Midfielder Derek Duncan, Derek signed for Grays Athletic on 25th May 2007 even though he was under contract to Leyton Orient until 30th June, the club would have registered the player on 1st July 2007, however, during the interim period his agent had touted him around various clubs and an offer from Wycombe Wanderers was made. Both the Club and Justin Edinburgh felt it would be in the best interests of Grays Athletic and Duncan to release him from his contract rather than have a player who is discontent with his current position which was evident in phone conversations".
Yorkpress states that "York City boss Billy McEwan has called on Setanta Sports to reveal how money will be distributed to Blue Square Premier clubs under the terms of their five-year agreement to televise matches. A figure of £2.8million was first banded about when the deal with the Irish broadcasters was announced last August. But that information has never been substantiated and details on how the money will be shared between the Blue Square Conference, formerly the Coinference, and its member clubs have not been forthcoming either... He said: 'You always get an official figure quoted in the Premier League's negotiations with Sky and information on how it will be distributed, but Setanta won't divulge what the deal is. We need to know. The club officials were not told at the AGM but I've got a meeting with Setanta next month and I will be wanting to find out then'. McEwan has also insisted he will resist any plans to fit him with a microphone during games. Setanta are hoping to loosely base their coverage on the manner in which NFL American football is televised. The Irish broadcasters are planning to issue both managers with microphones during their coverage of games. They are also hoping to screen pre-match team talks from the dressing-room and hold interviews with players immediately after their substitutions as part of its coverage. A bemused McEwan said of the plans which were revealed at the Conference annual meeting: 'They want to be different to Sky but they've got no chance with microphones on the manager. I will be voting against that. As a manager, you need your own privacy and I don't think the viewers will want to be listening to what's being shouted on the touchline'... The annual meeting also revealed provisional plans for the Setanta Shield, which will be contested between the 68 Blue Square Premier, North and South sides next season. City are due to enter the competition in the fourth round... Matches are due to be played on Tuesday nights although televised ties will be switched to Thursday evenings. Early indications also suggest that the competition will not be regionalised". However, the Football Conference reports that "Stalybridge Celtic have signed former York City defender James Dudgeon after his contract expired with the Minstermen. The 26-year-old moves to Bower Fold along with midfielder Terry Barwick, who joins from Northwich Victoria".
There is also an arrival at Northwich Victoria where "Manager Neil Redfern swooped to sign striker Jake Speight, 21 from Bury. Jake's former clubs have been Sheffield United and Scarborough. 'Jake has great pace which will give the attack a different dimension', said Neil".
From the Football Conference, we learn that "Halifax defender Adam Quinn has signed a new two-year deal at the Shay and is set to extend his stay further as the club's longest serving player. The 25-year-old England non-league international has started more than 150 games since joining from Sheffield Wednesday in 2002. 'A Conference club made a good offer and he's had an offer from a League team but I'm happy he is staying', boss Chris Wilder told the Halifax Courier".
More activity in Devon is reported by Torquay United who "have signed Chris Todd from Exeter City and Tony Bedeau has returned to the club after his spell with Walsall. Chris has signed a 3-year contract and Tony a 1-year deal".
At another south-coast club, Weymouth confirm that "player-boss Jason Tindall has secured the services of five more players. Nick Crittenden and Anton Robinson finished last season with the Terras and have committed themselves to the club for another year. Portuguese midfielder Sido Jombarti and Swindon Town pair Scott Doe and Jonathan Stewart have also penned 12-month contracts. The Robins' duo will complete their moves to the Wessex Stadium on July 1 after their current deals at the County Ground expire on Saturday. Speaking exclusively to Echosport from his hotel room in America, Tindall said: 'Critts did exceptionally well for me after I took over in January. He is a great player with incredible stamina and I am delighted that we have managed to keep hold of him. The way he finished last season was excellent. He scored three goals in five games at one stage and it was a pity for him that the campaign ended when it did. I expect more of the same from him next season. As for Anton, he also did very well. He has a fantastic physique and he offers me a lot in a few positions on the pitch'... Jombarti appeared several times for Weymouth Reserves last season and clearly impressed. Tindall said: 'He is very young and is a Patrick Vieira-type in terms of his physique and build. He is very combative and loves a tackle'.. Doe is a 19-year-old defender who can play at centre-back or right-back while Stewart is an 18-year-old keeper... He said: 'I am delighted with the signings we have made so far and there should be more later this week'".
The Burton Mail says that "Albion midfielder Chris Hall has joined Gainsborough Trinity in a surprise move. Hall, who missed most of last season because of a knee injury, had vowed to fight for a new contract with the Brewers... Albion manager Nigel Clough told Mail Sport: 'The last time we spoke to Chris he was still keen to come back and give it another go with us. But I think the uncertainty over his fitness has finally persuaded him to take his chance with a club where he is more likely to get regular football. Chris lives in Lincoln and playing for Gainsborough will mean a lot less travelling for him... It is doubtful whether he would have been able to join in training at the intense level we expect in the first two weeks of pre-season... I certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility of him having another part to play at some stage in the future'. Hall is the fifth member of last season's squad to leave the Pirelli Stadium this summer. Defenders Darren Tinson and Terry Henshaw have signed for Altrincham and Alfreton Town respectively, while midfielder Paul Carden made the switch to Accrington Stanley. Injury-plagued striker Steve Scoffham is still trying to find a new club after being released in May and Clough is still waiting to hear from midfielder Andy Ducros, who was offered only short-term deal
21 year-old Alty midfielder Lewis Chalmers (right) has left Moss Lane for a full-time contract at Aldershot Town, our Blue Square Conference Premier rivals next season.
