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October 2008 |
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October 2008 |
Altrincham dropped a place last night courtesy of Salisbury's win so start the game in 14th, whereas Histon lie 4th, with a game in hand. Nevertheless, Altrincham share third place in the current BSP form guide with their opponents, Histon, both having gleaned 13 points from their last six matches.
Meanwhile Luton Town's website confirms that against Alty "Kids can again watch Luton Town for the price of just two 20p pieces. Following the "Kids for 2020" promotion that ran for the game vs. Bournemouth on Tuesday 28th October 2008, the club calculated that the attendance for that night would have been in excess of 7,000 with a significant increase of under 17s present... Therefore, we have decided to repeat that particular ticketing promotion to cover the FA Cup First Round tie against Altrincham on Saturday 8th November 2008 K.O. 3pm. This match is pay on the day only via cash turnstiles and unreserved seating, with prices set at normal pre-matchday prices (listed below). Any junior or youth (under 17) can watch the match for two 20p pieces when accompanied by a full paying adult, however, any unaccompanied children will be charged at normal pre-matchday prices.
As promotions for cup matches need to be authorised by the FA and the opposition, Luton Town would like to express its thanks to Altrincham FC for their co-operation and participation which has allowed us to continue this offer for this game. We sincerely hope that Altrincham will bring a good following for this cup tie a week on Saturday".
'Due to the financial situation at the club we have had to release the both of them', he said. 'It's disappointing and it's not nice to put people out of work. It is part of the cost cutting exercise at the club and unfortunately part of that is to get players off the wage bill and Michael and Trevor were the ones decided on'".
Next, news of another club reducing its costs. "Striker Stuart Beavon has become the latest star to be transfer-listed by troubled Blue Square Premier outfit Weymouth" reports the Dorset Echo. "The 24-year-old, who has been a favourite with the Terras’ fans ever since he moved to the club in January 2007, has joined Danny Knowles, Scott Doe, James Coutts, Josh Webb and Michael Malcolm in the shop window as chairman Malcolm Curtis continues to try and cut costs. Weymouth boss John Hollins said: 'It is a board decision really and the simple philosophy behind it is that if we cannot satisfy someone in terms of giving them a contract then it is only right to put them on the list to see if anyone wants them. In the meantime the player continues to play for us and play properly. And what I mean by that is if I said to them you have to stay here and rot it would not do anyone any good and it certainly would not get the best out of the player on the pitch. It will be interesting to see what interest we get for Bevs but I can honestly say that no one has rung me so far. And if people do not ring me personally and instead try and go around the back then I will not stand for it. It is my team and my squad'. The Terras crashed out of the FA Cup last Saturday after a 2-1 defeat against AFC Hornchurch and it appears that has hastened the need for cutbacks.
When asked just how bad the situation is, Hollins added: 'We are going to have to cut and cut. We are slightly over our budget and the money to take that extra player has now run out. The money from getting through in the FA Cup would have provided us with a nice nest egg but we did not progress and to be honest at the moment I do not know what the situation is'... The Weymouth board have been holding meetings all week and more are expected in the next 24 hours as they continue to search for a solution to the current financial crisis at the club."
The Evening Leader reports that Wrexham keeper Gavin Ward "is determined not to let the good work under Dean Saunders be undone in the wake of Wrexham's FA Cup defeat... against Eastwood Town... after being outplayed by their Unibond League Premier Division hosts... 'It was disappointing because since Deano took over as manager, we have done well. All of a sudden people think 'here we go", said Ward. "The league and getting out of it is the most important thing" said Ward. "No disrespect to them but to be beaten by a team from two divisions below us, and part-time is hard to take... They set out a game plan and then stuck to it. They put five across midfield and the one in front of the centre-back played very well, while the lone striker worked hard".
Meanwhile, "Wrexham Reserves held a Manchester City XI to a 1-1 draw at City's Carrington training ground. Boss Saunders used a number of un-named trialists with Simon Brown getting the goal... Wrexham are back in cup action next Tuesday at Altrincham. They go to Moss Lane in the third round clash in the Setanta Shield. But they'll have to do without the services of Wes Baynes. His booking at Eastwood was his fifth of the season and he'll be banned for the tie"
According to the Football Conference "Crystal Palace midfielder James Dayton has joined Crawley Town on loan. 19 year-old Dayton had a loan spell with Yeovil Town earlier this season. Crystal Palace Manager Neil Warnock, speaking to crawleytownfc.net said 'He is a talented boy who is learning his trade and is highly regarded here at Selhurst Park by all of the coaching staff. The boy needs competitive first team action as part of his development and at a club where he will be driven. I could not send him on loan to anywhere better than Crawley Town with Steve Evans in charge'".
Meanwhile Blue Square Football says that "Cambridge United have decided to loan out Courtney Pitt to CRC in order to aid the winger's fight to regain full fitness. The 26-year-old, who is suffering with damaged knee ligaments, has penned a one-month loan deal with the club's 'youth/reserves' outfit as he battles to return to first-team action. U's manager Gary Brabin believes the spell in the Ridgeons League will help the former Chelsea trainee build up his match fitness".
From theNorthants Evening Telegraph we learn that "Keith Cousins is backing boss Garry Hill to guide Rushden & Diamonds towards the play-offs. The Nene Park chairman insists the board of directors are 100 per cent behind Hill – despite three successive defeats which have left them mid-table in the Blue Square Premier and out of the FA Cup. Hill remains in charge following supporters' calls for him to be sacked or to resign. But he has promised changes with eight players put on the transfer list. Cousins said: 'I've told Garry to get rid of those under-performers and replace them with players who will give us 100 per cent in the hope that they can get us into a strong position for promotion. He can bring in players who will freshen things up and re-energise ourselves to take this club into the play-offs by the end of the season. We remain confident that will happen. There's every reason to be positive... If we left it until Christmas it might have been too late. Our fans, staff and volunteers deserve better. If some of the players put in as much effort as those people, we would be on top of the league. I wasn't prepared to allow those players to continually under-perform. So I decided to do something about it'... Cousins also confirmed that Diamonds are looking for a transfer fee for striker Lee Phillips after paying £17,500 to Torquay United for him last summer. The other players on the transfer list are Curtis Woodhouse, Andy
Cambridge United announce that "Our fixture away at Histon on New Year's Day has been selected for live television coverage on Setanta TV... at 3pm."
The Argus reports that "Lewes are signing Brighton and Hove Albion’s Adam Hinshelwood on a month’s loan. Rooks' boss Kevin Keehan was hoping to have the deal tied up in time for the defender to feature in their game at Wrexham tomorrow. Hinshelwood has been featuring in Albion’s reserves as he makes his comeback following a succession of knee operations".
In contrast, Alty boss Graham Heathcote had a long and unexciting journey to the Luton v Bournemouth match - the 315-mile round-trip to watch our Cup opponents yielded just eight minutes of action as snow forced the early abandonment of the game!
After a wretched start to the season that saw the Robins win just one of their first nine games, they have won seven of their past 10 games and are unbeaten in nine at Moss Lane... the striker bagging five in his last seven games... But the former Crewe man has warned against compacency... 'We are not too far off the relegation zone so we need to keep on picking up points. But I think we have proved to people in recent weeks that we are capable of more and we are not out of any of the competitions we were in at the start of the season. Things are going well but they could quite easily go the other way if we don’t stay focused'”.
For clubs separated by more than 150 miles and, over the years, several divisions, a surprisingly large number of players have played both for Altrincham and their next FA Cup opponents, Luton Town. One of them is one of Alty's current players, Kevin Street. Whilst with Crewe Alexandra, Kevin had a loan spell with Luton Town (making 1+1 league appearances). Sadly, Kevin is currently injured so will not feature at Kenilworth Road. Another current Alty player with Luton connections is Alex Meechan who had trials with Luton Town.
One of the earliest players to appear for both clubs was Altrincham Legend the wonderfully named Herbert Kitchener Blackshaw. As Terry Rowley writes, after being an Alty regular in 1939-40, Herbert "surprisingly turned up and played for Luton Town in their first post-war season".
