Altrincham Football Club News Archive
June, 2007

Amongst the trialists being made offers for next season is Matthew Berkeley, the former Gretna striker. But two trialists who are not being signed are midfielder Chris Baguley and winger Jimmy Gaysham. For details of the 18-man squad to date, visit the Squad page.

SAM has also posted details of the signings and non-signings.

ALTRINCHAM 0 TRANMERE ROVERS XI 1

Right: Robbie Lawton gets the better of his Tranmere marker.

Match report here.

ROVERS' VIEW

BSP NEWS

TRANMERE NEWS

Tranmere have already beaten Marine 3-1 this pre-season and as Alty lost to Marine, we can expect a difficult game!

Alty last hosted Tranmere to a pre-season game on 17 July 2002 in a match which ended 1-1, thanks to goals from Jason Koumas and Rod Thornley. Alty included Tranmere goalkeeping coach Eric Nixon as their keeper that day. Their side was Nixon, Derek Ward, Gary Scott, Andy McDonald, Mark Maddox, Gary Talbot, Neil Ryan, Ian Craney, Danny Murphy, Rod Thornley and Ryan Hevicon, with Stuart Locke on the bench alongside goalkeeper Chris Williams, Stephen Rose, and a cohort of trialists who included Kevin Duncalf, Peter Mellor, Mike Miller, Mike Turner, Danny Frost. Tranmere's side included James Olsen, later to join Alty, as well as Koumas, Andy Parkinson, Alex Hay and Stuart Barlow.

NEXT SATURDAY

BSP NEWS

In Sunday's NL Paper, Conference supremo John Moules complains at the lack of funding for non-league football after the Premier League "dished out" £90 million last week to lower clubs. Even those in League Two got £68,987 each. Kidderminster chairman Barry Norgrove added, "I am very disappointed, We are down at the bottom and the big clubs need us to bring people through". The Premier League claim they already fund non-league football through the £15 million they give to the Football Foundation and The Football Stadia Improvement Fund and that the extra £90M will trickle down to non-league through transfers.

John Yems, sacked as Crawley Town caretaker boss after saving the club from relegation fears he is now unemployable as people believe there was a hidden reason behind his dismissal. "But the fact is I was told they wanted a manager with a wealthy backer and that's why they went for Steve Evans", he told the NL Paper. And fellow caretaker, "Dave Woozley has been told he can leave but the defender wants to fight for his place" as a player at Crawley.

Droylsden's new signing, Mark Hotte (ex-Scarborough and York) told the NL Paper, "We hope that we'll be able to surprise a few. Droylsden is a little club but it looks like a little club that has got aspirations to do much bigger things. Everything about the place is new and the ground is something of a purpose-built stadium. The pitch is brilliant... There are a lot of clubs that would like to just sit there and bide their time, but Dave Pace would like to get Droylsden as far as he can". The new signings at The Butcher's Arms include Cammell Laird's Jamie McGuire and five ex-Conference players in Hotte, Phil Senior (ex-Vics keeper), Colin Cryan (ex-Boston), Ged Murphy (ex-Alty and Stafford) and Robin Gibson (ex-Stafford). The Bloods also expect to sign an ex-League player this week.

Former Chester and Llanelli centre-half Cortez Belle is a trialist at Halifax Town.

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale is experimenting with formations and has used a three-man backline in pre-season. "I'd like to have a number of different plans up my sleeve. Whether we start the season [at Altrincham] with three at the back is another matter but it's something we are considering".

As a Conference side last season, Altrincham are one of the clubs eligible for the new NW Football Awards, and an awards dinner wil be held on 12th November. The prizes are for "talent both on and off the pitch and in the boardroom" states the NL Paper.

OLD BOY

MARINE DEFEAT

Above: Jimmy Gaysham, Alty's trialist (ex-Burnley) and Marine's former Alty captain Eddie Hussin in Saturday's game. Joe O'Neill is in the background. For more pictures see below.

Match report here.

Marine report that their team "continued their pre-season build up with a thoroughly deserved victory against Blue Square Conference side Altrincham. Throughout the 90 minutes it was the Mariners who were on top".

ILLUMINATING NEWS

OLD BOYS

PAT HITS THREE

MARINE 1 ALTRINCHAM 0

Above: Stuart Coburn lines up his colleagues to defend a freekick from Ian Latham, Marine's no.3 (far right, foreground)....

Above: ... but to no avail, as the ball finds the back of the net at the back post.

A very disappointing performance from a strong Alty team ended in defeat when Stuart Coburn was fooled by a late freekick taken from 25 yards out towards the touchline. Alty barely mustered a shot on goal despite Marine bringing on nine young substitutes at the interval, who included fringe players and reserves.

Match report here.

ALTY REACH FINAL

Courtesy of George Heslop, three more match reports from earlier rounds of the Umbro Tournament have been added to the website in the Youth section

MARINE REVISITED

Looking back at this website's match report we find that on Saturday 6th August 2005, Alty drew 1-1 at Rossett Park in a pre-season game. Colin Little netted for Alty after 84 minutes but Marine equalised soon afterwards through another player with Alty connections, Lee Kissock. The teams that day were:

ALTRINCHAM: (All yellow): 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Karl MUNROE, 3. Peter BAND, 4. Mark MADDOX (capt.), 5. Gary TALBOT, 6. Steve HAWES, 7. Colin POTTS, 8. Val OWEN, 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Lutel JAMES, 11. Chris ADAMS. Subs: 12. Rod THORNLEY, 14. Richard ACTON (gk), 15. Gary WILLIAMS & Kieran LUGSDEN, 16. Lewis CHALMERS, 17. James OLSEN & Stephen ROSE.

MARINE: (White shirts, black shorts & socks): 1. Andy RALPH, 2. Neil MURPHY, 3. Steve HOLLIS, 4. Adam FARLEY, 5. James CONNOLLY (capt), 6. Darren BROOKFIELD, 7. Carl NESBITT, 8. Anthony MEE, 9. Nicky YOUNG, 10. Ged COURTNEY, 11. Paul BYRNE. Subs: 12. Chris FITZSIMMONS, 14. Lee MULLIN, 15. Michael ELLISON, 16. Lee KISSOCK, 17. Chris PARRY (gk). NB Kissock actually wore no.15.

Pictured right in 2005, Chris Adams (11), Gary Talbot, Steve Hawes and Stuart Coburn are the Alty players shown in action against Marine.

KIDSGROVE GAME

BSP NEWS

From the Salisbury Journal we see that "Salisbury City's full-time ranks have been boosted further by the signing of central defender Ollie Barnes. The 19-year-old former Bristol City player has impressed during pre-season... 'He's a left-footed centre half and he's joined us on a one year full-time contract', confirmed manager Nick Holmes. Holmes also hinted that additional signings may be completed this weekend".

In the Oxford Mail we read that a "further 30 flooding evacuees fled their homes to Oxford's main rescue centre last night. The Holiday Inn Express at Kassam Stadium in Oxford has been the county's rescue centre since the floods started a week ago. Last night 30 more flood victims arrived from Osney and Abingdon Road areas from homes either still filled with water or suffering a power blackout... In total 41 residents spent Thursday night at the rescue centre. It is expected to remain open to evacuees until tomorrow".

"Farsley Celtic have added to their summer recruits after signing five players who have impressed in pre-season outings. Former York City and Tamworth defender Graeme Law has put pen-to-paper... The Scottish-born player is joined at Throstle Nest by another ex-York defender, Anthony Lloyd, and former Leeds United youngster Bailey Camfield. Ex-Bradford City midfielder Pat McGuire makes the short trip to Farsley, along with striker Nick Smith, who left Throstle Nest for Valley Parade after making his Celtic debut as a 17-year-old a couple of years ago. That takes Lee Sinnott's summer signings to nine, with the signatures of Tris Whitman, Mark Jackson, Scott McNiven and Mark Wilberforce secured earlier this month" states the Yorkshire Evening Post.

This is Local London says that Wycombe Wanderers' midfielder Steven Gregory looks set to join Aldershot on loan and could be joined at the Recreation Ground by Wycombe team-mates Alan Massey and Tom Cadmore.... Gregory was recommended by Shots' former Wanderers striker Jonny Dixon... All three players signed new one-year deals at Wycombe in the summer but Wanderers are keen for them to gain regular first team experience."

N.W. NEWS

NEXT UP

On Monday (30th), Alty host a Tranmere Rovers XI at Moss Lane (k.o. 7.30pm).

YOUTHS PROGRESS

KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC 3 ALTRINCHAM 4

Above: Chris Baguley takes Rod Thornley's congratulations after scoring from outside the box.

Match report here.

YOUNG VISITORS

YOUTH GAME

FRIENDLY OPPONENTS

FUNDRAISER

Geoff and Suzanne hope that there will be a bumper turnout for the dinner and 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. For details of the dinner please contact the club on 928-1045 or e-mail Suzanne and Geoff.

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.

BSP NEWS

From This is Exeter we read that "Exeter City's match at Crediton United had to be abandoned last night after teenage substitute James Berry suffered a badly broken leg.Berry had enjoyed a promising night up until then by netting Exeter's third goal within a minute of coming on as a substitute... He was the victim of a heavy tackle by Crediton striker Ben Harris, a former City trainee, who received a straight red card for his misdemeanour from the referee.. As he waited a good half an hour for an ambulance to arrive, Steve Perryman and Mike Radford, who were in charge of the team on the night, called an end to the game... It is the second time this summer that a Grecians player has been on the wrong end of a bad tackle. Defender Danny Seaborne suffered a similar fate at Bodmin Town in Exeter's second pre-season game of the season, but he escaped with only a fractured leg and cartilage damage... [Berry] is a superb athlete as well and a promising 400-metre runner. This weekend, he was going take part in a national athletics event - the AAA's - with the youngster tipped as a potential Olympic contender for the future... The Grecians fielded a very youthful side and Portuguese trialist Rui Braguinha paired Dean Stamp in attack. Matt Bye and Liam Sercombe were paired in midfield with Matt Taylor captaining the side from centre halF". The same source says that "Neil Saunders and Matt Taylor can be real surprise packages for Exeter City this season, according to manager Paul Tisdale... 'They will surprise a few people', said Tisdale. 'And we have players coming through at the club who other clubs will not know about, which is an advantage'".

At Woking "Cards' boss Frank Gray has already begun to give the Woking fans more value for money — by making the Kingfield pitch wider by around eight feet... Gray admitted: 'I don’t like watching matches on narrow pitches. I don’t think it bodes well for playing football and getting the ball wide'. Gray played a 3-4-1-2 formation — without the injured Tom Hutchinson (hamstring) and Jay Gasson (ankle) — two of his three favoured centre backs who look set to start the Blue Square Premier campaign two weeks on Saturday. Paul Lorraine looked to have a touch of class and composure about him alongside Matt Ruby and Danny Bunce, who deputised for the injured pair, while Matt Gray’s delivery into the box was threatening at times. Adam Green and Gray look likely starters out wide for the Rushden clash on August 11". Meanwhile, "The much-heralded meeting between Cards’ chairman Chris Ingram and council decision makers, planned for Thursday, to discuss planning issues, has been re-scheduled for September".

NL Daily confirms that "Northwich Victoria are giving a two-week trial to former Stevenage Borough and Southport striker Dino Maamria. Maamria is likely to figure in Northwich’s visit to Chasetown on Saturday as manager Neil Redfearn looks for a replacement for James Dean, who has been transfer-listed along with winger Carlos Roca. Maamria ended his second spell at `Port in January 2007 when he was signed by then Rushden & Diamonds` boss Graham Westley on an eighteen-month contract. But after failing to feature in new boss Garry Hill's first two squads, the 33-year-old returned to Haig Avenue for a third stint".

"Matthew Barnes-Homer becomes Kidderminster Harriers' fifth signing of the summer today after the 21-year old striker inked terms on a one-year contract. Barnes-Homer joined Harriers on trial at the start-of pre-season... He started his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers as a 15-year old, spending three years in the Midlands. He's spent time with Aldershot, Hednesford and Bromsgrove, as well as last season Willenhall Town and League Two side Wycombe Wanderers... [and] the striker has spent two spells across the pond in America playing for Syracuse and Virginia Beach Mariners".

KIDSGROVE TONIGHT

Alty played a friendly at Kidsgrove last summer, drawing 2-2, with Alty's goals coming from Lee Hendley and Pat McFadden. The Alty line-up for that game on 18 July 2006 was: 13. Richard ACTON, 2. Steve ASPINALL, 21. Stephen ROSE, 5. Gary TALBOT, 3. Gary SCOTT; 14. Lewis CHALMERS, 4. Eddie HUSSIN (capt), 8. Val OWEN, 18. Blake NORTON; 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Pat McFADDEN. Subs: 1*. Dave CUMMINS (gk), 26. Lee HENDLEY, 22. Richard NORRIS, 16. Lee MANNION, 17. Karl MUNROE

Eight of the above squad are no longer at Moss Lane.

This is Staffs says that "Kidsgrove's slender squad is stretched for tonight's home friendly against Conference side Altrincham (7.30pm). Manager Peter Ward is without Mark Beeston, Steve Pope, Michael Lennon and Neil Murphy, but is hopeful Wayne Brotherton may return. Centre-back Brotherton.. has been under treatment for a thigh strain. New midfielder Craig Lovatt has a similar injury, but player-coach Alex Morris is expected to continue his comeback from a lengthy absence with shin problems. Ward said: 'We are a bit thin on the ground because I have only 17 players, but I'm happy with the squad and I'm not looking to add to it'".

POSTER

WINNING START

Meanwhile, Altrincham FC Juniors have also entered a side at under-15 level in the Umbro competition. They overcame Atherton Town 1-0 but lost 1-0 to Columbus.

ALTY LINKS

BSP NEWS

2. Of the amount outstanding amount how much does this equate to each taxpayer within the borough?

3. How long has this debt been outstanding?

4. And what actions are being taken against them to seek/get payment?

5. And what is the council’s policy for businesses in collecting outstanding charges?

Stevenage Borough confirm that "After impressing manager Mark Stimson in several pre-season matches Jerome Anderson was today handed his reward with a two-year contract at Broadhall Way. The product of Oxford United’s youth system is Stimson’s seventh signing of the season and adds further attacking options to an already talented squad. 'I am here to learn, and I have heard that Mark Stimson is the ideal man to learn under', the 18-year-old striker said. 'I know there are lots of talented strikers at the club, so I will have to be patient and wait for my chance'".

This is Local London says that "Liam Daish is refusing to get carried away in the euphoria of Ebbsfleet's stunning pre-season victory over League One Millwall (on Tuesday). Chukki Eribenne's headed effort from a corner in the sixth minute put Fleet ahead... Ebbsfleet continued to hold their own against League opposition before deservedly doubling the lead midway through the second half when substitute Luke Moore fired home. The majority of the 1,753 crowd went home happy, but Daish remained level headed afterwards. He explained: 'A win in pre-season doesn't really count for anything and I would swap this result for one against Northwich on August 11.... Northwich will be a totally different proposition'... Trialists Chris McPhee and Phil Starkey both came on late in the second half, and the manager was impressed by what he saw... 'We've been aware of Chris for some time... Phil is from Gravesend and gave me a call during the summer because he wanted to keep fit with us after being released by Crystal Palace... He would give us options because he can play on the right of midfield and at right-back'... The manager also revealed he is hoping to give Mark De Bolla and Gary MacDonald a full game at Whitstable".

"Ambitious Farsley Celtic are proposing to change the club's name to FC Leeds" according to The Yorkshire Evening Post. "The newly-promoted Blue Square Premier side believe by adding the city's name to that of the club they can raise its profile nationally and attract new fans and sponsorship... The club, which celebrates its centenary next year, is also considering other names including Leeds Celtic and FC Celtic of Leeds and is hoping the change will be introduced for the start of the 2008-09 season, after consulting with fans, the FA and Blue Square League. Celtic's managing director Terry Deighton said: 'When we have been trying to attract new sponsors and investment we have had a lot of 'Farsley who? Farsley where? We feel that by linking our name to that of the city we play in will by-pass a lot of that. The cost of wages, travelling, facilities and so on is increasing all the time and you cannot run a club at this level on bar takings. We need both financial and physical support to build on our success of the last few years'. Celtic... have climbed from the UniBond First Division to Conference level in less than five seasons... 'Some people have called us a bus stop in Pudsey and to be honest the football club has outgrown the area it is in', said Deighton. 'We are hoping to attract new fans who want to come along, have a pint, watch a game and have a sing song in a friendly atmosphere. We are also aiming ourselves at the 16 to 25-year-olds who have been alienated from other clubs and priced out of football'... Farsley are planning improvements including a new stand at Throstle Nest and also considering a change of kit from its current all blue, while in the longer term it is hoping to build a new stadium in the city... 'We never envisaged going from strength to strength so quickly but we are not willing to sit back and watch all our hard work be wasted. Despite the bookies making us favourites to go straight back down, our pre-season performances have shown that we are not willing to roll over... We have had 100 years as Farsley Celtic what about the next hundred as FC Leeds?'" said Mr Deighton.