Lewis graduated to the first team after starting with Altrincham FC Youth team for whom he made his debut in the last match of 2002/03 season. He went on to captain that side on occasions. After being a regular for the Reserves in 2004-05, Lewis was an unused sub in the FA Trophy match at Gainsborough on 27 November 2004 and made his full first-team debut on 28 March 2005 against Hinckley. By the end of 2004-05 he had become a regular member of the first-team squad. Lewis injured his ankle in mid-September 2005 at Woodley Sports but returned to fitness and started several games in the Conference in 2005-06. Lewis is also a useful centre-back where his heading is a great asset, as it is at set pieces. He also possesses a prodigious long-throw. From early 2006 he figured mainly as a substitute before establishing himself as a regular starter when Val Owen was suspended in September and was rewarded with a call-up to the National Game XI squad in November 2006. His first-team appearances for Alty totalled 63(+33) and he scored 6 goals
Former Alty Youth and first-team striker, 21 year-old Steve Lunt has joined Glossop North End, whilst former Alty defender Mark Ogley is reported to have joined Stocksbridge Park Steels as coach.
Chester City report that they "will be meeting with Tranmere Rovers midfielder Kevin Ellison and his advisers in order that personal terms can be agreed to bring the former City midfielder back to Chester City. Tranmere and the Blues have agreed a transfer fee for the player on Friday and personal terms are the next stage of the process to bring the 28 year old to City. City chairman Stephen Vaughan said 'The deal with Tranmere has been agreed, so we will now move on to the next stage of the process, which is agreeing a financial package with Kevin and his agent'.
NL Daily "Warrington Town have made their third signing of the close season after striker Neil Smith agreed to make the switch to Cantilever Park. Like defensive captures Liam Coyne [ex-Alty Youth] and Tony Dunne, Smith has previously played for Leigh RMI - the former club of Warrington's new assistant-manager Andy Nelson - at Conference level".
This is South Devon states that "Torquay United manager Paul Buckle still wants to sign players in all three departments before he feels that his fast-growing squad is ready to mount a Blue Square Premier promotion challenge. 'I'm looking for another centre-half - it's such a critical position - two wide players and another striker' says Buckle.The Devon soccer grapevine continues to link Buckle with a third return to his old club Exeter City for Grecians' centre-back Chris Todd, after the signings of former City players Martin Rice and Lee Phillips. And it wouldn't be a huge shock if former Gulls stalwart Tony Bedeau jumps at the chance of a return to Plainmoor, after a frustrating year at just-promoted Walsall. Bedeau, 28, has another year left on his contract at the Bescot Stadium, but the Saddlers would let him go... The arrival of striker Phillips brought Buckle's squad up to 13 players. 'Twenty would be great, but 18 would be nice to start with', said the Gulls' boss... Having seen goalkeeper Rice and the even more popular Phillips move to their local rivals, City supporters are not best pleased already... But Buckle insists: 'I am not interested in harming Exeter City Football Club. That's not what I'm about. And I'm not a good enough manager, nowhere near good enough yet, to be worrying about other teams'".
Above: Alty's biggest away win last season was at St Albans City. Here Alty and their fans celebrate the second goal, scored by Colin Little.
A little later than usual, not least due to the late change in Altrincham's league status which occurred after the end of the season, there is now a brief statistical review of 2006-07 season here. Although Alty finished in a relegation place, many of the indicators such as games won, goals scored, defensive record goal difference and match attendances showed improvements in 2006-07 compared with the previous season.
Farsley Celtic chairman Andy Firbank has told the Non-League Paper "We will not be going into the league to make the numbers up... We are now a big club in a small village in massive city. In Leeds there is Leeds United, who are two leagues above us and then there is Farsley Celtic in the Conference... We averaged 450 (spectators) in the league last season and , if we are true to form, we would expect about 1,000 next season. Four years ago we were being watched by crowds of 75 at a push, so that's quite a success!...Some of our players won't be available all the time because of their jobs, so we are looking at having a big squad. We are being inundated with players who want to play for us".
Altrincham FC is very grateful to be awarded help with the painting of the ground from the Dulux Decorator Centres' 'Colouring the Community Project'. Under this scheme, Altrincham FC will receive a generous free allocation of decorating materials and, just as importantly, they receive the services of staff from the Dulux Decorator Centre headquarters in West Timperley, Altrincham for the day.
So, on Friday, a team from Dulux Decorator Centres will be on hand at Moss Lane to carry out painting and decorating work. On the list of jobs is decorating the Gill Oates Sponsors' Lounge as well as work on areas which may include the dressing rooms, referees' room, turnstiles, press boxes, dug outs and gates. They have kindly offered to provide lunch, free of charge, to any Altrincham FC volunteers who can spare the time to come and help. So, if you have just finished exams or are otherwise free on Friday (29th) please come along to Moss Lane. If you need more details, please contact the club on 928-1045.
Other developments to the fabric of Moss Lane include work on installing the new floodlights, which is expected to start soon, and the ladies toilets in the bar are to be upgraded during close season with a further toilet being added.
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger brings news that "Gary Scott (right) will stay at Altrincham next season after it was revealed his hernia problem is not as serious as was first feared. The long-serving full back saw a specialist on Thursday after suffering severe discomfort towards the end of last season. And it was discovered that Scott merely needs repair work done on a previous procedure rather than a full hernia operation. He is set to go under the knife on Wednesday and should be back in action before the start of the new season. The 29-year-old has already had two operations on his problematic hernia but it is hoped this latest procedure will see an end to his worries"
Youth team training starts on Sunday 1 July and continues every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter.
The NW Evening Mail reports that "Big target man Peter Thomson has signed for Blue Square North club Barrow. The 6` 3” striker becomes Bluebirds` manager Phil Wilson’s fourth new summer recruit... Wilson has twice previously managed Manchester-based Thomson, who will be 30 next week, at Southport and Lancaster City. Thomson was released by Altrincham in March after making just three starts in an injury-affected eight-month spell at Moss Lane... Before Altrincham, he had a two-year spell at Stafford Rangers, helping them to the Nationwide North title in 2005/06. 'Tommo is just the type of striker we need and have been looking for since early in the New Year', said Wilson. 'He is a strong, attacking striker, who will get us a good quota of goals. He had a bad time at Alty with injury but that’s all behind him now and he is fully fit. He has been working with a personal trainer and a sprint coach and he is determined to get his reputation back on track. He has the potential to be a big favourite with the fans. If they get behind him and back him he will thrive on that. I enquired about him last season and because of that he has agreed to come to us over other clubs. There are not many target men about. I’ve had Peter twice and know the plusses and minuses with him. We always get the best out of him and we think we can do that again at Barrow'". Barrow confirm that Thomson has "signed a deal for next season at Holker Street".