More recently, striker Peter Thomson, who was signed by Alty in June 2006 from Stafford Rangers, also played for the Hatters, who bought him from Dutch club NAC Breda for £100,000 in 2000. After a loan to Rushden & Diamonds in 2001-02 Peter returned to Luton before joining Southport in summer 2002. A third player to appear for both clubs was Alty's 2003-04 winger Rob Matthews (left), who made 12 appearances for the Bedfordshire side. An Alty player of 1986-87, Graham Jones, made his Football League debut for Luton Town at the age of 16 and completed 39 appearances for them. In 1971/72 Alty had winger John Ryan on their books; he had signed at Moss Lane midway through 1970/71 season from Notts County but had earlier moved from Wigan to Luton Town with manager Allan Brown for a four-figure fee. Another ex-Robin to have played for both sides is goalkeeper Andy Dibble, who was at Alty in 1997-98 season, a decade after serving at Kenilworth Road.
Stevenage are away at Leicester City in Round One.
The council and LSV have periodically informed us of delays in the opening date of the stadium, but over the last six weeks there has been hardly any progress on the site due to a standoff between the builders, developers and the council with regards to some finishing issues. Last week we were told that the earliest chance for our first game would be the 13th December, but there was even some doubt over that. The final straw came last week when the council and the health and safety advisory committee gave its verdict on stewarding requirements for the ground. We were presented with their proposal to open a quarter of the stadium, which they judged to need 45 stewards of varying degrees of seniority, costing £3,000 per match, including 5 people to run the control room!!! All this for a match where there may only be 250 spectators!! Bearing in mind the stewarding costs at Hilton park were under £200 per match. Similarly the cost of meals for players, of which we are bound by the league to provide 40 per match, will rise in cost from £2per player to £7.50per player at LSV.
Unfortunately the people involved in running the stadium appear to have no appreciation of the running costs of a club of this type and are gearing the stadium up with a cost base similar to a Premier League club, then trying to pass the costs onto the clubs. By resigning as chairman and ceasing with funding the club, it doesn’t necessarily fold, although when I joined the club it was days away from running out of cash and there was nobody else to keep the club going. We are trying to restructure the club to fulfil the remaining fixtures, effectively on a zero cost base, but that would require several key issues with the league and council to fall into line.... I went into this with an amount to which I was prepared to fund the club, but with virtually zero income, the losses have effectively trebled. I do hope that the club can continue, although it is looking difficult and I hope that the council review how they are viewing the clubs so that Centurions aren’t faced with such ridiculous costs and a similar fate. What looked like a bright future for the club six month ago has turned into a nightmare because of poor management of the stadium build and health and safety people that just don’t live in the real world... Regards, Dominic Speakman".
But Diamonds are still keeping one player according to the BBC. "Bournemouth loan striker Michael Rankine will return to his parent club Rushden & Diamonds next month. Cherries' boss Jimmy Quinn had asked to extend the player's loan beyond the initial month, which is due to expire on 8 November. But Quinn told BBC Radio Solent: 'Rushden are having a bit of a shake-up there, and they want to take him back. I'm disappointed because Michael has done well'".
"Lewes manager Kevin Keehan has apologised to the club's fans after Tuesday's FA Cup defeat by Leiston. The Rooks lost 3-1 at home to the Suffolk club, who are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition. Keehan told BBC Southern Counties Radio: 'We are doing our best but it was not good enough. We should have won and brought much-needed revenue in. There is a lot of pressure at the club to bring money in', he added. The club say they will hold an 'emergency' board meeting next week following the defeat" reports the BBC. This is confirmed by The Argus which states that "Lewes announced they have called an emergency meeting to discuss the future of under-fire manager Kevin Keehan".
Altrincham host Histon this Saturday. "Histon boss Steve Fallon was delighted with strikers Jack Midson and Danny Wright after Tuesday's 5-2 FA Cup replay win over Durham City. The pair each scored twice with Josh Simpson scoring their other goal in the fourth qualifying round clash. 'The front two were magnificent and 5-2 was a fair reflection of our performance', Stutes boss Fallon told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. 'Jack and Danny were just too quick for their back four'".
"Woking manager Phil Gilchrist says the attitude of some of his players should have been better in their 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Ebbsfleet. Woking let a two-goal lead slip in the original tie before losing the replay. Gilchrist told BBC Southern Counties Radio: 'A couple of individuals need to look at themselves. I warned them if they were feeling sorry for themselves they shouldn't travel - we couldn't afford it. We got what we deserved'".
The Football Conference tells us that "Defender Patrick Cox has signed for Salisbury City".
Blue Square Football says that "Wrexham suffered their first defeat under Dean Saunders when they were bundled out of the FA Cup by Unibond Premier League side Eastwood Town... Eastwood followed up their admirable feat in the first meeting with an outright and well-deserved victory... to hand Saunders's first defeat, ending the Dragons' five-match unbeaten run under the Welshman... 'I won't even try to make excuses, we just have to get more talent into the club', he told the BBC... 'We had three great league results that gave us breathing space, but now I have to hurry the recruitment process up. Some of the players have had a chance and they're not good enough. The loss was unacceptable - if I manage for 30 years more that will be the low point'... The defeat meant that Wrexham failed to make the first round proper of the Cup for the first time in 84 years... 'It's easy to say now that we're concentrating on the league, but this club is famous for its Cup runs', Saunders told BBC Sport Wales. 'I've won the Cup myself, and I want to win every game that I play in. Well done to Eastwood, but they never tried to beat us. They sat back, asked us what we had, and it wasn't enough. We created nothing, even when we had four up front at the end. As I said, we need more talent. I have players in mind, it's my job to get them in quickly and motivate them'".
"Mansfield boss Billy McEwan has bolstered his squad with the signing of Pakistani international midfielder Adnan Ahmed on a month's loan. The 24-year-old arrives from Tranmere Rovers as McEwan bids to add experience to his depleted club as injuries begin to take their toll... 'We have got lots of games coming up and we need players with experience... We have some young players at this club who are not ready'", said manager Billy McEwan. "Ahmed spent three years at Huddersfield, whom he joined after a stint at the Manchester United academy" says Blue Square Football.
There were some poor attendances at Tuesday's FA Cup replays, with Ebbsfleet recording 869, FGR 425, Histon 411 and Lewes 363.
The NW Evening Mail confirms that "Striker David Brown has been given until early next week to decide his own Barrow AFC future. The 30-year-old former Football League forward is mulling over an improved offer from the Bluebirds. Brown is currently playing on a non-contract basis, having originally set his sights on a full-time offer from clubs in the January transfer window. The Wigan-based frontman, who has scored twice in six appearances for Barrow, is also interesting rival clubs, with Saturday’s full-time visitors to Holker Street, Forest Green Rovers, rumoured to be keen on the ex-Hull City man. AFC managers Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan have... set him a deadline of early next week for an answer".
From Sussex's Argus we learn that "Crawley boss Steve Evans has praised the reaction of Jamie Stevens after the young defender was told he was a stone overweight. Stevens has already lost between 5-6lbs and could play at Salisbury tomorrow when victory would take Reds back to the top of the Blue Square Premier. Stevens, 18, was a virtual ever-present last season and Championship side Ipswich Town were one of several clubs who were interested in signing him. But he was dropped after Reds’ opening-day defeat and has started just one league game since, despite being selected for the England non-league team last month. Evans warned Stevens to get his act together after discovering his weight had shot up at one of the three-times weekly weigh-ins the Crawley players undertake. He said: 'Jamie was a stone overweight last Thursday but since we told him he has got his focus back and has been outstanding in training and already lost half of it. No one loves Jamie more than me. I signed him from Rushden when I was Boston manager and he was my first signing when I came here. I’ve looked after him and think the world of his parents... but when he went out of the team he lost his focus'... Evans is hoping to make two loan signings ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Wiltshire. He is definitely without the suspended Thomas Pinault, who has been fined two weeks wages for his red card in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Havant & Waterlooville".