At another club which changed its name, the Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Rushden & Diamonds have left open the number nine shirt in their official squad list for 'a quality forward'. Manager Garry Hill hopes to complete his line-up with two wingers and another striker... Last season's number nine was Leo Fortune-West who only made six first-team appearances before joining Shrewsbury Town on loan. He has been put on the transfer list and handed the 26 shirt while being left out of the opening summer friendlies. Simeon Jackson, who was Diamonds' 20-goal top scorer, has switched from 12 to 10 with Paul Watson, Michael Rankine and Marcus Kelly dropping out of the 'starting XI' according to the new squad numbers. Diamonds, meanwhile, will continue their pre-season programme in the Algarve tonight against Portimonense SC who play in Portugal's second division".

Further Portuguese connections have emerged from the Salisbury Journal which reports that "Salisbury City's Portuguese trialist Alvaro netted their only goal in last night's 1-1 draw at Team Bath... 'It wasn't what we really wanted', admitted a disappointed City boss. 'The game was very niggly throughout and the official was poor to be honest. We conceded three free kicks, they conceded 20 - that tells its own story. Fortunately we came out of it with no injuries - in fact our lads handled themselves very well - they kept out of trouble'".

This is Weymouth says that "One new face at the Wessex Stadium last night was defender Joel Kitamirike. The 23-year-old, who has European experience with Chelsea, is set for negotiations with Tindall today following solid performances at Ringwood on Friday night and in last night's encounter with the Welsh outfit. Tindall added: 'Joel done well when he came on. He's not yet fully fit but I'm hoping to have a chat with him and start negotiations. He's been at a few clubs, and has got good experience behind him for a relatively young guy'".

From NL Daily we read that "Aldershot Town have completed the signing of Reading`s midfielder Scott Davies on a season-long loan. Davies is a 19-year-old midfielder who joined Reading's Academy from Wycombe Wanderers. He has played a number of games for Ireland's youth sides and had a loan spell in the Conference South with Yeading last season... Wycombe`s midfielder Steven Gregory could also join the Shots in a loan move... his loan switch is expected to be confirmed this week".

At Oxford, ""United have further boosted their promotion prospects with the signing of defender Mickey Corcoran on a permanent basis. The 19 year old Ulsterman was a revelation when playing on loan from Cardiff last season, and has joined United an a one year deal, with an option to extend this for a further year... Mickey told Yellow World, ' 'The gaffer and the lads have been spot on with me, and the fans were unbelievable last year. It was gutting not to be able to play and have an influence in the play-offs, and I was desperate to come back here and get the club promoted this time around... There were two league clubs interested, but at the end of the day I like the way this club is set-up, think we will do well this season, and I only really wanted to come and play here again'".

GRAHAM AND YOUTH

BSP NEWS

Aldershot Town report that "Following discussion with Hampshire Constabulary, Aldeshot Town's pre-season friendly on Saturday 28th July against Millwall is cancelled. We are extremely disappointed that this game will not be going ahead, but the unprecedented costs of staging this fixture, which we have now been presented with, is not viable for a club with our resources. We trust that supporters of both sides will accept our apologies and in particular we wish Millwall the very best for the coming season". More bad news for the Shots is reported by the Northwich Victoria report that "Striker Paul Tait has returned to Vics 8 years after leaving the club in 1999, to join Crewe Alexandra. He played for 3 years at Crewe before having spells with Bristol Rovers, Rochdale, Chester City, Boston United and lastly Southport. Aged 32 the 6ft striker was the Vics leading scorer in 97/98 and 98/99 season". Meanwhile the Northwich Guardian says "Vics have swooped to snatch striker Paul Tait from under the nose of former boss Steve Burr. The 32-year-old forward had agreed a switch to Stalybridge Celtic earlier this month, but has now decided he'd rather return to Northwich... 'It's a real coup for us', said Vics. boss Neil Redfearn... Tait had a brief spell at Southport in the Conference National at the end of last season after leaving Boston United. He brings the total of summer signings to eight at the Victoria Stadium". However, "James Dean has joined Bridlington Town for an undisclosed fee... Dean was transfer listed at his own request after telling the Vics he needed more money. 'He came to me and said he couldn't manage on what he was earning', said Neil Redfearn. The former Clitheroe front runner played two trial games for Halifax Town last week, but Shaymen boss Chris Wilder told him he had not made the grade". Dean scored against Alty last season.

From the Salisbury Journal we learn that "Salisbury City have confirmed that youth team player Jamie Barron and former Oxford United youngster Chris Weedon have signed as first year pros. Manager Nick Holmes said: 'It's important that the club looks to the future. Jamie and Chris have impressed and they're players we'll look to bring on over the next year or so. "They might not neccesarily be ready for regular first team action now, but they're both only 19 and are great prospects. It's vital that we bring players through the system'. Barron has progressed via City's youth team set-up and has already made two appearances for the first team in Wiltshire Premier Shield ties".

Nearer to home, Stafford Rangers "are pleased to announce the signing of Djoumin Sangare. Last season the 23-year-old French-born defender played for both Grays Athletic and St Albans City. He has also played for French club Wasquehal, Redbridge FC, Chelmsford City and Lewes."

"Weymouth have completed the signing of former Nottingham Forest defender Justin Roberts. The 20 year old has signed a one year deal with the Terras".

NL Daily says that "Former Aston Villa and Bradford City midfielder Michael Standing could become Oxford United's fifth new signing of the summer. Standing, 26, has been offered a trial by boss Jim Smith... Standing, who is a free agent after leaving AFC Bournemouth, started his career with Brighton as a trainee. He later moved on to Villa where he was part of a youth team that included England internationals Darius Vassell and Gareth Barry. After four years at the Premiership club, Standing joined Bradford City where he made thirty appearances, scoring two goals. He later spent two seasons at League One outfit Walsall, for whom he played fifty-two games, finding the net twice, before brief spells at Chesterfield and Bournemouth. Should Standing sign on the dotted line he would join fellow new signings left back Alex Jeannin, midfielder Phil Trainer, winger Joel Ledgister and ex-Airdrie striker Gary Twigg. However, the stumbling block could be the Blue Square Premier wage cap rule. Smith said last week that should Mickey Corcoran sign a deal then that would be it for new players. But to complicate matters the Irishman has yet to take up the offer of a contract. Smith admitted 'We're going to look at him but everybody knows that there is no more money for players. The only way we can sign someone is if someone else goes out'. But with no bids coming in for transfer-listed midfielder Andy Burgess, it is difficult to see who can be let go" claims the Oxford Mail

The Cambridge Evening News says that "Adam Davies faces the agony of more surgery just a week after making his comeback following almost a year out through knee injury. The Wales under-21 international limped off just 10 minutes into Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat to Plymouth - only his second game since tearing cruciate ligaments last August... It has emerged Davies has torn the lateral cartilage and lateral collateral ligaments in his knee and will go under the knife again in the next few days. Physio Greg Reid said: 'These structures were not damaged when Adam injured his knee last season. However, due to the mechanism of the injury, the surgeon will be taking a close look inside the knee to check on the cruciate ligament graft'. U's manager Jimmy Quinn said: 'Having Adam back was like signing a new player and I'm just keeping everything crossed that it's nothing too serious, but this is heart-breaking for the lad after what he has been through'".

The Crawley Observer confirms that "Former Stevenage and Oxford United player Jamie Cook is expected to make his debut for Crawley against Ipswich Town.. The 28-year-old trialist will get his chance to impress manager Steve Evans... Evans said: 'Jamie is with us all week on trial and we will look to make a decision on him by the end of the week'".

The Yorkshire Evening Post says that "Lee Sinnott has already seen enough to suggest his Farsley Celtic side have the bottle to play their way to Blue Square Premier safety. Celtic may have been installed as the bookmakers' favourites for the drop, but the way they are tackling pre-season suggests they are out to make the critics eat their words. A thumping 5-0 victory over Glasshoughton Welfare was followed by a 2-1 success at Frickley last weekend. And the piece de resistance was a 2-1 victory over League Two neighbours Bradford City on Wednesday night. Sinnott said: 'People will be looking to the result against Bradford, but I was pleased with what actually went on in the game... We are retaining the ball better and to do it against a professional side takes b******s. We didn't kick and rush, we don't anyway, but I was pleased with our passages of play against a professional outfit. The players had the balls to play football and that will stand us in good stead for the season ahead. The forward play was good, we created chances and if we can do that against a team like Bradford you have got to think we can do it against teams in the Blue Square Premier'".

FRIENDS' DRAW

MORE YOUTH FIXTURES

Pictured right are (l. to r.) Chris Francis, Steven Crane and Ben Oliver, in action for Alty Youth last Sunday.

CHANGES AHEAD?

OLD BOY

CSC BOWLED OVER

BSP NEWS

This is Exeter reports that "Exeter City striker Steve Basham will be fit for the start of the new season [against Altrincham] - but manager Paul Tisdale has warned it might be another month before supporters see the best of him. Basham, 29, was signed from Oxford United earlier this month having missed the second half of last season with a ruptured hamstring. That led to his release from the Kassam Stadium and the Grecians put the centre-forward through a rigorous 10-day medical before tabling a two-year contract. He played the final 15 minutes of the pre-season victory over St Blazey but has not featured since. And Tisdale said: 'The plan was for him to get a run out against Southampton tomorrow night, but that is probably a week too soon for him. He is now likely to play some part in the game against Dorchester or the Swindon game'".

"Burton Albion expect to complete the signings of experienced Boston United midfield pair Mark Greaves and David Farrell... But Albion boss Nigel Clough is preparing himself for the possibility that skipper Darren Stride may miss the start of the Blue Square Premier campaign" claims The Burton Mail. "Stride twisted his knee in Friday's 2-1 win at Burscough - and the injury could be potentially serious. The Brewers boss told Mail Sport: 'We'll have to wait for Darren's knee to settle down over the next few days... He twisted it quite badly and there is a strong possibility he could miss the start of the season'. Stride's central defensive partner Tony James also came off with a hamstring strain, but Clough was cheered by the first appearance in Albion colours of Greaves. He said: 'We're bringing in Mark primarily to play midfield, but the good thing about him is that he can play across the back'. Boston are today due to formally cancel Greaves' contract to allow the 32-year-old former Hull City player to complete his protracted move to the Pirelli Stadium. Farrell, 35, is also expected to put pen to paper tonight after agreeing terms at the weekend".

The Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Rushden & Diamond are spending this week on a sunshine break in Portugal – but manager Garry Hill insists: 'We're going there to work'. The squad have swapped their pre-season programme at Nene Park and Kimbolton Preparatory School for a training camp on the Algarve... Hill said: 'I'm a great believer that the new players who have joined the club must be given an opportunity to settle in really well and get to know each other. We will keep up the training schedule. This is not a case of going away and sitting around'".

Another club with continental plans are Weymouth of whom This is Weymouth reports, "Chairman Mel Bush has revealed that a Croatia Under-21 international will be heading to the club this week for a trial. The entertainments promoter is keen for the Terras to tap into the European market and he has been holding discussions with a number of high-profile clubs. Bush said: 'We are keen on players coming over and next week we have a Croatia Under-21 international coming over for a trial. The hard thing about bringing in players from there is the work permits and visas situation, which is something we are looking into. I have also been talking to the football director at Red Star Belgrade, who get a lot of players from Romania, Hungary and Poland. Those three countries are all in the EU so they are a lot easier to bring over and that is definitely another thing we are keeping a close eye on... Premiership and Championship clubs do not have exclusivity on that market and although they get the cream there is still a lot of good players over there'. Weymouth boss Jason Tindall added: 'Mel has got some good contacts with FC Zagreb and Hajduk Split and we are hoping to establish a good relationship with those clubs in order to help introduce some players into the English game... The Croatian lad who is coming over has obviously got something because he has played in the Under-21s over there and I am looking forward to taking a look at him'. Bush ... [added that the Terras'] "Croatia trip was very good. The team trained twice a day over there in fantastic facilities and in the 3-0 win over AFC Bournemouth last week I thought we looked sharper and quicker... Off the pitch I also feel we are moving in the right direction... Extending the upstairs bar is something we would definitely like to do. For example we have 48 youth teams here which is nearly 600 young players and if we want to hold a meeting with them and their parents at the moment we don't have a venue big enough. I see the extension as a catalyst because it would bring a lot into the club and we would also get a lot out of it'. The Terras have also employed a sports scientist to help improve the fitness of their squad. Bush added: 'His name is James Murueta and he is a tae-kwon-do champion who used to work with Blackburn Rovers. James is getting each player to compete against themselves. They get their readings in the morning and they all want to improve them'".

From This is Staffs we read that "Stafford Rangers manager Phil Robinson received a timely boost in Saturday's 0-0 pre-season friendly draw with Nantwich Town.... Captain Wayne Daniel made his return to action, in the match played at Kidsgrove, as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in the final match of last season. The central defender played the last 20 minutes and appeared to come through unscathed... Former Crewe striker Pav Suhaj hit the post twice in the opening five minutes, while Mario Adagio was also denied by the goal frame and Kevin Street saw his 30-yard drive tipped on to the crossbar ... Perhaps worryingly for the Stafford manager, Nantwich created several opportunities in what was, at times, an evenly-contested game... Robinson has four pre-season games in which to finalise his squad which needs rebuilding following the departure of several regulars".

DATES

YOUTH TEAM WIN

Ryan Daley's fine shot comes back past the keeper off the inside of the post in Sunday's youth team win over Warrington Town.

Altrincham Youth beat Warrington Town 2-0 in a friendly on Sunday afternoon, there is a match report in the Youth section

It has been confirmed that Altrincham's away FA Youth Cup tie against Woodley Sports will be played on the Stockport club's artificial pitch. Woodley had to play their FA Cup matches away from home last season but this year the rules have been amended and they can play at home in the FA Trophy and also in the FA Youth Cup. However, in the Youth Cup, they can only do so in the preliminary rounds, when they meet non-league opposition. Should they progress to the competition proper, they will have to play away from home, presumably so that league or Premiership clubs do not have to play on an artificial surface.

ANDREW ON BOARD

ROBINS ON ROBINS

OLD BOYS

BSP NEWS

"Exeter City will miss the services of defender Dan Seaborne after he sustained a serious injury in a pre-season friendly. The Grecians took on Bodmin Town and Seaborne was the victim of a reckless challenge by striker Steve Ovens. 'Danny has had the scan and the imaging has shown splintering of his shine bone and because of the impact, he also has a fracture at the top of his shine bone', Exeter boss Paul Tisdale told the Western Morning News. 'There is also some damage to the cartilage. He will need six weeks complete rest and then he will undergo a further scan to see if it has healed well. All being well, he will be able to begin his rehabilitation then which will be another six to eight weeks, but that is a best case scenario for us... It is not a normal injury because it is in the area where the ligament is attached to the bone, so he needs a lot of TLC... It is still a big blow for us because Danny has been waiting two years for this chance and was very much in our plans for the season. George Friend will get a chance to play there now, he is physically right for the role and mobile as well'" .

As ever there is confusion surrounding the situation at Crawley Town. The Crawley Forum has the following posting... "The club said Quote: Ben [Judge] and David [Woozley] joined Dannie Bulman and Tony Scully who have also agreed deals to remain at the Broadfield Stadium for the 2007-08 season... If my understanding is correct we are still under a transfer embargo - even more relevant given the CVA is outstanding and football creditors remain unpaid, so I wonder if these contracts were even legitimate given our current circumstances? ". The Forum Moderator replies, "The club were able to offer Ben and Wooz a contract as they were under contract last season, before the club were under the embargo. Bulman was able to be given a contract due to a technicality over the time he spent here on loan last season. Scully was already under contract for this season. And you understand correctly about the embargo still being in place, that's been confirmed to me today by email from John Moules. More worryingly he did not know about the new CVA deadline of 31st October so was not able to comment on whether any further sanctions would being forthcoming as the club go in to a second season under the same CVA".

ALTRINCHAM YOUTH WIN

ALTRINCHAM 5 ROTHERHAM UNITED 4

Above: Jake Sedgemore's freekick hits the back of the net to make it 1-1. Jake is just off the picture, to the right.

Match report here.

Above: Colin Little makes it 4-3 from the penalty spot.

Pictured, above on Saturday at Moss Lane are (left) Rotherham's ten subs crowding along the touchline and (right) former Alty star Nicky Daws, who after a substantial league career at clubs which included Bury, Rotherham and Grimsby, is now back at Millmoor as a fitness coach. Terry Rowley's profile of Nicky Daws is in the Alty Legends section of this website.

