VICS' CHANGES

OLD BOYS

NEXT UP

NEXT SATURDAY

Meanwhile, "Recalled centre back Mickey Corcoran believes the U's can build on their back-to-back shut-outs, even though there was some disappointment that they couldn't make it a perfect Christmas by beating Kidderminster. 'It's always good to keep a clean sheet and that's two in two for us now', he said.... Corcoran only got his chance because Luke Foster was serving a one-match ban, and the Ulsterman may have to drop back down to the bench again at Crawley tomorrow with Foster available again".

Saturday, January 5th:

Monday, January 7th

Tuesday, January 8th

GARETH GOES

Indeed, it has been a very busy festive season for the Altrincham manager as he has confirmed that he hopes to have five new players available on New Year's Day. Two are already signed, as has been previously announced. They are two loan players from Rotherham United - Liam King (defender/midfielder) and Tom Cahill (striker). The other three are a central defender, a utility player and a left-back whose names will be released as the arrangements are confirmed. However, the appearance of these three players is subject to the registration paperwork being completed by the authorities in time. Graham also indicated that more player movements could be expected in January.

The Alty boss also confirmed that he will be meeting chairman Geoff Goodwin next weekend to discuss "the big picture" at the football club.

DARREN DISAPPOINTED

OLD BOYS

Bullsnews reports that "Chester have circulated the names of five players to free up funds for new signings. {ex-Alty man] Phil Bolland, Sean Hessey, Ashley Westwood, Kevin Sandwith, and Dean Bennett have all been told their futures lie elsewhere. Bolland has trained with Wrexham, while Hessey, Westwood, and Bennett have all been out on loan in the first half of the season. Sandwith has featured for the first team only once in two months. Chester have had a £50,000 offer for Vauxhall Motors striker Paul Taylor rejected. The former Man City trainee has scored 15 times in 22 games in the Conference North this season".

TWO TRIPS TO DEVON IN A WEEK

ALTRINCHAM 1 STEVENAGE BOROUGH 5

Match report here.

Right: Darren Tinson was a worthy Man of the Match for Altrincham against Stevenage and he is seen here receiving his award from Brian Flynn.

YOUTH DATA

GRAHAM PONDERS HIS FUTURE

SATURDAY

Stevenage Borough "travel to Altrincham this Saturday afternoon looking to extend their recent league unbeaten run to four games. A draw at Nene Park on Boxing Day allowed Cambridge to leapfrog Borough into third in the Blue Square Premier, but with the U’s facing a tricky game versus Burton Albion it is an ideal opportunity for Peter Taylor’s men to take all three points at struggling Altrincham and maybe return to third position. Borough have not been at their best recently away from Broadhall Way, indeed a win in Cheshire on Saturday would only be Peter Taylor’s second away win as Borough manager. However with players finally making their way back from injury and concentration now firmly on promotion to the Football League their form will undoubtedly improve, hopefully starting this weekend. Graham Heathcote’s Altrincham are certainly struggling for form this season. Just three victories from twenty two games have left them struggling for their Blue Square Premier survival, and even their Boxing Day clash against fellow basement boys Northwich saw them slump to a 2-1 defeat. Assistant manager Dalton Steele resigned following that game... Recent injuries and suspensions mean that Altrincham are down to just fourteen fit first-team players for this game... A red card for Chris Senior for violent conduct rules him out suspended. Former York striker Joe O’Neill is likely to start with youth team product Tom Bailey an alternative possibility. Val Owen (injury) and Richard Acton (illness) miss out. With no fresh injury worries, Peter Taylor could start with the same eleven that began at Rushden on Boxing Day. Junior Lewis and Stuart Lewis made returns from injury during that game and will be looking to start once more, however both Barry Fuller and Anthony Stokes will both be hoping for a recall after missing out at Nene Park".

THE NEW LOAN PLAYERS

Tom hails from Euxton and was schooled in Leyland at St Mary's High School and Runshaw College, where he was a member of their successful Football Academy. He played for Villa for several years before deciding to play with Matlock during the University term, and made a name for himself this season when he scored a stunning winner against Histon in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

He joins a growing list of local soccer stars, including Everton legend David Unsworth - another ex-Euxton Villa player - and 80s star Paul Mariner... Matlock won't receive a fee for the youngster as Rotherham were aware of his plans to head to America, but they have been able to negotiate a 10% sell-on clause and a guarantee of future pre-season friendlies and preferential loan agreements. Town's joint boss Phil Brown was full of praise for his departing star, telling the UniBond League web site: 'He's done a good job for us including getting a memorable winner in the FA Cup at Histon. He's a good lad, we're all delighted for him and hope there's a big future for him in the full time game. Rotherham must obviously think a lot of him to offer him a two-year deal”. His new boss will be Mark Robins; 'He's got a good touch and his work ethic will help him make the grade in the Football League. His attitude is different class and from what I've seen of the lad, he has all the attributes required. He's turned down a scholarship in America so the lad obviously has something about him'".

As for his fellow loanee, Wikipedia reports that "Liam King (December 31, 1987 in Rotherham, England)... can play in either central midfield or defensive roles". The BBC adds that "Altrincham are to strengthen their squad with the loan signings of Rotherham duo Tom Cahill and Liam King. The pair will join the Robins for a month from the start of January. Defender King, 20, has played a handful of senior games for Rotherham, while striker Cahill, 20, has made one substitute's appearance this season".

OXFORD GAME

Meanwhile, the Oxford Mail believes that "Oxford United's management may just have had an eye on protecting teenager James Clarke against Kidderminster today because of what happened on his debut. The young right back crashed to the ground after a collision with Harriers striker James Constable in the league game at Aggborough... The referee sent off Constable, to the fury of home fans, but video replays showed he did nothing wrong... Nevertheless, there was a lot of ill-feeling between the two teams, and boss Darren Patterson may just have been thinking about this when he rested Clarke this week... Patterson said: 'It wasn't aggro at their place, it was just bad refereeing'".

BSP NEWS

Also at Crawley, The Argus tells us that "Crawley boss Steve Evans is hoping the proposed club takeover will allow him to compete with the Conference big-spenders. Evans revealed this week that an unnamed party has come forward with a deal to buy the club and are set to take charge by the end of January. Reds have suffered financial problems for the last two years and have one of the lowest playing budgets of all the full-time sides in non-league's top flight... He has spoken to the potential new owners... 'They said they are looking to upgrade the playing squad and to support myself and (assistant) Paul (Raynor). They are committed to that but you have to bear in mind that I have only had a 25 minute conversation. They are people who want a football club to progress so that can only be good for Crawley... People talking about ownership and the board will not unsettle me... The only way it will affect me is if they suddenly say I can compete with the top half in terms of budget and we can then have some activity'".

A "Race row has erupted after the Boxing Day clash between Cambridge United and Histon FC, the Cambridge News can reveal. Allegations have been made that a racist remark was hurled by a Histon player at U's striker Leo Fortune-West... The 36-year-old was the target of the alleged slur, according to the Cambridge club and referee Nick Kinseley. The official's match report contains the accusation and has prompted an investigation by the Football Association. The incident marred the match, which drew a crowd of 7,125 - the biggest league gate at the Cambridge ground for seven years... Now the two clubs - which enforce a zero-tolerance policy on racism and fully support the Kick Racism out of Football campaign - have launched inquiries into the allegations. Cambridge United's general manager Heather Wilkanowski told the News: 'I can confirm that there was an incident which is in the referee's report to the FA. Because of that, it is inappropriate for the club to comment except to say that we have a zero-tolerance policy on any racial abuse on the park or off it... but I can say that it was directed at Leo Fortune-West. He has specifically requested that no further action be taken but it is now in the hands of the FA. Histon will have to make its own report. As far as any criminal action goes, that will only happen if a member of the public reports the incident to police'.