Meanwhile, the Crawley Observer adds that "Reds' defender Brad Thomas has gone out on loan to Blue Square North club King's Lynn until the end of December".
"One of the strangest transfers in Grays Athletic’s history came to a conclusion today when the club announced that Lee Canoville has completed a move to Halesowen Town" reports the Thurrock Gazette. "Canoville, 27, was signed by chairman and then manager Mike Woodward on September 1, but though he was always declared in the squad and never appeared on the club’s injury list, he did not feature in any games, even on the bench. He was released by Notts County at the end of the last campaign, having made 35 appearances last season. Meanwhile loanees Simon Thomas and Jon Dixon have now returned to their parent clubs. Thomas... has gone back to Crystal Palace early. He refused to play for Grays in last weekend’s FA Cup tie as he didn’t want to get cup-tied, even though Palace said they were happy for him to play. Dixon goes back to Brighton and Hove Albion".
From the Mid-Cheshire News we learn that "The sacking of Northwich Vics manager Dino Maamria last week has been followed by a war of words between the club’s owner and the dismissed boss... Vics' officials are still staying tight lipped as to the reasons why Maamria was sacked while the 34-year-old Tunisian, who steered Vics away from the threat of relegation last season, is claiming unfair dismissal and is taking legal advice on whether he can sue the club. Owner Rushe... said: 'In light of how much Dino has had to say about the matter in the local Press, I don’t really want to get into an argument with him in the papers. Dino knows the reasons why we are not bringing him back and if he says he doesn’t know then that’s up to him. But if he does choose to take things further then the truth will come out. I would prefer to keep it is an internal matter at the moment'. In the aftermath of Maamria’s exit, Mike Marsh will continue to take charge of first-team affairs for the foreseeable future in his current caretaker role... 'We are letting Mike take charge in the interim as I am not really looking for a manager at the moment. Mike is doing a good job so finding a replacement for Dino in the short-term is not really a priority'... Marsh has immediately put himself up for the post and... said: 'I would like to take the post if it is offered. The ball is in Jim’s court now'”.
Colin Little will be presented with the ball with which he scored his 100th goal for Altrincham, before Saturday's Blue Square Premier game with Histon. The presentation will be made by former Manchester City star Dennis Tueart. Little, a lifelong City supporter, became the first Altrincham player in almost 30 years to reach this landmark with a header in Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup victory over Newcastle Blue Star. Altrincham now travel to Luton Town in the FA Cup 1st Round.
Kick Off at Moss Lane on Saturday is 3.00pm with the presentation taking place on the pitch at 2.40pm. Little, 35, scored his first goal for the club in August 2004 against Gainsborough Trinity and his achievement is all the more remarkable as Altrincham have been in the lower reaches of the Blue Square Premier League for the majority of the time he has been at the club.
FA Cup Round 1:
FA Cup Round 1 Replays:
Monday 27th
Tuesday 28th
Curtis has also admitted that he has held talks with potential investors but he is refusing to say whether former chairman Ian Ridley is one of the parties he has spoken to... Meanwhile, Pete Saxby has resigned as fixture secretary for the Terras, citing fears for the future of the club. He said: 'I'm morally opposed to the direction that the club is being taken at the moment. I feel someone has to make a stand and by resigning I feel that is the best way to do it. I don't like the way the club is being run and really can't see a way forward and have real fears that it will not exist in its present format for much longer if it carries on as it is'".
The Football Conference tells us that "Newport County have extended the loan of Grays Athletic striker Craig Reid until 22nd November [and] Kidderminster Harriers have permitted loan player Paul Bignot to stay at Newport County until 22nd November".
From the FA we learn that "Five players are once again in the frame to be voted 'E.ON Player of the Round' and take their place at The FA Cup Final on 30 May, following their display in the Fourth Round Qualifying. The first name on our shortlist is Barrow's Richard Brodie.... Evesham have a player in the running, this time in Danny Scheppel... Blyth Spartans' Shaun Reay is the third name on the shortlist...AFC Wimbledon have... Sam Hatton... The final selection is Ian Simpemba, who plies his trade at last season's Cup heroes, Havant & Waterlooville". The referee on Saturday for Altrincham v Histon is Mr P. A. Davison who I believe is new to Altrincham matches though he officiated at Mansfield Town v Northwich vics recently. The Northants Evening Telegraph reports that "Imraan Ladak believes Kettering Town have never been closer to solving their stadium problem... The Poppies - who currently sit proudly on the top of the Blue Square Premier - could face automatic relegation in March next year if their stadium issue isn't resolved as they need a 10-year lease. Their current lease at the A-Line Arena currently has just five years left to run... Ladak said: 'We are working with several different parties on five or six viable solutions for both the short and long term. "Many of these strategies can work separately or in conjunction with one another but all focus on us remaining at Rockingham Road for at least two years and then relocating to a new and purpose built ground... I am more optimistic than ever that we can find a solution that meets our objectives. All our plans will require the support of our local council, landlord and external parties but I believe they make sense and can be finalised by the required deadlines'".
According to the Kidderminster Shuttle "Midfielder Neil MacKenzie has returned to parent club Notts County after serving his month loan spell at Harriers". 28 October 2008
Altrincham physio Sean Riley writes:
Last Monday Robbie Lawton (left) had a scan to see if he had developed hernias on the left and right sides of his groins. Fortunately, there was no hernia present on either side, but the scan showed that a groin tendon, and the front of his pelvis was considerably inflamed, an anti-inflammatory injection was carried out on the area to settle the inflammation down. As Robbie was suspended for the FA Cup game it allows him to fully rest and be available for the Histon game.
Joe O'Neill had surgery on his left knee on Thursday to remove a piece of torn cartilage, the operation was a success and Joe's recovery and rehab should allow him to return to first team duties in about 4 weeks time (mid to late November).
Kevin Street (right) sustained a freak injury to his left knee during Thursday night's training session, as he went past a player, he twisted his knee and heard a pop in his knee, which became swollen quite quickly. He is due to see the surgeon on Wednesday evening to assess the extent of the injury. Initial findings are not to good as it appears Kevin has sustained medial knee ligament damage as well as a possible cartilage tear. Hopefully an MRI scan will show us the extent of the damage he has sustained.
Altrincham FC press release:
Graham Heathcote led the acclaim for Colin Little's "remarkable" scoring achievements after the Moss Lane legend claimed his 100th goal for the club in Sunday's hard-fought 2-1 FA Cup win at Newcastle Blue Star. The former Crewe front-runner's first-half header put Alty back on terms, after we had gone behind in the first minute, and gave him 100 goals in just 206 appearances (197 starts and 7 sub appearances). Heathcote paid tribute to his prolific form over the years and revealed how he had repeatedly resisted overtures from Football League clubs.
"What makes his record all the more impressive is that we have been struggling, as a team, for the past three or four years", said the Alty boss. "When you are down near the bottom, you are not carving out five or six chances every week. He has had to live off one or two yet has maintained a ratio that's better than a goal every other start. That really is remarkable. He has had loads of offers to go back into the League. People have been chasing him every season, but he has stayed loyal to Altrincham. Needless to say, we are quite pleased about that. He has been fantastic for us"..
Altrincham's other post-War goalscoring centenarians include:
After Sunday's game, Newcastle's Chronicle reports that "Blue Star director of football Bob Morton paid tribute to his players, who went out of the FA Cup at the final qualifying hurdle in a narrow 2-1 defeat against Altrincham. Debutant Peter Snowdon made a flying start to his Blue Star career, the former Blyth Spartans skipper opening the scoring in the first minute when he drove the ball home from six yards. [It was a header].
Above: Alty fans celebrate as Chris Lane (far right) makes it 2-1 for Altrincham.
