FA TROPHY GAMES

Saturday 31st: FAT 3

SATURDAY ALTERNATIVES

Alternatively for a presumably subsidised £10, plus an optional £5 for breakfast, you can book on Trafford FC's coach to Newcastle Blue Star this Saturday.

NW NEWS

The Hyde United site has a new website from today, Saturday.

The UniBond League "has been developing a new official website in partnership with its media partners Sponsor-Link. The new website will be a multi-phase development that will eventually have the capacity to produce a higher video content in addition to more match information which hopefully will include full team line ups after each game. This database will also feed the many club websites which are now part of the “co-operative” who will benefit via direct feeds from the information, video and commercial opportunities. The new website is planned to go live early next month... We would like the visitors to our current site to log on to a temporary URL www.northernprem.com to view what is happening... In early February the URL www.unibondleague.com will change to the new site with access to the old site information and archive via a button on the new home page. The old website results will still be updated until the end of the season but may be a day or two after the actual game. This is so we may complete the season for archive purposes".

BSP NEWS

Stevenage Borough report that they "are to consider legal action against Kettering Town after they failed to complete the transfer of Iyseden Christie, despite signing a binding Transfer Agreement for the striker to move in January. Phil Wallace was asked by BoroNews about the present situation concerning striker Christie, after the club told fans that he had been sold to Kettering.

He said 'I didn’t want to raise this before the game with them but, back in October, Kettering wanted Iyseden to play in the FA cup competitions whilst he was on loan with them. I refused as we didn’t want him cup tied and said the only way that could happen was if he became their player. Both clubs then agreed a permanent transfer to take place in January and a binding contract was drawn up to record that, which both myself and their Chairman signed. Once that document was signed I gave our consent for him to play for Kettering in the FA Cup and Trophy. Instead of signing for them in January, Iyseden then turned up at the training ground unannounced last Tuesday and told us that Kettering had said they now weren’t prepared to pay him the personal terms they’d previously agreed and that he couldn't allow his registration to be transferred as he would suffer financially from a drop in wages. To make matters worse, we have yet to receive full payment from Kettering for the original loan that started in September, despite Bob Makin making dozens of calls over the past few months.

To be frank I’ve never known anything like this in 20 years in football. I sent an email to their Chairman on Monday but haven’t received a reply. Nor has he returned any of Bob's calls this week. We’ve now lost whatever patience we had. I sent the paperwork to our lawyers earlier this week and today obtained Queen's Counsel opinion on our legal position. Based on this Opinion, we’ve taken a statement from Iyseden today and reserve the right to claim damages against Kettering Town for breach of contract if the matter is not resolved by the Football Conference. Hopefully none of the above will be necessary, they may contact us and the problem can be resolved amicably. We always live in hope. The other loser in this is Iyseden who feels he’s been badly let down by Kettering. Since his chances of first team football are limited at Stevenage we’ve tried to do the right thing today to mitigate our loss and have cancelled his contract so that he can get himself another club before the deadline on Monday'".

And from NL Daily comes news that "Stevenage Borough have signed much-sought-after defender Jon Ashton from rivals Grays Athletic on contract until 2010. The 26-year-old had been linked with a move to Coca-Cola League Two Gillingham after he failed to agree a new deal with the Essex club. Ashton has previously played for Leicester City, Oxford United and Rushden & Diamonds. Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace said: 'He's very highly rated and when we enquired last season Grays were asking a king's ransom. Manager Graham Westley has been very keen on bringing Jon to Stevenage after managing him at Rushden, but until now we've not been able to afford him. He's been backwards and forwards with Grays and Jon's agent for months as we've tried to secure him within our wage budget. Luke Oliver moving to Wycombe has made that possible and he's lost no time in making the move', Wallace said".

Earlier the same source had reported that "Stevenage Borough`s defender Luke Oliver is on the verge of joining Wycombe Wanderers after passing a medical... Oliver has fallen out of favour in recent weeks at the Lamex Stadium and former Boro boss Peter Taylor sees the giant defender as the ideal player to replace Mike Williamson, who moved to Watford earlier this month. Boro chairman Phil Wallace felt... 'It's a great opportunity for Luke, and as he's not in our side at the moment and out of contract at the end of the season, we felt we couldn't deny him the opportunity'".