Cambridge United manager Jimmy Quinn said: 'I'll be very disappointed if it has happened because there's no room in football for racism. If it has, the lad could be in a lot of trouble... Histon FC chairman, Gareth Baldwin, vowed that a full investigation would be launched and if found guilty, the player would face serious repercussions... The News spoke to the Histon player involved, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He admitted he had directed abuse at the striker but strenuously denied it was racist. He said: 'I can definitely tell you I have not said anything like that. I did call him something else. I am quite unhappy about this'. An FA spokesman said: "We now write to the clubs and await their response. It could then go to a disciplinary panel and the player could face a ban"'.

But that is not all, as "Steve Fallon has blasted Cambridge United for poking fun at his Histon players in the official programme for the derby clash... The Stutes boss... was left unimpressed by the spoof player-profile pieces printed for his squad... He said: 'I just thought it was disrespectful and didn't find it funny at all. Their players are at the same level as us, so I don't understand the need for something like this. Our lads had heard about it before the game and had a bit of a laugh, but I just found it very disappointing. You just don't do that'. The profiles, written by contributor Neil Cole, began by suggesting Histon had not sent much information to the U's for inclusion in the programme. They went on to mock, among other things, Antonio Murray's goal ratio and Adie Cambridge's looks, they suggested that Matt Langston arrived at Histon after taking the wrong turn off the A14 because of a 'dodgy, market-bought sat-nav', and urged Mat Mitchel-King to 'make your mind up' as he has been on the books at United, Cambridge City and Histon. The entry for winger Nathaniel Knight-Percival said: 'Sounds like he could be useful with a sword, especially if damsels in distress need saving'. Ironically, one of the most civil entries was for Fallon himself, in tribute to his playing service for the club, for whom he played more than 400 times. But Fallon said: 'Comments like that are fine in a fanzine or on a messageboard, but not in an official club programme'... He added: 'They were sent the same pen-pics as every other club are, but what they did just shows how much we must get up their noses. They have got no right to be like that, because we're only six points behind them in the league'. The Histon boss was also left unamused by the fact that many of his players were not allowed to park at the Abbey Stadium before the game. He said: 'Some of our players had to park in the street and weren't allowed in. We wouldn't stoop to their level. We do everything we can to accommodate the visiting club, their officials, players and fans and the media'".

Droylsden chief Dave Pace has insisted he is still the manager at the Butcher’s Arms after a day of rumour and counter-rumour last week" according to the Tameside Advertiser. "Having brought in ex-Stalybridge Celtic boss Phil Wilson and Gary Bauress, there were stories that Pace had stepped aside as manager and reverted to his role as chairman. However, Pace has said that the pair have been brought in purely as replacements for departing duo Wayne Richardson and Steve Mungall. He said: 'Gary is coming in for Wayne and Phil’s doing the same for Steve. To be quite honest, we needed a bit of a shake-up for the January (transfer) window. Phil and Gary weren’t in work, so it’s for our mutual benefit but how long it’s going to last, I don’t know... At the end of the day, the buck stops with me and I need everything I can to get out of the situation we’re in'... As previously reported, central defender Adam Dugdale is on his way while Terry Fearns and Steve Daly have been made available for transfer. Pace added: 'I’m looking for players up front and another centre-half. There’s been initial enquiries about Terry and Steve but nothing concrete. Terry wants to try and prove himself, so we’ll wait and see. He did tremendously in the FA Trophy tie and showed that effort and willingness to win. I don’t want anyone to go but it’s not about personalities, it’s about performances and the table doesn’t lie'".

Rushden & Diamonds "will be hoping the new year sparks a successful second half of the season in a repeat of last term. At the midway stage of the campaign 12 months ago Diamonds were only just above the relegation zone on 23 points. They finished in mid-table with 62 points after Garry Hill took over from Graham Westley and rebuilt the squad again. Now Diamonds are [again] stuck in the bottom half of the Blue Square Premier" reports the Northants Evening Telegraph.

This is Staffs claims that "Stafford Rangers are resigned to losing defender Luke Potter, who has been recalled by Barnsley. Potter's loan ran out against Burton on Boxing Day and a bid by caretaker bosses Neil Grayson and Kevin Street to extend it was rejected by the Championship outfit. Together with midfielder Chris Flynn's four-match suspension, it throws Rangers' team plans for the game against Ebbsfleet... Grayson said: 'It leaves us without a left- sided defender, so it will be a case of shuffling the pack... We're just hoping that Jimi Sangare will be available... Street added: 'This is an opportunity for us to give players on the fringe of the first team a chance to show what they can do'. The duo may also have to call up a couple of youth-teamers to supplement the squad. Grayson says morale in the camp is still high".

"Teenage York City striker Alex Rhodes has joined Bridlington Town on loan for a month" states This is York. "The 18-year-old striker, who is a regular for City Reserves, has made two senior appearances as a substitute this season".

TWO NEW FACES AND THREE MORE TO FOLLOW

Altrincham are also hoping to sign a further three players when the transfer window reopens. None of the new signings can play until January 1st at the earliest.

OXFORD TICKETS

GRAHAM TO QUIZ REFS

BOXING DAY AFTERMATH

IC Cheshire says that "Vics picked up three invaluable points, but more importantly scored a psychological edge over their neighbours and relegation rivals on Boxing Day. The message is that Vics are improving rapidly, while Alty appear to be stuck in a rut. But between them they produced a derby reminiscent of some memorable clashes of old, with commitment from both desperate sides being obvious. So much so that passion ran over into bad temper in the 78th minute and Alty’s Chris Senior lifted a fist to Northwich’s Luke Horrocks who responded with a butt and both were deservedly red carded... The second half contained a period of intense Altrincham pressure but Welch and Mike Carr, moved to centre back in the absence of the suspended Natt Kerr and Josh Wilson, stood firm".

YOUTH STATS

BSP NEWS

From Rushden & Diamonds we learn that on Boxing Day the Diamonds "were held to a stalemate by high-flying Stevenage in a match devoid of entertaining football for long periods... Stevenage manager Peter Taylor reverted to the majority of the players that had featured prior to the Setanta Trophy defeat at Woking, playing a 4-5-1 formation with Steve Morison up front". For Rushden "There was some decent link up play between Burgess and Osano at times, but too often these moves resulted in a high-ball to the diminutive strikers who were easily out-jumped by the tall Stevenage defenders... Boxing Day games often attract a number of occasional visitors to Nene Park, but few of them will feel they have been missing much when they reflect on the football on show in the first hour... and perhaps a goalless draw summed up the afternoon, and was a fair result in the end". The Northants Evening Telegraph adds, "This stalemate says so much about the lack of real quality in the top flight of non-League football... Stevenage looked more capable of putting together a series of passes while Diamonds had twice as many attempts on goal without posing a huge threat inside the penalty box... There was plenty of effort in a hard-fought battle. But where was the quality?".

The BBC confirms that "York City have appointed Colin Walker as their new manager on a permanent basis. City's former assistant boss has been given the manager's job after a successful spell as caretaker since the sacking of Billy McEwan in November. Former Barnsley and New Zealand striker Walker, 49, has guided York to five wins and a draw in his first six games. 'The players always looked fantastic on paper. Now we are seeing them playing as a true team', said York's director of communications Sophie McGill. 'We think that's down to Colin Walker over the last few weeks'".

"Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough said he hopes to add a new striker to his squad in the January transfer window... 'We still think we need another striker', Clough told BBC Radio Derby. 'There will be periods when they get tired, out of form or take a knock, so it would be nice to have someone as back-up, or even on loan for a month'".