The goal had the 500-plus crowd [given as 305 by the FA] at Kingston Park dreaming of a first-round tie at Luton. But Blue Square Premier side Altrincham drew level on the half-hour through Colin Little, and booked their place in the next round with Dale Johnson’s [?] header in first-half injury time. Morton said: 'We knew beforehand that the winners of our tie would be travelling to face Luton Town in the first round proper, and the bookies made Altrincham firm favourites – after all we were against a side who are three divisions above us. There was a great team spirit and I cannot load enough praise on our lads, who showed true character. 'Peter Snowdon headed us in front and, despite going 2-1 behind, there was only one team in it. The players were disappointed and dejected because they clearly didn’t deserve to lose in what was our ninth cup tie of the season'. Morton hailed the capture of Snowdon, adding: 'We signed Peter on Friday and he showed great experience and leadership at the back. Steve Baker, Chris Carr and Snowdon were outstanding in defence, and Peter could not have started any better with his early goal. He is a great competitor'".
Meanwhile, NL Today places Graham Heathcote in its top twenty current non-League managers.
"Ashley Berry, the new manager of Salford City, has wasted little time in strengthening his squad... bringing with him a player/assistant-manager in 35-year-old Greg Challender, who is a former Preston and Oldham professional player with a wealth of non-League experience with the likes of... Altrincham". Berry has also... signed Liam Coyne from Mossley", a former Alty Youth. "43-year-old midfielder Neil Redfearn, who... has more than 1,000 first class games under his belt" has also joined City.
Former Alty reserve Griff Jones is now playing at Radcliffe Borough.
The NL Paper has a review of the original clubs who formed the Alliance, forerunner of the Conference, which Altrincham won in its first two seasons. Pictured in the article are former Alty boss John King and current assistant manager and former player, Graham Barrow.
Pat McFadden, injured against Altrincham in the CSC, made his comeback as a late sub for Vauxhall Motors last Saturday. Karl Munroe was on the bench for Hyde United, whilst Richard Battersby and Steve Torpey turned out for Stalybridge Celtic.
Kenilworth Road (1 Maple Road, Luton LU4 8AW) has been their home since 1905. Their manager is Mick Harford who was appointed in January 2008. They were relegated from League One last season following a 10-point deduction.
The entrance for away fans is curiously via a former terraced house which backs onto the terrace on Oak Road. Entrance prices this season are : Adults £20, Over 65s/Under 22s £15, Over 75s/Under 16s £10, Under 10s £5. For an illustrated guide to Kenilworth Road, visit the Football Guide website.
Some useful Luton links:
Luton Town report that "Fans urged to turn out in force for Tuesday night's must-win clash against fellow strugglers AFC Bournemouth... Both sides sit at the bottom of the table on minus points due to the harsh penalties handed out by the footballing authorities during the summer, and a win for the Hatters would see the gap between the sides close to 7 points. Kenilworth Road is a special place to be under the floodlights, and the big games tend to bring out the best in Luton fans and tomorrow night, more than ever, the team needs the loud positive vocal support from the Kenilworth Road faithful. The "Kids for 2020" deal means that kids ticket prices are set at 40p (with a full paying adult), therefore it's the perfect opportunity to get Kenilworth Road full to the rafters and create the kind of atmosphere that not only encourages those kids to come back, but also spurs the team on in what can be described as one of the biggest games in our great club's history".
Luton's manager, Mick Harford, was a striker at Newcastle United, Bristol City and Birmingham City (amongst others) before joining Luton in late 1984 when David Pleat was the Hatters' manager. It was here that he got into the England team for two matches. He helped Luton Town to lift the Littlewoods Cup in 1988 by defeating Arsenal. He moved then to Derby County before rejoining Luton in 1991. Spells at Chelsea, Sunderland and Coventry City followed before he ended up with Wimbledon under Joe Kinnear. He has had brief spells in charge at Nottingham Forest, Rotherham United and QPR prior to taking over at Kenilworth Road last January.
TV coverage of FA Cup Round One is as follows:
Friday 7 November 2008
Sunday 9 November 2008
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON Second Round Proper Draw is at 2.00pm on ITV1
Monday 10 November 2008
Domenico claims the sign adds to problems caused by the parking charges in Altrincham - where drivers have to pay £1.50 an hour, compared to just 10p an hour in nearby Hale. Domenico, who opened his eaterie on Ashley Road in 1997, said: 'I can't understand why they have put this sign up right outside my shop. It blocks all the signs of my restaurant from passing traffic. Since they put up the sign up my business has dropped by 25 to 30 per cent. I pay more than £7,000 rates a year but the council has told me it can't be moved - but I can't understand why they don't put it where there is no business. If they don't move it I will relocate elsewhere - even though I like Altrincham'.
A council spokesman said: "'Signs directing people to Altrincham Football Club were installed following a request from the club to better assist supporters coming into the borough. This sign was strategically placed at this location to make sure it didn't obscure traffic signals and to stop people being diverted down other, less suitable roads... We have received no evidence to suggest that it has been the cause of any detrimental impact on businesses on Ashley Road'".
In a game more memorable for witnessing Colin Little's 100th goal for Alty than for the quality of play, the Robins earned a First Round tie away at Luton Town in a fortnight's time. Alty started disastrously, conceding a goal inside the first minute when they failed to defend a short corner and new signing from Blyth Spartans, Peter Snowdon, headed in off the crossbar. Alty levelled when Little headed in Johnson's nod-on (29 mins). The winner came after 45 minutes, when Lane, with possible assistance from a defender, headed home. The second half was largely forgettable.
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Meanwhile, "Rob Smith blasted Vics following the abandonment... The Telford boss said he could scarcely believe it after a power failure prevented the two teams taking to the pitch for the second half. 'It’s not good enough to be honest', he said. 'They are a Blue Square Premier club and yet this is how the game ends – it’s a farce to be honest'. He asked the fourth official more than once during the first half to put in a plea to turn on the floodlights.... 'There was obviously a problem before kick off because we all saw that the generator had blown up', he continued. 'Then we were told at half time that a back-up generator was working but it wasn’t strong enough to power the floodlights. I told the referee I was prepared to wait 15 minutes but if nothing had changed my side would not be coming out for the second half'. Smith said he did not agree with opposite number Mike Marsh’s assessment of the first half, in which the visitors trailed after Mark Roberts’ fifth minute opener... He said, 'The lads wanted to get out there because they felt they had played Northwich off the park in the first half'".
The Guardian also says that "Match announcer David Lee was unable to confirm to the crowd that Mark Roberts had scored as his microphone was not working. Indeed Marston’s Arena safety officer Bob Robinson found a battery-powered megaphone to tell the four-figure crowd to go home shortly after 4pm. He had to repeat himself as bewildered fans shouted him down. 'The game has been abandoned', he said... Many initially refused to go home, turning their ire instead on the ground’s owner Mike Connett, whose company Beaconet owns the nine-acre Wincham site. His afternoon had started ominously when a stand-alone generator providing electricity to the facilities failed shortly before kick off, sending plumes of thick black smoke swirling across the pitch. Naylor delayed the game’s start until the air had cleared. But, while the two teams played out a spirited encounter, the changing rooms and bar in the main stand was plunged into darkness.
At half time the players huddled in the tunnel waiting for information because they could not see each other in their dressing space. Robinson, the reigning mayor of Northwich, was still giving interviews to the gathered press pitch side at 4.45pm... 'A generator providing electricity to the ground failed shortly before half time', he said. 'We had an electrician on site in accordance with Football Conference rules but he was unable to fix the problem so we called the company that supplied the generators. Unfortunately they were unable to send an engineer for at least two hours so the referee was left with little choice but to call the game off. There was a second back-up generator that was functioning but it was [not] big enough to power the floodlights'... Naylor did not want to be interviewed, nor did Connett".
Contingency Squad:
"While Blue Star are the underdogs they have considerable experience in their ranks. Paul Brayson, Stuart Nicholson, Steve Baker, defenders Jamie McClen and Darren Craddock and Bowey himself all have Football League experience. 'Of course, it’s a massive task for us because they’re a Conference side. But we’re going into the game as if we have nothing to lose and that is often when you play your best football', Bowey said. 'We’re full of confidence after making such a good start to the season and we’ve not been beaten at Kingston Park yet, so we’ll not be going into the game thinking that we’re going to get beaten. We have good players who have played at the highest level and this is a terrific opportunity for them to show what they can do. I look at the likes of Daz Craddock, Paul Brayson and Steve Baker and this is a game for them. They are the sort of games that these lads want to play in and I’m confident that they’ll step up and show what they can do'.