Blue Square Football reports that "Grays Athletic have released an official statement following the sacking of manager Wayne Burnett this week. The Statement reads as follows:

"The club in the coming months finds itself in the most difficult position it has been in for many years having had to release players due to financial constraints and now, with the manager leaving, supporters are disillusioned as to the why these continuous changes are happening. The club wish to reiterate that it is not preparing for demotion to the Conference South and believe that with the present squad plus the additions that have been made this week it is securing the future of the club within financial levels it can continue to afford.

The manager over the past months has made the decisions regarding players that were brought in and those that were let go or placed on the transfer list but the one constant that remained was those players that were contracted to the club. It has now been decided and believed that the contracted players should play a pivotal role in the club's survival having not become bad players overnight. Therefore until the end of the season Gary Phillips will take control of team matters and will be assisted by two senior players, Jamie Stuart and Stuart Elliot each of whom have the support of the Chairman and the remainder of the squad.

The Chairman, CEO and staff have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the future of GAFC more attractive to all supporters but as everyone will realise it is difficult during these times and will take longer than initially anticipated because of delays out of our control and those which are in our control have had to be made to stabilise the club for the future. One concern to the club is that of The New Recreation Ground and its tenure in terms of continuing to play there for at least one more season, then relying on the local authority to secure land, gaining planning permissions in order to move onto a new stadium.

The support over the last months by the loyal fans goes unquestioned but the club now urges all people of Grays to come and support the club in an effort to prove to the local authority that the club is alive and kicking , so wanting the help and commitment from the local authority to join with us as a partner to move Grays Athletic FC forward and into a new geographical position in Grays where supporters and their families want to come and be associated with football and community activities which can not be held at the present stadium due to the limited off-field accommodation and facilities.

Factors that we have to wait for can be accelerated by attendances increasing and activities at the club supported more which will show that supporters of the club care about its future. If attendances and support continues to fluctuates as it is at present from 800s down to 400s it will show to the people in power that such a complex that is being muted may not happen due to this low level of support. The Chairman of GAFC therefore asks all its supporters and followers to show their true allegiance to the club and attend, whenever and to whatever event is possible, in order to show that this move is both worthwhile and possible.

Understanding that recent releases have been questioned by supporters, I point to factors such as the Weymouth game which lacked passion and fight which has never been the brand of GAFC football, other games have been of a similar nature and if we are to go down I want to do so with the pride, passion and an inner belief of we did so fighting all the way.

I am of the opinion that what we have left will keep us in the Blue Square Premiere with the new additions to our squad and see the resurgence of other players already at the club pulling on the shirt once again and fighting in the proper fashion for the club and its supporters".

"Rushden & Diamonds have decided to part ways with midfielder Justin Cochrane after a short stay at Nene Park. The 27-year-old joined the Diamonds on a non-contract basis in December 2008 and has made four first-team appearances".

The BBC confirms that "On-loan striker Ricky Sappleton is returning to Leicester City after a one-month spell at Oxford United... 'We are not going to extend Ricky's loan. We are going to look for a touch more experience', said Oxford manager Chris Wilder. 'We are hopefully going to get someone else in to give us more competition. He has done well for us being involved in a team that won five on the bounce'".

Also from the BBC, we learn that "Histon have signed striker Lee Roache from local rivals Cambridge City for a four-figure fee. The former Barnet man had scored 21 goals in 55 starts for the Lilywhites since joining in the summer of 2006. The capture of the 24-year-old brings to an end the Stutes' desperate search for a forward".

Confirming yesterday's news Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Lee Power has resigned from the board of directors at Rushden & Diamonds. The former Cambridge United chairman is set to complete a takeover deal at rivals Weymouth alongside multi-millionaire businessman Colin Hill - brother of Diamonds boss Garry. But Nene Park chairman Keith Cousins has dismissed speculation that he will also be investing in Weymouth".