The unofficial Rotherham United site reports that at Alty on Saturday "Rotherham boss Mark Robins fielded two different line ups, giving his new look side their first public run out after a training match defeat to the hands of Halifax". At 2-2 "The travelling Millers fans, around 250 or so, looked a little shocked at this stage as Altrincham were providing a stiff test". In the second half, with the score 3-3, "the frantic pace of the game continued as Altrincham raced out of the blocks and into a two goal cushion. Little was to net twice, firstly after Dale Tonge gave away a penalty- which did look a bit harsh on first viewing... Mark Robins made 10 changes on the hour, including one of his trialist goalkeepers... O'Grady bagged himself a consolation late on with a tidy finish and Taylor hit a post with a low drive, but the home side held out the narrow victory, leaving Mark Robins with some work to do on the fairly disappointing defensive showing".

THIS SUNDAY

A VIEW FROM TRAFFORD

Above: A shot of Colin Potts taking on the opposition at Trafford on Thursday night. In the background are Ben Deegan and Chris Baguley.

GAVIN'S BACK

With the arrival of the new season imminent, it is good to see professional photographer Gavin Rathbone back at Moss Lane and he made his 2007-08 bow for the match against a Manchester United XI. Here is his image of Alty trialist midfielder Chris Baguley. More of Gavin's pictures are on his by GR Photography website

Right, pictured by Gavin Rathbone, is Warren Peyton receiving his Tom Earley Clubman of the Year award before last Wednesday's match at Moss Lane. Presenting the trophy were Tom's wife, Margaret, and daughter, Jenny.

OLD BOYS

YOUTH TOURNAMENT

JIMMY WAGG HONOURED

ROTHERHAM PREVIEW

Millers Mad report that Rotherham United "Boss Mark Robins has indicated that all available players in the first team squad will get a run out at tomorrow's first public friendly against Altrincham. Fans travelling to the Moss Lane will get to see all but one of the ten new signings as Robins looks to build fitness. 'I want everybody stripped and involved and there will be some part of the action for all those in the squad', the boss told the Rotherham Star. 'It's our first game, it's about getting back into match action and about building that match fitness. Stephen Brogan and Chris O'Grady will be available after suffering injury scares this week but Tom Cahill and Nat Kerr are the only two contracted players to miss out. The game also comes too early for 20 year-old midfield trialist Kyle Jacobs who has a knock. The Rotherham manager also realised that the travelling supporters will be playing a game of Guess Who. 'It will be nice for our supporters, I suppose, to be able to start putting names to faces because we've a lot of newcomers... It's like a new chapter in Rotherham United's particular book".

Altrincham have twice met Rotherham United in competitive matches. In November 1976 the sides met in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup at Millmoor. Alty at the time lay fifth in the Northern Premier League and the Millers were fourth in Division Three. But six seasons earlier the two sides had also been drawn against each other. However, Alty lost their preceding tie to Great Harwood Town whom the Millers went on to defeat 6-2 in a mudbath (1970). Alty did little better in 1976, going down 5-0 to the Yorkshire side. The team sheet for the 1976 game is shown, right. But in 1979 (team sheet, below) Alty got their revenge. Drawn again away at Millmoor, but this time in Round 2, goals from Mal Bailey and Barry Howard saw Alty win 2-0 in front of a crowd of 6,083 to earn a home tie against Orient. At the time Rotherham lay 7th in Division Three. The 1979 match was curiously sponsored by a firm selling "sleep products" whatever they may be! One of four Alty players to be named for both games is Alty's current manager Graham Heathcote.

A more recent connection between our two clubs has been Nicky Daws. The Alty youngster moved to Rotherham after leaving Altrincham for Bury in the early 1990s. Nicky is a fitness coach with the Millers and is expected to be with the visitors for Saturday's game. Alty will be without Val Owen (who is attending Chris Adams's wedding) and Rod Thornley (on holiday) from their squad for the game on Saturday.

GRAHAM HAPPY

CATCH THE COACH

Please see the Away Travel page for times and prices as well as links to the host club's websites and to a map of the stadium area.

JIMMY HONOURED

TRIALISTS AND THE TRAFFORD GAME

Curzon Ashton's Steven Moore scored, as a trialist for Altrincham at Trafford, but the Manchester Evening News reports that when he was with Curzon playing FC United, "Curzon's strike force of Mike Norton and Steven Moore have stolen some of the Rebels' thunder this season by taking the top two spots in the goal-scoring charts, with 51 and 50 goals respectively in all competitions... Curzon boss Gary Lowe said, 'For both lads to top 50 goals is an unbelievable achievement'," said Lowe... 'To do it at this level is terrific. They are both very different. Steven is very low-key, and sometimes appears as if he is hardly moving, but he is technically very good'".

The Burnley website seems to vary its spelling but Cayne or Kayne Handley, who also played as a trialist for Alty at Trafford, was in the Turf Moor side's under-19s in 2003 and was playing in the Reserves in 2005. By late 2006 he was a trialist with York City reserves.

Responsive as ever to its users, the website responds above to outrageous allegations of having used an airbrush to erase the presence at the Trafford game of Alty supporter "Ballers" from yesterday's photo by now providing a wider view of the same scene, which shows the new member of the Alty Youth team coaching staff, far right!

Of the game SAM says "An experimental Alty side beat Trafford 2-1 on Thursday in a tight game at Shawe View... The Alty side was unrecognisable from the one that had fallen 2-1 to a Manchester United XI the previous evening... Despite the result, Alty manager Graham Heathcote said: 'I wasn't particularly happy with the performance. It was like the game there last year, a bit of a dead game. I felt the attitude of some of the lads wasn't right. Lads who had impressed in previous games seemed to be a wandering round thinking 'what are we doing playing here'. There was just no oomph about us at all, so they'll need to improve. The young lads at centre half (Deegan and Keogh) did well though considering they don't usually play there".

FRIENDLY OPPONENTS

From Trafford FC we read that "Manager Ged Kielty got his pre-season plans under way with a promising start against a Altrincham XI with the highlight of the game being Trafford's young Harry Winter scoring a 30 yard cracker".

BSP NEWS

We would like to offer the following accommodation to your supporters for the weekend of the above match :-

Regards, Tim & Sarah, Parks Hotel, Rathmore Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 6NZ

Meanwhile This is Devon says that "Midfielder Danny Wring has signed a one-year deal at Torquay United after impressing manager Paul Buckle during his Plainmoor trial. The former Bristol City youngster, 20.. could yet be joined at Plainmoor by fellow trialists Danny Stevens and Jamal Easter, who are still in talks with the club". Buckle said of Wring, "His age, the club he's been at, Bristol City, and what he's shown in pre-season were all factors in us signing him. He has done well in pre-season, both in training and in the games, and the feedback from my staff was very positive. I also liked what I saw myself". On Wednesday, Torquay had a "1-1 friendly draw at Dawlish Town... Buckle was happy enough with his players after their third friendly of the summer, but insists that there is still work to be done before the big kick-off".

And indeed,Torquay United confirm that they have "signed Danny Stevens on a one year contract. Danny has impressed with his performances in the three friendlies so far played... Manager Paul Buckle is delighted... 'Danny has had a really good background at Luton... Danny can play wide or down the middle and this gives us even more options'".

Along the coast, This is Weymouth says that "boss Jason Tindall will make a decision on several trialists after Friday's pre-season friendly at Ringwood Town... Gavin Tomlin, Justin Roberts, Gavin McCallum and Brian Glover will all be given another chance to prove their worth".

The Salisbury Journal says that "Goalkeeper Matt Bulman has left and is understood to have signed for Southern League side Cirencester Town. First team opportunities were limited last season due to the fine form of Ryan Clarke... Manager Nick Holmes said: 'Like we did with all the other out of contract players at the end of last season, we invited Matt to come and train with us, but he's decided his future lies elsewhere'".

From the Football Conference we read that "Cambridge United boss Jimmy Quinn is running the rule over former Crawley and Tamworth striker Steve Burton, who could feature against Plymouth.. in a friendly at Abbey Stadium on Saturday... Burton is a a former Crawley teammate of U's skipper Danny Brown but could be surplus to requirements at Kettering as they already have six strikers. 'I've spoken to Mark Cooper about him and he's got six strikers so we're just having a look at him for a few days', confirmed Quinn. 'He's a big, strong, quick lad, he's played in the League and at this level, so we're having a look at him'".

And the Crawley Forum reports that the club's "creditors have generously decided not to pursue interest payments in order that the matter can be settled at the earliest possible instance... the risk is that it would introduce even more delays. The creditors voted to accept the unamended terms of the extension of the CVA until the end of October, only one of them voted to reject it... The [Majeeds'] flat will be placed in auction on September 26th with Parson Son & Basley of Brighton. All claims are resolved although Begbies require the club to re-submit two claims to HMR that were incorrectly completed 2 days ago... and two players claims require copies of P60s to be sent as proof in support of their revised figures. So that is it... it should all be over.... a year late... and Macolm Fillmore concludes that they have not actually saved one single penny by entering Administration. The creditors gave Rob Sadler a standing ovation at the conclusion of the meeting". So it now depends on how much the flat sells for... any offers?

TRAFFORD 1 ALTRINCHAM 2

Right: Matthew Berkeley (16) gets to his feet after his excellent goal as Chris Senior leads the applause.

Altrincham included three more new faces in tonight's squad to add to trialists Colin Potts, Chris Baguley, Matthew Berkeley and Cavell Coo. These were local goalkeeper Stephen Downes, ex-Burnley youth player Kayne Handley and Curzon Ashton's prolific striker Steven Moore. Apart from Richard Acton and Steve Aspinall, Pat McFadden was the only other first-team squad member to start the game. In addition to Acton's first appearance of the close season, Chris Senior was also on show for the first time since signing earlier this week after his release by Halifax Town. The central defence comprised two graduates from the Alty Youth and Reserves' teams in Ben Deegan and Andy Keogh. Though both have played at the back before, Ben made his name as the top-scoring striker for the Youth team whilst Andy was a central midfielder. Another member of the defence in this game who does not normally play at the back was striker Pat McFadden, operating at left-back. In central midfield were trialists Cavell Coo and Chris Baguley whilst Colin Potts and Adam Walker were on the flanks. Adam was a third graduate of the youth and reserve set-up to start tonight's game. Up front, former Gretna striker Matthew Berkeley partnered Senior, whilst on the bench with the above-mentioned trialists were two members of last season's Reserves in midfielder Rick Chetcuti and striker Scott Metcalfe.

ALTRINCHAM (Blue); 1. Richard ACTON, 2. Steve ASPINALL (capt), 21. Andy KEOGH, 17. Ben DEEGAN, 7. Pat McFADDEN; 22. Colin POTTS, 6. Chris BAGULEY, 20. Cavell COO, 11. Adam WALKER; 19. Chris SENIOR, 16. Matthew BERKELEY. Subs: 8. Scott METCALFE, 14. Steven MOORE, 18. Kayne HANDLEY, Rick CHETCUTI, 24. Stephen DOWNES (gk).

TRAFFORD (White): 1. Andy TIGHE, 2. Simon WOODFORD (capt), 3. Lee McGREGOR, 4. Lee SOUTHWOOD (capt), 5. Andy JONES, 6. Martin INGHAM, 7. Chris MACKAY, 8. Ben ASHMOLE, 9. Troy HAYDER, 10. Adam MARTIN, 11. Harry WINTER. Subs included: 1* Tom READ, 2. Mark FITTON, 3* Sean SMITH, 17. Mike TURNER.

GRAHAM HAPPY

CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP

The league teams in Cheshire are no longer taking part in the CSC as there is to be a new competition for them.Round One ties include:

BSP NEWS

Oxford United report that "Winger Joel Ledgister became United's third signing of the day when he signed a two year deal. The 19 year-old has played most of his games for Southend and on loan at Gravesend on the right wing but is also able to play wide on the left or up front, and his pace and eye for goal were obvious during a training match ... Alex Jeannin and Phil Trainer both became Oxford United players this morning. Former Darlington, Exeter and Hereford defender Jeannin is an experienced left back from France. 'This is my fifth club in England' he told Yellow World, 'and it's definitely the most professional set up. The lads have made me feel very welcome, and I've enjoyed pre-season... Trainer was equally delighted to sign a pro contract . The former Crewe youngster, who had trials at Bristol Rovers last season, told Yellow World: 'It's always been my dream to become a professional footballer and now I have been given my chance. We have worked hard in pre-season so far, and the fitness level is that much higher. I had chances to join other clubs but this is the club I think has the brightest future'".

ALTRINCHAM 1 MAN. UNITED XI 2

Above: Joe O'Neill fights for possession against Manchester United.

Match report here.

COMING SOON

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

Droylsden won 4-0 away at Woodley Sports in a recent friendly. "Two Fearns penalties, Ged Murphy and Steve Daly were the scorers....Started with Senior, Hotte, Warner, Cryden, Burke, Murphy, Norton, Morris, Fearns, Daly and Denham. Subs who came on included Banim, Lynch, Luke Pritchard". The Conference says that "Ebbsfleet United have completed the capture of Carlisle United striker Raphael Nade. Nade is no stranger to the top tier of non-league football, having spent last season on loan with Weymouth. Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish recently lost the services of highly-rated striker Charlie MacDonald to Southend but was quick to point out that he doesn't see Nade as a direct replacement for MacDonald. 'I'm going to ask the players to share the load', Daish told BBC Radio Kent. 'If there's a centre-forward who's scored 26 goals a season for the last four years, I'm not going to be able to be in the market to get him'".

"Stevenage Borough have announced the signing of former Barnet striker Oliver Allen on a two-year contract. The 20-year-old frontman joined Barnet from Birmingham in January and went on to make 14 appearances, scoring four goals in the process. 'Olly has a lot to offer', manager Mark Stimson told the club's official website".

The Halifax Courier says that "Darryn Stamp got his pre-season scoring underway with the only goal of Halifax Town's behind-closed-doors friendly with Rotherham. The big striker bagged the winner in the second half of the match at the South Yorkshire club's training ground. And boss Chris Wilder, whose side opened their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, said that it had been another good workout for his squad, all of whom got some more game time under their belts. 'It is a case of having a natural progression at this stage,'" said Wilder... Yesterday's game against the League Two outfit saw the return in a Town shirt of Steve Bushell, who missed the clash with the Owls due to a holiday he had arranged before deciding to come back to Halifax from Altrincham. 'Everyone has been massively impressed by Steve and I am delighted with the way he has come back', said Wilder. 'We all know he is a good player, but he brings so many other attributes to the party'. Bushell played alongside Tom Kearney in the first half against the Millers in a side that included Danny Forrest and James Dean in attack. Wilder is understood to have decided against continuing his interest in Dean, who had been hoping to earn a deal after being told he can leave Northwich.Adam Quinn's central defensive partner was a trialist but not Rob Pacey, who is hoping to make an impression after being allowed to leave Doncaster. Steve Torpey and Danny Forrest were the two wide men in the opening 45 minutes. Stamp and Andy Campbell were the strikeforce in the second half".

FromThis is Weymouth says that "former Luton Town striker Stuart Douglas celebrated signing a new one-year deal with Weymouth by netting a fantastic brace in a 3-0 pre-season friendly win against AFC Bournemouth at the Wessex Stadium... The other man on target for the Blue Square Premier outfit was James Coutts... Weymouth boss Jason Tindall, another ex-Bournemouth player, was delighted with his side's first pre-season outing. He said: 'The lads have been working hard in training... Our attacking play was excellent so I have got to be happy'. Of Douglas, Tindall added: 'I have known Stuart for a long time and he has signed for us as a striker-cum-physio... He is always looking to run in behind defences and he took his two goals superbly'... Fellow new signings Sido Jombarti, Paolo Vernazza, Scott Doe and Kyle Critchell all put in solid performances on their debuts for the Terras who also fielded four trialists. They were defenders Justin Roberts and Brian Glover, ex-Yeovil Town and Dorchester Town winger Gavin McCallum and former Brentford striker Gavin Tomlin. Former Cherries winger Conal Platt, who finished last season with the Terras, also made an appearance for the hosts... Tindall said: 'Ashley Vickers has signed now and I will be talking with Conal over the next couple of days. He missed the first week of training due to tonsillitis but he has fantastic ability and once he works on his fitness he will be fine".

SENIOR SIGNS

SQUAD NUMBERS

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER NEWS

One club unhappy with the new Setanta TV deal is the one which is having the most exposure. This is United says that Oxford United boss "Jim Smith has warned that the TV deal struck between Setanta and the Blue Square Premier could make non-League football a 24/7 sport. And the Oxford United manager has reacted angrily after the list of live televised games was released, and features – as predicted by the Oxford Mail more than a month ago – a host of Thursday night matches. The U's feature in six of the opening 24 games, but it is the choice of nights that has upset Smith. 'Nobody knows what's going on' he said. 'I have only had brief discussions on it, but all I know is that you cannot expect teams to play on a Thursday night and then again on the Saturday. It seems to me that the league have maybe just taken the money and not thought about the full consequences'. The league have informed clubs that they are entitled to move matches to ease the burden, and that if both sides cannot agree on a new date, then they will arbitrate. Smith added: 'When you play on Sky, you are never expected to play a match two days later. But there are just so many differences here. They still haven't told us how much money we are going to get out of it because moving games from a Saturday to Thursday night will obviously have a big impact on our gates. And if we are then going to have Saturday games moved to a Sunday, then you end up not having a day off because you are playing and having to do light training the next day because you have another match to prepare for. It just becomes too much and you will get burned out'. Blue Square Premier chief executive John Moules, however, does not foresee big problems. 'The email we have sent to clubs clearly states that some matches may have to be moved because of the change in fixtures to accommodate television', he said. 'I haven't got an issue with matches being moved to a Sunday, and I am sure the clubs won't have either'".