With Newcastle and Sunderland playing today [Saturday], Blue Star are hoping for a sizeable crowd to cheer them on at Kingston Park...'It would be such an historic achievement if we did make it, you can’t help but think about what would happen if we did win'. Bowey missed the birth of daughter Lucy to help Blue Star into the final qualifying round with a thumping defeat of Hucknall Town, and he admits that the subsequent media interest has taken him by surprise..' 'She might even be making an appearance at the game – her first ever football match – and I’ll be trying to win for her'" said the manager.
The draw for Round One Proper of the FA Cup is at 1pm on ITV1 on Sunday 26th October - before Alty kick off at Newcastle Blue Star in the previous round. The results of the 4th Qualifying Round games are below. BSP sides losing to lower league opposition in Saturday's games were Salisbury City, Crawley Town, Weymouth and Rushden and Diamonds.
Following the abandonment of Northwich's game, the Board issued the following statement:
"Northwich Victoria Football Club very much regrets the fact that today's game was abandoned and wishes to apologise to all concerned for the inconvenience, which was obviously due to events beyond the Club's control. The abandonment decision was made by the referee as he felt it was too dark to continue. The Club could not and did not influence the timing of this decision. The Club will seek to apply pragmatic and realistic prices at the rearranged game on Tuesday, subject to competition rules and to appropriate agreement with AFC Telford (who are of course entitled to a share of the receipts for both games) and the Football Association. By way of explanation to visiting and neutral fans, the ground is not owned by the Club and the Club occupies the ground on a long commercial lease.
The Club is seeking to rearrange the game - subject to the FA's approval - for Tuesday 28 October 2008 with a kick off time of 19.45. Appropriate arrangments will be put in place to ensure there is no repeat of today's events."
Seemingly, the floodlights had failed before kicked off but the first 45 minutes were played which meant that a full refund was not applicable, to the annoyance of spectators.
Half Season Ticket Prices are:
Get your ticket now by ringiing the club on 928-1045 and speaking to Jenny Heslop or Karen Rowley in the club offices.
There are player profiles on the Blue Star website.
The Journal reports that "Blue Star’s former Magpies' midfielder Jamie McClen has been impressed with non-league football. 'I’ve been in non-league for two seasons now and it’s better than I thought', says the ex-Kidderminster Harriers player. 'I was bamboozled with what I saw. With the facilities at Blue Star I don’t understand why more fans don’t come in. Some of the players we’ve got shouldn’t be in non-league. But the lower league clubs don’t pay a lot of good money and there’s lads who’d rather keep their job and play non-league'". Amongst the other ex-Conference players are Paul Brayson and Darren Craddock, formerly at York City, as well as manager Steve Bowey.
Car/Coach Parking at Blue Star's Kingston Stadium is free and entry costs £7 (concessionaries £4) and don't forget that you are welcome to dine in the stadium's Italian restaurant before the game. The stadium also has The Hiding Place public bar and a refreshment van inside the ground. It all sounds a lot more welcoming than some of the BSP grounds we visit!
Closer to home, the The Northants Evening Telegraph says that Rushden boss Garry Hill has "revealed that centre-half Sagi Burton and striker Dean McDonald have been put on the transfer list". And the Football Conference adds that "Rushden & Diamonds and Nottingham Forest have agreed to the loan signing of nineteen-year-old defender Brendan Moloney until 1st January 2009. The defender has proven very versatile at Forest, capable of playing in central defence, right back, and also in midfield".
The Conference reports the folowing signings "Newport County have signed defender Callum Hart from Weymouth FC... Torquay United have signed goalkeeper Kenneth Veysey ... Former Bromley midfielder Louis Bell has joined Lewes... Jordan Cherran and Richard Westcott have signed their first terms with Torquay United having been involved in the youth set-up at the club"
Meanwhile, A href="http://www.bluesqfootball.com">Blue Square Football adds that "strugglers Grays Athletic have strengthened ahead of the Saturday's FA Cup clash by bringing in four new players. Leyton Orient striker Bradley Gray has joined the Blues on a one-month work experience deal, while former Thurrock striker Danny Lodge has signed non-contract terms with the club. Former Fisher Athletic midfielder Kenny Beaney has signed on non-contract terms, along with team-mate Damian Batt".
Also, "Dean Saunders, manager of Wrexham, admitted the loss of Joe Allen was a huge blow. Midfielder Allen has had his loan spell at Wrexham cut short after suffering ankle ligament damage in a training session on Tuesday, and could be out of action for up to a month".
"Although a staunch believer in the beautiful game, Forest Green manager Jim Harvey admits he would settle for a victory of any kind in the FA Cup tomorrow" states This is Glos. "Rovers head to Ashford Town in the fourth qualifying round as clear favourites with the bookmakers, despite failing to win their last 10 matches... He said: 'Unfortunately Lee Fowler has picked up a knock on his ankle and Conal Platt is still struggling with a groin strain. With Jerry Gill and Darren Jones both suspended – and Mike Symons cup-tied – we don't have as many bodies available as I would like. We have also been on a stinking run, which means we have to work harder than ever to turn results around and start getting the breaks that tend to go against teams who are struggling. It's vital we get a win. The result is always more important than the performance in cup competitions and never more so than this weekend'".
The Northants Evening Telegraph reports that "Iyseden Christie will not feature in Kettering Town's FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash with Burton Albion tomorrow. The striker... is currently on loan from Stevenage Borough. However, it is understood that Stevenage do not want the player cup-tied... The Poppies are still trying to tie up a permanent move for the player after he rejected a move to York City earlier this month".
According to the Kidderminster Shuttle, "Two groups are still determined to generate money for cash-strapped Kidderminster Harriers after a meeting on Wednesday night. Kidderminster businessman John Davies, who wishes to start a consortium to raise £50,000, and leading members of the KHIST fans goup met to discuss ways to help boost the club's coffers. As a result, KHIST have announced they will officially launch their loan-note scheme on Saturday, November 1, after Harriers' clash at home to Grays Athletic. The scheme will allow fans to buy into a fund that would be used to to invest in Harriers... Davies is still searching for local businessmen to generate the money needed in order to buy a place on Harriers' board".
From the Dorset Echo comes news that "Manager John Hollins wants his Weymouth side 'to adopt the three Ms' tomorrow when Ryman Premier side AFC Hornchurch visit the Wessex Stadium in the FA Cup. The experienced boss will be looking for a 'mean, moody and masterful' approach from his men as they attempt to catapult the club into the first round proper for the fourth successive year. Hollins said: 'Even top sides like Chelsea have been on the end of some howlers in the FA Cup so we cannot afford to take anything for granted. The key is making sure that we do not start sloppy. Against Altrincham last Saturday we began really well and went on to win 2-0 and we need to make sure we do that again. We need to adopt the three Ms from the first whistle and be mean, moody and masterful, making sure we give Hornchurch no encouragement'".
As Altrincham have no game on Saturday, some local alternatives to watch include:
From Blue Square Football we learn that "Rushden & Diamonds have been dealt a blow with the news that first-choice goalkeeper Alan Marriott needs to undergo groin surgery. The summer signing from Lincoln, who notched up four clean sheets in 12 games at the start of the season... Club physiotherapist Simon Parsell told the Evening Telegraph: 'It looks as if he needs a groin operation which would probably take place next Tuesday. He has a torn stomach muscle which needs to be fixed... He will be out for between four and six weeks'. On-loan Nottingham Forest stopper Dale Roberts will continue the goalkeeping duties in Marriott's absence, while youth-team captain Joe Day will provide cover on the bench.".