INS AND OUTS? The Pink has confirmed (24/6/00) that Mark Ward is pursuing Leigh RMI's right-winger, Steve Jones who was the Player of the Year at Hilton Park last season. Ward hopes to pair Jones with Kevin Ellison but any move awaits the return from holiday of the Leigh Chairman. As reported below, Ward is also still pursuing Lancaster's Jamie Udall, but he faces competition from Morecambe and others. However, Ward has acquired an Everton reserve striker, Mark Quayle, on pre-season trial. Leigh's reserve goalkeeper, Mark O'Connor is also a possible arrival at Moss Lane as his present employers are seeking to sign Bamber Bridge's keeper, Craig Dootson. Mick Morrell has signed for Leigh and Chris Timons is expected to do so, to join ex-Alty midfielder, Ged Kielty. Whilst Kevin Ellison remains at Alty despite some interest from Chester City, Northwich Vics have made an approach for centre-back Gary Talbot. Surprisingly, Keith Russell has not jumped at the offer from Hednesford to sign him and still has not yet agreed terms with the Pitmen. North-West Trains side Salford City are hoping to sign two ex-Alty players, Darren Lyons and Neill Hardy both of whom have been released by Morecambe in the last few months, although it is surprising, particularly in Hardy's case, that the players in question are prepared to drop several leagues. Southport have made a player-exchange offer for Danny Adams, but this has been rebuffed.
ALTY CHASE SERTORI? According to the NLP, Altrincham are one of the clubs pursuing Cheltenham Town's released utility man, Mark Sertori. However, Nuneaton Borough are believed to have made a bid for him. Manchester-born Mark, aged 33, formerly played League football for Stockport, Wrexham, Lincoln and Bury. The same paper also reports on Alty's link to a proposed new stadium in Stretford and records the signing of Jeremy Illingworth, with Bernard Taylor saying, "He is a box-to-box player, a strong boy. But he has played upfront, in midfield and even as a sweeper. We will make good use of him". Elsewhere in the paper Kevin Ellison is described as "the pick of the bunch" in an article on future stars. Mark Harris describes Kevin as "a lovely lad. You can never stand in a player's way once they want to progress and we were delighted to be able to facilitate that for him". Ex-Alty man Tony Hemmings has cost Chester City £3,500. The payment, to Ilkeston Town, had been delayed by a wrangle after Hemmings left Chester for Carlisle. Hemmings had joined Ilkeston after being released from Moss Lane.
As Altrincham prepare for 2003/04, above is a picture of the squad as it warmed-up before the first pre-season game of last season, on 17 July 2002 against Tranmere Rovers. Those seen above are: Mike Turner, Peter Mellor, Derek Ward, Rod Thornley, Chris Adams, Gary Scott, Neil Ryan, Danny Frost, Ian Craney, Stephen Rose, Gary Talbot, Mark Maddox, Andy McDonald and Danny Murphy. Other unpictured participants in that game, who are not now playing for Alty, include Eric Nixon, who kept goal for the Robins, Ryan Hevicon and Stuart Locke.
From Aldershot Town we read that "[Gary Waddock] is hoping to operate on a squad of 18 players but added that although the current squad has 12 players Ryan Scott will not be available at the start of the new campaign due to his broken leg sustained [in the last match of last season] at Altrincham. He is hoping for positive news next week".
The BBC is promoting a new non-league internet radio show for 2007-08. It describes it as a "brand new football show dedicated to Non League Football. You will be able to hear the show every Monday night from 9pm. With the biggest guests in Non League football every week, plus a look at your club, the latest gossip and players to look out for, the Non League show will be THE place for fans of everyone from Chelmsford City to Leamington FC. But it won't be anything without you, we need your stories, your fans of the week and more importantly we need you to pick up the phone, log-on and get in touch. From August 2007 you'll be able to call the show live on 020 7 22 4 2000, text 07786 200 949 and email nonleague@bbc.co.uk every Monday from 9pm, but you can get in touch before then. Send us a guide to your club, a fan of the week, or even preview the coming season, just email nonleague@bbc.co.uk See you in August".
SAM confirms that "Defender Chris Lane has pitched up at Moss Lane after signing from relegated Southport.
The 28-year-old right back, who made 33 Conference appearances for the Sandgrounders last season, agreed terms with Graham Heathcote on Thursday night. And with almost 10 years of experience in non-league's top flight, the Robins boss is confident Lane can strengthen his defence. Heathcote told SAM Sport: 'I'm really pleased to sign Chris. He's a strong and tenacious defender and he's still only 28. Any good team must be built on a strong defence so with the two signings I have made so far, Chris and Darren Tinson, I think we're well on our way to that. We're edging our way towards a strong squad. It's not about bringing in big names, it's about putting together a strong squad. If we do that, it's then up to the players to fight it out for a shirt'. Heathcote has also made an offer to a midfielder who was a first team regular for one of Alty's Conference rivals last season. Now he must play the waiting game with the player, who is keen to go part-time to accomodate his full-time job. Also linked with a possible move to Moss Lane is former Alty favourite Colin Potts (left). The winger left Alty in December last year after struggling for fitness and spent the remainder of last season at Conference North side Barrow. But after working hard to get himself back into shape, Potts is keen for a return to the club where he made more than 100 appearances. He was one of 18 players to take part in a voluntary preseason training session on Thursday, although he is just one of a host of players Heathcote will be taking a look at over the coming weeks. Two players unlikely to return to Alty, however, are Kieran Lugsden (right) and Eddie Hussin. Heathcote had been keen to speak to Hussin about taking part in preseason training but that possibility was ruled out after the midfielder accepted a role as player/coach at Marine. Meanwhile, Lugsden looks set to stay at Leigh RMI, where he spent last season on loan".