The BBC says that "Histon boss Steve Fallon has decided not to sign Whitley Bay striker Phil Bell after a spell on trial. Fallon feels his side have got enough cover in attack after releasing their latest trialist... Fallon told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'Bell's club was demanding a transfer fee which we feel was unrealistic'".

Likewise, "Rushden & Diamonds manager Garry Hill has decided not to offer a contract to former Stevenage striker Jamie Slabber. Slabber, 22, who started his career at Spurs and also had spells with Aldershot, Grays and Oxford before joining Stevenage last January... Hill has also released former Ipswich youngster Keiron Leabon from his trial spell... and will now look elsewhere for further striking options".

"Kidderminster Harriers' captain Stuart Whitehead may miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on a hernia problem. The 31-year-old defender went under the knife again after feeling pain in training... 'We're hopeful he'll be fit in time for the first game of the season but if not, certainly a week or two later', boss Mark Yates told Harriers' website.

The BBC also reports that "Aldershot Town midfielder Ricky Newman looks likely to miss the start of the new season following knee surgery. Newman, 36, was due to have an operation for treatment on a cartilage problem with the full extent of the injury yet to be confirmed".

"Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough is set to sign Boston United's Mark Greaves. Clough wants to bring Greaves, 32, to the Pirelli Stadium to plug the gap left by midfielder Paul Carden's departure to Accrington Stanley. Greaves has started more than 150 games for Boston since signing from Hull in August 2002. He was voted the Pilgrims' player of the year in May, but has opted to move to Burton, despite a last-ditch bid to keep him at York Street" claims the BBC.

"Cambridge United have signed former Peterborough keeper Luke McShane. The 21-year-old made one senior appearance for Posh and played eight matches in two loan spells with Gravesend & Northfleet. He was released by Posh in March and then signed on non-contract terms for CRC in the Eastern Counties Premier. Manager Jimmy Quinn told the club website: 'Luke is a very competent keeper who will push Danny Potter for a first-team place'".

One of last season's promoted clubs, Morecambe FC "has today announced ambitious plans to move to a new multi-million pound 6,000 capacity stadium in the Westgate area of the resort. Morecambe chairman Peter McGuigan announced the exciting plans at a press conference today which could see the club move to its new home for the start of the 2009/10 season. The scheme will also include an area for community use, a hotel and possible fast food franchises. Mr McGuigan said: 'The proposal will deliver a stadium worthy of a Football League side and will give an enormous boost to the club and people of Morecambe alike. The stadium will provide top class facilities for players, fans and sponsors and will be a historic development in the life of Morecambe Football Club. In addition, it will allow the Club to continue to attract top class players to Morecambe as well as enable us to expand our extremely popular community and youth development activities within the town. It will be a venue that we hope can accommodate up to 500 youngsters a week as part of our growing Football in the Community Scheme. The new stadium will guarantee the financial stability of the Club for the future and also strengthen civic pride and confidence in Morecambe Football Club'". But, on the downside, "MFC chairman Peter McGuigan told The Visitor: 'Despite our success at Wembley and in gaining promotion last year we made our biggest ever loss as a club during the last season'. Going into the League has always been our aim but it does bring with it a whole new landscape in terms of costs. We have no scope to expand the way we really want to at Christie Park'".

DELAY

GOOD DRAW

GARETH JOINS

CHARITY GAME REPORT

There is now a report on Sunday's entertaining charity game at Moss Lane, here.

Right: Neil Faulkner (2) masterminded the second Alty goal, with his throw to Danny Heffernan, who collected the ball (as seen above) before undertaking a great run through the opposition to set up Colin Potts to score.

THIS WEEK

OLD BOYS

BSCP NEWS

The Football Conference reports on the games to be televised by Setanta from the blue Square Conference Premier up to and including 8 November 2007. Altrincham have one game but Kidderminster Harriers, Droylsden and Northwich Victoria apparently have no matches. In contrast, Oxford United have six matches and York City, five. The list is:

Confguide says that "Kidderminster Harriers striker Iyseden Christie will have to wait for a return to football as he is still recovering from a summer operation on his ankle.The operation was needed to clean out his troublesome ankle but... speaking to the club's official website, manager Mark Yates said: 'Iyseden won't be available for the next few games; he's still recovering from an operation where had a bit more done than we'd anticipated. He's spent the last ten days at Lilleshall training and will continue to work there where he's on a tough and difficult physical routine'".

In the Northants Evening Telegraph it says that "Marcus Kelly has finally agreed to take a pay cut and stay with Rushden & Diamonds. The left-winger was put on the transfer list at the end of last season after refusing to accept a drop in wages. But Kelly has now followed the example of Paul Watson by deciding to be part of Garry Hill's new-look squad... Hill said: 'They are in the same situation as everybody else. I believe I have made the financial position quite clear since I came to the club. We've got a 40% wage cut within the budget compared to last season. From my point of view it's about getting the players to see what's going on... I want them playing for the club to understand where we are coming from. Other players and members of staff are aware of the situation. We've all got to work together'...Kelly watched Saturday's pre-season friendly at Brackley Town ... Former Ipswich Town winger Kieran Leabon was taken off as one of five half-time changes while fellow trialist Jamie Slabber completed 90 minutes along with captain Chris Hope and right-back Tom Bonner. New signing Curtis Osano missed out due to a training-ground injury".

CHARITY GAME

PAT'S APPETITE FOR THE GAME

OLD BOY

BSCP NEWS

Alty have just one game, on September 18th at home to Cambridge United. Oxford United are believed to have six live games in the same period.

Meanwhile Halifax Town "have had three games moved for the new Setanta Sports coverage in the first three games of the new season. The first match is the away game at Stafford Rangers, this has been moved from Tuesday 4th September to the Thurs 6th September. Town's trip to York has been moved from Tuesday 25th September to Thursday 27th September. The only home game to be moved so far is the home tie with Grays Athletic, which has moved from Saturday 13th October to the following Tuesday night".

And at Histon "The Live TV schedule for fixtures show Histon FC will be screened live on Setanta TV on Thursday 20th September when title favourites Oxford United visit the Glass World Stadium".

Rushden and Diamonds report that "Left-back Paul Watson and left-winger Marcus Kelly have been taken off the transfer list. Paul Watson's contract runs until 2008, although in May 2007, the 32 year old, former Brighton and Hove Albion player was transfer listed... Manager Garry Hill said: 'Paul and Marcus have come off the transfer list because they turned around and came to see me about it. Both players want to work with what they see, and be part of what we have here at Nene Park, and I'm pleased with that. All the players know that we have to work within a financial structure here at the club'... Both players will face increased competition for places down the left hand side from former Ipswich trainee James Krause. Garry Hill's squad is not yet complete; Hill said, 'I'm looking to bring in more players, although certain things have to be done for the financial benefit of the club to make sure we are heading in the right direction'".

FANTASY FOOTBALL

CHARITY GAME

Neil Brown, manager of the Alty side would like to thank all the players and spectators who turned out on a dreadful afternoon. In particular, he would like to thank the stewards who volunteered their services. On the fundraising side, Neil Faulkner generously doubled his original bid in the auction to play in the Altrincham side and his gesture was greatly appreciated by both the beneficiary charities. It was also good to see Kirsty Howard, the face of Francis House, present for the match; her attendance underlined what the afternoon was all about. Neil is already talking of a return match, next year - when hopefully the weather will be a bit better.

ABOVE L. to R: BACK: Neil Brown (manager), Pat McFadden, Craig Ellison, Danny Heffernan, Ben Deegan, Neil Faulkner, Tom Bailey, Grahame Rowley, Chris Rowley, Colin Potts, Geoff Goodwin (chairman). FRONT: Charles Heathcote, Ashley Brown, John Maloney, Mike Brown, Chelsey Brown (Neil's daughter), Dominic Lilley, Danny Browne, Rod Thornley.

ABOVE: East Levenshulme's squad.

CHANGE OF VENUE

TODAY AT MOSS LANE

Alty supporter and sponsor Neil Faulkner of Robinsons Preservation won an "auction" to have a place in the Alty side and the team will play half of the match in the company's blue Alty shirts. Neil will be making a generous donation to both the charities who are beneficiaries of the game. Neil tells me that he is "fairly certain that Eddie Hussin will be playing for Alty (to be confirmed), along with Colin Little, Rod Thornley, and Pat McFadden along with other players from last year's reserves (John Maloney, Ben Deegan) and this year's youth team (Tom Bailey, Danny Browne and Dominic Lilley). We will be playing the game as last year with half the game in the Alty kit and the second half in the Robinson’s Preservation Blue Alty shirts". It is also hoped that GM Radio's Jimmy Wagg will be coming to watch the game as well. Gary Talbot may also make an appearance whilst chairman Geoff Goodwin is anxious to play - in goal! - and vice-chairman Grahame Rowley is also expected to participate, along with kitman Charles Heathcote.Goalkeepers involved will include Chris Rowley and Craig Ellison, whilst physio Alan Ainsley will also play.

So, please come along for an enjoyable game for two excellent causes. Before the match there is family fun activity at Moss Lane, from 11.30am.

1978 REVISITED

BSCP NEWS

"Blue Square South club Havant & Waterlooville have announced the signing of former Grays Athletic defender Jay Smith" says NL Daily.

At York City "defender Danny Parslow has today signed a new extended contract. The Welsh-born player, who has just sustained a training injury, will be committed to the Club for a further period. Danny said, 'I'm delighted to have signed an extension to my contract. I've loved my time at York City so far and I can't wait to be involved in the forthcoming season. I'm hoping with regular physio my injury will clear up as quickly as possible and I'll be back in training'" .

The Halifax Courier says that in Saturday's pre-season game against Sheffield Wednesday, "Daryl Taylor played the second 45 minutes as did striker James Dean, included in the squad after being told he can leave Northwich". Steve Bushell was not in the squad.

ALTY ON TV?

SATURDAY IS A WORKING DAY

BEST WISHES TO BERT

WHY WITTON GAMES ARE OFF

DOUBLE SIGNING

says that "Altrincham are set to complete a transfer double deal on Monday. Manager Graham Heathcote has had his sights set on a new striker and defender.... and he is confident he has secured the right men for the job, with an announcement set to be made on Monday. Both players have experience at Conference level or higher and should take the squad close to completion... Heathcote has already missed out on several of his biggest targets, with winger Alex Meechan opting to join York, Greg Strong has joined Northwich and former Solihull midfielder Phil Trainer has signed for Oxford. 'It's frustrating when you miss out on major targets', said the Robins' boss. 'But one of the major problems we face is that we can't offer these players full-time football, so they look elsewhere... We're always at the back of the queue. That said, I'm pleased with how the squad is taking shape for the new season'".

Currently with the club as trialists are ex-Crewe defender Cavell Coo and former Gretna striker Matthew Berkeley.

LOOKING BACK

Courtesy of Campbell McLay of the Robins' Shop comes the above nostalgic photo of Altrincham FC stepping out at Wembley for the FA Trophy Final against Leatherhead in 1978. Fromfront to back the line-up is Tony Sanders (manager), John King (captain), Stan Allan, Peter Eales, John Owens, Jeff Johnson, John Davison, Graham Heathcote, Ian Morris, Ivan Crossley, Malcolm Bailey, Joe Flaherty and John Rogers.

BSCP NEWS

Whilst Graham Heathcote scrimps and saves at more or less debt-free Altrincham,

"The FA have given Leeds United the all-clear to play York City in a pre-season friendly at KitKat Crescent on Friday... after being given certain assurances. An FA spokesman told PA Sport: 'We have informed the club we are happy for the game to go ahead as long as it's being played by the old club - Leeds United in administration. As long as players and trialists are registered to the old entity we have no objections and Leeds have assured us this is the case'" reports the BBC.

The BBC says that "Left-back Paul Watson will fight for a place in the Rushden & Diamonds starting line-up after being removed from the transfer list. Watson was placed on the transfer list along with Marcus Kelly, Jon Ashton and Glenn Wilson, but he has now convinced manager Garry Hill to give him another chance to impress. 'He has come off the transfer list because he turned around and came to see me about it', Hill told the Evening Telegraph... Meanwhile, Hill is currently running the rule over trialists Jamie Slabber and Kieran Leabon and added: 'I'm talking to other players all the time'".

Kidderminster Harriers report that James Constable "has admitted that the arrival of Justin Richards to the club is likely to bring out the best in him... after joining from Peterborough. Constable meanwhile, now back in full training following a hernia operation admits that it's been tough going following the surgery...' The first couple of weeks are always going to be tough', he explained, 'You expect it to be at the minute and I'm just working hard with the rest of the lads... I pulled my groin back in September at Walsall and it never really had chance to heal, and I could carry on playing through it without noticing it too much during games but afterwards it would be pretty painful. I could limit training and stuff to help and thankfully it didn't affect my game that much. But now the pain has gone which is nice'... Following Justin Richards's arrival at the club, Constable and other front man Iyseden Christie will do battle to be top dog of the striking ranks... 'I think it'll bring out the best in all three of us," he added... Harriers continue to go about their business quietly with just the four new additions this summer, the latest being goalkeeper Dean Coleman. Constable went on... 'There's no need for ten new players to come in. We've filled in gaps that we lost during the summer and strengthened a few positions and the players we've brought in are great signings'".

The Halifax Courier says that "Town will field young trialists Rob Pacey and Kevin Burgess against Sheffield Wednesday at the Shay [on Saturday]. But manager Chris Wilder is hoping to keep the involvement of trialists in pre-season games to a minimum... Burgess is a young centre back at Darlington who has made one substitute appearance for the Quakers' first team. Pacey is also a defender who spent time on loan at Gateshead from Doncaster Rovers last season. And with Adam Quinn, a one-time Hillsborough trainee, the only contracted centre back available tomorrow their inclusion could prove important against the Owls... 'I want to keep the group tight so there will be no revolving door of trialists', said Wilder. 'I don't want to turn it into a circus... I have to offset that with not overplaying the lads we have so it is something of a balancing act'. Town fans will get their first opportunity to see summer signings Daryl Taylor and Rob Scott in action tomorrow and Steve Bushell will make his return to the Shay in a Town shirt after a season away at Altrincham.... 'The plan is to give the four central midfielders 45 minutes and the same with four strikers', he said... Fans will be keen to see who partners who in the half those players are on the field. Will the Town boss link Tom Kearney and Steve Bushell and will Darryn Stamp and Andy Campbell renew their blossoming partnership?"

"Torquay United boss Paul Buckle is likely to step up his interest in defender Simon Travis after fellow transfer target Andy Lindegaard yesterday opted to join Cheltenham Town" claims This is South Devon. Former Yeovil Town right-back Lindegaard has signed a two-year deal at Whaddon Road having turned down an offer to join Buckle's Plainmoor revolution. Talks between United and Travis, a former Gulls youngster who has just left Hereford United, are on-going, though Buckle is sure to be keen to secure the services of the 30-year-old defender... Travis played for United as a teenager during the 1995-96 season, before opting to go to university. But he's since played for Stockport, Telford, Forest Green, Stevenage and Hereford... United have also let trialists Andrew Jones, John Wheeldon, Faley Basse and Christian G'Bale go, but will be keeping hold of Danny Stevens, Danny Wring and Jamal Easter".

Woking report that "Our away Fixture at Grays Athletic originally scheduled for Tuesday 14th August 2007 has now been switched to Wednesday 15th August 2007". This is presumably because Grays are playing on the previous Sunday night in a televised match. Likewise, Aldershot have moved their Tuesday game with Torquay to Wednesday for the same reason.

GAMES OFF

Altrincham already had another friendly arranged on 28 July, away at Marine, so there will still be Alty action to watch on that date. The revised list of friendlies is here.

YOUTH FIXTURE CHANGE

BURY PHOTOS

TICKETS READY

BSCP NEWS

Another poster on the Forum, representing the creditors' views, adds the following about the club's owners, "here are a few [edited] highlights :

These are the factual highlights with no emotive mentions of fan division, falling attendances, business incompetency, intimidation, bribery, mysterious fires, points deducted".

At Torquay Utd "Chief Executive Colin Lee has today announced that the first match of the season, at home against Grays Athletic will be shown live by Setanta Sports on Sunday 12th August with a kick off time still to be confirmed but will probably be 7.00pm or 7.30pm. Torquay United are very pleased to have been chosen as the host for the first BlueSq Premier live Sunday match and it will be chance for a larger audience to see what the new Torquay United is all about. We look forward to welcoming the Grays' players, officials and supporters for the first time... And in order to mark this event we are offering match sponsorship for this game at a discounted rate of £1000 + VAT instead of £1500".