At Lewes "The Board of Directors met with Kevin Keehan on Tuesday to discuss the season so far. It was agreed by all parties that results have been disappointing and that some changes will be required to improve the team’s poor form. As a result, Kevin Keehan is looking to strengthen the playing squad in key areas and equally, the Board of Directors are looking to raise more funds via commercial activity. The Board of Directors remain confident that Kevin Keehan will be able to move the Club forward and that he realises the enormity of the challenge that faces Lewes FC at this level. Following regrettably inaccurate speculation on both the radio and in print about this season’s budget, the Board of Directors wish to confirm that the Playing Budget for this season is approximately 35% less than it was for last season... The Board of Directors continue to plan for a long-term and sustainable future for the Club and hope that results improve in the near future. It is worth reflecting that the Club and supporters have enjoyed remarkable success in recent years... progressing from Ryman Division 3 to the BSP in the space of 7 seasons".
Also from Lewes we read that "Following an incident at [this week]’s Sussex Senior Cup game against Wick, involving a Lewes FC player; the club are undertaking a full investigation into events. The Club have called for the player’s statement and other witness statements. Until all the facts have been fully investigated the club feel they have no alternative but to suspend the player, Chamal Fenelon…". To which The Argus adds "Fenelon allegedly attacked a Wick player who needed hospital treatment".
In the Gravesend Reporter Ed Miller writes, in advance of this Saturday's FA Cup tie. "A trip to Woking may well be preferable to a home tie. When supporters travel away from home, they tend to be more encouraging and determined to get behind their team... You have to go back to early 2003, our first season in the Conference, to find the last time the Fleet lost five matches in a row (although we actually managed to go one further and stretch it to six back then). But that squad cannot hold a candle to our current batch of players and there should be no excuse for any further such dismal form this season".
"Kidderminster Harriers chairman Barry Norgrove has sought to clarify the club’s position on welcoming new investors onto the board of directors. Despite no success so far, the Aggborough chief insists he is still searching for individuals who are able to put £50,000 into the club each season, which is the prerequisite for becoming a director.Norgrove revealed he is also willing to talk to groups who can generate the amount, but insists each consortium would only be given one place on the board. The news comes after local entrepreneurs John Davies and Keith Chandler joined forces to search for like-minded businessmen willing to plough money into the club. At the moment, both have put up £10,000 each and are looking to find others to join them" reports the Kidderminster Shuttle.
"'We are still looking for people who can put £50,000 in each season', said the chairman. 'In the short term if we had an extra £100,000 invested for the rest of the season then we would be okay'... Davies, who owns tool shop Hire It! in Kidderminster, also held talks with the Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST) last night about working together on the matter. Norgrove also staunchly defended finance director John Baldwin, who has had his place on the board... despite not putting any money into Harriers. However, Norgrove believes the free financial guidance he offers saves the club thousands of pounds, as does fellow non-paying member, solicitor Oliver Hunt.. 'They do not make decisions about the club. Only the board members who put money into the club do that'".
On Sunday in the FA Cup, seven substitutes are allowed on the bench, of whom three can be used. Altrincham will struggle to find 18 players given the absences through injury of Val Owen (well on the road to recovery after coming through an hour playing for Witton in midweek), Joe O'Neill (right, who has a minor operation on his knee this week) and Chris Denham (eye injury), as well as the suspension of Robbie Lawton.
The Chronicle in Newcastle seems to have got its wires crossed as it reports that "Newcastle Blue Star’s director of football Bob Morton was hoping his outfit would have a free week ahead of next Saturday’s FA Cup tie at home to Blue Square Premier side Histon. [Actually Altrincham are the opponents and the game is on Sunday; Histon are away to Durham City!]. But those plans were smashed to smithereens after Star drew 2-2 with Sutton Coalfield [i.e. Sutton Coldfield!] in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy, with the replay taking place tomorrow night. Morton said: 'We were scheduled to play North Shields in the Northumberland Senior Cup in midweek, but Shields – and the Northumberland Football Association – had agreed to put the tie back a week. Now we’ll be hitting the road again and already we are going to have to reckon without six players through injury and unavailability'. He continued: 'We’ve been knocked off top spot in the table by Ossett Albion, and it’s important that we don’t start to lose track of our league situation due to cup commitments'”.
NL Daily reports that "Sutton Coldfield Town, had a comfortable 4-1 home win over Newcastle Blue Star with Aaron Farrell bagging a brace after Nathan Moran had opened the scoring from the spot on 36 minutes. Craig Owen added Sutton`s fourth on 61 minutes, with Scott Nicholson netting a consolation for the visitors 5 minutes later".
"Bamber Bridge could have gone top of the UniBond League Division One North table on Tuesday night, but instead FC Halifax Town moved up to seventh after winning 5-2 at Irongate... [Ex-Alty reserve] Ashley Stott moved on to nine for the season with the second goal [for Halifax]... [another former Alty reserve] Colin McAllister rubbed salt into Brig`s nose".
As Tranmere won away at Cheltenham this week, a Town player "was fouled and injured by Ryan Shotton and the Rovers' full-back was shown a yellow card" reports NL Daily.
the Northwich Guardian adds that "Dino Maamria admits he feared for his future once his suspension entered a third week. In a frank interview with the Guardian following his dismissal earlier today, Wednesday, he said he was gutted to leave after 'barely starting the job'. 'If the club wanted me back I would have been before today', he mused. 'However I did expect some explanation, some sort of closure, but I’ve not even been thanked for the effort I’ve put in as manager here. Instead I’d left after less than five minutes without so much as a handshake'. He faced Jim Rushe at the Marston’s Arena this afternoon for the first time since the club’s owner told him to stay away at the end of last month. The club called it ‘gardening leave’ and baulked at describing the process as an investigation.
Maamria gave his account of what happened on September 29 – less than 48 hours after Vics’ 3-2 defeat at home to Weymouth. He said: 'Jim called me and asked me to meet him at the ground', he said. 'I went there and was told to stay away for the next two weeks because the club planned to suspend me. I wasn’t given a reason'... Asked if he would like to resign, he flatly refused. 'To be dismissed so soon into the season – just six weeks – is in my opinion disgusting', he said. 'Jim says the board have made a decision together but who is he talking about? I don’t think he wanted me around any more but at no point has he said it’s because results have not been good enough. I don’t think that’s the reason I’m not with Northwich any more'...
Rushe has spoken to every player, plus backroom staff, in a bid to resolve the "internal matter" he says led to Maamria’s suspension... The Guardian contacted the PFA to ask if a complaint had been made about Maamria. A spokesman said that no-one had been in touch with the players’ union about Northwich Victoria and today Rushe confirmed the reasons for the club’s decision would not be made public. It leaves him at an impasse with Maamria, who confirmed he is seeking legal advice following his dismissal'".
From the other side, owner Jim Rushe told the Guardian, “'What we’ve done is in the best interests of the club'”, he said. 'That’s my first priority and always has been. The club is bigger than any one person and that includes me'. He refused to be drawn on what happens next... It is not yet known whether he intends to ask the former Liverpool star [Mike Marsh] to take over from his close friend on a permanent basis. 'I’ve only told Dino today that he will not be coming back to the club so it would not be right to speculate on what might or might not happen next', added Rushe... 'I could speculate on the reasons why I think the club wanted to get rid of me', said Maamria. 'But not at any stage have I been told what I’m supposed to have done'. On the prospect of facing a legal battle with Maamria should he decide to sue for his dismissal, Rushe was defiant. He said simply: 'We shall defend our position rigorously'”.
The From the Cambridge News comes news that "Steve Fallon will consider letting the likes of Craig Pope, Erkan Okay and Robbie Nightingale leave Histon on loan in order to improve their match fitness. The Stutes' boss told the News last month that midfielder John Kennedy and young goalkeeper Joe Welch were seeking first-team action away from the Glass World Stadium... But he will only allow them to leave on a temporary basis if he feels a potential move would benefit both him and the player. Fallon said: 'If any offers come along then we'll have to sit down and see if it's the right thing for both parties'".