"Crawley boss Steve Evans has revealed a club takeover should be completed by the end of January" according to the Argus. "New investors have agreed to tie-up a deal to buy the Broadfield Stadium outfit from Chas and Azwar Majeed when they return to the country in three weeks... The news will be welcomed by the majority of supporters following a series of off-field problems during the Majeed's reign. Crawley refuse to reveal who the new owners are or details about the deal but Evans said: 'My understanding is the deal is done. There are a number of things officially which need to be done and that will take a little period of time and my understanding is that the people concerned with buying the club are not back in the country until the third week of January. I have already got a date in my diary where I have to go and present my vision for the rest of the season and the next two or three years... All I know about them from my conversation is that they are football people and they want to support and invest in the team. They want Crawley to be progressive as a club on and off the pitch but as we know talk is cheap and people have to deliver. The club was close to agreeing a deal six to eight weeks ago with another party but they didn't have the money. When I was told who they (the new owners) were, I knew they would certainly have the money'. Evans is hoping for an injection of finance from the new owners to strengthen his small squad during the transfer window, particularly in attack... Evans said [after defeat by Oxford]: 'We smashed them and tore them apart. I counted four clear-cut chances in the second half but we don't have a predator to put them away... There have not been many times this season where I have blamed the referee but I thought he was very biased towards the home team. I've used those words carefully and if there is anyone who wants to dispute that, they can write to me and we can meet in a neutral venue and watch the video of the referee's decisions'".

And further clarification comes from Crawley Town itself in a statement stating that it "wishes to clear up inaccurate reporting in recent press with regards to the ownership of the Football Club. Former Chairman, Mr Mohammed Azwar Majeed, has been portrayed as the owner of Crawley Town Football Club and as a Board we wish to stress this is totally inaccurate. Crawley Town Football Clue is solely owned by SA Restaurants limited, a company [in] which Mr Majeed has no involvement whatsoever. The directors are currently in discussions with a potential new proprietor with the view of a takeover of the Football Club. Talks will continue early in the New Year and until talks have progressed further the Board will not be making any further statements at this time. As a Board we hope this clears up the matter once and for all".

However Bullsnews intriguingly adds that "Darlington have axed Chief Executive Jon Sotnick to reduce costs. The former Boston chairman had been rumoured to be behind the bidding for Crawley, where he would reunite with Steve Evans, but a statement from the Quakers states that Sotnick will continue work for their Chairman at another of his companies".

Farsley Celtic tells us that "manager John Deacey was delighted with his team's competitive attitude after they collected their first win in eight league games. He said: 'We competed in all areas and deserved the win. We had to make three substitutions through injuries but the lads who came on did very well'. Meanwhile Halifax Town boss Chris Wilder gave his side a roasting. He complained: 'It was a massively disappointing result for myself and all our supporters. I learned a lot about my players today. They have let the football club down and have certainly let me down. I have been at the club for quite a long time and there are still a lot of things that need to be sorted out off the pitch. On the pitch we have had highs and lows and this is possibly the lowest result and feeling I have had in nigh on six years in charge. There are people out there who have been given enough chances to deliver and they have not done so. I have a year left on my contract and I will take action. I have worked very hard for the club and there have been times when I could have chucked it all in, but I haven't. I have proved myself as a manager in this league and if I have to prove myself again by ripping this side up and putting another one together I will do because that performance was a million miles away from what I demand'... Halifax should have reduced the [3-0] deficit in the 77th minute when Jon Shaw was brought down inside the box but the Shaymen's own [ex-Alty man] Steve Torpey shot too close toTom Morgan" from the spot.

The Halifax Courier adds that "There were calls for Chris Wilder to quit after the Shaymen crashed 3-0 at Throstle Nest in the first-ever meeting between the sides at this level. But he said, 'I am big enough and strong enough to take the abuse that is thrown my way... I have been in this game since I was 16 and I am not going to let a few people drive me out. I could easily walk away but I am not walking away from anything... There were players out there who could not handle the pressure I put them under... The players have had chances to do it week in, week out, and they have proved they cannot do it. If they cannot do it, they have to come out of the team and leave the club... Yet again our Achilles heel has been defending set pieces'".

We learn from This is Glos that "Jim Harvey looks set to step up his interest in Swindon Town centre-back Chris Blackburn after branding Forest Green's Boxing Day defending 'atrocious'. Rovers had to come from behind twice to grab a 2-2 draw with Kidderminster Harriers at the New Lawn, and it is clear Harvey has run out of patience with a lack of clean sheets from his play-off chasers. Blackburn, who played under the Ulsterman at Morecambe and is struggling to nail down a first-team place at Swindon, is now almost certain to be sounded out over a January loan move... The Rovers boss said: 'Some of our defending was atrocious, and I suppose it's becoming a habit for us. We've conceded far, far too many goals. I thought we were getting a little bit better, and we've done a lot of work on it, but now it's looking like individuals are just not coming up to scratch. If we can't improve on the training field then we may have to go and get different people in, because it's hurting us... It's very difficult when you can't keep a clean sheet'. Harvey said his side paid for a lack of match fitness in midfield, with Alex Lawless, Simon Clist and Lee Dodgson all returning from recent injury lay-offs"

Alty's next away game is at Oxford on January 5th where "United boss Darren Patterson's decision to give Phil Trainer a breather paid off handsomely against Crawley" claims the Oxford Mail. "The midfielder struck United's first goal in 607 minutes with a terrific left-footed drive for his fourth goal of the campaign and, like keeper Billy Turley, he too had just returned to the side. Patterson said: 'The effort and commitment from everyone was fantastic... It's a big win, not only for the points, but for morale and confidence'".

On the South Coast, This is Weymouth tells us that the Terras' "boss Jason Tindall has revealed the reasons behind goalkeeper Jon Stewart's shock departure from the club... The 30-year-old told Echosport: 'I think Jon was missing London a little bit and finding it difficult here in terms of the intensity of training that we demand from the players. It is quite tough and maybe he struggled a bit to keep up with it. I think he may have a few family problems as well that he wants to sort out and is missing home. It means Jason Matthews is our only keeper at the moment so we are now looking to bring someone in. We have already identified one or two targets and hopefully we will have one in by January'".

CONTRASTING MOODS

In SAM's match report Connor Murphy writes, "A 2-1 defeat at home to bitter rivals Northwich was a new nadir for the Robins and the hurt will continue to linger for a long time yet... This performance lacked energy, creativity and, worst of all, guts. Few of those representing the home team even deserved to wear the badge - they certainly didn't seem to do so with any pride... One shining light, however, was Robbie Lawton. The stocky Scouser certainly didn't have his best game in an Alty shirt but his commitment to the cause was truly admirable. Lawton left no blade of grass uncovered, no opposition player unchallenged and although there were others who could claim they gave it their all, he was the ultimate example of what derby games should encompass. It is this attitude upon which any Alty revival must be based".

But things are on the up in mid-Cheshire as the Northwich Guardian reports. "Dino Maamria believes Vics' derby success puts them ahead of Alty in the race to avoid relegation. 'This game was about more than just the three points', he said after seeing his side beat their bitter rivals 2-1. 'I could have stood here and played it down as just one game but to beat Altrincham and pick up our first away win of the season is a fantastic gift for the fans... I'm over the moon with a win', he told the Guardian. 'But I've told the players that they can improve their performance a lot on what we saw today. I think we wasted chances to put the game beyond them and then defensively we gifted them too many openings... We moved the ball from back to front quickly to put their two central defenders under immediate pressure. I just feel that they are a bit static at the back at times and we could exploit that... We will stay up', he promised. 'But there is still an awful lot of work to do and we can't get carried away. I still intend to make changes when the transfer window opens next week'".

STAR PRIZES

STAR asks that all winners please contact the club (928-1045) to arrange to pick up their prize.

COACH TO NORTHWICH

INS AND OUTS

Photos L to R: Tom Bailey, Danny Browne, Dominic Lillie .

Since the end of last season, 15 players have moved on.

DALTON LEAVES

ALTRINCHAM 1 NORTHWICH VICTORIA 2

Above: Chris Senior celebrates his goal.