At Ashton United "Great news for Robins fans is the return of an old favourite in the shape of experienced campaigner Chris Adams (right). ‘Ace’ left Ashton for a second spell at Altrincham in 2001 and has been a consistent performer at Moss Lane in Conference North & Conference National for much of that period. Danny's other signing also featured briefly for him briefly at Trafford last season as he recovered from injury. Wes Wilkinson is the former Nantwich flyer who earned himself a pro contract with Oldham Athletic and has also featured with Leigh RMI after starting his career with Altrincham's youth team".
Meanwhile, news of three ex-Altrincham players comes from Radcliffe Borough "have signed and agreed to re-sign the following players... Scott Wilson... [and] Lee Hendley... [But] Chris Downey has moved to Ashton United".
Marine report that Welsh club, The "New Saints have beaten several clubs to capture the signature of striker Ronnie 'The Rocket' Morgan, who was placed on the transfer list at his own request last week by Cammell Laird... Saints' boss [and ex-Alty striker] Ken McKenna has spent three years tracking the 26-year-old, who has scored an amazing 180 goals in the four years since Lairds left the West Cheshire League... 'I have always felt Ronnie was capable of playing at a higher level and once he decided to leave Lairds I just had to go for him', said McKenna, who believes he can continue to score goals in the Welsh Premier". TNS are one of Alty's pre-season opponents so Robins' fans will have a chance to see the new signing.
"Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates has signed defender Paul Bignot from Crewe Alexandra. The 21-year-old came through Crewe's youth system and had a brief loan spell at Aggborough last season. 'He's an exceptional defender and I'm sure he'll be a great asset for us', Yates told the club's website". The BBC also reports that "Histon boss Steve Fallon has made left-back Gareth Gwillim his seventh new signing of the summer. Gwillim, 24, joins from Bishops Stortford...''"He is a player who offers everything as a full-back and we feel we can now look forward to the new season with a highly competitive squad'" said Fallon.
From The Cambridge Evening News we hear that "David Bridges is close to a move to a Blue Square Conference outfit following the end of his second spell with Cambridge United. The 24-year-old midfielder, who came through the youth ranks at the Abbey, said he was considering offers from four clubs and hoped to put pen to paper with one of them before pre-season training starts next month. Bridges, who left United in 2004 before returning the following year after spells with top Latvian side Riga and Histon, said he would not comment on those chasing his signature after a planned move fell through following his release by Jimmy Quinn. He said: 'People move on and that's what I've got to do. I've got a house now and bills to pay, so it's got to be what's financially the best option for me. We've spoken to a few clubs and I think I'll have something sorted out come July 2. There are one or two clubs that are close by and a couple more where I wouldn't necessarily have to relocate, but I'd have to travel far'".
The Cherry Red Non-League Newsdesk Annual 2007 is scheduled to be published on Monday July 30th. This year's Annual is bigger and better yet still the same price! This is the eighth edition of a summer best seller, now widely regarded as the definitive pre-season guide to non-League football. With the national league system rapidly evolving since the start of the revolutionary shake-up of 2004, this Annual faithfully records all the drama of an eventful 12 months. To cater for this and other expansions in coverage, the Annual is now 320 pages - an increase of 16 pages from last year for no extra cost... The Annual carries exhaustive statistical details from 2006-07, and new season directories for over 70 leagues including an expansion of the coverage of Welsh competitions, and tables from many other leagues. In all around 500 tables are included and over 9,000 teams are covered. All these teams are fully indexed. Also listed are round-by-round results and attendances of FA Cup, Trophy and Vase ties and details of their Welsh equivalents, and the results of all county senior, and many regional, cup finals. All this gen is crammed into a handily sized 320 page A5 book, priced just £9.95. And, better still, postage & packing is free. Ordering details here.
The BBC confirms that "England non-league international defender Kevin Nicholson has joined Torquay United after turning down a new contract offer at Forest Green Rovers. Nicholson, who had also been linked with a move to Barnet, had spent 12 months at Forest Green and started 44 league games last season. The left-back had previous spells with Notts County and Scarborough. Nicholson, 26, is the seventh summer signing as boss Paul Buckle rebuilds for life in non-league football".
At another ex-League club, the Cambridge Evening News says that "Adam Davies will be ready for action when Cambridge United return to pre-season training next month after almost a year out following an horrific knee injury. The 20-year-old defender, below, tore his anterior cruciate ligaments in the 2-0 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge last August... It was the second major blow to Davies' fledgling career - he was knocked out and suffered a fit following a head injury in the 2-0 home win over Exeter in April last year. But physio Greg Reid believed the Wales under-21 international had coped remarkably well... He said: 'It's been a tough old time for Adam, but he has done extremely well and shown a heck of a lot of mental strength and toughness. I think ultimately he'll be better for having gone through this when he gets back to playing again. With both Adam and Stephen Smith, who had a knee operation after the season finished... They've gone on holiday and as long as neither of them falls down a flight of stairs, they should be fine for the start of pre-season'. Reid added Courtney Pitt would also be fit for United's return after recovering from a groin operation".
"Steve Fallon has promised all his Histon players - new and old - a clean slate ahead of their return to pre-season training tonight at the Glass World Stadium. It is just eight weeks since the Stutes were presented with the Conference South title... But Histon boss Fallon, chairman Gareth Baldwin and first-team coach John Beck have worked round the clock, following yet another history-making campaign for the village club, to secure the capture of six new signings. And tonight Craig Pope, Danny Naisbitt, Mark Osborn, Patrick Ada, Dean Bradshaw and Cliff Akurang, who have all chosen to ply their trade with Histon, will get to train with their new team-mates for the first time. The Stutes squad will be weighed and measured before going into a light training session to ease them back into things ahead of being put through their paces at a heavier session when the real work begins next Tuesday night... The boss said: "We are desperate to get them all back and just get started ready for the new season. We've got quite a few new additions and they need to get to know everyone and learn how we play, and we need to get to know them, too... Every single player is starting from fresh. They know it is going to be a fight to earn a place in the team'".