"Gavin Caines's loan move to Forest Green appears to have scuppered Josh Low's hopes of making the same switch. Rovers' manager Jim Harvey has revealed he wanted to bring the winger to the New Lawn, but pulled out of the deal when it became clear Caines was available. 'Josh wanted to come and we nearly got a deal done, but I would have been struggling financially to get anyone else in if it had, and a centre-half had to be my priority'. said Harvey. "Cheltenham also weren't too keen for Josh to play in the FA Cup'... Harvey has backed Caines to cure his club's defensive jitters... With former Cheltenham duo Jerry Gill and Darren Jones both suspended for the trip to Middlesex, and club captain John Hardiker requiring at least another four weeks' recovery from a knee injury, Rovers had been facing a crisis at the back... Said Harvey 'Our results have not been good lately and it never hurts to bring in a fresh face, particularly someone with bags of Football League experience like Gavin'".
The Thurrock Gazette confirms that "Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper David Button has extended his loan with Grays Athletic for a further month",
Meanwhile, A< href="http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk">This is Nottingham says that "Mansfield have begun their search for a new midfielder after injury forced Sam Wedgbury to return to Sheffield United. The 19-year-old was taken off less than 45 minutes into his debut against Wrexham on Saturday with a suspected broken leg. Fortunately, a scan has shown there is no break, but severe bruising has ruled him out for the rest of his one-month loan at Field Mill. It means boss Billy McEwan will have to look elsewhere for competition for Jonathan D'Laryea, Gavin Hurren and Matt Somner".
"Torquay United have taken a step closer to securing the immediate future of on-loan goalkeeper Scott Bevan" claims This is South Devon. The Gulls report that Bevan's club Shrewsbury Town are now happy for their player to appear in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Chipstead. And Shrews' boss Paul Simpson has also given the go-ahead for Bevan, 29, to stay at Plainmoor for a second month. The details were being finalised, when Bevan rejoined his new United teammates at their Newton Abbot Racecourse training HQ... Among Bevan's colleagues in training is United's own goalie Martin Rice. Rice, currently on loan himself at Truro City, is on recall standby for the Cup if anything goes wrong with Bevan".
Oxford United report that "There's a subtle change to the rules on Saturday as United take on Hayes and Yeading United in the FA Cup... Both teams are allowed to name seven substitutes rather than the usual five, with any three used during the game. It's something which manager Darren Patterson thinks is a good idea: 'I think it's a good idea. Having seven subs obviously gives you many more options from the bench. At the moment you tend to name players who can cover you in a number of positions but more men on the bench means you can have 'like for like' substitutions, and have specialist players for more positions. It also means two other members of your squad can be involved on a match day, keeping them happier and making the manager's job easier! You can also bring youngsters on to the bench to give them experience in and around the squad, so I think it's a great idea and hope others see the benefits'".
In Tuesday's FA Trophy replay, Newcastle Blue Star lost 4-1 at Sutton Coldfield Town.
SAM says that "Alty's eight-game unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday as they were beaten 2-0 at Weymouth" SAM says that Alty produced "a surprisingly lacklustre 90 minutes. Weymouth were in control from the start, with experienced duo Chris McPhee and Ryan Williams pulling the strings in midfield... Alty finally woke up and were unlucky not to equalise just three minutes later when Greg Young’s header from former Weymouth man Lee Elam’s corner thumped off the underside of the bar... On the stroke of half time, Little disappointingly blasted over from six yards after getting on the end of a good cross from Elam".
Right: Alty are stalked by Weymouth's mascot as they shake hands with their opponents at the Wessex Stadium last Saturday.
Barry Shuttleworth missed a penalty for Clitheroe at the weekend, but his side won at Bradford P.A..
Because Setanta Shield rules require that clubs must include at least 10 of the 16 players named in their matchday squads for the previous two league games, Kettering were required to field a strong team.
Following Mr Curtis’s comments, the club’s board of directors issued an official statement concerning its current financial circumstances. It reads... 'The board are exploring a number of options in order to alleviate the pressure of the club’s reduced income streams and will announce any specific details that become relevant in due course. The proposed new stadium remains a key part of the football club’s future plans'".
From This is Glos we learn that "Martin Allens' dramatic reshaping of his Cheltenham Town squad continued with defensive duo Gavin Caines and Michael Townsend leaving on loan. Caines, 25, has joined Blue Square Premier club Forest Green Rovers, where he will link up with his former Robins team-mate Jerry Gill, now player-coach at the New Lawn... Both deals are initially for one-month periods".
"Mansfield Town confirm they will not appeal the Football Conference's decision to dock them four points for fielding ineligible players" reports the BBC.
There is surprising news from York City, where "striker, Richard Brodie, has gone on loan to Barrow Football Club for one month... Richard will not be able to play against York should City play Barrow in any competition... [Manager] Colin Walker said, 'We have decided to send Richard out on loan because we feel he needs to gain some valuable experience to assist his development as a player. Richard will remain a York City player as we feel he has potential and he will develop and improve over time. Richard is keen to go on loan as he recognises the benefits this move will bring'”.
Two BSP sides met in a friendly this week and Oxford United confirm that "United enjoyed a fine 5-1 win over Woking today in a behind closed doors friendly... to allow both teams to get players match fit. United included Ben Hinchliffe, Matt Day, Eddie Hutchinson and Yemi Odubade in their starting line up plus a first appearance of the season for Declan Benjamin. The young midfielder played sixty minutes and reported no reaction after his first game since breaking his leg in pre-season... Odubade converted a penalty after he had been brought down in the box".
Histon announce that their "FA Cup tie away to Durham City on Saturday 25th October is to be staged at Eppleton Colliery Welfare FC and the kick off will be at 4.00 pm. The reason for the switch of venue is that Durham’s home pitch is astroturf and FA Cup ties are not permitted on artificial pitches". Eppleton play in the town of Hetton-le-Hole.
More movements are announced at Grays Athletic where Jim Dean has been appointed coach and Andre Vincent as physio. "Andre has served with several clubs including Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Orpington and Bromley". the Thurrock Gazette adds that Grays' "midfielder, Alex Campana, has terminated his contract by mutual consent and has joined Wivenhoe Town FC".
According to This is South Devon, "Torquay United are still hoping that on-loan goalkeeper Scott Bevan may be allowed to play in Saturday's FA Cup-tie against Chipstead at Plainmoor. But Bevan's availability hinges on a three-club agreement, involving the Gulls, Shrewsbury Town and West Bromwich Albion. Bevan's club Shrewsbury currently have WBA's promising 20-year-old goalie Luke Daniels on loan at the New Meadow. And they are trying to persuade the Baggies to let them play Daniels in the Cup, when they enter the competition... If the answer is 'yes', then Torquay are hopeful that Shrews' boss Paul Simpson will allow Bevan to play in the fourth qualifying round tie against Chipstead. At the moment there is a 'no cup' clause in Bevan's loan at Plainmoor, and the 6ft 6in tall keeper's first month at Plainmoor runs out after Saturday's tie. Because their other loan goalkeeper Michael Poke is still injured, United are ready to recall Martin Rice from Truro City to play against Chipstead — if Bevan can't play".
Off the field, things are not going so well, as the Weymouuth Board has issued a statement "regarding the club’s current financial circumstances. As a result of the present economic climate, the club’s income sources have been reduced and the Board is actively looking at ways to responsibly secure the club’s finances. It would be wrong to speculate at this stage as to any future course of action other than to state that the Board remain committed to both the short and long-term success and sustainability of the football club. As a result, the Board are exploring a number of options in order to alleviate the pressure of the club’s reduced income streams and will announce any specific details that become relevant in due course. The proposed new stadium remains a key part of the football club’s future plans and will simultaneously provide Weymouth with a first-class community sports facility and the club with the year round source of revenue that it needs to further establish a strong financial foundation".
And the Terras' Supporters' Trust adds that its own "board and a representative from the Supporters' Club met with the chairman of Weymouth Football Club last night (19 October) to further discuss the trading difficulties that Weymouth Football Club, like many others, is experiencing, in the current economic climate. The discussions were open and frank on both sides... We have received assurances from the Chairman that the club will continue to be supported while other avenues are explored... We have therefore requested that Weymouth football Club make a further statement to appease fans concerns about the current financial situation at the club".
