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October, 2007 |
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October, 2007 |
Meanwhile the club awaits confirmation of the policing arrangements. Millwall sources expect around 750 of their supporters to travel to Altrincham.
Lewis Chalmers was sent off for Aldershot last night against Crawley Town in the FA Cup.
In last night's match between our neighbours Trafford and Glossop North End, there was a host of ex-Alty players on show. Trafford, managed by Ged Kielty had as captain Simon Woodford, whilst on the left was Scott Metcalfe, an Alty Reserve last season. When Metcalfe got injured, on came Sean Smith whilst another used sub was former Alty Youth player Dion Depieaza. Glossop had Steve Lunt (right) up front, former Youth team keeper Stefan Fielding and, at left-back, Kelvin Lugsden. Trafford won the game 3-1.
They did not forget their old mate after Altrincham, who play in the English National Conference, was drawn against Millwall - FA Cup runners-up in 2004. Mr Goodwin, whose club earned their tie against League One Millwall after a 1-0 win over Kendal Town in the fourth qualifying round, told The Sun newspaper: 'I've already had good luck messages from Adam Gilchrist and Jason Gillespie and I expect one from our good friend Glenn McGrath. My prayers have been answered for once and no one deserves it more than our manager Graham Heathcote. We are a family club and will welcome the Millwall fans, although the police bill will be high'".
Brian Flynn has interviewed Alty boss Graham Heathcote on Clubcall (details, left). "I'm sick of being embroiled in controversy" said the Alty boss - to find out why, ring Clubcall. Brian writes that "There is quite a long interview on ClubCall with Graham Heathcote stating exactly what happened & what was said after the final whistle on Saturday.The second part of the interview will be on ClubCall on Thursday for those people who would prefer just to hear Graham's views on what happened on the pitch after the game or would prefer to listen to the interview in two parts. Graham doesn't pull any punches throughout!"
SAM reports that "Graham Heathcote has accused Kendal manager Lee Ashcroft of 'despicable' behaviour after the two became embroiled in an altercation following Alty's 1-0 FA Cup win. The Robins' boss had to be restrained by his own players and staff when Ashcroft appeared to taunt him after the final whistle. As a result, Heathcote and his players left Cumbria without indulging in any post-match hospitality and he said the incident soured an otherwise enjoyable day. 'Lee is claiming that he just called me a big-time Charlie but both of us know that's not true and anyway, how can I be a big-time Charlie? I wasn't the one talking about playing Leeds, Forest or Grimsby in the next round. I was the one who had to go to him to shake his hand after the game and I didn't make any comments to him. But what he said to me will live with him throughout his career in football. It was the most despicable thing you could say to another manager, although I probably shouldn't have reacted the way I did. Leaving Kendal early was the sensible thing to do and I'll be phoning their chairman to apologise for not staying to enjoy the food they'd laid on for us. The referee heard everything that was said after the game and told me if I wanted to take it any further, I could. But I'm not going to, we did what we went out there to do and I'm just going to put it behind me now'.
Although Alty's Fourth Qualifying Round victory was far from convincing, Heathcote was pleased with the application and desire shown by his players. Avoiding an upset was priority number one, meaning the Robins can now enjoy a First Round tie against 2004 finalists Millwall. 'People are saying we played badly but I don't know what they expect because I was never naïve enough to think it would be an easy game', said Heathcote. 'My logic was that if we didn't concede then we'd be in the hat for the First Round come 5.10pm, whether through a win or a draw, and that's what mattered. No matter who plays who, the FA Cup is littered with upsets and we didn't one to be on the receiving end of one. We went and did a job. They huffed and puffed and had pressure late on in the game but we handled it. We didn't go chasing the game because it was a cup tie and they needed two goals to go through. I was pleased with the players, they kept their discipline and shape, they closed down and were tenacious'".
Blue Square Football says that "Oxford United have secured the services of QPR youngster Kieron St Aimie on a two-month loan deal. The 18-year-old is described as a tough tackling, hard-working player who can operate across the midfield. St Aimie is expected to make his debut in Tuesday evening's clash against Rushden & Diamonds and he will link up with fellow QPR loanee Stefan Bailey, who joined the U's earlier this month. He has made three appearances for Rangers this season".
There is a chairman's statement on the website of Farsley Celtic which says: "As reported in earlier editions of this evening's Yorkshire Evening Post, the club confirmed today that permission had been given for Lee Sinnott to speak with Port Vale concerning their vacant managerial position, but that Port Vale were taking their interest no further. Andy Firbank, Celtic's chairman explained: 'The board of directors gave Port Vale Football Club permission to speak with Lee Sinnott in connection with their vacant manager's position, with permission expiring at 12.30pm yesterday. Port Vale have subsequently confirmed that they will be taking their interest no further and the board is delighted to confirm that Lee remains Farsley Celtic manager with the full backing and confidence of the board . With a cup replay this evening, and an important local derby on Sunday it is pleasing to now bring an end to the speculation and concentrate on these important fixtures'".
The Yorkshire Evening Post adds that "It will be business as usual for Lee Sinnott at Barrow this evening after Port Vale withdrew their interest in appointing the Farsley Celtic boss as their new manager... Celtic chairman Andy Firbank was informed later in the afternoon Vale wouldn't be pursuing their interest in the former Bradford City, Huddersfield Town and Watford player. The Yorkshire Evening Post understands Sinnott – tipped to be on a shortlist of two – was first choice for high-ranking members of the board at Vale Park but despite meetings over the weekend they couldn't come to a unanimous decision and they have now seemingly gone back to the drawing board... Firbank said: 'We have now been informed they have withdrawn their interest in our manager and this matter is now closed'"
Meanwhile This is Staffs says that "Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt has revealed financial concerns are holding up the appointment of a new manager. The board delayed a decision on their new boss after a meeting on Sunday to discuss their shortlist, which is headed by Farsley Celtic boss Lee Sinnott and Vale caretaker manager Dean Glover. And Bratt confirmed last night money will play a major part in the board's final decision. He explained: 'It is complicated because there are so many factors to take into consideration, not least the money side. There would be no use committing to something and then finding out we have to pay £250,000. That has to be discussed and gone into'. For example, should Vale opt for Sinnott - and the club have yet to confirm whether he is their preferred choice - they would have to pay compensation to Farsley Celtic and could also have to pay off their existing staff if the 42-year-old wants to bring in his own coaches. However, Vale will have to apply to Farsley to interview Sinnott again as permission to speak to him lapsed yesterday... Bratt said: 'We would have to go back and ask for another seven days, but we are working on it at the moment'. Sinnott refused to comment, but his chairman, Andy Firbank, confirmed, 'He is a contracted manager so, if he were to go, compensation would be required'".
The Cambridge Evening News states that "Histon fans have been treated to seeing their heroes slay two of the Blue Square Premier's big-hitters this season. Former League clubs Oxford and Kidderminster were both dispatched by Steve Fallon's men at the Glass World Stadium, while Torquay were fortunate to escape with a 5-4 win. But the Bridge Road faithful were made to sweat for an hour as FA Cup minnows Bamber Bridge put on a fine display before being steamrollered by the Stutes in the final 30 minutes. The visitors, who are third in the Unibond First Division North, were by far the better team in the first half as they got the ball on the deck and passed it around nicely, with the nimble-footed Tom Ince and former England under-18s striker Alex Porter, showing good awareness and plenty of skill. Histon, who were without suspended striker Cliff Akurang, looked ordinary and their direct approach was totally ineffective, with Antonio Murray and Danny Wright easily kept under wraps by Steve Williams and Adam Tong. But Murray gave the hosts the lead against the run of play just before the break when he headed home from close range following an Adrian Cambridge long throw... It was the Stutes who bossed the second half and sealed a trip to Notts County in the next round".
From the Northwich Guardian we learn that "Taxpayers' money will not pay for pitches at Northwich Victoria until they are built. Borough councillors agreed in February to award a £50,000 grant to the Blue Square Premier club for two new all weather pitches at their Wincham home. Not a penny has been handed over yet. And if work does not start soon, the club risks losing the money altogether. 'Payments are made retrospectively', said a council spokesman on Friday. Chairman Mike Connett said in August that the pitches would be ready by Christmas. That deadline has now been pushed back to next year. He originally asked for £195,000 from the public purse through the borough council's Rural Delivery Programme, the rules of which say applicants must meet strict criteria within a year of the grant being approved or their allocation will be spent on other projects in the scheme... The club had hoped for a further handout from the Football Foundation to cover a much larger part of the estimated £850,000 cost. The Guardian has learned that the sports charity did sign off a £200,000 grant in June but no visible work has been done at the Victoria Stadium despite planners granting permission for the pitches, including floodlights, changing rooms and a fitness suite, in May... Mr Connett will cease to be the chairman on Friday when Vics are due to enter administration after running up debts approaching £500,000. The council has always referred to Northwich Victoria as the applicant and not Beaconet Limited, another of Mr Connett's companies that owns the land on which the ground is built. Should a consortium of Manchester businessmen take over the club as expected then the club will become tenants of Beaconet, much in the same way it is now".