"Brett Solkhon could be on his way out of Kettering Town. The club's current longest-serving player has had his name circulated to other clubs following discussions with manager Mark Cooper. The midfielder – who has made over 250 appearances in a Poppies shirt – is believed to be seeking regular football, something Cooper is unable to guarantee him... The transfer window for Blue Square Premier clubs closes at 5pm on Monday" reports the Northants Evening Telegraph

According to the Argus "Eastbourne Borough are hopeful of further strengthening their squad before the transfer window closes after signing two new players yesterday. Borough signed goalkeeper Michael Jordan and brought in striker Sam Gargan on loan... Assistant boss Nick Greenwood said: 'We are delighted to get Michael and Sam in and there is a possibility another couple might come off... Our form means we haven’t needed to panic and could wait until the right people became available... We have until Monday to do something still'. Gargan’s arrival fills the gap left by Ashley Barnes’s return to Plymouth... The 20-year-old has already proven he can score goals in Blue Square premier with three in six games on loan at Lewes earlier in the season... Gargan has only made one appearance for Albion as a substitute back in April last year... Borough have signed him for one month initially but there is the possibility of making it permanent if he impresses... Jordan has also spent time at the Dripping Pan after playing five games for the Rooks last year. The 22-year-old began his career at Arsenal but never made an appearance for the Gunners before being released in 2006. He has since had spells at Yeovil and Chesterfield and was a free agent after being released by Stevenage.

Greenwood said: 'After Monday we are not allowed to sign anybody for a week so it was important to get another goalkeeper to provide cover for Lee Hook and we are delighted to pick Michael up... With Ashley leaving, Jean-Michel Sigere (released) and Allan Tait (loaned out) all gone we were a little bit exposed up front if we picked up any injuries but now we have got four strikers who all offer us something different'. The additions of Gargan and Jordan show Borough are refusing to rest on their laurels despite a run of seven wins from their last nine league games...

Meanwhile, Mo Harkin has become the third of Borough’s four summer signings to be released. Harkin follows Sigere and Chris Winterton out of Priory Lane after failing to make an impact".

A few miles away "Lewes hope to have a new board in place by the end of March. Chief executive Martin Elliott has been in talks with interested groups and is hopeful a solution can be found to the club’s on-going financial problems... Elliott, pictured, is keen to stress it will not be a buyout but a restructuring of the existing company and he says going into administration will not be necessary as long as plans come to fruition".

"Darius Charles made Ebbsfleet United history this week when he became the first player to join the club following a vote by the owners" claims the Gravesend Reporter. "The Fleet are owned by 32,000 members of MyFootballClub, each of whom has an equal say in the running of the team for a £35 subscription, and they decided whether to make Charles' loan deal from Brentford a permanent move for a fee of £25,000. The result, which ran from Monday to Wednesday attracting over 3,300 votes, finished up with in a resounding 'Yes', with 91.6% voting to proceed with the purchase".

From the Kidderminster Shuttle we hear that "Midfielder Russ Penn is set to miss between four and six weeks of the season after being diagnosed with a bruised cruciate ligament. When the 23-year-old was stretchered off on Saturday there were fears he could be out for the rest of the season".

This is Nottingham says that "David Holdsworth admitted he is keen on trialist defender Gianluca Havern – but says offering him a contract at Mansfield is not cut and dried. The former Stockport County right-back, who can also play as a central defender, has played for the Stags' reserves... And the Manchester-born 20-year-old has impressed manager Holdsworth during that time. But the player himself has other options on the table while he is training at Field Mill. And Holdsworth is also well aware that he has a budget to stick to... Holdsworth is continuing to monitor the progress of fellow defender Michael Briscoe". Also, "Neil MacKenzie has signed a deal with Mansfield until the end of the season. The 32-year-old midfielder joined the Stags on non-contract terms earlier this week, after being released by Notts County".