Altrincham's poor home form continued, despite a perfect start when Chris Senior scored a goal little more than two minutes after kick off after a long ball forward was helped into his path by an opponent. But, ultimately, Vics were good value for their win, levelling after 17 minutes when Little undid his own good interception by giving the ball away which led to Akins firing a shot at goal which Stuart Coburn was unable to hold. When Steve Aspinall, who played in central midfield with Gary Scott, was harshly penalised on the edge of the box, Brown drove a low freekick past the wall into the bottom corner to Coburn's right to give the Vics a half-time lead (42 mins). Alty created little in the way of goalscoring chances in the second period but the game had a sting in the tail when Alty's Senior and Vics' former Woodley winger Horrocks were sent off for violent conduct after going head to head. Colin Little almost rescued Alty when his fine turn and shot came back off the bar but the Vics rode out the closing stages and so closed the gap on their Cheshire rivals to just two points. Match report here.

BOXING DAY & SATURDAY

Boxing Day

ELVIS LIVES

BSP NEWS

Next Saturday (29th), Alty entertain Stevenage Borough. Going into their Boxing Day match "Stevenage duo Stuart Lewis and Junior Lewis could return after injury. But Lawrie Wilson, Ollie Allen, Tes Bramble, Mark Molesley and Mitchell Cole are all definitely sidelined for Boro".

Meanwhile "Stafford players Kevin Street and Neil Grayson will again take charge of the team against Burton. .. Fred Murray (knee) is unlikely to play while Nathan Smith (hamstring) is still absent from the side"..

THREE IN A ROW

TWO IN A ROW

ALTY AND VICS PREPARE

From the Northwich Guardian we read that "Vics will do whatever it takes to beat bitter rivals Altrincham on Boxing Day. Manager Dino Maamria said he cared about points, not pretty football, when it came to facing the Robins both home and away in the next 10 days. 'I'm only interested in winning', he told the Guardian this week. 'If it's going to be a battle then we can do that because we are capable of rolling our sleeves up and fighting for each other. As long as we get the three points that's good enough for me... I don't feel under any pressure whatsoever. Pressure doesn't bother me one little bit. I know how big a game it is and how much it means to our fans. Well it's important to the team as well. I'm not going to play it down and say it's just like any other match because clearly the supporters feel is much more than that with local pride at stake'. Vics went down without a whimper at Moss Lane a year ago, humiliated 3-0 by 10-man Alty after Colin Little was sent off early in the first half. But Maamria reckons revenge is a word he won't be using. 'What is in the past is in the past', he said. 'The Northwich team has changed massively since then and I'm only interested in what we will do not what we didn't do last season'. The make-up of his starting line-up will be in doubt until the very last minute with Michael Welch (ankle) and Lee Steele (hamstring) facing a race to be ready in time... Natt Kerr and Josh Wilson will both be banned for Wednesday's game. Better news is that striker Jake Speight is ready to return to first team action, while Michael Byrne impressed as a second half sub in last week's FA Trophy exit at Vauxhall Motors... Vics (from): Connett (GK), Tynan (GK), Battersby, Rusk, Strong, Birch, Brown, Maylett, Danny Williams, Carr, Johnson, Byrne, Maamria, Morning, Horrocks, Steele, Akins, Farquharson, Speight Doubtful: Welch (ankle) Injured: Allan (leg).

Dino Maamria will be forced to perform some surgery on his preferred line up as Natt Kerr and Josh Wilson miss out through suspension. He has been sweating on the fitness of Lee Steele (hamstring) and Michael Welch (ankle) all week but both should pass late fitness tests to play. Richard Battersby returns from a one-match ban and should play at right back with Simon Rusk set for a switch to midfield alongside Michael Carr. Greg Strong should take Kerr's spot. Michael Byrne is pushing for a starting shirt after impressing at Vauxhall but Maamria may opt for Danny Williams instead if he doubts Byrne's ability to last 90 minutes.

Alty boss Graham Heathcote is also facing a selection headache... Karl Munroe is a huge doubt due to an Achilles problem, so Heathcote is likely to use Chris Lane alongside Darren Tinson at the heart of his defence. He should have lively winger Carlos Logan back after he too missed the match at the weekend" [Oh no, he didn't!]

BSP NEWS

Crawley Town website adds that "Steve Evans has cited the fesitive period as crucial to his team's chances of having a successful season as well revealing the club has received a takeover approach... Town comfortably despatched high flying, Eastbourne Borough, on Saturday in the Setanta Shield, despite Evans making numerous changes to the line-up which allowed a number of fringe players to get some valuable game time... Evans speaking exclusively on Christmas Eve said: “2008 will bring us all many challenges as we continue to try and take Crawley Town Football Club forward. 'It looks likely we could also have new owners at the football club in the early part of 2008. General Manager, Barry Munn, and myself have already been requested to attend a meeting with the new prospective owners in January. We have both been asked to present to them our vision for not only this season but the next three years. I have already forwarded to them as requested my plans for player movement both in and out of Crawley Town in the forthcoming January transfer window. As sometimes happens in these circumstances the directors, Barry Munn and myself have signed confidentiality papers and we would ask that this is respected as I can say now it will certainly be honoured. From the telephone call I had with the new prospective owners they came across with a passion for the game and I know Barry Munn has got a similar view when he spoke with them. However I have to concentrate on the present and that is Oxford United on Boxing Day. It will be a really tough afternoon but we are in excellent form, have everyone available for selection and a team spirit that is brilliant. We have so much to look forward to in 2008 including the FA Trophy and Setanta Shield, two competitions that we have progressed in during the last ten days'".

Bullsnews says that "Peterboro have transfer listed goalkeeper Shwan Jalal at his request. The former Woking keeper has started only 11 games in the last 12 months since his big money move from the Conference".

From Blue Square Football we learn that "Histon have made a bid for an unnamed forward, with a view to signing the striker during next month's transfer window. The Stutes are in need of more attacking options as star striker Cliff Akurang looks set to join Coca-Cola League Two outfit Barnet. The 26-year-old has passed a medical at the London club and will move for an undisclosed fee in January. The loss of Akurang will come as a massive blow to the club, but it is believed that the unnamed forward being chased by the Stutes will be more than capable of filling Akurang's boots".

"Boss Chris Wilder will hold a head count at training today [Monday] as Town prepare for the Boxing Day trip to Farsley Celtic" says the Halifax Courier. "A bug has swept through the squad with half-a-dozen players laid low and the manager is hoping that the worst has past ahead of the Throstle Nest derby. 'We are training today so we will have a look at it', said Wilder. 'But there were half a dozen who on another day would not have played at Histon on Saturday. We lost Lewis Killeen, Steve Bushell, Alex Bailey and Matt Doughty before the game and Nicky Gray just after half time all to the bug that's gone round the club. Lewis was named as one of just four subs, but there was no way he was going to go on. With the other injuries and suspensions there was a massive chunk missing from our squad".

From The Comet is news that "Stevenage Boro chairman Phil Wallace hopes his Christmas wish will come true in 2008 - League football at Broadhall Way. Wallace said: 'I can assure our fans that we will do everything we can to win promotion. If we need fresh players to strengthen our squad and provide competition for places, then we will get them in January. We have already got several names on a list and we have been encouraged by the desire and enthusiasm of quality players that want to come to Stevenage and help us win promotion... We have been lucky that we have only had one league game in the last month, so perhaps that is a good sign for our promotion ambitions because, make no mistake, that is all we care about this season. That is why Peter Taylor's here and that is why the board will dig deep to strengthen our squad for him in January. I know from last season's experience that the last thing I would ever want is get to the late stages of the Trophy if we have aspirations of promotion, so perhaps going out is a blessing in disguise... This club is going places and the players that want to be part of that will prosper... We will only achieve our goal if we have players who want to add a promotion to their CV above all else and are willing to lay it on the line to achieve it. That is all Peter and I talk about every week - who really wants it... But from now on every game will be a cup final, every point will be crucial and the support of our fans for everyone in the club, right through until the end of the season, will be hugely influential'. Boro lost their third cup tie in a week in going out of the Setanta Shield at old rivals Woking on Saturday - ending any interest in cup competitions for another season".