This is Staffs claims that "Stafford Rangers' FA Cup hopes have been hit hard by the injury to striker Marco Adaggio... The teenager was carried off with a suspected broken leg in Saturday's 1-1 draw... A worried manager Phil Robinson said X-rays on Adaggio had revealed no break, but said: 'It could be worse, depending on what is going on inside his knee. Marco has damaged the knee, but we won't know until later this week how bad it is'. The injury leaves the way clear for either David McNiven's return following a back complaint, or Nathan Smith's first start in more than 18 months".
From This is South Devon, we learn that "The BBC's decision to pick Torquay United's FA Cup-tie against Yeovil Town for live TV coverage will boost the Gulls' Cup windfall through the £100,000 mark. Both United and League One Yeovil will receive £75,000 as their share of BBC1 TV rights when the all-West Country First Round tie is broadcast to the nation and beyond on Sunday, November 11 (KO 3.15pm)... The Blue Square Premier leaders have already earned £10,000 as their prize for beating Bath City 2-0 in last Saturday's Fourth Qualifying Round, plus a 40 per cent share of the 2,149 gate receipts. With a big crowd expected for the Yeovil tie, United's finances will have received a timely boost to help fuel their promotion bid. And there is also a £16,000 prize at stake for reaching Round Two... Following talks with safety and police representatives, United were waiting for Yeovil's agreement before announcing ticket details".
Tuesday 30th
Wednesday 31st
Alty Youth reserve goalkeeper Lee Berrill has been named in the Merseyside Schools under-16s squad. Steven Crane has been named in the Manchester & District FA side and Sam Madeley has joined Tom Bailey in the English Colleges trials.
A page dedicated to the forthcoming FA Cup tie with Millwall, may be found here. This will be updated as details of the match arrangements are made clear.
Before then we travel to Cambridgeshire - not apparently to Histon but to Impington as Wikipedia explains... "Histon and Impington are villages in Cambridgeshire, England, They are situated just north of Cambridge, the main bulk of the settlements being separated from the city by the A14, However Impington is contrary to popular opinion on both sides of this road. Over the years the two villages have grown and entwined together, to such an extent that many villagers today do not know where one ends and the other begins. They contain a combined total of six pubs: The Red Lion, The Barley Mow, The Boot, The Railway Vue, The King William, and the The Rose and Crown. They have a Nursery, Infants, Junior, and Secondary school. The East of England Development Agency is based in Histon and it is the location of the radio station Q103, which covers Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Huntingdon and Royston and is part of Gcap Media plc.
Impington is also the home of Histon Football Club and their Glassworld Stadium. In 2006-07 they played in and won the Football Conference South Division, securing promotion to the Football Conference National Division for the 2007-2008 season".
Wikipedia adds that the Chivers jam brand was founded in Impington and ultimately became part of Schweppes in 1959. "The 1980s saw an end to the old factory. In a management buy out the old factory site was sold to developers and a new five million pound factory was built at the rear of the property (now owned by Premier Foods and producing Sun-Pat peanut butter and Smash as well as jams), the vision park was built on the old site, as for the railway all rail services stopped in 1992. The track bed is now being taken up to make way for a new guided bus system which will be the largest such service in Europe, unfortunately despite a campaign to save Histon’s 160 year old station this is to be demolished this year to make way of the guided bus car park". Coinciding with Alty's visit to Histon on Saturday, the Cambridgeshire village is witnessing the start of works on the guided bus system this week.
Howard Watts's record of previous Altrincham games on this Saturday's date, 3 November, is here..
The game will be all ticket with no tickets available on the day of the game
Prices:
It is hoped that tickets will be available from the end of this week. The offices will be open over next weekend and also probably each weekday night till 8pm (providing enough volunteers to staff the desk can be found). Times of sale to be confirmed. Postal applications can be sent to the ground (Altrincham FC, Moss Lane, Altrincham WA15 8AP) immediately and tickets will be dispatched a.s.a.p.. Please add £2 for Recorded Delivery. Those who wish to use this facility should note that their cheque must be banked and funds cleared before the tickets will be dispatched.
Season ticket holders in the stand at Moss Lane will be able to purchase their normal league-game seat for the Millwall game up to Monday 5th November. After that date, seats normally occupied by season ticketholders for league games will be sold to applicants on a first come, first served basis. Individuals will be able to purchase up to six tickets each for the game.
More information will follow as and when available.
Millwall FC has various fans' forums, including the following:
Blue Square Football says that "Cambridge United manager Jimmy Quinn has moved quickly to reassure U's fans he is not interested in the managerial vacancy at Port Vale. Following newspaper reports linking him with the Vale Park hotseat, Quinn told his club's official website: ' haven't applied for it. Someone's spoken to the chairman on my behalf, but I can assure Cambridge fans that I'm not going anywhere. I live 15 minutes down the road from Port Vale, but they're down at the wrong end of the league. I don't want to go into a club that's struggling. Our chairman had a phone call from Gillingham and he turned that down. I could have pursued it, but I don't want to go to Gillingham either. When you're doing well, you always get people ringing you. I'm building something here and it's not finished yet'".
Marco Adaggio of Stafford Rangers was carried off with a suspected broken leg in Saturday's draw with Cambridge Utd in the FA Cup
More Setanta TV live BSP matches have been announced -
Right: Alty Youth's left winger Daniel Killilea in action against FC United.
Altrincham Youth beat FC United of Manchester Youth 2-0 in the NW Youth Alliance Open Cup today, thanks to goals from Tom Bailey and Gavin O'Connor. Report to follow. Their next match is at home to Bootle next Sunday.
Above: Action from a very damp Kendal.
As a result of Saturday's win at Kendal, The Observer will be following Altrincham's progress in the FA Cup. The paper has been following a team from the start of the FA Cup competition this season and Kendal were the club on which they focussed on Saturday. The paper's report on the match has three colour photos of the game, including one showing Alty fans and another depicting Warren Peyton. Its report says that Kendal "in Peter Wright and Gareth Arnison possess a decent pair of strikers worthy of a higher level... Kendal battled hard and were worth at least a draw.... The pressure ultimately proved too much for Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote who, on the final whistle, had to be physically prevented from attacking Lee Ashcroft [Kendal's manager] by several of his players. 'All I said was that he was behaving lie a big-time Charlie and had been all day' said Ashcroft. Afterwards Altrincham's players, coaching staff and directors left without staying for the post-match food that had been laid on, much to the disgust of Town's entourage. So much for the spirit of the FA Cup". This mild version of what the Kendal manager allegedly said does not tally with reports from the Altrincham side and, clearly, whatever was actually said, Graham Heathcote found it highly insulting. Ashcroft ended his interview with The Observer by saying "The better side has lost, without a doubt".
From This is the Lake District we read that "Kendal Town's FA Cup adventure ended in acrimony as the Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote had to be restrained by his own staff after apparently taking exception to something said to him by Kendal manager Lee Ashcroft at the final whistle. That apart, Kendal had played a memorable part in producing a gripping fourth qualifying round tie that was decided by a solitary goal in Altrincham's favour, scored after 32 minutes by Colin Little. Kendal had their chances... But it was Altrincham who broke the deadlock... Altrincham, struggling in the Blue Square Premier League, revealed much less enterprise in the second half as they guarded the lead with a packed defence and Kendal enjoyed lengthy periods of dominance. But it was from setpieces that the home side threatened most with free kicks from Michael Cole and Callum Warburton just failing to find the net... The Cup adventure ended with perhaps more passion and emotion than necessary after the final whistle, but it was a great game for the crowd of 641".