From the Salsibury Journal we discover that "Salisbury City boss Nick Holmes says former skipper Aaron Cook and long-serving midfielder Wayne Turk are unlikely to return to the club despite City’s financial problems being eased somewhat by this week’s return of former director Peter Yeldon. Both players were loaned out to Blue Square South side Newport County as City’s cash problems meant it had to drastically reduce its wage bill. He added that Robbie Matthews and Tim Bond may not have left for Crawley Town and Sutton United respectively, had this week’s events happened seven days earlier. Holmes did not rule out the possibility of City making new signings before the end of the transfer window (February 2) but hoped the club would do the right thing by its current players, many of whom agreed to a cut in wages to help City through their problems".

The Comet says that "Stevenage Borough have announced that defender John Ashton has signed from Grays Athletic on a deal that will see him at the Lamex Stadium until 2010. The 26-year-old defender has had previous spells at Oxford United and Rushden & Diamonds. Ashton has played nearly 200 games in the conference/league".

From the Dorset Echo we learn that "Two highly successful businessmen are ready to save Weymouth Football Club from the brink of extinction. Multi-millionaire Colin Hill, the brother of former Terras' boss Garry Hill, and ex-Cambridge United chairman Lee Power, will visit the Wessex Stadium next week to look into investing in the club, which looked destined for liquidation after ex-chairman Malcolm Curtis pulled out of a deal with a consortium last month... Weymouth chief executive Gary Calder added: 'We have been burning the midnight oil over the past month trying to get new investors in to stave off the threat of liquidation with no success. Then yesterday I called Colin Hill and Lee Power, at their home in Switzerland and they are coming down next week to spend Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday here reviewing all documents and meeting with officials, with a view to investing quite heavily into the club to take it forward.

Both Colin and Lee have turned clubs around before and this deal would put WFC on a firm footing for the first time'... Mr Curtis branded the Terras ‘the Afghanistan of non-League football’ last week, claiming that the club was completely ungovernable but it appears Mr Hill and Mr Power disagree with his analogy... Mr Calder said: 'I must stress that without their involvement or help and assistance the club will go into liquidation imminently... These people coming in are doing so for the benefit of the football club... They will not screw it over'”.

Finally, from the Daily Post we learn that "Wrexham FC defender Carl Tremarco is to join Darlington FC on loan for a month... He was first-choice left-back under the Dragons' previous manager Brian Little and played 16 Blue Square Premier matches, but has fallen behind in the pecking order under Dean Saunders".

ALTY ON TV TONIGHT

ALEX GOES ON LOAN

AFTER THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW

'It was a little bit after the Lord Mayor's Show against York' said Heathcote. 'There was a lack of tempo and energy and I thought we loked a bit leggy... Northwich have picked up recently but so they should after the money they have spent. They are paying out fortunes, but that doesn't concern me. All I'm bothered about is making sure we are focused on getting another win under our belts. We will regroup and get ourselves right over the next seven days. It's a derby so I would expect my players to be up for it'".

As for Stuart Coburn's performance against York, Graham added, "I have said for many a year that Stuart is one of the best goalies in this league... he earned his corn tonight. He saved us a point".

GRAHAM'S CARROT

CLIVE'S A LEGEND

GOALLESS AT MOSS LANE

BSP GAME

BSP NEWS

Meanwhile The Dorset Echo confirms that "Weymouth chief executive Gary Calder has confirmed that the Terras could be on the brink of being saved. Multi-millionaire Colin Hill and former Cambridge United chairman Lee Power will carry out due diligence at the Blue Square Premier outfit next week after confirming their interest in taking over the club’s reins earlier today. The potential new investors have already blocked Stuart Beavon and Anton Robinson from moving to AFC Bournemouth and told manager Alan Lewer and coach Marcus Browning that they will remain in charge of the club should a deal be struck. The Terras have been staring down the barrel of administration over the past month after former majority shareholder Malcolm Curtis pulled out of a deal with a consortium just after Christmas. The entire workforce at the Wessex Stadium were told earlier today that they were not going to get paid this week but have been assured that the future of the club should be resolved in the next seven days".