Meanwhile "Grays Athletic manager Justin Edinburgh has snapped up former Rochdale and Boston United midfielder Ernie Cooksey, reports BBC Essex. The 27-year-old started his career with Crawley Town but was relegated with Boston last season. Cooksey has signed a two-year contract with the Bridge Road club".

Oxford United "have offered three trialists contracts for the new season. Boss Smith is hopeful that they will all sign: 'Of the four who reported on the first day we have offered contracts to three of them. Those three are Alex Jeannin, Joel Ledgister and Phil Trainer. Kalou Ngoma is the unfortunate one, and it's not really his fault. I am looking for a left sided midfield player and he is a right sided one. He is a decent player but that's against him. But the other three have all been offered contracts and we are nearly there with the contracts I hope'".

The Cambridge Evening News says that "Phil Bell will be given another chance to persuade Histon to make him their eighth summer signing against Nuneaton Borough on Saturday. The 6ft 4in target man came off the bench to partner goalscorer Antonio Murray up front in the Stutes' 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at the Glass World Stadium on Tuesday night. But the striker, who is on trial from Northern League, Premier Division champions Whitley Bay and has been training with the club since last Tuesday, struggled to make an impact in the match. And Histon boss Steve Fallon will be watching closely when he gives Bell, whose signature would require the Stutes to get out their chequebook, another run-out against their Blue Square Northern opponents at the weekend. He said: 'It was difficult for him, but we've seen enough of him in training and had enough good reports to know there's more to come from him'... Fallon will be without goalkeeper Danny Naisbitt when they take to the field on Saturday after the shot-stopper, signed from Cambridge City, was forced off in the first half against the Baggies with a thigh strain. Naisbitt's misfortune will allow another recent recruit, Mark Osborn, to cement his place between the sticks following an impressive debut which included a late double save".

Frpm the Kidderminster Shuttle we learn that "With training in full swing Kidderminster Harriers' manager Mark Yates has had a chance to run the rule over the trialists... Amongst the players aiming to try and win a place at Harriers is the former, Wolverhampton, Bromsgrove, Willenhall and Wycombe Wanderers striker Matthew Barnes-Homer".

The Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Rushden & Diamonds' chairman Keith Cousins wants an average attendance of 2,500 at Nene Park next season. That figure would match Diamonds' budget to prevent the club from plunging into debt as they bid for a return to the Football League. Last term's home crowds were just above 2,000 following relegation back into the Conference with Diamonds fighting for survival on and off the pitch until Cousins took control. Garry Hill – the fourth manager during the campaign – guided the team to a top-half finish, sparking fresh hope that Diamonds will push for promotion with his new-look squad. Supporters have already shown their backing by edging close to last year's total for season-ticket sales and trust membership... The Diamonds' chairman said: 'We have targeted an average attendance of 2,500 and if we get less then we've got a problem with the budget which was set. I accept that this will depend on what happens on the pitch. We all know that more people will come here if the team are performing well and winning games. This football club has to be run as a business. We can't afford to lose money... We are looking forward to the season with four quality home friendlies coming up against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town, Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur'".

VIEWS ON BURY GAME

Above, L. to R. Warren Peyton, Matthew Berkeley, Colin Little and Robbie Lawton in action against the Shakers.

After Tuesday's defeat to Altrincham, the Shakers' boss Chris Casper told the Bury website "It was the proverbial game of two halves, in the first half we played more or less the lads that we have on contract and for the second half it was mostly trialists. It's just a matter of having a look at people and getting back into the swing of things. The run out was more important to us, the run out and getting through the game with no injuries. We told the lads that before the game, if they were feeling anything or they are in any doubt about anything, to give us a shout. The result means nothing, losing a key player for three months would have been a massive loss for us. I did think that the game was a little bit too early for us, but having the lads come back in the shape that they have come back in, there was no problem with us having a game so early on. Altrincham are a decent team, they are well organised. Both halves were very competitive. We probably shaded the first half and maybe we should have got something towards the end. We have ten trialists at the club at the moment and nine of them played in the second half. They are here for the week and I think it's only fair that they get the chance to show us what they can do. I was pleased with one or two bits and pieces, there are lots of things to work on. We also changed the shape around a little bit.That's what these games are all about... Myself and Keith will sit down and talk about Drewe Broughton. He is somebody with a lot of experience at this level. He only came to us on Monday and he does look pretty fit... If there is a chance of getting him, then we have to sit down and see if it's worth while doing". The Bury website also has a match report on the game at Moss Lane

Bury's goalscorer last night was Ahmed Deen who was with St Albans City and played against us in the away match at Clarence Park last season.

Above. L. to R. Robbie Lawton, Colin Potts and Jake Sedgemore..

SAM has a match report, too. It says that "The Shakers fielded a strong starting line-up at Moss Lane but Alty more than matched them throughout... Graham Heathcote's team included three trialists who have been involved in the first two weeks of summer training. Cavell Coo was solid at left back and Matty Berkeley looked lively up front, while midfielder Chris Baguley showed good touch and vision after coming on at half time... With Bury carrying out a complete overhaul of their team at half time, it was Alty who settled in better at the start of the second half".

And This is Lancashire says that the "Shakers got their pre-season preparations off to a disjointed start with defeat at Conference club Altrincham. Bury manager Chris Casper fielded his strongest side in a goalless first half. But after the restart the League Two side, containing several trialists, went 2-0 down".

SETANTA PREPARE

UNDER-15s NEEDED

BSCP NEWS

The Crawley Observer prints a breathtaking "Statement released by Crawley Town owner Azwar Majeed. As I am sat here preparing this, Steve Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor are preparing the players for our pre-season friendly this Saturday with Milton Keynes Dons. This game, along with our other pre-season fixtures help the squad prepare for the new season which will be my third here at Crawley Town Football Club. We are honoured Mr. Ince has chosen Crawley Town to be his first opponents at his new club and a lot of credit must go to our manager for selling us to him.

Season Ticket holders and all under 16s will gain free entrance to pre-season games and we have been guaranteed by MK Dons, Ipswich Town and Southend United that they will be bringing strong squads to us. What a fantastic chance it is for our local community to see these quality players in action at first-hand. Along with the not to be missed opportunity of catching those sides in action, we are hoping to attract good crowds over the three games, so you can show our new players why we have some of the best supporters in our league.

If you have any friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues or even the milkman who do not normally attend matches here, bring them along this weekend so we can show them what Crawley Town Football Club has to offer. During the summer school holidays, under 16's gain free entrance to ALL games played at the Broadfield Stadium which covers the opening league games as well. This was something we first did two summers ago and proved hugely popular among the young fans in the town and hopefully we will have the same, if not a better response, this year.

I must thank all the supporters that have so far purchased season tickets and the personal support I have received as well. Season ticket sales have gone better than we had hoped and it has brought a huge lift to everyone at the club. It's quite something when someone comes and hands over their money which they have worked hard for to support the club. The level of support we have received from our fan base has been fantastic and inspires us all behind the scenes to make your club successful for you all!

Many of the 2005-06 season ticket holders who didn't renew last season are coming back, and we have also sold a number of season tickets to first-time buyers as well, which is great! ...It has been nice to catch some of the supporters in the ticket office over the last couple of weeks and talk football with some of you as well. It's nice to get back to football! One question that was raised on those occasions away from football was the current situation with the Company Voluntary Agreement. I cannot say too much on the situation, other than we remain committed to the completion of the CVA.

It is disappointing and frustrating at times due to the consistent speculation, but I would like to remind people that I placed my home as a guarantee to ensure the completion of the CVA, so the future of the club is not in danger, and I remain 100% committed to providing future financial support if needed by the club. We will be announcing very soon a new member to our commercial department who joins us with a wealth of experience from their time working in a similar role with a Championship club. Currently we are working hard towards securing a new principal club sponsor for next season and for the years beyond that as well. It is not an easy task to get local or national companies to part with money and that is the difficult task we are faced with ahead of the new season.

A lot of credit should go to our Chairman and Commercial Manager Victor Marley who has done a fantastic job for many years for the club. The last twelve months have been hard for him with the financial difficulties we have faced and gaining support from companies. I ask today, first to our supporters, help promote us to the local businesses in your area. Talk to your boss about your company getting involved with us... To all the companies out there, come to us; please don't wait for us to come to you! Along with support you bring to us, Crawley Town provides a great platform to promote your business.... We will be shown LIVE across to a country wide audience at least twice this season, as well as weekly coverage on a highlights show. We have a number of packages available for all sizes of budgets! ...

Back to the football and I would like to officially welcome back the seven players from last season's squad and the new recruits that the manager has brought to the club over the summer. Purely looking on as a football fan, I am really excited about this season – I have a strong feeling we are going to do really well and surprise a few people. I have been asked many times why I ever wanted to get involved in football. I have lived in Sussex my whole life and to think our county has only ever had one club in the Football League is simply not good enough and quite unbelievable to be honest.

Myself and everyone at this great club of yours will work morning, noon and night to ensure Crawley Town Football Club becomes the second club in the Football League, and one day, maybe the number 1 club in the county of Sussex. I love the challenge of fulfilling that. Come on you Reds".

The BBC reports that "Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough says he hopes veteran goalkeeper Kevin Poole will decide to extend his playing career with the Brewers. Poole, who will be 44 before the new season starts, has been linked with a coaching job elsewhere but played in Tuesday's opening warm-up game. 'We are hoping that he will agree to play for us again next season', Clough told his club's website. 'That is why we are holding on as long as we possibly can'".

"Northwich Victoria defender Richard Battersby has signed a new 12-month deal... Battersby agreed terms with new boss Neil Redfearn to extend his two-year stay with the Vics. The 28-year-old, who began his career with Oldham Athletic, has started 68 games for Northwich since signing from Radcliffe Borough in 2005. Redfearn is still looking for new faces to bolster his squad to go with the four signings he has made so far" according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, "Striker Alex Meechan has joined York City on a free transfer after being released by Chester City at the end of last season. The 27-year-old, who can also play in midfield, is the seventh new signing to join the Minstermen this summer. Meechan made a handful of appearances for Chester after ending a third spell with Forest Green Rovers in January. After starting his career with Swindon Meechan played with Halifax Town, Dagenham and Leigh RMI" says the BBC.

NL Daily reports that "Jim Smith, manager of Oxford United, could make French defender Alex Jeannin his second signing of the summer. Last week, former Airdrie striker Gary Twigg became Smith's first capture, and now he hopes to add the experienced left back to the squad. Jeannin, 29, is without a club, having been released by Hereford United in April after more than fifty appearances... The 6ft defender's introduction to the English game came in the 2000/01 season when Darlington signed him from French club Troyes AC. He later moved to Exeter City, where he spent two seasons, followed by a brief spell at Bristol Rovers before joining Hereford in 2005. Although United are well served by centre backs, with Phil Gilchrist, Chris Willmott, Luke Foster, Matt Day and Barry Quinn on their books, they are short of a specialist left back" says the Oxford Mail.

"Ebbsfleet United's preparations for the new Blue Square Premier League season have received a very timely boost with the news that first-team manager Liam Daish and assistant manager Alan Kimble have both signed new contracts with the Club... for a further year. Ebbsfleet Utd Chairman Jason Botley said: 'We are delighted that both Liam and Alan have committed themselves to the club for the foreseeable future and I look forward to a prosperous season'".

The Burton Mail states that "Nigel Clough could be ready to add Gary Croft and Dave Farrell to his new-look Burton Albion squad. The pair turned out for Albion in last night's Pirelli Stadium friendly against Ipswich Town and did well enough to persuade Clough to pursue his interest. The Brewers' boss told Mail Sport: 'We possibly want to see them play again because it's difficult to assess people after one training session and one game... We're thinking in terms of how we can fit them in squad wise'. Croft, 33, and Farrell, 35, are seeking new clubs after being released by Grimsby Town and Peterborough United respectively. Clough is looking to add at least three more names to his squad, with Boston United midfielder Mark Greaves also a target".

The Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Leo Fortune-West has rejoined Rushden & Diamonds for pre-season training – despite being told to find another club. The 36-year-old striker only made six first-team appearances at the start of last season before joining Coca-Cola League Two play-off finalists Shrewsbury Town on loan. But he still has one year left on his Nene Park contract and Diamonds boss Garry Hill confirmed yesterday that Fortune-West is now on the transfer list along with Paul Watson, Glenn Wilson and Marcus Kelly. Hill said: 'Fortune-West has been made aware by myself and the chairman (Keith Cousins) that he is free to go. However nobody has come in for him at all. So it's purely a case of him coming back here for pre-season and getting on with his job'. Wilson held talks yesterday over a potential move to another Blue Square Conference Premier club while Jon Ashton – who was also put on the transfer list at the end of the season – has already joined Grays Athletic. Kelly is likely to be sidelined until September following summer surgery to repair his dislocated shoulder'... Midfielder Tom Shaw – who fractured two metatarsals in April – has returned to training in his attempt to push Curtis Woodhouse, Jon Challinor and Martin Foster for a starting role... Jake Beecroft, Alex Bolt, Lawrence Lambley and Martyn Margarson have joined the senior squad".

From This is Staffs we read that "Former Crewe striker Pavol Suhaj has linked up with Stafford Rangers.The giant Slovakian (26)... has moved onto Marston Road... While he admits he would be happy to sign a short-term deal with the Conference outfit, he hankers after League football and is waiting for Rochdale and Macclesfield to firm up their interest in him. Suhaj snubbed moves to an Austrian Second Division side and teams in the Eircom League of Ireland as he is determined he wants to stay in English football. Crewe's backroom staff have put his name forward to Macc's new boss Ian Brightwell, while the forward believes he could yet trigger interest from Championship Blackpool... [He said] 'I am very hopeful I can find a club in England. I have joined in pre-season training with Stafford at the moment, which has been a great help for me. If I don't get a League club maybe I could go there for some time, but the main thing is that I need to be playing football on a regular basis in this country'. Suhaj made just eight appearances for Crewe in two years following his £90,000-plus move from AS Trencin in his homeland".

At Torquay, "Boss Paul Buckle is waiting for answers on offers he's made to both ex-Yeovil stalwart Andy Lindegaard and former Torquay United starlet Simon Travis - but he won't be signing both players" according to This is South Devon. "Buckle made it clear that he will draw the line under his defensive signings when either Lindegaard or Travis, both right-backs, agrees to move to Plainmoor. Buckle has already got former Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Paul Hinshelwood under contract... Lindegaard, 26, who was a fixture at Huish Park until being surprisingly released at the end of last season, may be holding out for a higher level of football. And Travis, 30, who has just left Hereford United, has been talking the move over with his wife. Travis played for United as a teenager during the 1995-96 season, before opting to go to university. But he's since played for Stockport, Telford, Forest Green, Stevenage and Hereford".

MEANWHILE, UP THE ROAD

ALTY 2 BURY XI 1

Above: A break in proceedings as (l. to r.) Warren Peyton, Karl Munroe, Darren Tinson, Robbie Lawton, Colin Little, Chris Baguley, Rod Thornley and Jake Sedgemore take a breather.

Altrincham beat a Bury XI on Tuesday night 2-1, at Moss Lane, with goals in the second half from Colin Little and Joe O'Neill putting them 2-0 up. The Shakers pulled one back 11 minutes from the end. Bury fielded a strong side in the first half before making eleven changes at the break. Captained by Dave Challinor, Bury included recent acquisitions Ben Futcher, Steve Haslam and Paul Morgan in their line-up. Alty gave first starts to Darren Tinson, Jake Sedgemore and Chris Lane, whilst trialists Colin Potts, Cavell Coo (ex-Crewe), Matthew Berkeley (ex-Gretna) and Chris Baguley (Jamie's brother) also featured.

Match report here..

GETTING READY

BRYAN'S WIN

Above: "Flagger" Bryan Ford receives his £100 cheque from Gary Scott as the latest winner of the Friends of Altrincham FC monthly draw.

BSCP NEWS

"Striker Dan Chillingworth has secured a return to Cambridge United. He has signed a 12-month deal after talks over a new contract initially broke down at the end of last season. The 25-year-old had returned to Cambridge for a second spell from rivals Rushden and Diamonds in January. 'If he can focus on being a little more selfish at times I'm sure he'll get the goals for us', boss Jimmy Quinn told Cambridge's website".

And yet another signing at a club apparently without the money to pay its long-suffering debtors. Crawley Town who "have signed young Rushden player Glenn Wilson... Wilson, 21, was a former youth player at Crystal Palace and played in a number of positions for Diamonds last season. He was a key figure in the starting Diamonds' team that went on such a great run of form midway through the campaign. The youngster also had a short, but successful loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers towards the end of last season and was impressive as the Harriers produced some outstanding results. Crawley Town boss Steve Evans added: 'Glenn was excellent in each of the five matches I watched him take part in last season.... He can play in a number of positions and provides me with several options now he has become a part of the squad. He is young and hungry like the other players we have brought to Crawley Town... Over the next few weeks we will add some ingredients that will hopefully provide us with a balance through-out the squad and in-turn reward us with a good season'".