Also on that game last year, The Times added that "The winners at Fratton Park last night were Millwall, who beat Havant & Waterlooville in their first-round tie at Fratton Park, and the Hampshire constabulary, which pocketed £35,000 for policing the match, after refusing to allow it to go ahead as scheduled at West Leigh Park. The losers were common sense and the Nationwide Conference South side, who battled hard but are out of the Cup and at least £10,000 out of pocket. 'That has been disappointing', Ian Baird, the Havant manager, said. 'For this to be made a Category C game, which is one level below an England international game, is astonishing'. His club needed an attendance of 7,800 at Portsmouth’s ground to break even, but drew only 5,793. Rows of empty seats in the visitors’ enclosure mocked the police’s ludicrous “intelligence” reports that 2,500 would make the trip from South Bermondsey. Millwall’s own estimate, which turned out to be highly accurate, had been that about 500 would travel. 'Thirty-five grand? You’re having a laugh', a half-empty Fratton End sang. A replay would have replenished the coffers, and it would have been richly deserved. There was little evidence of the difference of 56 places in the league pyramid between Havant and the 2004 finalists, and it took a spectacular volleyed goal from Alan Dunne to send Millwall through".
The Sale and Altrincham Messenger reports that "Altrincham were handed a bumper first round tie against 2004 finalists Millwall. The Robins were drawn at home to the League One club in Saturday evening's draw after beating Kendal Town 1-0 in the fourth qualifying round. It is the first time they have reached the first round since 2001, when they beat Lancaster City after a replay. That was the same year Alty hosted Darlington in the second round, when more than 3,000 people packed into Moss Lane as FA Cup fever gripped the fans. They eventually lost that tie 2-1, their only goal coming from Mark Maddox .And the club will be hoping for a repeat of those scenes, if not the result, this time round with the Londoners expected to bring a sizeable following to Cheshire. Millwall are currently struggling at the foot of League One and have not won a game away from home all season. Senior player Richard Shaw was recently appointed caretaker manager at the club after previous boss Willie Donachie was sacked earlier this month. But despite an initial upturn in results, Millwall lost their first game under Shaw on Saturday, falling 4-2 at Leeds United. They have a good Cup pedigree, however, having reached the final in 2004, where they lost 3-0 to Manchester United".
Three immediate Altrincham/Millwall player links that come to mind are:
After Saturday's game, the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that "Trouble flared outside Elland Road before and after today's game between Leeds United and Millwall. Police officers on horseback charged at Leeds fans waiting outside Elland Road near the Billy Bremner statue as three double decker buses filled with Millwall supporters pulled up at around 2.15pm. Windows and doors on the buses were put through by yobs on board as they tried to goad watching Leeds fans into confrontation. Police managed to avoid any actual physical clashes taking place. As the trouble flared a line of police held back a mob of around 200 chanting Leeds fans a short distance down Elland Road while a police helicopter hovered overhead. There were further disturbances after the game as police tried to force Leeds fans a safe distance from the ground while Millwall supporters were held inside. Officers on horseback and others with dogs and armed with truncheons spent around 40 minutes clearing the area around Elland Road. At one point clashes between cops and United yobs trying to stand their ground could be seen breaking out in the local McDonalds car park. Once order had been restored Millwall fans were let out of the stadium onto a number of double decker buses and driven away under heavy police escort at about 5.55pm".
Right: Gary Scott and Colin Potts celebrate success.
In this FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round match Altrincham showed little quality but rode out Kendal's second half pressure to secure the ten thousand pound prize and a place in Round One at home to Millwall of League One. An appropriately scrappy goal settled a game which was as dismal as the drizzly weather. It came when Lawton's hook into the box led to Little scrambling the ball past goalkeeper Newnes (32 mins). Alty showed little attacking intent in the second half and were grateful to a couple of important saves by Coburn. There were unpleasant scenes at the end when Alty boss Graham Heathcote reacted angrily, apparently to jibes from his opposite number Lee Ashcroft.
Match report here.
The Sale and Altrincham Messenger concluded that the Alty performance was "Far from convincing but this is the FA Cup, so any kind of result will do as long as you get the result... They were dragged down to Kendal's level for much of the game and didn't play the kind of possession football they would have been hoping for. Alty don't do scrappy battles particularly well but they deserve credit for holding out today. Despite a finely poised game they were never really threatened. There were some slightly unsavoury scenes after the final whistle though, with Graham Heathcote having to be held back by a group of his players after an altercation with Kendal boss Lee Ashcroft".
FA Cup 4QR:
The Halifax Courier says that "Town have signed former Everton striker Michael Branch on a rolling contract. The 29 year old, who has not played professionally since leaving Chester City in 2006, is expected to be included in the squad for Saturday's FA Cup clash at Evesham. Branch, who has also played for Manchester City and Birmingham City, represents an ideal replacement for Andy Campbell, who is out until Christmas with an Achilles injury".
Unconfirmed reports on the Northwich Forum say that "No administrator has been appointed today. The court has adjourned the application for 7 days in order to allow further discussions. The adjournment of an admin application is by no means unusual. Consequently the winding up petition currently listed for 31st October will also be adjourned (probably for a further 7 days)".
The FA confirms "England C manager Paul Fairclough has today named a 16-man squad for the International Challenge Trophy Group A fixture against Finland in Helsinki next month. The squad includes two players from outside the Blue Square Premier League, with Witton Albion’s promising full back Liam Brownhill [a former trialist at Altrincham] earning a shock call-up after impressing in a recent FA XI fixture. The other is Blyth Spartans' goalkeeper Adam Bartlett who retains his place after a competent performance in a friendly fixture in Finland back in June. There is also a place in the squad for Salisbury City’s Matthew Tubbs, who suffered a broken toe following an impressive debut against the Republic of Ireland in May and missed the remainder of the Four Nations Tournament. The Under-23 age limit for the side has resulted in a number of new faces being called up for this Tournament opener. in what is a tricky Group which also includes Italy and Wales. However, there are a number of familiar faces including Lance Cronin, Mitchell Cole and Shaun Harrad". The squad is Lance Cronin (Ebbsfleet U.), Adam Bartlett (Blyth Spartans), Barry Fuller (Stevenage B.), John Brayford (Burton A.), Michael Morrison (Cambridge U.), Ronnie Henry (Stevenage B.), Liam Brownhill (Witton A.), Matthew Day (Oxford U.), Louis Soares (Aldershot T.), Stuart Lewis (Stevenage B.), Russell Penn (Kidderminster H.), Lewis Chalmers (Aldershot T.), Mitchell Cole (Stevenage B.), James Constable (Kidderminster H.), Shaun Harrad (Burton A.), Matthew Tubbs (Salisbury C.). There is also a back-up contingency squad comprising, Jonathan Stewart (Weymouth), Ross Flitney (Grays A), Daniel Gleeson (Cambridge U.), Luke Oliver (Stevenage B.), Luke Foster (Oxford U.) Jamie Stevesn (Crawley T.), Daniel Bunce (Woking), Erkan Okay (Histon), Jonathan Smith (Forest Green R), Anton Robinson (Weymouth), Nathan Knight-Percival (Histon), Jonathan Dixon (Aldershot T.), Scott Rendell (Cambridge U.), Antonio Murray (Histon). Players from north of the Midlands are conspicuous by their absence.
Whoever wins at Kendal today will qualify for the First Round Proper on Saturday 10 November 2007 in which the winning clubs receive £16,000. The FA reports that "Sir Trevor Brooking on Saturday hosts The FA Cup draw for the First Round Proper. The draw gets underway at 5.10pm when ex-Chelsea and Manchester United players John Hollins and Paul Parker draw out the 80 balls, live from Soho Square... Before the draw The FA will reveal a specially-commissioned painting of the official May opening [of Wembley]. The unique triptych piece was created by leading artist Nick Botting and the 5 by 12 ft panoramic picture now takes pride of place in The FA’s reception area". Kendal or Altrincham will be no.51 in the draw.
FromStafford Rangers we learn that "Stafford Rangers have made a double signing ahead of tomorrow's home FA Cup tie against Cambridge United. Frenchman Samy-Oyame Mawene (shirt 22), a 22-year-old midfielder, had previous spells with Caen and Millwall while 18-year-old Barnsley defender Luke Potter (shirt 32) has joined on loan for one month. Former Brocton goalkeeper Michael Shelper, age 25, has also been signed as cover for Danny Alcock".
Grays Athletic report that they "have signed left-sided defender, Jack Obersteller, on short term loan from Wycombe Wanderers, Jack started out at Millwall where he made his way from the youth set-up to the reserves where he was a regular in the second string, he had a short loan spell with Crawley town last season before signing a one year contract for Wycombe Wanderers".