From This is Exeter we learn that "Torquay United have tabled bids to take Exeter City skipper Chris Todd and striker Lee Phillips to Plainmoor. The Gulls, managed by former Exeter assistant manager Paul Buckle, have made firm bids for both contracted players... 'I have made bids for Lee Phillips and for Chris Todd', said Buckle, who took over at Plainmoor last month. 'I don't know what the outcome will be. I made the bids at the end of last week and negotiations are ongoing... Paul Tisdale and I respect each other and things will be done correctly. The fact that it is Paul Buckle and Torquay United down the road will be a big deal for some people but not for us. I am the manager of Torquay and I am looking to put a squad together and they are two good players'. Both players have a year remaining on their City contracts and while the move for Phillips comes as little surprise after weeks of speculation - the suggestion of Todd leaving will come as more of a shock to City fans. The Welsh defender has been at St James's Park since 2003 and was made club captain at the start of last season... The centre back admitted he could be tempted by the right offer. He said: 'This is the time of the year where clubs start making decisions on who they are going to sign for next season. But until I have got something in front of me I will take it as it comes. I am still an Exeter City player until I hear any different. I am letting my agent deal with it and he will let me know what is going on'. Phillips is understood to be keen on linking up with Buckle for the third time in his career. He and Buckle worked together at Weymouth... Since taking charge at Plainmoor Buckle has signed former City keeper Martin Rice, Paul Hinshelwood from Brighton, Elliot Benyon from Bristol City and Chris Hargreaves from Oxford United. Lee Mansell and Chris Robertson have been retained. Meanwhile, Tisdale's quest to replace Buckle [as assistant boss at Exeter] continues with City's sporting director Julian Tagg admitting several approaches have already been made".
The Halifax Courier states that "Tyrone Thompson is a potential target for Town's rivals York City. The midfielder became a free agent earlier this month when he failed to respond to the Shaymen's offer of a new contract. And Halifax revealed that the 26-year-old had also declined a new deal when he was offered one in January. City boss Billy McEwan has been busy in the transfer market already this summer... He has already brought in Chris Beardsley from Rushden & Diamonds, Gravesend & Northfleet striker Onome Sodje and former Torquay United left-back Mark Robinson. And he is set to sign Paul Brayson and former Shayman Stuart Elliot from Northwich Victoria. Now he has declared an interest in Thompson who has also been linked with a potential move to Rushden & Diamonds".
Last season's hard times seem to be over on the South Coast. "Former Weymouth chairman Martyn Harrison has made a statement regarding his departure from the Wessex Stadium" says This is Weymouth. "The hotelier has sold his company's majority shareholding in the Terras to Mel Bush and has cleared the club's debts. He said: 'I felt it was incumbent on me to ensure the loans and debts were cleared to give the new owner every possibility of success in the future... I want to thank the staff, players, supporters and sponsors who have been here for the club through thick and thin especially over these past few exciting years". Meanwhile "Former Southampton trainee Kyle Critchell has become Weymouth manager Jason Tindall's first pre-season signing. He penned a two-year deal at a Press conference to announce new owner Mel Bush's arrival. Chief executive Gary Calder said: 'Jason is away in America at the moment but I am in constant contact with him and the players we want to sign and we hope to have some more news over the next few days... We will be searching everywhere for players and that includes Europe. Our net for players will be very big but it is also important that the ones we get in have the right mentality'... Critchell, who turned away interest from Torquay United, Dagenham & Redbridge, Brentford, Shrewsbury Town and Colchester United, was born in Weymouth... He said: 'It is brilliant to be here. One of the main reasons I have come back to Weymouth is because my sister is ill but the other thing is that there is huge potential at the club'".
The Halifax Courier reports that "Steve Bushell (right) has admitted the chance to return to full-time football with Halifax Town came as a complete surprise. The 34-year-old midfielder will be back at the Shay next season 12 months after leaving the club to join Altrincham.... 'It came right out of the blue', said Bushell. 'I missed the original call and phoned the manager back. He asked whether I wanted to come back to Halifax and I had no hesitation in saying yes. It is a big chance for me and I am determined to make the most of it'...Now he is relishing the opportunity to get back to being a full-time player after a season with Altrincham's part-time squad. 'At the time, I thought it was the way to go', said Bushell. 'In the end, it wasn't.Don't get me wrong, I had a great time at Altrincham and the manager has been great to me. I know that I did not play as well last season as I know I can and there were times when I was playing when I had no right to be in the team. I have always been my own worst critic, and I found the change from training every day to twice a week difficult to adjust to. I am already working on my fitness levels. I feel refreshed and am raring to go.. The lads were sound in my previous spell at Halifax and I don't see that changing' he said".
Hereford's Bullsnews says that "Andy Ferrell has signed a one year deal at Kidderminster Harriers, following his release from the Bulls.The competitive midfielder fell out of favour at Edgar Street, and joined the Harriers on loan in March but played just once due to injury... Manager Mark Yates told their official site: 'Andy is a player I admire. We managed to get him on-loan last season but unfortunately he pulled a stomach muscle early on - but even with his injury, his attitude around the place was great. That convinced me even more that he was the kind of player I want and he'll bring experience and ability to the squad'". Meanwhile, "Former Bull, Chris Hargreaves has joined Torquay United for their first ever Conference campaign. The 35 year old has played over 500 games in his career, including over 100 at Edgar Street. He is the fourth signing at Plainmoor since their relegation, three of which are under 21".
"Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still has raided Blue Square Premier club Ebbsfleet United to clinch the signature of defender Ross Smith. Smith left Stonebridge Road at the end of last season after failing to agree a new contract with Liam Daish and has now penned a one-year deal with the Daggers. The 26-year-old Canadian makes the switch to Victoria Road having spent the past two years playing for Ebbsfleet in the Conference... The left-sided defender was released in the summer as manager Liam Daish said that he couldn't wait any longer for the player to commit his future to the club. Daish had been trying to negotiate a new deal with Smith since the beginning of February, although the player was delaying talks as he had his heart set on making a career for himself in the Football League" says the Football Conference.