"Borough chairman Phil Wallace spoke to Webnews after going out of all three cups in six weeks, saying: 'Frankly, I’m not surprised. With a squad of 23 senior players, three of whom are on loan from other clubs and seven that are long-term injuries, we have found it very hard to settle the squad, especially after the events in October. We also have a closed transfer window and three or four players out of contract this May who have turned down improved offers to stay with us another season. That does not leave much left for the manager to go to war with".

FESTIVE FIXTURES

Above: Admirably, Alty's Steve Aspinall keeps his mind on the game as he runs past the distraction of the welcoming cheerleaders, in their festive Santa hats, at Nuneaton on Saturday.

DISTRICT CUP REPORT

Pictured, right, is Altrincham Youth's central midfielder Danny Browne, who became the third Alty Youth player to be named in a first-team squad this season when he was on the bench at Nuneaton last Saturday. The other two youth team players in question are Tom Bailey and Dominic Lillie who were in the squad for the Cheshire Senior Cup match against Runcorn Linnets recently.

GEOFF TALKS SENSE

Goodwin also admitted he would be willing to sell up.... 'I'd consider it if someone put enough money in to sustain the club for a minimum of five years. If someone came to me and said "here's £100,00 for the year", I'd tell them to forget it. I love football and I've been sucked in here. It'll be very hard to leave but at the same time I know it's very difficult being part-time in a full-time league'".

RYAN ON ALTY

After a recent diet of youth and reserve-team matches, he was clearly ready for the do-or-die approach of the relegation scrap into which he was plunged when first moving to Moss Lane in September. 'Yes, I think it was the competition of battling for three points every game that was the big difference', said the ever-expanding central defender. 'We were in the relegation area (and still are), so we had a fight on in every game we played. I think that has helped me because I haven't experienced that before. Playing against strong strikers also helps bring you on physically, making you realise you have to build yourself up and adapt. But there are also some very good players and teams that like to play football. It's a good all-round experience and I only missed two games while I was there because of injury."

But it was his concentration, he conceded, which benefited most from his trip into the top tier of non-league football. 'I knew I needed to improve on it. I was playing against players who would compete right past the 90 minutes and I had to keep concentrating to handle that. Any slip-up in the 86th or 89th minute could cost you the game... It also improves your positional sense having players and balls coming at you from different angles, while I've learned to communicate better by simply saying a few sharp words to get the point across quickly.. Although we're still in the bottom four, results have gone quite well since I've been there. Our position has improved a bit because we were only two points off the team fifth from bottom when I left'"... His long-term aspirations rightly centre on the Britannia Stadium. 'I definitely want to stay here, and keep on pushing myself and improving. And if I get my chance, hopefully I'll take it. If I can keep impressing, it's a case of when the manager thinks I'm ready'.

OLD BOYS

UPDATES

YOUTH MATCH OFF

Right: It wasn't just Carlos Logan who was brought down to earth yesterday but all of Altrincham's team will have been disappointed to have let victory slip from their hands at Nuneaton Borough.

CENTENARIAN

BSP NEWS

However, Saturday was "a day to forget for both Vics and Alty in the Setanta Shield, although for contrasting reasons. Dino Maamria's men missed out on playing Barrow due to a frozen pitch at Holker Street, while Alty conceded twice in the closing minutes to lose 2-1 at Blue Square North Nuneaton. Northwich are left counting the cost of their postponement as it rules defensive lynchpin Natt Kerr and midfielder Josh Wilson out of the derby through suspension. Meanwhile the Robins are forced to call up youth teamers Tom Bailey and Danny Browne to their first team squad, which included only 13 fit players for the trip to Boro".

"John Deacey is hoping a new sense of stability at Farsley Celtic will help him and assistant Neil Parsley [ex-Alty] steer the Celts clear of relegation trouble. The newly-appointed Farsley boss said: 'I am pleased to get the job but more delighted that all the speculation is over. It has been an uncertain time for everyone at the club and I'm sure that has been at the back of the minds of the players. They know where they stand now and I think that is reflected in that I get treated with more respect. Not that I didn't get their respect, or full backing for that matter, during the last month, but the decision by the directors has put everyone's mind at rest and settled any nagging doubts. It has given me the chance to confirm Neil as my number two. He has a lot of knowledge and many contacts in the game. Hopefully some of those will help us out on the scouting side, maybe even come in on the coaching side in some capacity. We are building a backroom staff as well as a playing squad'. The Celts have not been in the best of form since Lee Sinnott departed for Port Vale but Deacey has got the nod to succeed him after chairman Andy Firbank said the board were mesmerised by his interview. Deacey, originally brought to the club by former boss Martin Haresign, beat off some tough competition to land the role. Former pros Paul Warhurst, Chris Kiwomya and Paul Nixon were all believed to have applied for the Throstle Nest post", claims the Telegraph & Argus.

This is South Devon says that "Torquay United are to lobby the Conference to be given more notice of future fixture changes after yet another key home game was moved to a Monday night to satisfy the demands of Setanta TV coverage. Following the recent news that the Gulls' vital match against promotion rivals Burton Albion will be played on Monday, January 7, United have been told that the visit of Histon to Plainmoor has now been put back from Saturday, January 26, to Monday, January 28 (7.45pm). Apart from anything else, it means that Plainmoor will not have staged a Saturday afternoon match from December 1 until February 9, when Kidderminster Harriers come to town. Both the Burton and Histon matches will be broadcast live by satellite channel Setanta Sports. They will be the sixth and seventh United games to carry live TV coverage - eight if you add the Yeovil Town FA Cup win on BBC last month. There is increasing concern among leading Blue Square Premier clubs about the impact of Setanta's demands, for it is now clear that the Dublin-based channel plans to concentrate on the promotion race for the rest of the season. 'I will approach Dennis Strudwick (Conference general manager) in the New Year to see if we can get earlier notice of any future changes', said United chief executive Colin Lee. 'For us to receive a fax on Thursday evening, instructing us that the Histon game will now be on the 29th - well, it's notice of a sort, but you would think that by now they would have worked out their fixture changes to the end of the season. We understand the frustration of our supporters. We don't really want to be here on a Monday night. As a club, we want to play on a Saturday, and I'm sure that every single supporter feels the same way. "But we are locked into a contract with the Conference, and they have a contract with Setanta, and we can't say "We won't play".

United chairman Alex Rowe is frustrated on personal and public fronts.After the Burton change, Rowe had moved a short holiday and rescheduled an important business meeting to the week beginning January 28. 'This has really mucked me about, but I'm no different to any of our supporters', said Rowe. 'Setanta may be fantastic profile for the Conference, but in terms of the way the fixtures are being moved around it's highly unsatisfactory. The numbers of people watching games involving the lower teams, with all due respect, can't be great, so they're bound to concentrate on the top sides'. Lee admitted that, with only £5,000 being paid by Setanta to the home club for each live game, United are losing money. 'If less people come through the gate, our revenue inside the ground is affected', he said. 'And everything else, like match sponsorship and executive boxes, is more difficult to sell for a midweek game. Premier League games are being moved about in the same way, but they get massive compensation. We get £5,000, which doesn't really cover the cost loss. I was talking to the Aldershot chairman the other day, and he's not at all happy - one of their gates was massively affected by having to move for Setanta earlier in the season'". Altrincham have yet to have a live home match on Setanta.

NUNEATON BOROUGH 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

North Droylsden v Farsley C. POSTPONED Barrow v Northwich V. POSTPONED Burton A. 2 Tamworth 1 Cambridge U. 0 Rushden & D. 1 (played Friday) Hinckley U. 1 Kidderminster H. 2 Histon 1 Halifax T. 2 Nuneaton B. 2 ALTRINCHAM 1 Stafford R 0 York C 2 a.e.t.