Crawley Town confirm that "Steve Evans and Paul Raynor have been informed by the FA that no disciplinary action will be taken following last Saturday's Stafford Rangers match. The duo was both sent to the stands for the last twenty minutes of the game by the match officials. The Football Association requested video footage of the incident earlier in the week and after carefully reviewing has decided rightfully not to pursue a case against the Reds' management team. Manager Steve Evans refused to comment, but the official website has learnt Evans have privately told friends that it was a decision he expected as the video clearly showed he was not anywhere near the incident that led to him leaving the technical area. Assistant Paul Raynor was more forthright in his views when www.crawleytownfc.net spoke with the assistant boss. Raynor said: 'I said last week the decision was laughable and the FA have now had a look themselves'. The FA have not taken any action because we had done nothing wrong. The disappointing aspect is that we were taken away from doing our job in the technical area at an important stage of the match. 'We are very passionate about our football and the better officials recognise this while others want to be the star of the show. It is now behind us and everyone is looking forward to the FA Cup on Saturday'".
"Weymouth FC's new owner Malcolm Curtis spoke openly at a fans' forum held at the Wessex Stadium last night and revealed his plans for the future. Chief executive Gary Calder, manager Jason Tindall, first-team coach Marcus Browning and stand-in skipper Ashley Vickers flanked Curtis on the top table as supporters probed the finer details about the recent takeover of the club and the expectations on the field. Curtis revealed that previous plans to extend the club bar have been shelved but admitted development of some kind will happen at the ground in the future although any deal with Asda looks unlikely. He also insisted that he has no plans to return the club to part-time status and that his ultimate aim is to build a new stadium elsewhere so he can unlock the land potential of the current Wessex Stadium site. The property developer also promised that any profits left over from such a venture would be shared between the club itself, and his company Wessex Park Ltd, whose major shareholding in the Terras tallies 84 per cent. If Curtis is able to deliver a new stadium he has not only promised that it would be a ground fit for the Football League but he also said it would include other facilities that would provide more income streams for the club. Other issues that arose at the meeting included the possible development of a family enclosure at the current ground and the easing of the no smoking policy on matchdays. A new segregated smoking area will be in place at the Wessex Stadium for tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Hitchin" reports This is Weymouth.
This is Staffs says that "Port Vale have identified their number one target to become the club's next manager. Chairman Bill Bratt yesterday revealed the shortlist of contenders has been narrowed down to just two candidates - and said the directors had now pinpointed their preferred choice. Bratt refused to name the pair involved, but said both have been invited back to Vale Park. They will each be re-interviewed early next week, when the process of agreeing terms will begin. Former Reading and Swindon manager Jimmy Quinn could be in line for one of those interviews after Bratt confirmed he had applied for the job. The former Northern Ireland international is currently in charge at Blue Square Premier outfit Cambridge United. He took over the reins at the Abbey Stadium in September 2006, and has guided United to the fringes of the play-off zone this season". However the Yorkshire Evening Post says that another BSP manager is the target. "Managerless Port Vale are set to make a move for Farsley Celtic boss Lee Sinnott. According to sources in the Potteries, the Valiants, struggling in the bottom four of League One, have targeted Midlander Sinnott – who started his playing career just down the road at Walsall – and he is the new favourite to take over. Sinnott, who has done a sterling job at Throstle Nest, is refusing to comment on the speculation and is fully focusing on the club's FA Cup qualifying round encounter with Barrow tomorrow, with rumours abounding that the Celts have granted the Potteries side permission to speak with him... 42-year-old Sinnott said: 'I've got no comment to make on the subject'... Sinnott has achieved enormous success with Farsley, most notably winning promotion three times in four seasons".
Right: New loan signing James Dean is ineligible for Saturday's game. He is seen here in action last Saturday with Warren Peyton and Karl Munroe.
On the Weymouth forum, former owner Ian Ridley says, "I remain concerned for the present and future well-being of the club and I believe the following questions should be asked of Malcolm Curtis if anyone feels able to do so:
It would be good if someone is also able to tape-record the meeting so that Mr Curtis's quotes are saved for posterity".
The BBC say that "Stafford Rangers have signed Barnsley defender Luke Potter on a month's loan. Potter, 18, came up through the Tykes' youth ranks, and made his first-team debut on the final day of last season in the 7-0 defeat at West Brom. He has not featured in Simon Davey's first team since then, but has been a regular in the reserve side".
"Cambridge United goalkeeper Danny Potter is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after dislocating the little finger of his right hand" according to the BBC. "The U's have been on a team-building exercise at an Army barracks this week, and Potter was injured when he fell on an indoor assault course exercise. 'It's a very, very significant injury for a keeper', physio Greg Reid told the club website. The U's recently lost both Darren Quinton and Marvin Robinson to injury. Quinton is to see a specialist next week over a knee problem, while on-loan striker Robinson broke his leg in a car crash".
"Grays forward James Lawson has joined Chelmsford City on a month's loan. The 20-year-old has made nine league appearances for Grays, but is still awaiting his first goal for them. Lawson made 31 league and cup appearances for Southend before he was released during the summer, and subsequently moved to Grays... He was transfer-listed by Grays earlier this month", says the BBC.
The Argus reports that "Crawley boss Steve Evans insists he will not stop his touchline tantrums. Evans was sent to the stand for the third time this season last week for disputing one too many decisions during a 1-1 draw against Stafford Rangers... Barely a game goes by without him being embroiled in a spat with the opposition manager, referee or fourth official... But he has no intention of curbing his enthusiasm during games. He said: 'The referee had a bad day at the office last week. He said he sent me off because I appealed for every decision throughout the game. But I am the manager of Crawley Town, so of course I'm going to appeal for every decision. I told him that if he was going to take me out of the technical area because I was appealing for decisions, then are going to have problems because I will be sitting in the stands every week. I have come up against a lot of top managers who I respect like Neil Warnock, Peter Taylor and Sam Allardyce and they appeal for everything. Fergie (Alex Ferguson) does it as well. Some managers are like that and some aren't. I don't expect to get every decision but I'm going to ask the question. Sometimes I let the passion get the better of me but that is what I'm like and I'm not going to let what happened last week stop me. I will still be kicking every ball and show passion. I am like it even in five-a-side games in training and I try to instil that winning mentality into my players. I can assure people that if they think Steve Evans is ever going to be a mouse in the technical area, it is not going to happen'. Evans will be shouting the odds from the Broadfield Stadium dugout again on Saturday as Reds take on Conference premier high-flyers Aldershot in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round... Evans said: 'When I came in, my agenda was not about the glory of an FA Cup run. But we all know about the value in terms of pounds in the bank that it gives you. We will not play another game where there is £10,000 up for grabs for the winner so this is a big incentive for us. The club could do with that sort of money and you could say we need it more than Aldershot when you look at their budget. It would be nice for the Majeeds to have it after all the money they have put into this club. It is also a long time since the supporters had a run... I would say Aldershot are the best team we have played this season'".
Meanwhile, Crawley Town confirm that "Manager Steve Evans has completed the signing of an exciting player ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Aldershot Town... Evans said: 'We have completed a loan signing, and we have been given permission to play the boy on Saturday. I am not going to reveal who the player is, but our supporters can rest assured he is an exciting and brings real quality to the squad. We were disappointed to see Mills return to Rotherham this week, but I was adamant that if we were able to replace the gap left by Pablo it was only going to be with real quality. I had to call in a few favours, but this player is coming from a top club and I am thankful to their manager for allowing us to take one of his players. When I hand the team sheet in at 2pm on Saturday the supporters in the stadium will be the first to know who he is. And I am convinced our fans will be over the moon once they have seen him play'".
From This is South Devon we learn that "Midfielder Scott Laird knows he's got a job on his hands to force his way into Torquay United's in-form side, but he still asked Gulls boss Paul Buckle to extend his loan spell from Plymouth Argyle. Now 19-year-old Laird says: 'I know you can't disrupt a winning team, but I'm here to get as many games as I can and I'll be ready whenever the boss needs me'. Argyle manager Ian Holloway agreed to let Laird stay at Plainmoor for a second month, after the teenager had asked Buckle to keep him... 'I'm really enjoying it here. I look forward to going in to training every day'", he said.
Oxford United "have been looking at two players to strengthen their squad this week. Six foot three stiker Carl Priso has been on trial, while boss Jim Smith has also been checking out Didcot keeper Michael Watkins. Priso, 28, was signed by Torquay United from Chemnitz in Germany. The Cameroon born forward had previously had spells in France and Italy, but his time at Torquay was marred by a foot injury which limited him to just a handful of first team games until he was released by Ian Atkins in 2006. Most recently he has been on trial at Shrewsbury and played a couple of games for Crawley Town. Watkins has been in excellent form for the Railwaymen this season after joining from Marlow, and caught the eye against United in pre-season. Boss Jim Smith has been monitoring his progress, but faces competition from other clubs. Coventry City invited Watkins for a week's training earlier in the season and Wycombe Wanderers are also believed to be interested in the former Hayes keeper".