BAGULEY v BURY

BURY BRING NEW PLAYERS - AND KIT

The Bury website says that the Shakers are likely to include new signings Ben Futcher, Paul Morgan and Steve Haslam in their side and will play in their new chocolate away kit. Haslam is the former Halifax Town and Sheffield Wednesday right-back. The 6ft 7inch Futcher joined the Shakers recently from Peterborough United, whilst Paul Morgan is another defender, signed from Lincoln City. Jim Provett, who arrived this week from Hartlepool is likely to start in goal but manager Chris Casper is expected to change all eleven players at half-time. Trialists and youth players will join the first-teamers in the squad. For Alty, Joe O Neill, Warren Peyton, Colin Little and Jake Sedgemore are all players with Bury connections. In addition to the match report on this site, a match report, photos and video reaction will appear on the Bury site after the game.

GOOD LUCK GARY

STAR MOVES

BSCP NEWS

Right: Cavell Coo, who played for Altrincham in Saturday's game against Gregorians. Cavell is a trialist, who was formerly at Crewe Alexandra.

Referring to Clayton Donaldson we read that "York City... were forced into letting the prolific 22-year-old striker go after he signed a pre-contract agreement with Hibernian in January... It's the second successive season that York have lost their top scorer. In May 2006, the club saw 23-goal Andy Bishop join League Two outfit Bury on a free transfer...McEwan said 'The last two years we have lost our top scorers during the summer. Last time we coped and I firmly believe we will again. Players like Donaldson only come around once in a blue moon. He was a young player who came from Hull and had lost his way a little bit. We picked him up for nothing and he went on to show his qualities. He's going to be a hard one to replace but I think my track record shows that I have got a decent record of producing and developing young players... We had a fantastic season last year', he said. 'The average age of the squad was 23 and we were unlucky at the end of the day not to reach the play-off final – due in part to some bad decisions from the referee. I forgot about the defeat the next day – it was gone for me. I have not even looked at the tape and I was back at work the day after. As far as I'm concerned, it's in the history books. Who knows what we are going to do next season? We will be trying to emulate what we achieved last season but it's a big ask'. With 10 players being released over the summer, McEwan has had to give his squad a facelift for the third straight year, but he has already brought in new faces. The 56-year-old has already increased his firepower up front by signing Chris Beardsley, Onome Sodje and Paul Brayson. Midfielder Stuart Elliott and left-back Paul Robinson are the other players who have agreed terms" states the Yorkshire Evening Post

From This is Glos comes news that "Jim Harvey will sign a new contract as Forest Green manager tonight - but not the six-year deal mooted at the end of last season. Fans have been invited to an open evening at the New Lawn, when Harvey will publicly commit his future to beyond the end of the forthcoming campaign. Back in March, chairman Colin Gardner attempted to ward off potential suitors for the popular 49-year-old Ulsterman, insisting a five-year extension to his current deal - which expires in June 2008 - would be on the table this summer. However, Harvey is instead expected to put pen to paper on a more flexible rolling contract. Gardner said: 'All will be revealed, but everyone knows Jim would be staying at Forest Green for the next 10 years if I had my way'. Midfielder Jamie Pitman will be formally sworn in as Harvey's assistant this evening, having taken on the player-coaching role vacated by Paul Wanless".

The Halifax Courier says that "Halifax Town general manager Angie Firth has moved to reassure fans concerned by the lack of news about the proposed takeover of the club. It had been expected that the club would have been handed over to a consortium of West Yorkshire businessmen at the start of July. And there have been rumblings among supporters more than a week after the deadline set for the repayment of the final part of a loan made by the potential new owners to former chairman Geoff Ralph. The club's official line is that the loan is a private matter between the businessmen and Ralph who needed the cash to keep the club afloat last season. He has already paid back a six-figure sum but the consortium is awaiting the repayment of a smaller amount before the deal to take over the club can be finalised. 'It is currently understood there is no cause for concern regarding the positive progress of the transaction', said Firth in a statement issued by the club. 'Whilst a remaining payment is currently still outstanding, that in itself is not hindering the progress of the transaction. It does however need resolving sooner rather than later... Progress in the ongoing existence of the club, signing of players, an excellent series of pre-season matches, a brief tour to Scotland, launch of match prices and season tickets, forthcoming interviews for a full-time sales and marketing executive, are all positive signs... You can be assured real progress is quietly being made in the running of the club'".

As its local club faces their first season in the national division, the Salisbury Journal says that "Salisbury City striker Matt Tubbs is to have an operation later this week after suffering an injury to his knee on his return to first team training. Manager Nick Holmes said: 'Hopefully Matt will be back as quick as possible. He's got a bit of a tendon problem too so we're looking at about four weeks. With a bit of luck he'll be right for the start of the season'".

This is Weymouth says that "Weymouth boss Jason Tindall has confirmed that former Arsenal and Watford midfielder Paolo Vernazza will put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the Wessex Stadium. The 27-year-old, pictured below, trained with the Terras last week and Tindall... said: 'Paolo should be signing with us before we fly out to Croatia from Gatwick later this afternoon. I have known him for a number of years and he has turned down several other offers, some from League clubs, to come down here. He came down here for a couple of days last Thursday and Friday and he liked what he saw. He immediately got on with the rest of the lads and he likes the way that we are trying to play football. The fact that we have captured someone of Paolo's experience and ability just proves that we are going in the right direction. Over the last couple of seasons he has been at clubs that have not been right for him and have not played the style of football that suits him but I am sure he will thrive with us and be a great signing'... Vernazza began his career as a trainee at Arsenal where he made 12 first-team appearances... While with the Gunners he enjoyed loan spells at Ipswich Town and Portsmouth before Watford signed him for £350,000 in December 2000. The Islington-born playmaker made 107 outings for the Hornets but left in 2004 for Rotherham United where he went out on loan to Barnet. A move to Dagenham & Redbridge followed that last December but he only made 10 outings for the Conference National champions, six of which came from the bench".

Speaking yesterday, Cambridge United "chairman Lee Power described the result of today's transfer tribunal for Robbie Simpson as 'disgraceful'", according to the club NL Daily states that "Ronnie Wilson, manager of Combined Counties League club Camberley Town, is looking to raise the profile of his club after taking over the hot-seat back in February... Former Welsh international Darren Barnard has joined the club as director of football and will also be appearing for the first-team. Barnard made twenty-four appearances for Wales and also over 400 League appearances with Chelsea, Reading, Bristol City, Barnsley and Grimsby Town, scoring fifty-nine times. For the past three seasons he has appeared for Aldershot Town in the Conference National. Also joining the club is former QPR, West Ham and Fulham defender Rufus Brevett, who joins the coaching staff after retiring from playing at Oxford United at the end of last season".

RAISING THE PROFILE

Geoff Goodwin also told the NL Paper that "I once said to Graham Heathcote that we should get one of the millionaires that live near the club to come in. He said we shouldn't because what they'd do is bring in loads of players on big contracts and then, if they leave with all their money, we'd be stuck with all their contracts. He said that you've got to be self-sufficient and that's what I want to do. I want to keep getting the club known... This game will probably win us a few more supporters. We've got to keep building it up... There are people in football who will help you but they will only help you if you are helping yourself. I can't see them helping us if we'd put ourselves half a million in debt".

Elsewhere in the same paper, it is Geoff's son, Jay (aged 10) who is making the headlines. Jay "is already making a name for himself in the karting scene", the same route which Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton took to stardom. Despite Jay crashing over the weekend, Geoff is encouraged by the words of John Davis, the man who prepared Lewis Hamilton's karting engines. Davis "reckons my son is going to be good" said Geoff. And "Already fans are asking Jay to sign pictures, no doubt eyeing an eBay auction for ten years' time" says the NLP.

ANOTHER GAME

Meanwhile, former Alty centre-back Gary Talbot is reported on the Leek Town Forum to be training with the Staffordshire side, but before signing, Gary is keen to prove his fitness after an injury affected season in 2006-07.

YOUTH TEAM WIN

Former Man. Utd youngster Dominic Lilley competes for possession in Sunday's Altrincham FC youth team match against Ashton Town.

In Sunday's youth-team friendly at BTH, Altrincham beat Ashton Town Youth 2-1 in a well-contested match. Report and more pictures in the Youth section..

BSCP NEWS

There are some contenders for quotes of the year in the following from The Argus, which reports that "Steve Evans says the job as Crawley manager is better than he expected... He said: 'I have found it refreshing. There are a lot of people behind the scenes who are very dedicated and the supporters I have met so far have been fantastic. It is everything I thought it was going to be, in fact to be perfectly honest it is probably better. There is a buzz and excitement back in the town, which I have been told by people at the club has not been around for a while. We have played a role in that by bringing in quality players and I'm pleased that people see what we are doing and like it. We've seen big increases in season ticket sells, so the club tells me, and people want to get involved with us on the commercial side. There seems to have been a real coming together of everyone around the club. I think people see the likes of Morecambe get promoted to the Football League and see that Crawley can do it as well. With nothing but Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace within 20 miles and the size of the town, it is crying out to get there'... Owner Azwar Majeed is set to have his flat sold off to raise the cash and until that happens, the future of the club remains uncertain. But compared with what he had to work with at Boston, Evans has been impressed with the financial side of the club. He said: 'It is refreshing coming from the situation I have come from regarding the CVA. The Majeed family have come under criticism but all the players I have spoken to have nothing but admiration because there has never been a problem regarding their wages. I came from a situation where players were not paid for four or five months but that has not been an issue here... I'm delighted with the players we have got and because we have managed to work hard to get the best value and there is still some of the budget left over to look for new players".

Droylsden boss Dave Pace told the NL Paper, "Everything I go into, I want to win. If I play darts against my daughter, I want to win... If we go into this league and try to consolidate then we'll be flat on our faces and get relegated at the first attempt".

NL Daily says that "David Bridges became Mark Cooper's latest signing when he agreed terms to ply his trade with Kettering Town next season. Bridges, a 24-year-old England National Game international midfielder previously with Histon, joins from Cambridge United where he started seventy league games, scoring a dozen goals."

"Goalkeeper Dean Coleman has become Kidderminster Harriers' fourth signing of the summer. The former Walsall custodian has agreed a one-year deal to be Scott Bevan's understudy and joins fellow new boys Justin Richards, Andy Ferrell and Paul Bignot at Aggborough. After coming through the ranks at Walsall, Coleman first signed professional terms back in 2003. He made a name for himself on his first-team debut by saving a penalty with his first touch as a sub against Blackpool before stopping another spot-kick later in the game. The 21-year-old left the Bescot in May 2006 and has since had stints with Bromsgrove Rovers and most recently last season at Willenhall Town" reports the Worcester News.

The annual Non-League Club Directory is reportedly due for publication on September 15th, 2007.

STOP THE VANDALS

COMING UP

Then, next Tuesday, Altrincham's first team squad meet a Bury XI at Moss Lane, with a 7.30pm kick off.

GREGORIANS GAME

Right: At Platt Lane on Saturday Alty boss Graham Heathcote was giving instructions to his team on the pitch as Droylsden boss Dave Pace (background, right) walked past with his team, who had just completed a training session at the same venue. The Bloods' owner and manager had a good look at the Alty game as he walked to the car park.

A match report, information on players and more pictures of Altrincham's friendly game on Saturday against Gregorians are to be found here.

OLD BOY

BSCP NEWS

The BBC says that "Midfielder Philip Turnbull has completed his move to York following his release from Hartlepool at the end of last season. The 20-year-old was part of Pools youth team squad before forcing his way into the reserves. He made one appearance for Hartlepool's first-team".

DRAW AT PLATT LANE

Above: Alty Youth and Reserves' graduate Astley Mulholland in action at Platt Lane.

In Saturday's game at Manchester City's Platt Lane training complex, an Altrincham XI drew 2-2 with Gregorians FC. Pat McFadden was the sole first-teamer in the Alty XI which otherwise comprised a number of last season's Reserves, trialists and youth team prospects. Alty fell behind early on but levelled after 58 minutes with a well-taken goal from Scott Metcalfe, who was with Alty Reserves last season. Alty went ahead from Adam Walker's corner before Gregorians equalised with the last kick of the game. Match report and pictures here..

ALTRINCHAM FC XI: 1. Ben RIGBY, 2. John MALONEY, 3. Cavell COO, 4. Tom COSGRAVE, 5. James MARSDEN, 6. Astley MULHOLLAND, 7. Rick CHETCUTI, 8. Pat McFADDEN (capt), 9. Scott METCALFE, 10. Matthew BERKELEY, 11. Adam WALKER. Subs: 12. Reza ZAREH-OURANG.

OLD BOY

BSCP NEWS

From the Cambridge Evening News comes news that "Steve Fallon is casting his eye over a forward from Whitley Bay as Histon's first pre-season test with West Bromwich Albion looms. The Stutes' boss watched the unnamed front man in training this week... He said: 'We've got a lad down from Whitley Bay, who has been highly recommended to me. He's looked good in training, so we'll see how it develops. We'll have a look at him next week as well, and he'll play a part in either the West Brom or the Nuneaton game'".

The Northwich Guardian says that "Vics have lost their second defender in the space of 24 hours after Kieran Charnock switched to Peterborough United... for an undisclosed fee. The Guardian understands the figure to be around £50,000. Posh agreed a fee with Vics' chairman Mike Connett on Monday, after which Charnock flew to their training camp in Marbella to discuss personal terms. 'I had just come back off holiday when Northwich told me an offer had come in', Charnock told Peterborough's official website. 'So I flew to Spain and now I'm delighted to have signed'. The former Wigan Athletic trainee made 175 appearances for Vics since 2003, taking over as captain last term when Stuart Elliott was injured. He asked for a transfer in June but Connett said he would keep his prize asset unless a club came up with the right offer... Charnock's departure comes less than a day after Mark Roberts moved to Accrington Stanley, leaving Northwich manager Neil Redfearn without any recognised central defenders. The FA could be called in to set a fee for that transfer. Posh's rivals wanted to sign Charnock too, but could not match Connett's asking price".

ALTY'S FRIENDLY DISCOUNT

The above leaflet is appearing this week in the Sale & Altrincham Messenger and is also being distributed to local schools and in the Altrincham Leisure Centre. Anyone bringing it (in its original form) to Moss Lane can get £1 off one of the pre-season friendlies being held at the ground.

Alty season ticket holders get free access to the pre-season friendlies at Moss Lane, but due to the late change in the club's status, the printing of the season tickets has been delayed. Accordingly, all those who have bought 2007-08 season ticket tickets are asked to present themselves at their normal turnstile entrance and give their name to the operators who will check them off against a list of subscribers. Otherwise, admission is £5 for adults and £2 for concessionaries.

On 28 July, Alty have an away pre-season friendly at Marine where admission prices have ben announced as £5 for adults and £2 for concessionaries. And "Peter Cumiskey will still be a Marine player next season, according to chairman Paul Leary. Cumiskey, who was Marine’s leading goalscorer last season, has allegedly been targeted by Southport boss Peter Davenport... But Leary is adamant that the 32-year-old centre forward and winner of numerous end of year player awards will not be leaving the club. He said: 'He is under contract for another year so he is not available for transfer'. Boss Alvin McDonald, who returned from holiday at the weekend, added ... 'Southport wouldn’t pay the sort of fee that we want for Peter so it’s a non-starter. He’s an integral part of the squad and he won’t be leaving'. Meanwhile McDonald and the rest of his squad returned to pre-season training at Chesterfield High School on Tuesday night. Only centre back James Dever missed the session, which included seven trialists, while players like [ex-Alty defender] Adam Farley, Phil Brazier and Ian Latham all took full part after an injury hit season last term".

POTTSY TO RETURN?

GOAL AND CLEAN SHEET SPONSORSHIP

Jon and Winnie Stack, on behalf of Altrincham Football Club"

BSCP NEWS

The BBC reports that "Exeter City utility man Dean Moxey has agreed a new contract to stay at St James's Park. Moxey had stalled on an agreement after initially being offered fresh terms back in February. But the 21-year-old has now signed up for a further 12 months and is expected to compete for the left-back spot left by Billy Jones's move to Crewe".

"Peterborough United have signed defender Kieran Charnock on a three-year deal from Northwich Victoria, for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old centre-back requested a move from the Vics in search of League football next season. 'I'm delighted to have signed', he told the club's website. Charnock, who was Northwich's current longest serving player, started over a 100 Conference games for the club since signing from Wigan Athletic".