South Aldershot T. 1 Oxford U. 0 Eastbourne B. 1 Crawley T. 2 Exeter C. 2 Ebbsfleet U. 3 a.e.t. (played Friday) Hampton & R. 0 Forest Green R. 1 St Albans C. 2 Torquay U. 0 Salisbury C. 1 Weymouth 2 Welling v Grays A. POSTPONED Woking 2 Stevenage B. 0

Round 5 Draw:

"A POTENTIAL FIASCO"

He said: 'There's been a breakdown in communication between the football club and the people they are playing. We we were under the impression that because it was a cup game it would go to a replay in Altrincham if it was a draw. The football club haven't got the decency to tell us otherwise. We were unaware of the kick-off time until the Evening News told us. We asked one of the major shareholders (of the football club) to confirm to us that there would be no replay and he did. He was livid about the whole situation and couldn't apologise enough. If it goes to extra-time then we could all be left with egg on our faces. We agreed to change the time to 3.30pm last week. It seems we are doing the thinking for the football club because they can't do it for themselves'.

Nuneaton Borough chairman Roger Stanford told Evening News Sport he sympathised with the Nuns' position but the Boro kick-off time was as early as it could be. He said: 'I was unaware that they did not know about the replay situation. I sympathise with the rugby club over their position. We've done our best to accommodate Altrincham and they agreed to a 1pm kick-off. I don't think it could have been made earlier. There are benefits and negatives to ground sharing and the situation with cup draws at home is probably the biggest hindrance. However, I think the benefits far outweigh the negatives.When we found out about the draw we notified Nuns straight away. It's a summation, but I imagine we have done our best to make sure they don't have to change the day of their game. Last time we had an early kick-off they started at 4pm and perhaps we assumed that would be the case again'".

IC Coventry reminds us that "The last time Altrincham came to Nuneaton was in a Nationwide North play-off semi-final at Manor Park and ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat for unlucky Boro. Tomorrow The Robins are back in town and at Liberty Way for a Setanta Cup (1pm kick off), last 32 tie that will certainly provide a significant test for Kevin Wilkin's boys at a time when a win would certainly renew self-belief within the team.... Wilkin is pleased to have a day away from league action and see how his men deal with their higher league visitors. 'It's always good to pit your wits against opposition from higher levels', said Wilkin. 'Altrincham are not having the best of times in the Premier so we might be catching them when they are a bit vulnerable. However, they will look at us and see our most recent results and think exactly the same. But whatever the case it's an opportunity for the lads to get a positive performance under their belts while also going through to the last 16 of a competition which could be lucrative if we can get some momentum going'. On the team front, Simon Travis (ankle) and Mark Noon (back) remain sidelined as Wilkin strives for a pre-Christmas bonus. 'This is the only cup competition we are in so we want to go as far as we can, so I will field a side I think most capable of getting us through'. Wilkin is expected to continue with his 3-5-2 attacking formation despite coming away from Blyth and Hyde without troubling the scorers and that has to be a worry.Both Andy Brown and on-loan Jordan Stepien have worked hard without any luck where it matters so whether the Boro chief will opt for changes with Brian Quailey and Danny Williams, who has missed training for the past fortnight, the men awaiting recalls.Boro (from): Acton, Oddy, Moore, McIlwain, Cowan, Franklin, Collins, Curtis, Palmer, Brown, Stepien, Pritchard, Quailey, Williams, Burgess, Edmond".

As well as the Conference North Play-Off game, the two sides have met in two other cup competions in the last decade. In the FA Trophy 3Q in 1997-98 Alty won 2-0 at Nuneaton, whilst in 2001-02 at Moss Lane, there was role reversal of today's game. Then, Nuneaton were struggling in the Conference whilst Alty were the underdogs from the UniBond League. But, with Stuart Coburn inspired in goal, Alty won 3-0 with two goals from Rod Thornley (one a penalty, seen left) and one from Kevin Hulme.

GRAHAM LOOKING FORWARD

BSP NEWS

Chairman Gareth Baldwin said, 'It`s refreshing to deal with people who have integrity and share the values we do. Barnet’s chairman has been very patient and extremely professional as we have worked through the details of the potential deal. It’s entirely down to Steve Fallon who comes and who stays... He is a manager who helps players progress as well as achieving success for his club so no one should fear us selling Cliff because Steve and John Beck know exactly what they are doing and the steps we need to take to continue our improvement. We are now going after our targeted players very hard so subject to securing them and everything going as Cliff wants with Barnet there is a possibility we could complete the transfer very soon'”, he told the Histon website.

The Cambridge Evening News adds that "The striker joined the club for £5,000 in the summer from Dagenham & Redbridge and the Stutes will make a significant profit if the attacker switches to the Coca-Cola League Two outfit in next month's transfer window.Akurang has averaged one goal every two games this term, with 10 strikes from 20 appearances. But the front man has suffered a dip in form in recent weeks and Histon manager Steve Fallon has often expressed his disappointment with Akurang's displays and urged him to be more clinical. And with chairman Gareth Baldwin revealing Histon have made an offer for a Blue Square Premier player this week, the club may be keen to cash in on the forward. Meanwhile, the Stutes will announce the biggest financial deal in their history next week when they unveil a new director. Baldwin said the successful businessman, who is expected to be formally welcomed to the club on Monday, will be bringing huge financial clout to the Glass World. The mega deal will surpass the one struck with Royston-based waste water consultancy firm JK Environmentals in the summer and could exceed £250,000. And the Stutes' supremo is overjoyed to have secured the mystery man's talents and believes he will help them continue their rise up the footballing ladder. Baldwin said: 'It will be the biggest deal we've done in the club's history and it's mind-blowing. It will mean we can support ourselves financially and not rely purely on our attendances. The new director comes with a huge pedigree and is another step towards our aim of having 12 directors on the board'".

Commenting on the arrival of former Southport and Barrow boss Phil Wilson and of Gary Bauress as coaches at Droylsden, chairman Dave Pace told NL Daily, "We have to make sure we are ready for a big push in January and these are two good additions which suit both parties"...Pace also plans to bring in a number of new players during the transfer window".

There are many ways of celebrating at Christmas. Aldershot Town report that "Chairs kept being added to accommodate the crowds filling Holy Trinity Church on Thursday evening for 'the Shots' 8th Annual Carol Service. Gary Waddock, his family, together with a full array of players were present. The Bagshot Concert Band gave hearty support to the singing of the carols and singers from the Aldershot New Testament Church of God rendered songs in their inimitable style". Meanwhile at Cambridge United there is a "Fund-raising Soul Night - 'Souled Up' is the idea of U's fans Alan Marshall and Gary Atyes... Sharing a love of soul music and both promoters of successful soul events during the 80s and early 90s, they decided to join forces to promote a money spinning top class Soul gig for the CUFC promotion fund... The event is already creating a buzz around town, as being the hottest ticket to have this Christmas!".Meanwhile Cambridge United report that Robbie Willmott has signed his first professional contract today, committing his future to the club to 2009. Robbie, who only turned 17 in March and was the youngest member of last year's youth team, is an exciting prospect who can play on either flank or in a withdrawn central striking role".

From Blue Square Football we learn that "Halifax Town manager Chris Wilder has told defender Greg Young that he will be placed on the transfer list when the January transfer window opens. Young joins fellow centre back Cortez Belle on the transfer list as Wilder looks to free up some wages. 'Greg has struggled since he came back from his injury', Wilder told the Halifax Courier. 'He did well to get back but I don't think it has helped him that none of the centre backs have hit any consistency. It is an area I need to improve on and I cannot beat about the bush, holding on and waiting for them to come good'".

The Crawley Observer reports that "Reds' boss Steve Evans said the ground share with Horsham could help Crawley's finances... He said Horsham would have minimal use of Broadfield Stadium but the move is still being discussed at board level. He added that he will field a weaker team against Eastbourne Borough with games over the festive period more of a priority. Guy Madjo is unlikely to make a return to the club next month but a final decision will be made by Cheltenham Town on January 20".