Altrincham FC manager Graham Heathcote has announced the release of defender Stephen Rose (right). Stephen, who was a junior with Manchester United, was released by Chester City in May, 2002 and joined The Robins, making his UniBond debut on 17 August 2002. He has played in all of the outfield defensive positions as well as in midfield. Stephen suffered a broken leg at Worcester on 30 October 2004 but returned to action in 2005-06 pre-season. He figured mainly as a reliable substitute in 2005-06 but took his chance back in the first team when Gary Talbot and Peter Band were injured in September 2006 and forged a good partnership with Karl Munroe at centre-back until he lost his place through injury. He returned to the side intermittently for the rest of the 2006-07 campaign and in 2007-08 started just one game and made one appearance from the bench. His career appearances for Alty totalled 151 starts and 17 substitute appearances and, although he scored just once, it was a memorable forty yarder. Stephen becomes the fourth long-serving centre-back to leave the club since last season, following Mark Maddox, Gary Talbot and Peter Band.
Everyone at Moss Lane thanks Stephen for his good service to the club and wishes him good fortune in his subsequent career. No new signing is expected as a consequence of Stephen's release as Altrincham currently have two loan players (James Dean and Ryan Shotton) to fund.
Maybe the time's come when we have to look at trying to fund a transfer angle at this football club. I think we have to look at a way that we can. But the difficulty of football at this level is the restrictions in being able to change things because of the transfer window and other regulations. I suppose there are two options - change your manager or change your players. Either way it wouldn't be easy. You can't avoid relegation with the results we've had at home. We are such a hit and miss side this season and it's gone beyond baffling, it's annoying me now. It's so frustrating for me to see the Crawley and Salisbury performances when the players showed that determination to win. Why for 15 minutes on Saturday it was completely drained from us, only the players can answer that. They shouldn't be coming to the club and taking wages if they aren't going to give their all for 90 minutes".
Having been founder members of the Northern (Unibond) League in 1968, financial constraints forced the club, which became Netherfield Kendal in 1998 and Kendal Town two years later, to drop into the North West Counties League in 1982. They have since climbed their way back to UniBond League Premier Division level but will still be underdogs when they take on famous FA Cup fighters Altrincham at their Lakeland Radio Stadium on Saturday in pursuit of a place alongside the League One and Two clubs in the tea-time draw.
'It would be amazing. We have not been there for a long time and now we are one match away', said Ashcroft. 'The chairman is different class and all the people at the club are fantastic so it would be great for them. But first we have to get past Altrincham. They have not had the best of seasons and are at the lower end of their league. But they are playing two leagues higher than us so they should be better than us. We will respect them but I think we will give them a game. The lads have done really well to get this far. We have had some hard draws but we have got a good, young side together and we will be up for it'.
Kendal are yet to concede a goal in this season's competition in beating Worksop Town, Liversedge and Woodley Sports. Goalkeeper David Newnes has played a major part in that feat since signing from Barrow, while Ashcroft rates left-back Paul Byrne, who started out at Port Vale, as the best in their league. Peter Wright, whose career began at Newcastle United, is a prolific striker [and an ex-Alty player], while ex-Southport midfielder Lee Mulvaney is another potential threat to an Altrincham side that is struggling near the foot of the Blue Square Premier. And Ashcroft believes he has players, who have lost only two of their last 11 games, capable of bridging the gap and playing at a higher level.
'There is not a lot of difference. People need a bit of luck to play in the higher divisions and there are some players in my team who could play in the Football League', he added. And Ashcroft should know after a playing career that also included spells as a striker with Preston, twice, Wigan and West Bromwich Albion and which led to him earning an England under-21 cap... 'I have worked with some great managers. David Moyes is just one name that comes to mind. It was something I wanted to get into and I have loved every minute of it', he said. After joining Kendal as a player in 2004, Preston-based Ashcroft was given the manager's job last December and kept Town in the UniBond League top flight last season. Combining that with his job as a football coach at Myerscough College, the 35-year-old wants to lift up Town to Blue Square North level.
Alongside that target, the club is also progressing off the pitch. A link-up with Kendal College is in the pipeline, with a view to developing a national diploma footballing course that will be designed to keep the best local talent in the town. Having also adopted a local special needs school, Kendal wants to become an active community club and Saturday's shot at Cup glory gives them the perfect platform. 'We are hoping to get about 1,000 there. The Cumbrians are good, vocal people and it should be a great day', enthused Ashcroft. The FA Cup first round proper [draw] is live on BBC One and Radio 5 Live at 1710 BST on Saturday".
Before Saturday's game at Kendal, Altrincham have injury doubts about defenders Darren Tinson and Steve Aspinall, as well as striker Chris Senior. Definitely out will be Colin Potts and Val Owen (right, pctured by Gavin Rathbone). Altrincham hope to know later today whether on-loan centre back Ryan Shotton will be allowed to play in the FA Cup by his club, Stoke City.
FC United of Manchester "are pleased to announce the signings of 22-year-old midfielder Jamie Baguley and 29-year-old forward Peter Thomson (left). Baguley, whose brother Chris also plays for the club, joins from Salford City. Manager Karl Marginson has known Jamie for a number of years since he was at Radcliffe Borough and is thrilled to have him on board. Margy said: 'He has a wonder of a left foot, is an intelligent player and works hard for the team'. Baguley, who FC United fans may remember scored a stunning freekick equaliser for Salford against the Reds last season during our 2-1 defeat at the Willows, said: 'I’m very pleased to be joining FC United,” before cheekily adding: 'I’m much better than my brother'.
Thomson who joins from Barrow [who released him recently], has played at conference level and as a professional in Holland for NAC Breda. Margy commented: 'I’m pleased to sign a very experienced striker', and described Thomson as, 'a striker very much in the Stuart Rudd mould'. A clearly delighted Thomson said: 'I’m over the moon about joining arguable the best nonleague side in the country'.
And NL Daily reports that "AFC Telford United slipped into that top five after victory at Rivacre Road against Vauxhall Motors. It was certainly an entertaining encounter that not only saw four goals, but also witnessed Motors' [ex-Alty midfielder] Mike Garrity and Indy Khela being sent-off and new manager Andy Mutch being dismissed from the dug-out". Meanwhile, "Burscough went down to a 1-0 defeat by Workington at Victoria Park... The only goal of the game came in the 56th minute, courtesy of Matty Berkeley", who was released by Alty earlier this season.
After yesterday's story (see below) about a young lady who made a boob in applying for a job at a nightclub run by Crawley Town owner Chas Majeed and the football club's chief scout and manager's brother, Gee Evans, the Crawley Observer now has an uplifting story about some more young people in the Sussex town who are at an earlier stage of exposure to life in an adult world. "Crawley Town manager Steve Evans spent the afternoon with children at St Francis of Assisi school last Wednesday as part of the school's reading week.The Reds' boss was joined by Crawley captain Tyrone Thompson who read a story to the children at the school in Southgate before Steve had a chat with them about the importance of being at school. Both then visited classes to talk to children individually about what they want to do when they are older".
The Blue Square Football site says that "Rotherham United defender Pablo Mills has returned to Millmoor following his loan spell with Crawley Town. The 23-year-old has been with the Blue Square Premier side for two months after his initial stay at the Broadfield Stadium was extended in September. Mills made 14 appearances for Crawley scoring one goal".
The Tameside Advertiser says that "FC United showed no mercy for a makeshift Droylsden side as they dumped the holders out of the Manchester Premier Cup at the Butcher's Arms. Bloods' boss Dave Pace carried out his threat to rest several first-team regulars, including skipper Steve Halford and strike duo Jody Banim and Chris Denham, ahead of Saturday's big FA Cup fourth qualifying-round clash at Corby. And FC, who play three divisions below Droylsden, seized on that advantage over their struggling Blue Square Premier hosts to record a famous victory. [Former Alty trialist] Cayne Hanley gave the Rebels a head-start when he rose above the Droylsden defence in the 12th minute to nod in Jerome Wright's cross. And the tie was effectively settled when the visitors struck twice in a minute just before the hour to leave the Bloods trailing 3-0. Nicky Platt was the architect on each occasion, first sending Aaron Burns [another ex-Alty trialist] clear to score and then starting the move which culminated in Burns squaring for Rory Patterson to add FC's third. Gavin Salmon [yet another ex-Alty trialist] pulled one back in the 72nd minute, firing home from Robbie Talbot's cross. Terry Fearns further reduced the arrears with a 90th-minute penalty, but it was too late". Our neighbours Trafford overcame Curzon Ashton in the same competition on Tuesday.