The BBC says that "Woking goalkeeper Nick Gindre has left the club by mutual consent. The 24-year-old Argentinean made over 40 appearances for the club since joining from Ryman Division One South side Walton & Hersham in January 2007. Earlier this season Gindre enjoyed a successful loan spell with Walton's league rivals Croydon Athletic. The Blue Square Premier club are negotiating the extension of Huddersfield keeper Simon Eastwood's loan deal until the end of the season".

Another BSP manager has lost his job as Grays Athletic report that "Out of joint mutual respect and for the ongoing good relationship that has been built between 'The Manager', Wayne Burnett and 'The Chairman', Mike Woodward, it has been agreed that Wayne is to stand down from his duties at the club from today 29th January 2009. This agreement in no way reflects on Wayne's abilities or professionalism that he has shown since his arrival at GAFC and The Chairman wishes all to know that in the way that this has been conducted it does leave the door open for Wayne to return at a future date... Before leaving the training ground this morning Wayne met with all players to inform them of this mutually agreed situation".

The Northwich Guardian says that "Northwich Victoria will be locked out of their home until it has been sold. Receivers trying to sell the Marston’s Arena today confirmed that nothing would change after the club’s landlord went out of business. Beaconet Limited, the firm of former chairman Mike Connett, was wound up in London’s High Court yesterday. 'The role of the receivers is to collect rental income and realise value in the site', said a spokesman for Deloitte. 'They do not have any involvement with Beaconet'. The club’s 25-year lease with Connett’s company, signed at the start of last year, will now be torn up.

A consortium led by Vics’ owner Jim Rushe has bid to buy the ground and their £1.5m offer has been accepted. 'Northwich Victoria Football Club entered into a lease with Beaconet Limited to use the Marston’s Arena', said the spokesman. 'Beaconet provide all the necessary services to enable football matches to be played, although of course the company is no longer in a position to do that. The director is taking steps to return assets and equipment which the firm has bought through hire purchase or leased to the respective creditors. Currently therefore the ground is not available to the football club'.

The spokesman added that Deloitte hopes a sale to Rushe’s group goes through quickly. Indeed a petition to wind up the club by HM Revenue and Customs has been put back to March to allow time for the deal to be completed... Vics are now likely to need an alternative venue for their scheduled clash with Ebbsfleet United on Saturday week or, as they have done this weekend, switch the game to Stonebridge Road and play Liam Daish’s men in Cheshire later in the campaign".

AT MOSS LANE TONIGHT

YORK'S VIEW

Right: Gavin Rathbone's picture shows Stuart Coburn's fine save from Richard Brodie's penalty kick on Tuesday night against York City. More of Gavin's excellent images are on his GR Photography website.

From The Press we learn that "York City manager Martin Foyle hailed an improved display as his side drew 1-1 at Altrincham following back-to-back defeats... Foyle said: 'It was an improved performance and, whilst I’m not going to say I was delighted with a point, I was pleased with the guts the players showed. It was unfortunate that we made another mistake for their goal but it’s all about having character, recovering and winning your headers then. Danny [Parslow, who made the mistake] has been great alongside David McGurk for the last couple of seasons, he’s a leader and I’ve got no problems with him'. Foyle also added his praise for strikers Brodie, debutant Adam Boyes and Simon Brown who lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. He said: 'We played like that to make things tighter and I thought the three front lads worked really hard. They are genuine lads and if you have that work ethic you get your rewards. I thought Boysey was super and Michael Ingham also saved us a couple of times at the other end'”.

THROUGH THE YEARS

EASTBOURNE GAME WILL BE A WIN AND A DRAW

GRAHAM SUPPORTS CHANGES

INJURIES

OLD BOYS

Former Alty reserve Colin McAllister scored for Bamber Bridge this week against Radcliffe Borough. James Olsen, who played against Alty last week for Witton Albion, is reported to have joined Marine.

NW NEWS

BSP NEWS

Before the hearing the Guardian wrote that Connett's "firm owes £60,000 on a loan from Bank of Scotland" It adds that "It promises to be a busy morning for the registrar, who at the same time must decide whether to defer a petition against Vics over an unpaid tax bill inherited from Mr Connett in December 2007. The Guardian has learned HM Revenue and Customs will not oppose an adjournment with Mr Rushe so close to buying the club’s Marston’s Arena home. His consortium’s £1.5m bid has been accepted by receivers Deloitte Touche, who seized the stadium of Beaconet in October with a view to paying off debts totalling more than £1m, and contracts have been drawn up. Mr Rushe said: 'We’re very close. We’ve provided proof that we can make the repayments and are waiting to hear that people are happy with those guarantees'”.