"Boss John Deacey says Farsley Celtic fans can expect to see an 'improved' Dominic Krief after signing the midfielder following their FA Trophy victory over Gateshead. Krief is ruled out of tomorrow's Setanta Shield match at Droylsden but will be eligible to make his second debut for Celtic in the Blue Square Premier showdown against Halifax Town at Throstle Nest on Boxing Day" claims Farsley Today."It is the second time Farsley have captured the former Leeds United midfielder,who first arrived at Throstle Nest exactly two years ago and played in their UniBond League Premier Division play-off final victory over North Ferriby United. Deacey said: 'We signed him last night and it is a good addition to the squad. We need a strong squad to get us out of the situation we are in and he will help give us that. t will give us good legs in the centre of midfield, he has done well for Guiseley this year, he has scored a few goals and hopefully he can add to the tally. He has been here before and he did well, but he has matured now as a player and dropping back down to the UniBond League has done him a lot of good. He is fit, he is enthusiastic which is what you need, and he is at the right age now at 24. I think we will see an improved player. He will be playing in a league which will suit him better, it will give him the chance to pass the ball around as it is not as hurly burly in the Conference. You get the chance to put your foot on the ball'".

Krief actually started last season in Conference North with Farsley but switched to Stalybridge Celtic last November when he teamed up again with his former Harrogate Town boss John Reed. He dropped into the UniBond League with Bradford Park Avenue in March before moving on to Guiseley in the summer. But Krief,who is currently serving a four-match ban, became unsettled at Nethermoor and was released by new Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick on Tuesday evening. After considering his options, he decided to sign for Farsley and was able to do so prior to the opening of the transfer window in January as he was free agent. Krief completes his ban tomorrow, while Farsley will also be without centre-back Ryan Crossley who has a slight back strain... 'I will be using the squad', Deacey said. 'You have to look at the big picture and at the end of the day we want to stay in the Conference this season. I am sure Droylsden will approach it the same way we are, because they have a heavy Christmas programme as well. Whoever plays, we are expecting a very tough game, as it always is down there. They are an attack-minded side, and they're good going forward. The manager is attack-minded. If we score two goals he'll be looking for three and he will throw another two strikers on because that's his philosophy. But it does leave them open at the back and we have to try and exploit the weaknesses'".

This is Glos says that "Forest Green boss Jim Harvey could dip into the January loan market to bolster his side's promotion challenge. Rovers' supporters are purring over the club's transformation from relegation fodder to play-off hopefuls this term, and Harvey believes a settled squad has been a key factor in their success. But he is not ruling out making temporary additions to his 22-man party, with Swindon Town defender Chris Blackburn a possible target. Harvey signed centre-half Blackburn while in charge of Morecambe, and the 24-year-old could be on the market after making only three League One starts since joining the Robins last summer. Harvey said: 'I've said before that I'm happy with the balance of the squad, and certainly we've got enough depth at the moment because everyone is fit and healthy. But I wouldn't rule anything out in January because you never know when problems could arise, plus we've not used up any of our loans this season'. Blue Square Premier clubs are entitled to make eight loan signings in any season, yet Harvey has so far resisted the temptation to bring new faces in".

From the Kidderminster Shuttle comes the news that "Kidderminster Harriers confirmed this morning that they had rejected a takeover bid. Chairman Barry Norgrove said that the People's Club had made an official approach but the six directors of the Aggborough club had unanimously rejected it. He told the Shuttle/Times & News: 'I did my homework on the set-up of the People's Club and I personally felt that it was not in the best interests of Kidderminster Harriers. But all the directors needed to be consulted because there may have been some support for the move. Yesterday was the first time we could all get together and discuss it and we have unanimously rejected the bid. We had some worries about what it would mean to the club. We currently have myself and Neil Savory who are local people and have long-standing family links with the club and it was felt that this was important. The directors believed it was better to continue as we are. We are looking for a push into the play-offs in the New Year and will be considering strengthening the squad in the January transfer window'. The People's Club is a new phenomenon which is aiming to find 40,000 football fans to sign up and generate £1 million to buy a club by the end of the season. Harriers was known to be on its top ten list of targets".

MAKE A DATE

NUNEATON NEWS

Meanwhile, "Former Coventry City midfielder Mark Noon continues to be frustrated by his back problems that have kept him out virtually all season. The Nuneaton Borough ace underwent surgery on a double prolapsed disc in the spring and though he battled his way to fitness and came on as substitute in the Setanta Shield win over AFC Telford earlier this month, he's again on the treatment table. And Noon's worries are also manager Kevin Wilkin's, who believes if the player could overcome the nagging injury it would provide a massive boost for the team. 'Mark is among the best midfielders in the league and you miss that quality of player', said Wilkin....'He's been told to rest up again although we hope to get him to see his consultant soon and see where he goes from there... so we must get on with it without him', added Wilkin, who will also be missing Simon Travis until after Christmas. He has a gash on his ankle".

On Saturday, in Round 4, the 24 BSP clubs join the 8 survivors from the regional divisions in Round Four of the competition. Prize money is £2,500 to Round Four winners. The competition winners earn £12,000 for success in the final, which will be in April. The Setanta Shield Fifth Round draw is expected to take place live on Setanta TV after the televised Burton Albion v Tamworth game which starts at 5.15pm this Saturday.

SETANTA GAMES

Once again, Altrincham are conspicuous by their absence which is more than can be said for some of the names above. It is to be hoped that the Farsley match draws more spectators than the total of ninety-two hardy souls who attended the Throstle Nest this week to watch the FA Trophy replay against Gateshead.

BSP NEWS

The Argus adds that "A former football club chairman is being prosecuted over claims he ran up a massive unpaid tax bill. Azwar Majeed is due to appear in court later this week accused of cheating the taxman after a Scotland Yard investigation. Majeed, the former chairman of Crawley Town FC and the owner of several businesses, bars and restaurants in Brighton, Worthing and Crawley, is accused of failing to declare income tax, national insurance and capital gains tax in some of his companies. While police and HM Revenue and Customs have not revealed the amount the 31-year-old is accused of owing, Mr Majeed himself told The Argus detectives have accused him of dodging £50 million due in tax. He is accused of 'dishonestly failing to account properly or at all' for the tax due 'in respect of income derived from trade and capital gains' between April 2003 and March 2007. The charge is that he did not give notice to tax officials that he was liable for income tax or capital gains tax for that period and failed to submit any tax returns.

Mr Majeed... said Metropolitan Police officers started an investigation into his finances after discovering half a million pounds in one of his safe deposit boxes at the end of 2006. Mr Majeed, who turns 32 tomorrow, said: 'I am not really very bothered about it. They just found me with lots of tax and presumed I had done something wrong'. Majeed and his brother Chas Majeed came under the media spotlight after they put Crawley Town Football Club into voluntary administration last year because they owed money to a number of creditors including Crawley Borough Council, the Inland Revenue and former players.A year ago they were taken to the Royal Courts of Justice in London over an unpaid corporation tax bill of £206,000... The Majeeds also own businesses in Crawley, Worthing and Brighton, including Platinum Ignition which hires out top end cars and private yachts and bars such as the recently relaunched The Gentleman's Turf, formerly Ja Vu, in North Street, Brighton".

On the field, The Argus says that "Neil Jenkins insists he has no axe to grind with Crawley ahead of his first clash with his former club. The Eastbourne Borough defender comes face to face with his old employers for the first time since his acrimonious exit 18 months ago in the Setanta Shield on Saturday. Jenkins was one of a number of players who walked out of the Broadfield Stadium in 2006 after the club went into administration with debts of £1.4m. The former Wimbledon and Southend full-back did not get paid for two months and only recently collected the money he was owed by Reds owners Chas and Azwar Majeed. Jenkins described the club as 'a joke' when he quit Crawley to join Borough last July but says that gaining revenge is the last thing on his mind ahead of tomorrow's fourth round clash at Priory Lane. He said: 'It's well documented that I didn't enjoy my last six months at Crawley and the way the players were treated was awful. I was getting married that year and it is pretty difficult to plan a wedding when you haven't been paid but every time I had an opportunity to leave I was prevented from going. But that is all water under the bridge now. It is hard to hold a grudge against a club when there is nobody left there who was there during my time. I blame the manager, John Hollins, for a lot of what happened to me. He mucked me about a lot but he has gone now and the only player who I know who is still at the club is Lee Blackburn. Of course there is always a bit of added spice when you play one of your old clubs but really it is just another game. I'm more interested in playing again after being injured for a couple of weeks'".