"Liam Daish is urging Gravesham borough residents to flock to the Fleet in full force this Saturday as their local side gear up for the FA Cup" says the Gravesend Reporter. "Ebbsfleet United entertain Exeter City this weekend, their first home fixture in the competition in Daish's 32-month managerial tenure - and he wants plenty of spectators there to make it count. 'I'm sure Exeter won't relish coming down to us. Hopefully, we'll gain an even larger home following to come and give us their support as well... It's going to be a difficult encounter, as always whenever you face Exeter, but hopefully we'll have enough to make it through to the first round proper'", said Daish. "Ebbsfleet at least head into their encounter with Paul Tisdale's Grecians on the back of some encouraging league results with last Saturday's 3-1 win at Altrincham providing their third success in four outings in the league this month. 'It was a good weekend', Daish added. 'We were nice and bright to start with, Altrincham then came at us but we weathered the storm and took our chances when they came, which is what you've got to do when you're away from home. It was a good three points and we've again beaten a team who are lower down the table which is a good sign'. The Robins game also saw teenage midfielder Michael Bostwick sent off for two yellow cards and Daish's midfield was further depleted either side of last weekend's trip north. Mark DeBolla joined AFC Wimbledon last Friday after being disappointed at his omission from the starting line-up for the 2-0 victory over Droylsden, while Danny Slatter was ruled out for the season on Tuesday. Neither is likely to be replaced in the near future".
Meanwhile, This is Exeter reports that "Joe Gallen is set to leave Exeter City less than three months after he arrived at St James's Park to take over from Paul Buckle. The former Queens Park Rangers youth boss was never officially unveiled as City's No. 2 because of an ongoing wrangle with bosses at Loftus Road. Now it appears that Gallen is poised to take up a position at Millwall. Nothing has been made official yet... 'It is 99.9% sure and we are sorry to see Joe go', said City boss Paul Tisdale. 'He has been fantastic to work with and was just beginning to settle, but we wish him well for the future'". It is also reported that "Exeter City fans have raised almost £750,000 for the club since the Supporters' Trust assumed control in 2003... Almost £500,000 has been pumped into the St James's Park accounts as a result of trust fundraising and members' subscriptions. And that figure, along with a £125,000 loan written off under the CVA and just over £135,000 raised through the 'Red or Dead?' appeal, means City fans have dug deep to the tune of just under £750,000".
The Yorkshire Evening Post says that "Farsley Celtic ace Amjad Iqbal endured a baptism of fire on his international debut for Pakistan – as they were humbled 7-0 in their Asia Zone World Cup qualifying clash with Iraq in Lahore. The 26-year-old made the starting line-up for Pakistan – ranked 179 in the FIFA rankings – with 2007 Asian Cup winners Iraq, ranked at 65, proving far too strong for the hosts. Midfielder Iqbal and his team-mates – who include QPR and former Fulham defender Zesh Rehman – travel to Syria on Sunday for the second leg".
From the Kidderminster Shuttle says that "Dwindling support and the lure of a money-spinning run in the FA Cup has sparked Kidderminster Harriers' chairman Barry Norgrove into labelling Saturday's home FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Vauxhall Motors as a 'must win' match. Harriers are eager for cup glory after finding it hard to make a major impact in their Blue Square Premier campaign. Their mid-table position has led to a decline in attendances at Aggborough where crowds have struggled to top the 1,300 mark on three occasions so far this season... Norgrove said: 'Saturday's match is very important. Prize-money of £10,000 is a lot of money to the club and it would make up for probably the support that we've been losing a little bit on Saturdays. £10,000 is always vital for a club of our size. Money is always tight and it always will be... A few years ago we went to the Wolves in a replay. That was tremendous for us and anything like that again would be absolutely brilliant for the club. Mark knows it's important to us'... Injury-hit Harriers, however, will again be without leading marksman James Constable who notched a hat-trick in a 4-0 FA Trophy first round replay victory at Vauxhall Motors last season. A hamstring injury is delaying his chance of adding to his haul of 10 goals in 16 appearances - a season's tally that is attracting attention from Football League clubs, including Nottingham Forest and Southend United. Norgrove said: 'There have been a few league clubs after him. We know that, but at the end of the day we are not interested in selling Constable'. Scott Bevan, Simon Russell and Jeff Kenna also remain on the casualty list, but Mark Creighton will be available again after missing Saturday 's 2-0 home defeat by Weymouth because of a one-match ban. Bevan's goalkeeping spot will again be filled by Chris MacKenzie whose loan spell from Shrewsbury Town has been extended to a second month... Admission prices for Saturday's match have been reduced to £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for under 16s".
The Oxford Mail says that "Ian Lenagan has taken over the ownership of the most famous name in rugby league - Wigan. Wigan-born Lenagan, Nick Merry's partner at Oxford United, announced at a press conference at the JJB Stadium on Wednesday morning that he has reached agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Super League club from current owner Dave Whelan. The agreement takes effect from December 1 when Lenagan will become the new owner with an 89% stake". Oxford has a new unofficial website.
Gavin Rathbone's GR Photography website has many more excellent photos of Alty in action. This one shows the Ebbsfleet keeper, Lance Cronin, thwarting Alty's James Dean and Chris Senior last Saturday.
The Manchester Evening News refers to the Manchester Senior Cup clash oin Tuesday between Droylsden and FC United. Dave Pace was planning "To rest several first-team regulars and field an experimental line-up". The Bloods' manager said, 'With all respect to both FC United and the Manchester FA, I've far bigger things to worry about than this game. FC United might want to treat it as some sort of cup final but I'm certainly not. I'll be giving a run out to all the lads who haven't featured much or at all for us this season and, while I'll be expecting them to play well and win, it's of very little consequence compared to our efforts to stay up" in the BSP.
The BBC says that "Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie is to spend a second month on loan with Kidderminster Harriers. The two clubs have agreed an extension to the deal, and the Shrews have given MacKenzie permission to play in the FA Cup for Kidderminster. The 35-year-old... joined Kidderminster following a thigh injury to Scott Bevan and has started seven league games".
"Ebbsfleet United have been dealt a blow with the news that midfielder Danny Slatter will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Slatter, 26, has been out of action for over a month and keyhole surgery has revealed anterior ligament damage. He will now undergo a further operation to reconstruct the ligament and will not return until next season. The ex-Wales Under-21 international has made almost 100 appearances for Fleet since signing from Welling in 2005" states the BBC.
Cambridge United report that "Darren Quinton will see a specialist about the knee injury that saw him stretchered off just before half-time of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Salisbury City. The midfielder collapsed after falling awkwardly following a challenge and could take no further part in the game. Physio Greg Reid told cambridgeunited.com, 'It was immediately apparent that it was a serious injury with what appears to be significant internal derangement within the joint. Due to the amount of swelling in the joint at present, he will wait until next Monday to be assessed by the specialist'".
At Burton Albion "Manager Nigel Clough is close to boosting his squad at the Pirelli Stadium with former goalkeeper Saul Deeney poised to return to the club on a non-contract basis as back up for current first choice Kevin Poole. The deal has not been completed at the time of writing but it hoped the paperwork will be completed in the next few days. Saul has recently been playing for Hucknall Town in the Blue Square North but is best rememebered for his save in the game against Manchester United that earned the Brewers a lucrative replay at Old Trafford".
The Cambridge Evening News confirms that "Histon will be forced to take Cliff Akurang's red card against Droylsden on the chin after admitting video evidence of the offence is inconclusive. However, Stutes' boss Steve Fallon, who watched his side beat the Bloods 1-0 with just 10 men in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday, still believes the dismissal of his striker, who will now be suspended for three games, was unwarranted. He said: 'The tape doesn't show enough to go to appeal. We have had a good look, and it is a grey area at best. If we had unlimited money we would appeal because we know there was no intent by Cliff - their player ducked down for the ball and ran in to the elbow'. Akurang is Histon's top scorer with eight of the Stutes' 27 goals so far, but he will now miss Saturday's FA Cup, fourth qualifying round clash against Bamber Bridge at the Glass World Stadium, as well as a home clash with Altrincham and a visit to Forest Green Rovers in the league. Meanwhile, keeper Mark Osborn has gone out on a 90-day loan move to Southern League, Premier Division side Halesowen Town, although the Stutes can recall him at any time.The impressive form of Danny Naisbitt in between the sticks has led to a substitute's role for the former Kettering Town stopper, who will now link with Fallon's former Cambridge United boss Ron Atkinson, Halesowen's new football consultant". The BBC adds that Osborn, "Histon have included a recall clause in the deal but also have goalkeeping coach [and ex-Alty keeper] Lance Key, 39, as back-up".