"Rushden & Diamonds have agreed to secure the services of defender Curtis Osano from Premier League side Reading. The 20-year-old has joined on a work experience loan basis. Osano, who has played for Reading twice as a substitute, has had previous spells with Aldershot and Woking. Manager Garry Hill told Rushden's website: 'Curtis adds an important defensive element to my squad, especially down the right-hand side'".

"Aldershot have completed the permanent transfer of defender Anthony Charles, who had been on loan at the club from Barnet since February. The 26-year-old made 13 appearances for Aldershot in the last campaign and established himself as a firm favourite with the Recreation Ground faithful. Charles also played for the Shots between July 2002 and October 2003".

At Woking "Following Mr Shatwell's letter in the Woking News & Mail last week, this week Woking FC Chairman, Chris Ingram responds: "Having read Mr Shatwell’s letter, ‘Don’t ignore the residents’, I think some clarification is necessary.

1. I am not ‘blackmailing’ the council or anyone else and I find this accusation highly objectionable. I rescued the club when it was in dire financial straits more than five years ago. Three years ago, I gave notice that in 2007, I would cease to support the club financially and warned of the implications. (I thought giving three-year’s notice was ‘helpful’, not ‘blackmail’.)
2. Because we have fallen behind schedule, we are only now able to submit a plan. The possibility was to have a big new stand, crammed full of facilities but be playing in the Ryman League! So, rather than stop the cash outflow last month, I decided to put money into the club for one last year.
3. Ever since I became involved I have said my main aim was to make the club financially viable without relying on a ‘benefactor’, as that was much healthier for the club and the community. (Mr Shatwell can search as much as he likes, but that is my ‘ulterior motive’.)
4. I certainly don’t intend to ignore the residents — far from it. When we have something to show, then we will show it
5. Our Woking Football In The Community Scheme does a lot for Woking, way beyond our matchday fan base.

And those people we help, without shouting about it, include, of course, local residents as well as those throughout the community. Chris Ingram, Chairman, Woking FC"

Mr Shatwell's letter to the Woking News & Mail had said that "I, on behalf of the residents, have written and hand-delivered four letters to the football club asking for details of his proposals and asking to be involved in the consultation process. Mr Ingram has not had the courtesy to reply to any of these letters. He ignores the residents at his peril. Whilst most residents would be happy to see the football club progress into the Nationwide League it will not be done to the detriment of the residents, and we would not care if the club sank so low that it was relegated to the Surrey Pub League".

The Histon Football Club forum announces a parking policy. "We have had to reduce the number of spaces available within the stadium car park. On match days the car park at the Glassworld Stadium is a closed / supervised area, this means that there is NO PARKING other than for designated vehicles and authorised disabled persons... Any disabled driver arriving at the stadium on a match day that has failed to register their request for parking will be refused entry to the car park... Car parking at the ground on match days will be until 1hour prior to kick off. Persons arriving after this will need to find alternative parking (other than Directors who will be escorted to their space at walking pace behind a steward). This will ensure the safety of pedestrian spectators. Exit from the car park will not be until 30mins after the final whistle to ensure the safety of pedestrian spectators... No visiting supporters' coaches will be allowed to off load their passengers at the ground, all supporters coaches must off load at the Railway Vue, and the coach will then park in either Villa Rd lay-by or at the junction of Cambridge Rd / Bridge Rd. Post match all coach travelling supporters will return to the Railway Vue to be collected by their Coach". The Railway Vue pub is apparently a five-minute walk from the stadium and will serve as the away fans' pub since visitors are not admitted to the club bar". It seems to be a Cambridgeshire custom to welcome away supporters by making them walk some distance to the ground, as those who have trekked across the cows in a field to Cambridge United's Abbey Stadium from the drop-off point will know.

NL Daily reports that "Liam Daish, manager of Ebbsfleet United, is poised to unveil Raphael Nade as his new striker next week. Frenchman Nade... spent last season at Weymouth. Daish said: 'He is out of the country on family business at the moment, but we've agreed everything and have sent off his registration. The only thing we don't have yet is his signature on the contract, but I don't foresee any problems and I expect him to sign on Monday when he returns'. Daish is also hopeful of landing a second forward soon following the earlier departures of Charlie MacDonald and Onome Sodje. He added: ''I'm after someone who can play up front and out wide as well. I know who I've got in mind but I don't want to say any more at the moment'. Daish received a boost earlier this week when midfielder Mark De Bolla put pen-to-paper on a new one-year contract at Stonebridge Road after earlier appearing to indicate he wished to quit the club... The Fleet squad returned for pre-season training this week and the manager was suitably impressed by the work put in. He added: 'We took them for a run in the forest'", says This is Local London.

From the Burton Mail we learn that "Mark Greaves could become Burton Albion's new midfield enforcer if they can secure his services from Boston United. Greaves, 32, has moved to the top of manager Nigel Clough's summer shopping list after signalling his intention to quit the troubled Lincolnshire club. The former Hull City player is renowned as a no-nonsense defender... The Brewers boss told Mail Sport: 'Mark can play right back or centre half, but we see him as a direct replacement in midfield for Paul Carden because he is such a combative player'... Clough hopes to complete his signing next week - with a little help from striker Daryl Clare. The Brewers' boss said: 'Mark and Daryl used to be team-mates at Boston and they still have a round of golf together. The fact that Daryl lives out that way means they'll be able to travel in (to Burton) together, which we hope will be a plus point'.... Greaves was recently crowned as Boston's player of the year".

This is Exeter confirms that "Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has seen his playing budget for next season rise by more than 10%, Echo Sport can reveal. The Grecians have pocketed £105,000 in transfer fees from the sales of Billy Jones, Lee Phillips, Danny Woodards and Chris Todd this year. And given that those four players were among the highest earners at the club, it means there is extra cash available for squad strengthening. City officials have pledged that money generated by the sale of players will be ploughed back into the playing budget".

The Thurrock Gazette says that "The £2million transfer of Freddy Eastwood from Southend to Wolves looks likely to provoke a legal battle between Grays Athletic and their Division One Essex neighbours. Striker Eastwood joined Southend from Grays and the Thurrock club's chairman Mick Woodward has always insisted his club are entitled to a sell-on fee if Eastwood left Roots Hall. However, his claims that the two clubs have a gentleman's agreement' has been laughed off by Southend supremo Ron Martin. Woodward insists he is right and has repeatedly stated that the deal was struck with a handshake in front of witnesses. Last year he told a Grays supporters forum that he was determined to fight the case... pledging to take the case to 'the highest court in the land'. Woodward said: 'There was a handshake, a verbal gentleman's agreement between myself and Ron Martin in front of two witnesses. I'm not a greedy man or asking for anything that I am not entitled to'... The Grays chairman has spent the day discussing his options with his lawyers in Chelmsford".

"Weymouth FC have announced that their first-team squad will be flying off to Croatia on Monday to take on Hajduk Split as part of a pre-season tour" says This is Weymouth. The Terras will stay in a complex in Split and use the Eastern European side's facilities for four days... The Wessex Stadium outfit's owner Mel Bush set up the trip after making contact with Croatia's national coach and former West Ham United player Slaven Bilic. Terras' commercial officer Ken Wilde told Echosport: "'This a great coup for the club. To play friendlies against that type of opposition who have played at the highest level in European competitions is fantastic... Mel Bush is not only looking to put the club in a forward footing here but he also wants to raise its profile in other countries'".

ALTY 'BIGGER AND STRONGER'

BSCP NEWS

The BBC reports that "Boss Nigel Clough says Burton Albion's opening league game at newly-promoted Histon is not the start he wanted.... 'It's not ideal to be away on the first day of the season to a newly-promoted team', he told the Burton Mail. 'We would prefer to meet them a bit later in the season when we know a bit more of what they are about. I remember when we first came into the Conference what a big day it was for the club and our supporters'" .

"Aldershot striker John Grant is to have a groin operation, but is only likely to be sidelined for 10 days. The 25-year-old was the Shots' leading scorer last season, with 20 goals from 46 league and FA Cup appearances. 'It's something that has been troubling John for a few weeks', Shots' manager Gary Waddock explained. 'As there has been no improvement we have decided to act now so that he is back in plenty of time for the start of the season'. Grant signed a new two-year contract in April" according to the BBC.

"Danny Brown has been appointed as Cambridge United's new captain, signing a one-year contract extension in the process. The midfielder is set to remain at the club until June 2009... 'He's a big part of my plans for the next couple of seasons', manager Jimmy Quinn told the club's website. Brown was released by Crawley Town due to financial reasons and became Quinn's first permanent signing in November 2006. 'He's brilliant in the dressing room and a good character, and he has all the hallmarks of what we're looking for to take the club forward. I'm absolutely delighted that he's decided to sign for another year and it's good news for everyone. He doesn't like losing and he doesn't suffer fools, and if players aren't up to standard he's the first one that's onto them. Good captains help their manager do their job', added Quinn" according to the Football Conference.

"Forest Green Rovers are to reintroduce a reserve team to play in the Football League Combination Wales and West division. In a statement published on the club's website, Executive Director John Clapp said: 'This initiative is a major step in the club's development and is seen as an essential link between our expanding youth set up and first team football at Blue Square Premier level. It is a major undertaking, which will involve a lot of extra work for a number of people in the club but will also offer outstanding opportunities, especially for younger players. Very importantly, it has the full support and involvement of Jim Harvey, who will take overall responsibility for the reserve team. Jim Harvey added: 'I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop young players so that they can challenge for a place in our first team squad. It is very difficult for me to assess youngsters playing County League or South-West Counties football and for them to make the move up to the Blue Square Premier and first team level. A reserve team playing regularly against the level of opposition the Football Combination offers an ideal opportunity for players to develop the extra strength and experience they will need to make that next step'" reports the Football Conference.

Aldershot Town "Goalkeeper Nikki Bull has confirmed that he will be committed to the club for the coming season... The popular 25 year old shot stopper who has made 226 appearances since arriving in the summer of 2002 said, 'There has been a lot of speculation and rumours over the past few weeks and I thought that it was the right time to put all that to an end... I have a year left on my contract and I am here to stay. At the end of last season my advisor spoke to several interested clubs but the valuation of the club was higher than what people were prepared to pay. Although disappointed with that I accept that I signed a contract for Aldershot Town and they are entitled to ask what they believe my value to be. I have spent five years building up the relationship with the supporters, Chairmen and Directors and I don't want to break those relationships by handing out transfer requests and making things difficult. I am here to stay and I am looking forward to it. To be honest if Gary Waddock hadn't been the manager here I think that I may have moved on. Gary and the Chairman have stated quite categorically that they didn't want me to leave the football club and that is quite overwhelming for me... and whilst my ambition is to be playing at a higher level I still want to be able to achieve things here still Aldershot Town... The foundations are in place but they were last season when we threw away points. It should be an exciting season but we need to deliver every week and not just once a month or so... I know at times my body language wasn't the best and I know people have picked up on that but it's because I care'".

Crawley Town "are pleased to announce a new sponsorship deal with Cannons Health & Fitness. Cannons, located in Crabbet Park, Worth, Crawley, have agreed to become the sponsor of the Crawley Town fitness programme for the coming season 2007/08. Crawley Town’s first team squad will have regular use of Cannons’ excellent facilities, including their swimming pool, exercise studios, and extensive gym, throughout the coming season. The players will also have the added benefit of the professional advice of the club’s Fitness Team. Cannons, who have recently undergone a £600,000 refurbishment, are pleased that this gives Crawley Town players the use of valuable state of the art training equipment, which will hopefully assist the team in this season’s Conference campaign".

Ebbsfleet United "has agreed a new one-year deal with midfield player Mark De Bolla. Mark was a key member of last season’s squad and is renowned for his ability at dead-ball situations. Manager Liam Daish said: 'I am pleased to have secured the services of Mark for another season; he gives us different options in midfield with his excellent vision and striking of the ball, he is always liable to come up with a goal or two'"..

"Prolific young striker Chris Davis has signed for Forest Green Rovers after bagging 40 goals last season for Rovers' near-neighbours Shortwood United (Hellenic League Premier). 21 year-old Chris is in his last year at Loughborough University studying for a BSc in Sports Science & Exercise and to ensure he keeps his feet on the ground, to get through those vital exams, he has signed on non contract terms at this time, thus allowing him to be free to complete his studies. The club believe Chris has a bright future, like the fellow student whom he partnered briefly as their paths crossed, exchanging passes as co-strikers for the University 1st team at Loughborough. That fellow student was Robbie Simpson, the scoring sensation last season at Cambridge United and who has now been snapped up by Championship club Coventry City, with the FA due to set a fee for his transfer at a tribunal next Monday".

Rushden & Diamonds "have reached an agreement with Portsmouth Football Club for youngsters Paris Cowan-Hall and Callum Reynolds. The pair have both signed for Portsmouth after the Premiership outfit agreed to pay an undisclosed fee as compensation".

The Salisbury Journal confirms that "City striker Matt Tubbs is to see a specialist today after suffering a knee injury. Tubbs was forced to sit out the remainder of Friday evening's training session after experiencing some discomfort whilst jogging to Hudson's Field en route to the session with his team mates. The striker, who was the first of City's promotion-winning team to be invited to turn pro earlier this summer, recently won his first international cap for the England National Game XI". Also, "Salisbury City striker Marvin Brown is the latest player to be invited to turn pro with the Old Sarum club. Bristol-based Brown, who joined the Whites from Weston-super-Mare in March, closed the campaign with 16 goals. Player-coach Tommy Widdrington said: 'Marvin is one of the players we think would benefit from being with us full time'... Brown is the fifth member of the promotion winning side to turn pro, joining Matt Tubbs, Robbie Matthews, Mike Fowler and Ryan Clarke plus new signings Liam Feeney, James Bittner and Darrell Clarke".

Weymouth confirm that "Trevor Challis and Narada Bernard [have] put pen to paper and signed terms for the Terras".

BSC NORTH

JAKE JOINS

Alty boss Graham Heathcote is delighted with the new signing, the club's third this summer of a player with substantial Conference experience, after Darren Tinson and Chris Lane. Jake is self-employed in an architect's business and is based in Wolverhampton. In his first training session last night he was one of the fittest players in the squad, according to the manager. Further signings are expected before the start of the season.

SATURDAY

LANE ON RIGHT ROAD

BSCP NEWS

The Football Conference reports that "Newcomers Salisbury City have strengthened their ranks with the signing of Hartlepool midfielder Darrell Clarke. The 29-year-old is the club's third new signing of the summer following the arrivals of Woking goalkeeper James Bittner and Hayes midfielder Liam Feeney. Clarke started his career with Mansfield before making the move to Victoria Park but a new manager meant his opportunities became limited leading to loan spells at Stockport, Port Vale and Rochdale. City boss Nick Holmes revealed Tommy Widdrington's influence was again a big factor in bringing Clarke to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. 'Tommy knows him well and he's also played in the same team as Jon Bass', Holmes told the Salisbury Journal. Meanwhile Matt Tubbs, Robbie Matthews, Mike Fowler and Ryan Clarke have all signed full-time contracts with the club".

"Forest Green Rovers confirm that as their players reported back to training, manager Jim Harvey has added his second and third summer signings. Joining Rovers on an initial one year contract are a brace of 20-year-olds. Signing from Tranmere Rovers is defender Olly James and from Harvey's old club Morecambe, is midfielder Jonathan Smith. They have chosen squad numbers of 24 and 20 respectively. These now take the full time squad to 18 and Harvey will be seeking to add two non contracted players over the next few days and will be hopeful that he can complete his squad with two more full time professionals to cover the left of defence and a goalkeeper. On the goalkeeping side of the club, Ryan Robinson has extended his contract to the end of the 2008/09 season and following his recent marriage has now relocated to live in Gloucestershire" says the Football Conference.

The Aldershot News & Mail says that "Aldershot manager Gary Waddock has admitted he is delighted with the way his squad is shaping up for the new season — and revealed that more new faces are expected to arrive imminently. The former QPR boss made his first forays into the transfer market last week to land Altrincham midfielder Lewis Chalmers and WBA striker Rob Elvins on free transfers... The former Republic of Ireland international hopes to bring in four top class players to complement his talented squad... 'I would hope that within the next couple of weeks we will have the squad fully in place', he said. 'I am really pleased to have brought both Rob (Elvins) and Lewis (Chalmers) to the club because they’re both quality players... Lewis is a current England National Game XI player... They are both young, quality players who will really add something to the squad and both were my number one targets'. It is thought that the Shots are hoping to land a left back to replace Darren Barnard, another two midfielders and a pacy centre half, with Anthony Charles possibly in line for a permanent move to The Rec after a successful loan spell at the end of last season".

The Cambridge Evening News says that "The changing face of Histon's Glass World Stadium is beginning to take shape as building work continues on the new Cambs FA headquarters. A steel structure has been put in place for the building, which will also feature a new seating area for fans, alongside the club's existing main stand. Work on the £1.2million project is not expected to be completed until October, but the Stutes are committed to making sure progress off the field matches the forward moves they have made on the pitch under boss Steve Fallon, who has guided them to the Blue Square Premier with his fourth promotion in eight years. And with new sponsors JK Environmental now on board, pledging a six-figure sum to the club each season for the next three campaigns, Histon are aiming to continue their rapid rate of improvement in all departments".