From the BBC "Cambridge United duo Lee Boylan and Danny Potter have signed new contracts to keep them at the Abbey Stadium. Goalkeeper Potter, 28, has agreed a one-year extension to his current deal to stay with the U's until June 2010. Meanwhile, they have taken up their option of a further 12-month deal for striker Boylan, 29, who has now signed up until the end of next season. Boss Jimmy Quinn has also offered new contracts to a further five players, including defender Mark Albrighton".

However, the Cambridge News reports that "Lee Power says that Cambridge United are looking to off-load contract rebel Michael Morrison in the January transfer window - but only if the price is right. The 19-year-old defender's current deal runs out at the end of the season and his refusal to sign a new contract last summer, then again over the past few weeks, has led to him being dropped to the bench by U's boss Jimmy Quinn. And U's chairman Power believes a parting of the ways is the best scenario for both sides and he will let Morrison go for the right fee - or go to tribunal if necessary. Power said: 'To be honest I don't think this is a position anyone at the club or Michael wants to be in... The only amicable ending is to listen to offers for the right money or go to a tribunal, but we won't be letting him go on the cheap. 'We brought Michael Morrison through the club from when he was young and he has played a lot of games for us. So, it would be different to the situation we found ourselves in with Robbie Simpson over the summer. I think it will be best for both parties if he found another club because we've offered him a fantastic deal and he's turned it down. But fair play to him, I've played the game and we don't want to stop someone progressing. We've just got to do what's best for Cambridge United Football Club'. Power is yet to receive any concrete offers for the player, who has been at the Abbey Stadium club since he was a boy, and the chairman has warned want-away Morrison he will continue to back his manager's decision to exclude the centre-half from his current team selection. The U's supremo added: 'If the transfer window closes in January and he hasn't found a new club, he could be in for a long season'. Meanwhile, with the returns to fitness of Danny Brown and Mark Albrighton, Jimmy Quinn has decided to let attacking midfielder Darryl Knights return to Yeovil after his two-month loan spell with United came to an end this week".

York City "Minstermen are proud to present 'An Audience With Frank Sidebottom' at York City Social Club on Friday, 11th April 2008. The Timperley superstar will be on stage at 8:30pm, and doors will be open from 7:30pm. Tickets will cost only £10 (£8 for members of York Minstermen) and can be bought from the Club Shop at Bootham Crescent and from all York Minstermen events." Alty fans will recall that Mr Sidebottom was also on the bill at York when Alty played their away game there last season.

Exeter City report "Yet more good news from the Cat & Fiddle [training ground] this morning as defender Matt Taylor has agreed an extended contract until 2010. This follows hot on the heels [of] the news that George Friend has also extended his deal by two years. Boss Paul Tisdale was naturally delighted by this latest news, 'Matt has been excellent for us this year, barely putting a foot wrong. He was untried at this level but looks like he has been playing there for ever'".

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Above Gavin Rathbone's view of Warren Peyton and Ryan Shotton, with Darren Tinson in the background, in the match against York City last week. More of Gavin's excellent images can be viewed on his GR Photography website.

The Sale & Altrincham Messenger says that "evolution rather than revolution will be the key as Alty look to turn around their so far disappointing campaign. Robins boss Graham Heathcote is planning changes in the January transfer window but insists there will be no massive overhaul at Moss Lane. Heathcote remains confident his team are close to being competitive in the Blue Square Premier and will merely be looking to finetune the current formula. But there will still be some difficult decisions as well. Reinforcements will be brought in - loan agreements are close to being reached over a young striker at a Championship club and a midfielder at another League club - but that means letting a couple of the current squad go.

Heathcote told SAM Sport: 'We have to look at improving the squad in January and maybe look at improving other areas as well. Fresh ideas in the coaching can only be helpful. We've got a team that's very close to the level it needs to be at. We just need the icing on the cake and that's not easy to get. I have had lots of conversations about players. Due to the financial situation, I've been looking at a couple of loan deals with League clubs but there's other irons in the fire as well. Clubs at this level will be looking to move players out to move other players in and we can look at that as well. One of the decisions we have to make over the next few weeks is which players we have to move on, which is something I never like to do'...

He said: 'I'm looking forward to the Setanta Shield but I have to make sure that the likes of Asa [Steve Aspinall], Gareth Whalley and Carlos Logan get some football. That's my priority this weekend. I'm not trying anything new. I just want to get some football into their legs. We've got five games in 15 days now so I'll need to use the whole squad and these guys haven't had many games recently. I want to get everybody a 90-minute run-out. I'm really looking forward to our derby games though. I'm delighted that Northwich have survived and it's vital for football in Cheshire that we keep these games alive. Playing them twice over the Christmas period it will create a real cup tie atmosphere. We need all the fans to turn out and give us their support because they will be two big games'".

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Victory was more the sweeter as the Angels finished the game with just nine players on the pitch, as midfielder Scott Kinch and hero Hamid Barr both saw red inside stoppage time, with their team-mates hanging on. But Tonbridge Angels’ grit, pride and determination was worth it in the end, as Barr’s twelve and most vital goal of the season sealed victory on the half-hour mark... Warrilow wasn’t happy losing two players inside stoppage time... 'I am so pleased, so delighted for all the lads but unfortunately the ending sort of took the icing off for us a little bit... Second half, it was like to Alamo back there', admitted a delighted Warrilow afterwards... 'But I’ve got to mention I haven’t seen a referee like that in my thirty years of football! I thought he was an absolute disgrace tonight and I don’t mind going on record saying that... Oxford United are a massive club, with all the set-up and the stigma [??] and we’ve got another clean sheet tonight... They’re a great club, I’m not disrespecting Oxford but I thought over the two games we can’t just turn round and say we were lucky. I thought we deserved the win".

The Droylsden Forum has a posting which says that Dave Pace "spoke to me at 6-45pm tonight (Wednesday) to ask if I would put the record right and tell you all that Phil Wilson and Gary Bauress are replacing Steven Wayne as back room staff. Dave Pace is still Manager. Read the Manchester Evening News on Friday for more information". Phil Wilson, a former Alty player, but most recently manager of Barrow, has worked in tandem with Gary Bauress, for many years, with Bauress initially being Wilson's team captain at various clubs.

From the BBC comes news that "Stevenage boss Peter Taylor wants to add a handful of new faces to his squad as soon as the transfer window opens. Chairman Phil Wallace confirmed to Borough's website that Taylor has been in contact with a number of clubs about prospective new signings. He said: 'The problem with our side has been the same for a couple of seasons. We need to bring in a few experienced players to put it right. Three of the four players we've targeted are with League clubs'".

"Bolton defender Mark Ellis has extended his loan stay at Torquay United until the end of the season. The 19-year-old joined the Gulls in September and will now be with Paul Buckle's side for the remainder of their promotion challenge. Plymouth-born Ellis has so far started nine games for the Blue Square Premier side, scoring twice. His loan spell was due to expire after Torquay's Setanta Shield tie against St Albans City on Saturday", states the BBC which adds that "Six months into his revival mission at Torquay United, manager Paul Buckle has paused to take stock... 'If you have got anything about you as a player, coach or manager, you do assess how things are going. I have said to the players that they are a new group and the club is building but we have fast-tracked it so far and we need to keep raising the bar and trying to move forward'... The former Torquay midfielder started off with just four players but with new owners on board recruited 18 new faces to put together a squad.... 'It was a terrible feeling to go out of the League but the good to come out of it was the consortium and the staff and the players the club has now and the fans have really responded'. Ave