From This is Glos reports that "Shortwood United striker James Singh was handed a chance to impress for Forest Green Reserves last night. Rovers picked up their first home win in the Pontin's Holidays Combination Wales and West Division, defeating AFC Bournemouth thanks to Danny Carey-Bertram's brace - the first from the penalty spot - and a 25-yard strike from Alex Lawless. Singh, top scorer at Meadowbank this season, was a second-half substitute as boss Jim Harvey fielded a strong line-up. Defender Darren Jones, suspended for this weekend's FA Cup tie at Eastleigh, was among the starters. Meanwhile, organisers of Rovers' Give Regularly Assist Squad Sponsorship (GRASS) scheme have confirmed that £332.46 was raised from a collection at Saturday's game against Farsley Celtic. In an attempt to boost funds the reserve team, the club are aiming to recruit 200 supporters who would be willing to contribute £5 per month to GRASS via standing orders".
Whichever side wins on Saturday will not have long to wait for the FA Cup Round 1 draw. It is on Saturday at around 5.10pm. Whilst the 1st Riund winners pocket £10,000, those in the 2nd Round gain £16,000 in prize money.
What is a CVA? It is a deal between the company and its creditors to repay them from future profits over a period of time to be agreed. The company directors draft a proposal which is sent to all creditors for consideration ahead of a creditors meeting. At that meeting creditors vote on the proposal. As the main creditor in Vics' case, HM Revenue and Customs are the ones with which Rushe needs to do the most bargaining. They are likely to hold out for at least 50p in the pound.
What punishment could await Vics? Should an administration order be granted on Friday then the club will be deducted 10 points with immediate effect...Should an administration order be granted on Friday then it is likely that HM Revenue and Customs will withdraw the petition to have NVFC (2004) Ltd liquidated" says the Northwich Guardian.
The BBC belatedly confirms that "Stafford have signed Cheltenham keeper Will Puddy, a former England schoolboys international, on a month's loan. The 20-year-old is still awaiting his Robins debut, although he signed a three-year professional contract during the summer. He joined Stafford in time to make his Rangers debut between the sticks in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Crawley. Puddy has also previously spent time on loan at non-league sides Mangotsfield United and Yate Town. Meanwhile, Stafford have released young Irish goalkeeper Robert Duggan. Also, goalkeeper Scott Loach and defender Cedric Avinel have returned to Watford after completing their loan spells with Stafford - who are likely to be without striker Seb Hamilton for five to six weeks because of an ankle injury."
Meanwhile "Watford have signed American goalkeeper Ian Joyce on a non-professional contract basis... He had a spell in the Conference last season, where he was at Grays Athletic on non-contract terms". And another keeper on the move between the BSP and the League is "Alex Cisak [who] has returned to his parent club Leicester City following the conclusion of his month-long loan spell at Oxford United. Cisak did not make a first-team appearance in his time with the U's. Meanwhile, QPR have given the U's permission for on-loan midfielder Stefan Bailey to become cup-tied in their FA Cup qualifying tie next week. But boss Jim Smith is waiting to hear whether Ipswich will allow them to field on-loan striker Jordan Rhodes".
The Cambridge Evening News says that United manager Jimmy Quinn "is sending his troops back to boot camp in a bid to inspire Cambridge United on a run in the FA Cup. The U's have lost just once in the Blue Square Premier this season as well as having enjoyed their best start to a campaign in the club's history after going the first 12 matches undefeated. And much has been made of the squad's week-long stay at Bassingbourn barracks in pre-season for giving United the impetus to launch their season in style. But United have failed to get beyond the round in which they entered the FA Cup for the last three seasons... Drawn away yet again to face a quick return to Stafford next weekend after last Saturday's 1-1 draw in the league at Marston Road, Quinn said he felt another Army camp would get United fired up for the cup. He said: 'We're going there tomorrow and coming back on Thursday morning. We used to do it at other clubs I was with and it's something different to get all the lads together and focus on the job we've got and get a bit more team spirit going'. Quinn believed it was crucial United enjoyed a decent run in the competition to whip up the fans and boost the club's coffers. He said: 'I'm fully aware that we haven't had a cup run here for a long time and having been fortunate enough to be at clubs where they've had a good run. It's exciting for everyone. It's also another way of bringing in extra revenue to the club, particularly if we're looking to strengthen the team in the January window. I'd have liked a home tie, but at least we know a bit more about them individually and collectively and there's no reason why we can't go there and beat them'".
From the Crawley Observer we learn that "Crawley Town assistant manager Paul Raynor blamed keeper Ashley Bayes for literally throwing away two points on Saturday. Raynor was sent out to face the press as Steve Evans locked the players into the changing room for half an hour after the game and was too angry to speak... Crawley were cruising until the 89th minute when Bayes fumbled the ball into his net from a shot by Nathan Smith. The management team were also both sent to the stands in a decision Paul describes as 'laughable'. Raynor said: 'It was thrown away. Ashley Bayes has thrown the ball into his own net. You can't defend that, it was very poor from Ashley. You would like to defend Ashley on that but you can't. When you're a goalkeeper and make a mistake you get punished... The players have let themselves down. It's a game we should have got three points from... They are going to have to work extremely hard and there will be changes for the cup next week... I wouldn't like to comment too much about me and Steve being sent off because it's laughable. I can't wait to see the report because when I do I will have a little laugh to myself. It's a joke, an absolute joke'".
Ex-Manchester United reserve defender, Lee Roche, who recently had an unsuccessful trial at Moss Lane, is now playing in a local cup match for Droylsden this week.
This is Glos says that "Chris Giles is keen to get his hands on the video of Forest Green's 2-2 draw with Farsley Celtic, but not to bask in the glory of getting on the scoresheet.Rovers' stand-in captain netted twice from corners, including an 85th minute equaliser, to rescue a point from a below-par display by the home side. The giant defender was also guilty of conceding a penalty for handball from a corner, and he was keener to dwell on errors at the back than his own personal glory. 'We're very good at keeping clean sheets when it comes to open play but at the moment we've got to improve on our set pieces against', said Giles. 'I wouldn't mind seeing the video of their second goal because we seemed to be defending all right but there was a mix-up'. Giles did not blame referee Adam Watts for awarding the 59th minute penalty, but insisted he had handled unintentionally. 'It hit my hand, which I'm gutted about, but I can't really argue with the decision', he said. 'It was nice to get a couple of goals to make up for it and I'm on to zero for the season now after scoring two own goals'... Rovers' boss Jim Harvey described the result as 'two points dropped,' and admitted his side needed to improve their defensive discipline. 'We conceding too many goals by far and that's disappointing because we're always capable of scoring', said Harvey. 'I don't think Farsley showed a great deal of ambition but we need to be at our best to win games and that didn't happen'".
Meanhwhile, the Oxford Mail says that"Chairman Nick Merry has rubbished a story in one of the Non-League newspapers that Oxford United were lining up a move for Cambridge United boss Jimmy Quinn. The Non-League Today claimed on Sunday that Cambridge were opening contract talks with Quinn 'in an attempt to fend off predators Oxford United and Stevenage Borough'. But Merry said the story was 'nonsense' and he said he was upset by it. 'It's just rubbish', Merry stated. 'I'm upset by it because Paul Power, the Cambridge United chairman, is a good friend of mine'. Oxford United manager Jim Smith has been under pressure from fans because of poor results this season with the team languishing in mid-table... But he has made it clear he has no intention of stepping down, and Merry has publicly backed him to turn it around. It's quite possible that Merry and Power have been in discussions recently, yet that is likely to have been over striker Marvin Robinson, who was loaned by Oxford to Cambridge for three months but was then seriously injured in a car crash. After talks between the two clubs last week, the three-month loan has been cancelled and Robinson has now returned to being an Oxford United player, with secretary and general manager Mick Brown saying that was 'morally the right thing to do'. The 27-year-old striker, who suffered a broken leg, bruised lungs and three fractured vertebrae, had an operation to repair his broken femur last Friday and he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Smith said: 'It's a tragedy really. As far as the accident is concerned, the car rolled over and went down a bank and that's as much as I know. Tests showed that he's got three small fractures in his back and that's quite lucky because it could've been much worse. He's going to be out for a long while and he'll probably be in hospital for at least a couple of weeks'".