"Former AFC Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Browning has joined Weymouth for pre-season training" states This is Weymouth. "The 36-year-old, who was released by the Cherries at the end of last term, was close to signing for Hereford United earlier this summer but he then made a U-turn. Browning is a very good friend of Terras' boss Jason Tindall, who has revealed that the Welshman could become a permanent fixture at the Wessex Stadium. Tindall said: 'Marcus has come down to have a look at the place. I know him very well because we played at Bournemouth together and he will be training with us over the next few weeks'... Tindall has also revealed that Trevor Challis will put pen-to-paper today when the Terras return for pre-season training. He said: 'Trevor and I have agreed something and he will sign today. Ashley Vickers has also agreed something in principle and hopefully we will finalise that when he returns from America. Trevor and Ashley are both lions. They are fantastic pros on and off the pitch and they will certainly help the development of the younger lads'. Tindall added: "Simon [Wetherstone]will be signing as well. Last year he played in an unfamiliar role as a holding midfielder. If you have never played there it is hard to get used to and I know that because I have played there myself. I know what Simon is capable of. When Boston United won promotion to the Football League the amount of goals he scored from midfield was incredible. He then went to Sam Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers for a trial and scored three times for their reserves. In fact Bolton tried to sign him but Boston wanted too much. I think he got a bit of unnecessary stick last year and I know what a good footballer he is. My mind was made up about him when he went to centre-back against Dagenham & Redbridge last season and was superb. That is another position I will be looking at him in. There will be a few others floating around in pre-season and if I feel they will benefit the squad and they fit in with the budget I will do my best to bring them in... Everything is now sorted at the club. It is debt free for the first time in a long while and from now on it is going to be run professionally both on and off the pitch".

No day is complete without news from Sussex's Argus which says that "Crawley manager Steve Evans welcomed his players back for pre-season training... He is now planning two training sessions a day for the next three weeks to get his side in top condition for the new campaign. He said: "We have broken them in gently but they know that from now on it is going to be hard work with two sessions a day. I'm not a manager who just runs the players long distances. I have recently got my UEFA A licence and have picked up a lot of ideas from that and you can do a lot of running with a ball as well as without one. But there are times when you have to get down to the fitness side of things and work hard and that is what we will be doing... We have four trialists training who we picked out very early to come and join us and we will continue to look at them. We are still talking to players and I would like to think we would have completed our squad by this time next week... I want two or maybe three more permanent signings and then we will look at getting a couple of loans until Christmas. I know the loans I want, I have already spoken to their parent clubs and they have agreed'". Meanwhile the club's creditors remain unpaid.

The Yorkshire Evening Post says that "Farsley have continued their building for life in the Blue Square Premier with the acquisition of former Leeds United goalkeeper Mark Wilberforce. The 20-year-old former England Under-17 stopper spent last season at Scarborough after being released by United... He had an impressive season in Conference North, despite Scarborough finishing in a relegation spot. Though Boro, who started with a 10 point deduction, were third-bottom in May they conceded just 45 goals – the joint-best record in the division and six fewer than Farsley who went on to win promotion via the play-offs... Sinnott said: "Mark was in the Leeds United Academy when I was coaching there five years ago, so I knew him from there and I monitored him throughout last season... It means we have three keepers on the books now and we will be looking for him to push the other two.'".

"All those who have helped Celtic into the level below the Football League for the first time in their history have been handed new deals, with just five or six new additions expected, but Sinnott isn't ruling out a bigger overhaul of his squad as the 2007-08 campaign unfolds.The Celtic boss said, 'Next season will be a continual evaluation. Although we are assembling a starting squad, that's all it is and that squad could be changing during the process of the season. But all the players who were here last season have an opportunity to prove their worth. My main priority before I went away was to engage everyone who was here last year and we have done that. And my advice to them will be the same as it has always been – 'if you want a shirt, get one and keep one'. Celtic completed the signing of former Leeds United, Rochdale and Scunthorpe defender Mark Jackson while Sinnott was on holiday. And ex-Oldham, Oxford, Mansfield and Chester defender Scott McNiven, who had a brief spell at Guiseley last term, has put pen-to-paper on a deal at Throstle Nest. But Celtic have missed out on two of their top summer targets. Another defender, ex-Halifax Town man Denny Ingram, opted to stay in Conference North with Harrogate Town when Scarborough FC folded 11 days ago. And Steve Torpey was considering a move to Celtic after being released by Scunthorpe, but signed for Lincoln City on Thursday... 'We will continue the search, but we won't be rushing things, we will wait for the right people who fit our criteria'" said the manager.

The Thurrock Gazette says that "Grays Athletic's new fitness coach took the team through their paces on the first full week of training. Angie Dowd is well-known for her no-nonsense approach to health,diet and fitness as illustrated in ITV's The Biggest Loser and she let the players know exactly what she expected from them. She said: 'I will give you 100% but I must expect the same from you. If you think my sessions are a laugh then you are out of the section. Go off and have a cup of tea... Balance is key to performance, not only in movement but also in being able to control the body'. Much of the afternoon session was devoted to short sprint movements followed by Angie instilling precise static movement [??]. All the players including new signings took part. Charley Hearn looked particularly focussed and Jon Ashton showed fine technique as Angie took all the players through their paces with the kettlebells. Chairman Mick Woodward was present for part of the session and looked suitably impressed. He said: 'Angie's an illustration of our total commitment to being on the pace when the season begins'".

BLUE SQUARE CONFERENCE PREMIER 2007-08

Altrincham FC Fixtures

The following league fixtures are also on the League Games page and the Cup Games page.

The above fixtures are liable to change due to Setanta TV coverage.

Altrincham only enter the Setanta Shield at round 4. Earlier rounds are contested by the BS North and South divisions only, as follows:

NEIL BROWN IS LEEK'S CHOICE

The Leek Town forum says that "Blues’ Boss Paul Ogden has appointed former Altrincham reserve team manager Neil Brown as his assistant after the 39 year old coach driver found himself without a side to manage when the Blue Square Conference club withdrew its reserve side from the Lancashire League for the coming season. Brown, lives in Didsbury with his wife and four children and has been a scout for Premier League giants, Liverpool. He has also managed successful local junior club, Fletcher Moss Rangers for fourteen years although he never made the grade as a player.

During his three years in charge of Alty’s reserves, Neil saw a number of players successfully graduate to the first-team and he is also the groundsman at Moss Lane where he will continue looking after the playing surface. Brown, who has extensive knowledge of players throughout the north west, will take charge of Blues’ first training session at the hockey club on Tuesday 3 July and has no plans to bring in another coach.... Leek Town manager Paul Ogden has signed 16 players and is negotiating with three others as well as looking at three trialists in his build-up to the new campaign. Only four members of last season’s squad remain whilst Ogden has opted for a mainly youthful side strong enough to deal with the rigours of UniBond football".

YOUTHS DRAWN AWAY

Meanwhile the FA Youth Cup draw has been made and Altrincham have been drawn away at Woodley Sports in the 1st Qualifying Round, a game to be played in week commencing Monday, 24th September. However, it is not yet clear whether this match can be played on Woodley's artificial pitch as, last year, use of that surface was not permitted by the FA. The winners of the 1st QR game have a home tie against Vauxhall Motors or Nantwich Town in the next round, which is to be played in w/c 8th October.

SATURDAY SOCCER CLUB

30th June saw the start of the pre-season training for the senior team and other members of the club. As the Club Welfare Officer it was great to see the senior squad training next to 5-8 year-olds at our Saturday Soccer Club. The young boys and girls were proud to be training next to the lads. At the end of each session the coaches from the soccer club hand out a trophy to players who have earned the reward for their efforts. I would personally like to thank Dalton Steele (right) and Stuart Coburn for handing out the awards. The senior squad were put through their paces by Graham and Dalton and the lads were looking fit".

BSCP NEWS

the BBC says that "Former Boston United midfielder Simon Rusk has sealed a deal to become Northwich Victoria's latest signing. The 25-year-old played over 150 games for the Pilgrims before leaving the club at the end of last season. Rusk was restricted to just four appearances in his final season at Boston due to knee surgery".

Having lost several players this summer, "Stafford Rangers have signed defender Richard Sutton on a permananet basis following his release by League One side Crewe Alexandra. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Stafford, and has made 48 appearances for them. Sutton normally plays at right-back but has also played at centre-half" says the BBC.

From the Burton Mail comes news that "Former Nottingham Forest striker David Johnson may have to be ruled out of Burton Albion's plans for next season. Albion hoped to have Johnson on board in the new campaign after being thwarted by the FA rule book in March. However, the former £3.5 million man has warned Albion he may not be able to meet their exacting fitness standards.. Brewers' boss Nigel Clough told Mail Sport last night: 'David has been trying to do some work on his own since the end of last season. As a result of that, he's not sure whether he will ever be up to the standard (of fitness) we are looking for... It's good he's alerted us about a possible problem now rather than in three weeks' time'. Clough already has four strikers on his books - top scorer Daryl Clare, Jon Shaw, Shaun Harrad and new signing Jake Edwards. He said: 'It's not a position we are desperate to fill, but we would still like someone else in. If it's not going to be David Johnson, we'll look elsewhere and hopefully get a couple of strikers in on trial'... Meanwhile, Clough is expecting his men to report today in 'pretty good shape'. He said: 'Some of the local lads have been coming in and doing a bit since the end of last season, while we expect those who live further afield to have done some work on their own... It's not been a problem since we first introduced the two weeks of full-time training a couple of years ago - and we don't expect it to be a problem this time'. Albion will again use the National Football Centre at Rangemore as their training base, although they will do some track work at Shobnall Sports Complex in Burton".

ACTION NEXT SATURDAY

It costs our Club around £9000 to use the new third generation artificial pitch every Saturday afternoon and the new indoor training facilities twice a week at the Academy. The offer to our Club by MCFC of the use of these facilities is one it could not refuse as the use of them will greatly help the Club's development. As you may know the Club has been searching for a home for many years and we now hopefully have one; we have an agreement to use Platt Lane for 5 years. The Club needs to ensure it has sufficient income on an ongoing basis to pay for the use of Platt Lane and all our other needs, kit, equipment, etc".

Kick off on Saturday is apparently at 11.30am, having originally been announced as noon. I will try and verify this during the coming week. Alty boss Graham Heathcote is expected to include a number of graduates from last year's Reserves in his side for this match.

FRIENDS

NO SMOKE

Other clubs are also announcing their policies on smoking. At Kidderminster for example, there is no smoking at all in the Aggborough stadium.

OLD BOY

Meanwhile, the Welsh Premier announces that "Rhyl have been drawn to face Haka of Finland... Although the Lillies were due to play away from home in the first leg, the ties have been switched and the Finns will travel to Belle Vue on Thursday 19 July, with the return in Valkeakoski on 2 August".

BLUE SQUARE CONFERENCE PREMIER (BSCP) NEWS

The Trust also has concerns that the level of probity at the club still fails to meet the required level and wish to offer the club every assistance to ensure that adequate checks and balances are in place to satisfy the appropriate standards. Upon fulfillment of the CVA, the Devils Trust will - as it has always done - canvass its members to see what approach they wish to be adopted in future dealings with the club. The Trust looks forward to a positive future on and off the pitch, but no new chapter at the club can begin until the CVA is finally paid in full and the club is proven to be run in a manner satisfactory to the football authorities".

Cammell Laird "have completed the transfer of attacking midfielder Jamie McGuire to Blue Square Premier new boys Droylsden. Jamie, who has scored more than 70 goals in the last three seasons for us, has been described as 'phenomenal' by Droylsden chairman Dave Pace who has aspirations of taking his Tameside club into the Football League next season". Pace has indicated that he has paid a five-figure sum for the player. "Lairds' spokesman Paul Mcloughlin stated; 'He turned down a contract with Stockport County last year to stay with Lairds, but at the end of the day we cannot stand in the way of his progress and I'm sure you will see him play in the Football League in the very near future..hopefully with Droylsden... We have brought in ex-Tranmere [and Alty loan] striker Alex Hay and Carl Osman, brother of Everton star Leon".

The NL Paper reports that Grays Athletic chairman Mick Woodward is intending to sue former player Ashley Sestanovich after accusing the former Grays player of misleading the club over the nature of court charges outstanding against him last season. Woodward's action comes after the FA ruled that Grays had to pay Sestanovich £14,000 in unpaid wages - Grays had reportedly got permission from the Conference to terminate the player's contract when the nature of his charges became known. Sestanovich was jailed for eight years for his part in a raid which ended in murder. According to Woodward, the player had claimed he was only facing a motoring offence when the Essex club signed him last July. But the FA rules that the player should not have been sacked.

Meanwhile, "Blue Square North side Kettering Town have secured the services of defender Tom Kemp from Grays Athletic" says Confguide. "The 20-year-old was keen on the move as he will now link up with Poppies' boss Mark Cooper, who was his manager at Tamworth. Kemp came up through the youth ranks at Derby County before signing a professional contract at Lincoln last summer. He then joined Tamworth and was the subject of a dispute between Tamworth and Grays over his registration, which was eventually settled in March".

Cambridge United "goalkeeper Shane Herbert has decided to move to Blue Square South side Cambridge City after being released by neighbours Cambridge United". And "Midfielder Mark Convery is the latest addition to Cambridge United's squad". He was released by York at the end of the season

At Exeter City "Manager Paul Tisdale tonight confirmed the signing of striker Steve Basham, following his release by Oxford United. Basham, 29-years-old, started his career with Southampton, playing for Wrexham and Preston North End on loan, before joining the Lilleywhites permanently for £200,000 in July 1999. He suffered a badly broken leg and was eventually released in July 2002 when he joined Oxford United. He suffered an injury against the Grecians last season after playing 17 games, scoring 4 goals, and that was his last appearance of the season... Boss Tisdale is confident he has a valubale addition to the squad, ;He is a very confident player and has shown his committment to us by signing a two-year contract, he is already house hunting down here. He has played at a very high level and has been virtually injury free for the last four seasons, it was only the injury he suffered against us that curtailed his season, but that's football'".

The gulf between Non-League and League Two is a big one as Hereford's Bullsnews reports: "The latest (late season) average League Two wages for players aged 21 and over is around £50,000 per year according to The Independent". For the different positions, the averages are:

SMARTENING UP

Saturday's volunteers for the Altrincham FC "Working Parties" set about tidying up the Gill Oates Lounge for a meeting of the Altrincham FC stewards, who were planning for the new season at Moss Lane. Though the incessant rain limited what other work could be done, the Working Party then turned its attention to painting the covered parts of the main Carole Nash Stand, including the tunnel area, directors' boxes, dugouts and staircase rails.

There will be another Working Party today (Sunday, 10am) and again next weekend on Saturday and Sunday so please come along and help if you can.

Also in evidence at Moss Lane on Saturday were Graham Heathcote, Dalton Steele, physio Alan Ainsley and some of the players who called in on the way back from a well-attended training session at Blessed Thomas Holford's facilities. Graham professed himself very happy with the fitness of the squad at this early stage of pre-season and he is now planning for the first friendly match, next Saturday, at Platt Lane, against Old Gregorians.

BSCP NEWS

From This is Exeter comes news that "Exeter City's chairman has moved to calm fans' fears over recent transfer activity at St James's Park. Denise Watts is angry at supporters' negative reaction to seeing several high-profile players leave St James's Park in recent weeks... She said: 'As a fan I share anxiety with the fans of the club, but I have been left blown away by Paul Tisdale's vision for the future. I'm sure Paul and his team will produce the success the supporters crave. I realise fans' concerns, but they would be embarrassed about the comments they have made if they had seen the work being done'. Echo Sport has been inundated with letters and messages from Grecians' fans keen to air their views on Tisdale's transfer policy in recent weeks. The recent departures of Chris Todd and Lee Phillips to rivals Torquay - along with the earlier losses of Jon Challinor, Billy Jones and Martin Rice - sparked dismay among many fans. The arrivals of Andy Marriott and Team Bath pair Neil Saunders and Matt Taylor has done little to sooth the feelings of unease. Watts said: 'We don't choose where players come from, we choose them for their quality and ability... I'm confident we will be just as strong as last year. Don't judge anything before the start of the season'. The chairman also said that manager Paul Tisdale has been given the money he needs to finance any future transfer deals... Watts said: "It looks like we are losing players, but we are developing players. If four or five existing players all become significantly better, then why do we need to sign players for the sake of it? There are two or three players who have left who have not been replaced and we have two or three coming through that we can develop who are capable of exceeding all expectations'".

The Halifax Courier says that "Peter Atherton has been unveiled as Town assistant manager in place of Wayne Jacobs who has joined Bradford City... 'It is a good opportunity for me', said Atherton. 'I have known Chris Wilder a long time and things at the club are changing behind the scenes'".