From Confguide we learn that "York City manager Billy McEwan is poised to make two more new signings... Former Newcastle United duo Paul Brayson and Stuart Elliot have verbally agreed deals with the Minstermen and McEwan is just waiting on the duo to return from their respective holidays. Striker Brayson had a trial at KitKat Crescent in the summer of 2004 but failed to earn a contract from then manager Chris Brass. The 29-year-old has since been a regular scorer for Northwich Victoria and finished as their leading marksman last season with 12 goals. Brayson previously fired the club to an immediate return to the Nationwide Conference after claiming 32 goals in 51 appearances in Conference North. Vics' skipper and midfielder Elliott (29) similarly began his career at St James's Park, and has also represented Plymouth Argyle, Darlington, Carlisle United and Exeter City. 'They are coming into the club', McEwan told The Press. 'It's just a matter of rubberstamping their moves and we are waiting for them to return from holiday to sign their contracts'. McEwan has also admitted that he could make a move for Tyrone Thompson after the free agent turned down a deal at Halifax Town... York City have completed their third signing inside the last twenty-four hours with the capture of former Mansfield Town striker Chris Beardsley. The 23-year-old frontman started his career as a trainee at Mansfield five years ago, before having brief spells at Doncaster Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers... [He] signed an eighteen-month contract with Rushden & Diamonds in January 2007 following a successful loan period".
"Ebbsfleet have made their second summer signing with the capture of former Woking midfielder Neil Barrett. Manager Liam Daish is a keen admirer of the 25-year-old and has brought him to Stonebridge Road on a free 'Neil made a big impact during his time at Woking', Daish told the club's official website. 'Glenn Cockerill rated him very highly, and Frank Gray wanted him to go back for pre-season this summer, so we have done well to bring him to the club. He will bring a physical presence to our midfield and is capable of getting his name on the scoresheet'" states Confguide
In Devon, NL Daily confirms that "Paul Buckle, manager of Torquay United, has added to his new-look squad with the signings of experienced midfielder Chris Hargreaves and defender Chris Robertson. Robertson, 21, has agreed a permanent deal with the Gulls after finishing last season at Plainmoor on loan from Sheffield United. Ex-Plymouth, Northampton and Hull midfielder Hargreaves (pictured) joins Torquay after leaving league rivals Oxford United at the end of last season".
"Combative midfielder Josh Simpson has rejoined Blue Square South club Cambridge City following a year with Premier neighbours United. Simpson was one of three young players – Michael Gash and Robbie Simpson were the others - who left Milton Road for the Abbey a year ago" says NL Daily.
In another university city, "Oxford United are set to receive a boost when Luke Foster signs a new contract with the club this week. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Lincoln City player, who impressed greatly in a short spell with United at the end of last season, will put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal. U's boss Jim Smith... said: 'The lad's agreed the contract. He was due to do it on Tuesday, but he broke down en route!'. The 21-year-old defender had been a revelation at the Kassam Stadium after breaking into the side following his move in March from Stalybridge Celtic... But he then missed the crunch play-off semi final games against Exeter City after injuring his leg badly in the final league game at York City. X-rays revealed he had two undisplaced fractures in his fibula and he would also have missed the play-off final, had United won through to Wembley. The injury is expected to heal fully by next season and Smith said he was pleased with the capture... The Bald Eagle is understood to have concluded two or three other deals, with new signings likely to be announced later this month... 'There's plenty that's happened, but we don't want to release it yet', he said. 'We're hoping in the next few weeks to be able to do so'", he told the Oxford Mail.
"John Hulse, manager of Principality Welsh Premier club Rhyl, has signed another midfielder with English Pyramid experience from east Manchester-based Nationwide North champions Droyslden. Jimmy Kelly, 34, will renew acquaintance with two other ex-Bloods at Belle Vue in striker and recently-appointed club coach Dave Cameron and recent acquisition Carl Ruffer."
From This is Weymouth comes confirmation that "Pop promoter Mel Bush is set to be confirmed as the new owner of Weymouth Football Club... Bush, who is manager Jason Tindall's father-in-law, agreed an offer with chairman Martyn Harrison last week and over the weekend was just waiting for the hotelier to put pen-to-paper. Harrison is believed to have signed off the deal yesterday. Speaking exclusively to Echosport from his hotel room in America, Tindall said: 'I have always said that I am not too bothered who takes over as long as they have the best interests of the team and the club at heart and are not just out to use the club for their own financial gain. Out of all the people who have shown an interest in taking over the club I know, Mel Bush is the best person for it. You do not achieve what he has achieved and get the respect he has got in his industry by being a clown. He is a good businessman, I have had a long chat with him and he seems very positive about giving Weymouth Football Club long-term stability and success for the whole town'. The past month has been very frustrating for Tindall who until now has not been able to offer any contracts to last season's players or draft in any new acquisitions. He added: "I have been losing possible new signings who I wanted to bring in by the day... but they could not wait forever. Over the past couple of weeks I have lost five players who were prepared to come to Weymouth, three of which have now signed for League clubs and a couple of others who have signed for Blue Square Premier clubs which is a shame. However, there are still three or four other very good players who I believe can come in and do well for us. And I am hoping to announce a couple of new signings over the next few days. As for the players who ended last season with us, they have all said they want to stay here and they already know what I am about and hopefully we can sign them on soon... There is now some light at the end of the tunnel'".
Scarborough may have gine under but life goes on at Crawley where the Argus says that "Crawley Town boss Steve Evans insists he is not involved with the club's finances. Evans is working with a restricted budget after it was reduced to allow Reds to pay off their long-standing debts... He confirmed four new signings at a fans' forum on Monday, three of whom were playing in the Football League last season, and is in negotiations with more players. But it has led to speculation as to how Crawley can afford to sign big names after two seasons of financial problems. There has been speculation that a big factor in Evans' appointment was that he would bring in investment. But Evans said: 'I do not come in with investment. I work with the budgets I'm given. I have not been paid for four months so I have no money to give. Nor does my family. My father died when he was 56, my brother drives a bus in Glasgow and my other brother works for British Rail. I have asked for assurances about the budgets and I am happy with what I have got to work with'. Co-owner Chas Majeed insists the club's finances are stable. He admits he and his brother Azwar have learnt some harsh lessons during two traumatic years in charge but believes they are now getting it right. Representatives from the Majeed's company, SA Group, were due to meet with administrators yesterday to thrash out the final re-payment of their £500,000 debts. Majeed said:'We admit we did not know about how to run a football club but that is in the past and we have learnt how to do it now. We know what budget to give and what we can and can't do. We have paid a lot of money to keep the club going. My brother has mortgaged his house and we now want supporters to get behind us'. Evans also revealed details about his infamous court case during his time at Boston and has urged fans not to hold it against him. He was suspended from football for 20 months in 2002 and given a one-year suspended prison sentence last year after pleading guilty to tax offences. He said: 'I took the case to the top QC in the country and he said that I was not guilty and I should fight it... I did not have a choice in the matter, I had to think about my family so I pleaded guilty'... 'We are also in discussions with a Premiership team about them coming here in the week of August 4 and another Championship club'".