Blue Square Football says that "Grays Athletic have waved goodbye to loan duo Kieron St Aimie and Sean Rigg following the completion of their loan spells". And Grays themselves confirm that "Physio, Dickie Harper, has left the club. He was a big part of Grays Athletic Football Club and will be missed by everyone".
From league leaders A departure is also announced by Woking, where "Adekunle Salau has left the Club by mutual consent".
The Sussex Express tells us that "Lewes FC's FA Cup clash this weekend is to feature on ITV's website. A statement from the network today announced, 'ITV will be filming Lewes's FA Cup game against Leiston this weekend. Highlights of the match will be on ITV.com/football from Sunday afternoon. Thanks to a partnership between ITV Local, ITV.com and The FA, matches involving non-league clubs have been available to view on ITV.com since the extra preliminary rounds of the competition in August".
Kent Online reports that "Chief executive David Davis has reiterated Ebbsfleet secretary Roly Edwards's claim that MyFootballClub membership renewals will be critical for the future success of the club. More than 28,000 members each paid £35 to own an equal share in the club... Mr Davis confirmed: 'Everything is dependent on how many renewals we get from MyFootballClub. Most clubs have a benefactor who pours money into a club, as the directors did previously. Our main benefactor is MyFootballClub Ltd. It's the most critical thing to the club'. Meanwhile, commercial executive Greg Bettles has left the club. He has been replaced by Barry Wickenden, who has taken on the role of promotions and marketing manager. Mr Davis added: 'There have been some significant changes with the profile being raised so high. We have international membership and realised that we needed a different role to the one we had.".
According to the Thurrock Gazette "Cash-strapped Grays Athletic have been paired with the well-supported Chelmsford City in the Setanta Shield. As well as the £3,500 prizemoney on offer for a third round win, Grays can expect a decent crowd at the New Rec for this Essex derby... Meanwhile Grays’ new chief executive officer Tony Turburville has spoken to supporters of his role at the club. He said: 'As most supporters will be aware the chairman of Grays Athletic FC decided on restructuring the club in order to achieve more stability. My appointment has been met and quite rightly with some doubt about can the club financially afford the luxury of a CEO while others are being asked to accept wage cuts... I am here at Grays Athletic FC on a non-contract, non-salary basis... I am of the opinion that no instant radical changes need to be made but a more slower positive approach be taken, on a small step by step basis that makes us better equipped for the future and for the proposed move to a new stadium. On this matter I can say that the club's preferred choice will be to stay at the existing stadium until any new venue is built. To this end the chairman and I will be working hard to establish our continued tenancy with the present landlord and also progressing the proposed new stadium... It is envisaged that by the end of January 2009 a clearer picture would have emerged and the club be in position of being able to make an official statement'".
"Persimmon Homes WILL buy Bootham Crescent when York City finally move to a new stadium – despite the uncertainties created by the credit crunch" states The Press. "Andrew Bowes, managing director at the Yorkshire arm of the York-based house builder, said its option agreement to buy the site does not expire until February 2026 and he confirmed the company was 'committed' to following through with its planning application for 93 flats and apartments ... Since the beginning of the year, the company has laid off 2,000 workers because of the downturn. Persimmon are a key plank of the city’s dream to build a community stadium, with the football club investing all of the proceeds of the sale of Bootham Crescent into their new ground... Bootham Crescent had been valued by council chiefs at £3.7 million... Jason McGill, York City’s chairman, said: “'Bootham Crescent still remains an incredibly desirable site... The site is in an excellent location, close to the city centre, with views of York Minster'".
Blaine is seen, right, with midfielder John Bennett in Sunday's game against Crewe.
Meanwhile Workington are still pursuing Blue Star's non-payment of £10,000 for their signing Tommy Cassidy, the Workingtonmanager last season. Workington players have taken a pay cut due to the club's financial plight.
Meanwhile, Weymouth's Supporters' Club has issued a statement saying: Weymouth FC Supporters Club are involved and working with the Terras Trust in the ongoing discussions about Weymouth Football Club. All I ask as the Terras Trust have asked is for you to be patient and as soon as we have something solid to report we will inform you".
The NL Paper says that after Kwesi Appiah's move to Peterborough United from Ebbsfleet United, the Kent club's chairman John Moules has involved the FA. He said, "We received a seven-day notice from Peterborough but it came in after we were aware that the player had been training with Peterborough. We have put in a complaint to the FA". He added, "We got about one and a half games out of him then he's gone. We have put a lot of work and investment into his development and we would like a fair return on that".
In League football, Ryan Shotton played 90 minutes for Tranmere and Danny Adams did likewise for Morecambe. But Lewis Chalmers only got 7 minutes of play as a late sub for Aldershot Town and Ian Craney was subbed for Huddersfield Town after 68 minutes. James Jennings was an unused sub for Macclesfield Town.
Right: Backs to the wall - Altrincham take to the pitch before the game at Weymouth.
Altrincham could have few complaints after this defeat which ended their run of six league games without defeat.
Weymouth have some excellent match photos from the game.
The BBC says that "Weymouth boss John Hollins is set to name an unchanged line-up with Pierre Joseph-Dubois spearheading the attack with support from Stuart Beavon. Hollins will pack the midfield to protect his defence after admitting they had been guilty of 'silly' errors. Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote may hand new loan signing from Tranmere Luke Waterfall his debut. Loan-signing Shaun Densmore looks to extend his run in the team, while Chris Denham is out with an eye injury... Hollins told BBC Radio Solent: 'We've been making silly mistakes. We have thrown away points and have got to do better. We need to do the simple things well'".
However, there is different team news in the Dorset Echo: "Weymouth team-captain Anton Robinson is struggling with flu and could miss tomorrow’s clash with Altrincham... The talented midfielder has started every game so far this season and his absence would be seen as a big blow ... Hollins said: 'Anton has a touch of flu and did not train yesterday. I had it for a couple of weeks and it just seems to stick with you. I can imagine just what it feels like for players because they want to be out running yet it would only do them more damage. We will treat him carefully'.
Alty currently sit in ninth place and are one of the most in-form sides in the Blue Square Premier so Hollins is expecting a tough proposition. He added: 'They have not been beaten in their last seven games, winning six of them, and are a strong outfit, so we are going to have to be really on our toes. It is going to be difficult but we are ready'.
And the Cheshire outfit will certainly be looking for revenge tomorrow after the Terras held them to a 2-2 draw in a fiery contest at the Wessex on the final day of last season. The stalemate saw each team have a man sent off and it also plunged Alty into the relegation zone but due to the financial demise of Halifax Town they were given a reprieve. Hollins said: 'There was a lot riding on that game last season. In the end we put them down so they will no doubt be coming here wanting to get something. They are a workmanlike side but the fact they have got themselves into a good position in the league means they must be playing good football as well. They have added to their squad and in Colin Little they have a good asset who gets them goals but we are a different proposition as well... We are certainly scoring goals at the moment which was something we were not doing last year... Defeat at the Abbey Stadium ended an unbeaten run of four games for the Terras who lie just two points adrift of Alty in 16th place".
For the record, Alty's squad last season was: 1. Stuart COBURN; 16. Ryan SHOTTON, 5. Darren TINSON (capt), 10. Greg YOUNG, 3. Gary SCOTT; 15. Chris LANE; 19. Chris SENIOR, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 21. Paul TURNBULL, 9. Colin LITTLE; 12. Joe O'NEILL. Subs: 2. Steve ASPINALL, 11. Warren PEYTON, 13. Richard ACTON, 18. Pat McFADDEN, 23. Ryan TOULSON. Only eight of that squad remain at the club now.
At Mansfield Town, "Billy McEwan has made his second loan signing of the day by bringing in 19 year old Sam Wedgbury from Sheffield United. Wedgbury can play at centre-half, but has spent most of his career as a defensive midfielder. He joins us for one month on loan from the Blades. Wedgbury signed for United from Worcester City mi