The NL Daily states that "Phil Wallace, chairman of Stevenage Borough, has warned there could be 'certain legal ramifications' if Mark Stimson fills the vacant managerial post at Gillingham. The 39-year-old resigned as Boro boss last week after rejecting a new deal with the Blue Square Premier side, and has been heavily linked with a move to Priestfield. Wallace was left furious by Stimson's decision to leave the club, and he said: 'In addition to finding a long term replacement for Mark I'm also dealing with the legalities of his resignation and the media speculation that he's going to Gillingham. If that happens without our consent there will be certain legal ramifications which we will pursue with all the means at our disposal. We simply will not allow our employment contracts to be manipulated for other people's gain, unless it's on our terms'".
Howard Watts's Through the Years records for next Saturday are here.
This is the Lake District reports that "Kendal Town, due to meet Altrincham in the FA Cup at home next Saturday, progressed in the FA Trophy with a 3-1 win at Grantham Town [on Saturday]. Two first-half goals in 11 minutes from from midfielder Craig Hobson gave Town the intitiative. Hobson opened the scoring after 14 minutes but them Wilkinson hit back for Grantham in the 21st minute. Hobson then struck for a second time four minutes later as Kendal turned round with the 2-1 lead. Striker Gareth Arnison added a third goal in the 75th minute to seal victory at the Meres against the Unibond first division side - the first opponents Lee Ashcroft's side played when he took charge almost a year ago". Lee Ashcroft has more than 300 league appearances to his credit but his most recent contact with Altrincham was in 2003-04 when he played against us for Southport. Before becoming the manager at Kendal, Lee was a player with the Cumbrian club.
Meanwhile Cheshire FA beat East Riding 4-0 at Nantwich on Sunday. Three Alty Youth players started the game, Danny Browne, Tom Bailey and Dominic Lillie. Bailey scored twice and Lillie once. On the bench was Chris Francis but he did not get on to the pitch.
After yesterday's game, Alty assistant manager Dalton Steele (right) told the NL Paper, "It was not up to standard. They were three bad goals to concede because it wasn't like they cut us apart. We should have been in front before they scored. It's about taking our chances"
This site's match report is here. From the other side, Ebbsfleet United report that "A 10-minute spell midway through the first half was enough to land Fleet the three points at Moss Lane this afternoon as Liam Daish's men recorded only their second win on the road this season, but more importantly stretched their record to just one defeat in nine games... The Fleet had the better possession and kept their heads in the second half, although skipper Sacha Opinel gave away a penalty on 64 minutes when he went in on Colin Little and the former Crewe striker made no mistake with the resulting spot kick. Michael Bostwick saw red on 72 minutes for a somehat naive second bookable offence, having received a caution in the first-half, but it barely knocked the Fleet out of their stride as this impressive away victory lifted them to eighth in the table".
Kendal play at the Lakeland Radio Stadium in Parkside Road, Kendal LA9 7BL. STAR will be running a supporters' coach to the match details of which are on the Away Travel page. The excellent Pyramid Passion website run by David Bauckham, who was the webmaster of Eastbourne Borough when we met them in the promotion play-off in 2005. For those travelling by car, a map link is below: Drivers should leave J36 of the M6 northbound and travel via the A590/591 and A6 signed to Kendal South. At the first traffic lights, turn right, then left at the roundabout and then right immediately after the building site into Parkside Road. The ground lies on the right after reaching the top of the hill.
Following recent changes to the Multimap website, the map links on this site's Links & Maps Page have been updated. These take you to maps of the area around all BSP grounds, from which you can zoom out to work out a route. Of course, it is far easier just to take the STAR supporters' coach to away games and let the coach drivers take the strain!
The NW Counties League confirms that "This latest Chadderton signing comes after manager Paul Buckley further strengthened the squad with the capture of former FC United player Adie Orr and former Altrincham player Nehru McKenzie (right)". Adie, too, was at Altrincham, being a regular at one point in their Reserves.
Alty had Steve Moore on trial last summer but yesterday "Flixton recorded their 1100th league goal and was the second of Steve Moore’s four goals. Flixton 4 Runcorn Linnets 3 .
NL Daily reports that "Rossendale United kept a first clean sheet since the opening day of the campaign and were rewarded with a first three pointer in six outings with Woodley Sports the victims, thanks to Gary Williams's 67th minute effort". Whilst "Witton Albion were the biggest scorers in Saturday`s FA Trophy First Round ties as they hammered UniBond League Premier Division rivals Ashton United 6-1 at Wincham Park. Rod Thornley and Marc Peers both bagged braces for Albion".
Ex-Alty men on the move recently include Lee Hendley (from Flixton to Woodley Sports) and former Reserves' keeper Craig Ellison, from Crewe to Witton Albion
Above: Colin Little's penalty was the only bright spot for Alty against Ebbsfleet.
Alty's poor home form continued as calamitous defending saw them ship three goals to a far from world-beating Ebbsfleet United side in just eight minutes during the first half. The game turned on Carlos Logan's excellent shot against the Fleet cross bar in the 28th minute for the visitors went straight to the other end where Purcell was allowed too much space and hammered a shot at goal, which Coburn parried briliantly. But the striker reacted the quickest and drove home the loose ball from left of goal (29 mins). Nade was then allowed an unchallenged header from a corner to make it 2-0 after 35 minutes. Then, two minutes later, from a cross from the Ebbsfleet right, Chris Lane looped a header over Coburn from 12 yards to record an own goal (37 mins). Alty had conceded three goals in eighteen minutes at Salisbury last Saturday and had now leaked another three in less than half that time. Alty, who had lost captain Darren Tinson to injury just over a minute before conceding the first goal brought on Colin Little and Gareth Whalley at the interval and did better in the second half. They got back into the game when Little was felled inside the box and he got up to score from the spot after 66 minutes but despite the sending off of Bostwick for a second yellow card after 72 minutes, Altrincham were unable to get past a solid Ebbsfleet defence. Match report here.
Sat. 20th
The BBC says of our visitors today that "Ebbsfleet United midfielder Mark DeBolla has left Stonebridge Road to join AFC Wimbledon.
DeBolla has signed for the Dons on a permanent basis and ends a 15-month stay with the Fleet. Meanwhile, Fleet boss Liam Daish has allowed on-loan striker Jon Hastings to return to MK Dons. George Purcell and Liam Coleman are back from their loan spells at Heybridge Swifts but Danny Stubbs and John Akinde move to Whitstable on loan".
From Kent Online we read that "Manager Liam Daish has called on his Ebbsfleet United players to put together another winning run in order to maintain their push for the Blue Square Premier play-offs. Fleet have lost just once in their last eight games in a run which has seen them move up to ninth in the table. Daish’s side travel to play lowly Altrincham at Moss Lane on Saturday and the former Republic of Ireland international is expecting a tough game. He said: 'It will be difficult, as we found out on Saturday against Droylsden. We have got to make sure we’re at it and that we play to our strengths. If we do that then hopefully we’ll have enough.,,, Striker Chukki Eribenne was forced off during Fleet’s 2-0 win over Droylsden on Saturday after the recurrence of a hamstring injury which previously kept him out for two weeks. Eribenne could be available for selection, while Paul McCarthy and Mark Ricketts (both sickness) are expected to be back".
The Manchester Evening News says that "A record of just one defeat in their last five games has edged fourth-bottom Altrincham nearer the teams who lie immediately above the drop zone... But that single loss was on home turf, taking Altrincham's total number of defeats at Moss Lane to six, a major concern to Graham Heathcote... 'Our away record is decent but it's at our place where we have lacked the firepower to finish teams off' said the Robins' chief. 'We've got to start getting some home wins under our belt, it's as simple as that. And the only way we're going to do it is by working harder and being more clinical'. Heathcote hopes Gareth Whalley, Steve Aspinall and Stephen Rose wild declare themselves fit... But Gary Scott (knee) [left] could join Val Owen and Colin Potts on the sidelines whilst Colin Little will again make way for loan signing James Dean [right]".
From Australia, The Age reports on James Robinson's move to Perth from Melbourne. James said, "'It's obviously disappointing to be told that your services are no longer wanted but I tried to take the positives out of it and one door shut and another one opened when Ron Smith gave me a chance here. I am playing many more games than I did in Melbourne and it's all going really well. Last year, it was hard for the coaches to change a winning team, but the chance has come here and I am grabbing it with both hands'. Perth has yet to win a match this season... But Robinson believes it is a better team than its re