The Burton Mail says that "Albion will have to widen their search for a midfield player after missing out on Notts County's Dan Martin... as a possible replacement for Paul Carden... Martin was due to join the Brewers for a pre-season trial, but has been snapped up by Mansfield Town... Clough has bolstered his midfield department by signing Irishman John McGrath from relegated neighbours Tamworth. But Carden's unexpected departure has left a hole in Albion's squad.. He signed for Accrington after deciding he needed a club nearer to his Liverpool home for family reasons. With Andy Ducros unlikely to accept Clough's offer of a short-term deal, the Brewers boss will almost certainly try to draft in a midfield recruit when Albion report back for training next month. Meanwhile, Albion are still awaiting news of the fate of goalkeeper Kevin Poole. Despite the fact he will celebrate his 44th birthday next season, the former Premiership veteran remains Clough's preferred choice for the keeper's jersey next season... However, Poole - an academy coach with Birmingham City last season - is awaiting the outcome of his application for a full-time post with another Premiership club... One possibility is that he will make a renewed attempt to secure the services of Crewe Alexandra's Stuart Tomlinson".
A statement from Scarborough read: 'While it is sad to see the demise of a club with a proud history of 128 years, the club's finances have for a number of years been in a very poor state and the company has been in and out of various insolvency proceedings. Recently the club has been trying to sell the McCain Stadium for development to fund a move to an out of town purpose built stadium. However, this move has been fraught with difficulties. Despite the support of Scarborough Borough Council and the company's creditors, the club simply ran out of time. The company's total debt amounts to £2.5m. Rob Sadler and Mike Saville of Begbies Traynor have been appointed joint liquidators of the company and will now be liaising with Council to agree the disposal of the stadium in order to achieve the best return to the creditors. Whilst it is disappointing to see any club go out of business, the making of the winding-up order at this time allows the newly constituted supporters' trust an opportunity to reform and apply for membership of the North East Counties League. Hopefully this will ensure football for Scarborough in the coming season'".
The official website at Scarborough says, "The Scarborough Football Club Limited has today (20/06/2007) been wound up at the High Court of Justice in Leeds. This web site remains in private ownership, and as such will remain online. However, no further press releases will be issued via this site until such a time as a new club has been formed. The site owner understands that discussions are ongoing between two interested parties - former Chairman Ian Scobbie and fans organisation The Seadog Trust. In the interests of remaining neutral, the decision has been taken not to allow any further statements from either party to be published on this site. Both parties are urged to discuss the best way forward for a football club in Scarborough, and ensure that only one application put forward to both the North Riding FA and Northern Counties East League. R.I.P. Scarborough Football Club 1879-2007".
The Scarborough Evening News says that "Scarborough Football Club have folded after a judge ordered its parent company to be wound up... The decision comes despite moves by Boro chairman Ian Scobbie to hammer out a deal to clear the debts by selling the McCain Stadium for development and moving to a new ground. Judge Greenwood last granted the club a seven day adjournment in the winding proceedings to secure the deal, but said today he could not give the club any more time. He said: 'On every occasion, hopes have been raised and rescue plans have been put in place. These rescue attempts have failed. The time has come, regrettably for the football club, for me to make a decision. The various rescue attempts have failed and I wind Scarborough Football Club up... There is nothing in my view to suggest that a fourth CVA would be approved, or even successful'... Two applications have been made for a newly formed Scarborough football team to play next season in the Northern Counties East League, three divisions lower than the Unibond. One is for 'Scarborough Athletic', which has been formed by the supporter-led Seadogs Trust. The other is for 'AFC Scarborough', which has been set up by Mr Scobbie. League bosses have said they will only accept one application from a Scarborough club - and if both apply, neither will be given a place. The two clubs have until Sunday to provide a united application and are meeting to discuss the issue tomorrow".
It was Scarborough's financial situation which led to Altrincham's reprieve from relegation after the points deduction of 2005-06. All at Moss Lane will be sorry to see the demise of a club against whom Altrincham have a long history of rivalry, going back to Northern Premier League days.
Prices for Altrincham FC replica shirts this season will be £33 for adults and £26 for children's sizes. Please contact the club by phone (928-1045) or visit the E-bay shop or send an e-mail to place an order.
The Cambridge Evening News states that "Alan Lewer has ruled out the possibility of bringing Dean Moxey to Cambridge United. The Exeter player, who can play at left-back or left midfield, had talks with the United No 2 over a move to the Abbey. Lewer is believed to have become interested in Moxey while assistant to John Hollins at Crawley last season after good reports from player Scott Hiley, a former Exeter player-coach. A compensation fee required by the Grecians if their former youth product moves on could have been a stumbling block for United anyway. But Lewer said.. as they have left-backs Stephen Reed and Jordan Collins, and winger Courtney Pitt already on the books, ' There's no chance of Dean coming here at the moment because we've got those positions filled,' said Lewer, who hoped United would be able to make another new signing this week with a striker, a keeper and possibly another midfielder among the targets. Moxey's future with the Grecians remains unclear after the out-of-contract defender went on holiday last week without being able to agree a new deal at St James' Park. But he has been given the assurances he wanted from Exeter boss Paul Tisdale that the Nationwide Conference play-off losers would not be signing another left-back after the departure of Billy Jones to Crewe for £50,000... Tisdale said: "Dean has to decide whether he wants that challenge or whether he wants to go elsewhere'".
The Halifax Courier reports that "Steve Haslam has made a shock U-turn by quitting Halifax Town for League One Bury. And Shay boss Chris Wilder is powerless to prevent the move which comes less than a month after the 27-year-old had indicated he was ready to sign a new contract with Town. 'Steve signed an acceptance form and returned it to us', said Wilder. 'Then I received a phone call saying that Bury had contacted him and he wanted to go and speak to them. If people give me their word I expect them to stick to it, so it's disappointing but there is nothing I can do about it... I am not in a position where I can force a player to stop with the club. He is over 24 and not under contract after the end of the month'. Haslam made 92 Conference starts for the Shaymen after being released by Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 2004... 'Steve has been a good lad to work with and has done all right for us', said Wilder. 'But there are players out there and I am sure we will replace him. We also have Ryan Toulson who I am expecting to kick on next season. I understand that the supporters want to know who we are signing and want to see players coming in', he said. 'But they will have to be a little patient... realistically, we are still not in a position where all of a sudden we can go and sign anyone'".
This is South Devon says that "New Torquay United boss Paul Buckle is ready to go back to his old club Exeter City in an effort to prise away more of the Grecians' top stars...Buckle would not comment specifically on his latest targets, but he has already signed goalkeeper Martin Rice from City and I understand that he is in talks with Exeter about at least one and possibly two more players. It would be no great surprise if one turns out to be City striker Lee Phillips, who has been linked with a move to Plainmoor already. Phillips, 26, has a year of his current contract left at Exeter... Buckle is also busy on several other fronts. He expects to hear within the next 24 hours whether young centre-half Chris Robertson will accept the terms offered to him and re-sign for the Gulls... Former Barnet, Peterborough and Oldham defender Mark Arber, 29, is another target. He finished last season on loan at Conference champions Dagenham & Redbridge. Buckle has had exploratory talks with two free agent midfielders - veteran ex-Hull, WBA, Hereford, Plymouth, Northampton, Brentford and Oxford man Chris Hargreaves, 35, and former Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Scarborough and Halifax midfielder Tyrone Thompson, 26. The Gulls' boss has admitted his interest in former Aldershot striker Roscoe D'Sane, who scored 21 goals for Ryman League Premier AFC Wimbledon last season. United are also being linked with 20-year-old Darren Mullings, a midfielder just released by Buckle's old Plainmoor teammate Paul Trollope at Bristol Rovers... Before the weekend United signed young ex-Bristol City striker Elliott Benyon and 19-year-old right-back Paul Hinshelwood from Brighton & Hove Albion, bringing his signed-up squad to nine players. A left-back is now high on Buckle's to-do list, and he is close to filling that gap too. Some Gulls fans have been speculating on the possibility of long-serving ex-United striker Tony Bedeau returning after an ill-fated year at Walsall... And Mark Robinson, the former Hartlepool and Stockport left-back who played the second half of last season for Torquay, has just signed for Blue Square Premier rivals York City. Robinson hails from Teesside and he had been looking for a move closer to home".
'From the start Neil impressed us with both his professionalism and experience' says Connett, 'And that impression was reinforced the more we spoke to him. We believe he's just the kind of coach that Vics need at this stage of the team's development, with the emphasis on Premier League -style ball possession. We want to get away from the kind of knock and run tactics that we've seen in the past. We also need to get into the play-offs of the Blue Square Premier. Neil is the man who is going to do it for us on both counts'. At the Victoria Stadium, Neil will be guided by John Bond.
'It's going to be an interesting combination and effective one too', says Connett, 'With Neil giving the players a level of tactical guidance that the've never before known at the Club and John overseeing the whole process. It's great news for both the team and the fans and something I believe will herald a whole new era of success for the Club'".
Redfearn also has non-league managerial experience with Scarborough in 2005-06.
NL Daily says that after his departure from Stalybridge Celtic, "John Reed, the new manager of UniBond League Premier Division newcomers Buxton has drafted in former Swansea City defender Clive Freeman [pictured right playing for Guiseley against Alty in 2002] to be assistant-manager at the Silverlands. Forty-four-year-old Freeman's playing career saw him play for the likes of Doncaster Rovers and Altrincham, where he famously won the BBC `Match of the Day`s goal of the month award for an effort against Chester City in the FA Cup. He has also had stints with Yorkshire sides Farsley Celtic, Emley, Bridlington Town, Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley, where he ended up as number two before moving back to Park Avenue in a similar role under previous boss Phil Sharpe [also ex-Alty]"... Former Northwich Victoria boss Steve Burr has recently taken charge of Stalybridge... [where former Vics'] striker James Dean has followed Burr to Celtic".
This is Weymouth claims that "Pop promoter Mel Bush is on the brink of completing a takeover deal for Weymouth Football Club after former chairman Ian Ridley withdrew his offer. Bush, who is the father-in-law of Terras' boss Jason Tindall, has been in intense negotiations with the club's current owner Martyn Harrison over the past week and is now just waiting for the hotelier to put pen to paper. Mr Bush said today: 'It is down to Martyn now. Everything is in place and it is just waiting for him to sign'... Mr Bush, who revealed details of his bid on the Terras' supporters' forum, added: 'The only reason I did that was because there were so many false statements and mistruths being said and I wanted to let everyone know that an offer is there... I do not know what the hold-up is but what I do know is that for the sake of the club it needs to be sorted. There are a lot of concerned people in Weymouth and my concerns are the same... My intentions are to fully establish Weymouth Football Club and make it a club that reflects well on the town. With the Olympics coming and all the interest Weymouth is generating and the fact property prices are going up, the whole atmosphere proves that pending success is on the way'. Under Bush's deal the club will retain all its assets, including the ownership of the Wessex Stadium which at one point was very much in doubt... It is understood that Jason Tindall is on red alert to return from a break in America once the deal is finalised. Mr Tindall, has so far been unable to sign any of his players for the forthcoming campaign and with pre-season training scheduled to start early next month time is clearly against him".
Chris Porter, who kept goal for York City through the 2005-06 season, has joined Bishop Auckland. Meanwhile, the BBC says that "York City boss Billy McEwan is set to make Northwich striker Paul Brayson, 29, his first summer signing". However, The Northwich Guardian reports that "Vics have delayed the naming of their new boss to replace Steve Burr. The club were scheduled to make an announcem