From the BBC comes news that "Salisbury City have received a major financial boost after former director Peter Yeldon confirmed he is to resume his involvement with the club. The millionaire businessman helped fund the Whites' promotion into the Blue Square Premier but left last summer. Yeldon told BBC Radio Wiltshire he has returned to help chairman Neville Beal. 'I'm going to give Neville moral and financial support. There will be money available to keep the club where it is at the moment', he said. 'Hopefully we can keep the current squad, get one or two players back from loans and if necessary bring some players in'. Meanwhile, Beal welcomed Yeldon's return to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. 'We are delighted that Peter is renewing his interest in the club... I hope that we can now move forward'".

"Woking have given permission for striker Giuseppe Sole to join league rivals Ebbsfleet United on loan until the end of the season" states Blue Square Football. "The 21-year-old has been allowed to link up with Liam Daish at Stonebridge Road... Sole is a natural attacker and can be deployed as a striker or attacking midfielder... He told Getsurrey: 'I went to Phil Gilchrist and told him I'd like to go on loan. He says he hasn't given up on me and knows I have ability but he can't find a place in his team for me. He's been honest with me and now I want to go to Ebbsfleet and do well for them until the end of the season... Obviously I hope I haven't played my last game for Woking but I don't know'".

NL Daily says that "Grays Athletic have made more changes to their squad, with George Beavan joining the club and Sam Sloma leaving. Luton Town defender Beavan, 19, has signed a month`s loan deal after playing seven times for Town this season following a loan spell with Grays' league rivals Salisbury City. Beavan will link up with fellow Luton youngster defender Harry Hogarth at the Recreation Ground. Meanwhile, midfielder Sloma, 26, has left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. It is also understood outgoing defender Jon Ashton has been the subject of an offer from Gillingham, whose manager Mark Stimson signed the player during his time in charge at Grays".

"Kettering Town have signed Bristol City midfielder Frankie Artus on loan. Artus, 20, described as 'player with a big future' by City`s former Kettering boss Gary Johnson, has had a loan spell at Brentford where he made his League debut and at Exeter City whilst they were members of the Conference'".

The Cambridge News reports that "Cambridge United must put their faith in youth if they are to cut their spiralling playing budget, according to Norman Gautrey. The chief executive, speaking at the club's annual meeting last night, said talented youngsters such as Robbie Willmott and Josh Coulson must continue to come through the ranks in order to cut costs. United's playing budget increased from £772,000 to £1.1million between May 2007 and May 2008 as they unsuccessfully bid to get promotion from the Blue Square Premier last term. And with the club already having used up this season's playing budget - whether they can secure a play-off final place at Wembley for a second year running or not - Gautrey believes they must start to make long-term decisions and not listen to calls from fans to spend more money on transfers.

He said: 'If the club's going to go anywhere then we can't bow to the wishes of supporters - we must work on our youth programme and bring through our own talent. The weight of expectation from supporters has gone up and that does filter through to the players, the management and the board. We've got to be realists and we have no divine right to be top of this league, but there are pressures on us from supporters to make short-term decisions. It won't happen overnight, but I think it would be more exciting and a greater achievement if we were successful while watching home-grown players who've come through our system'.

And director Paul Barry echoed Gautrey's sentiments and feels the club's head of youth development Jez George can help them be successful and more financially prudent. He said: 'We do recognise that just throwing money at it doesn't work and the bottom line is that we have to manage our playing budget better. With a mixture of having young players coming through, using the loan system that's in place and using our contacts, we can manage our playing budget better'".

Also at the Abbey, "Terry Baker has not ruled out a move to bring Gary Calder to Cambridge United as the club's new chief executive following Norman Gautrey's shock exit... When reports surfaced three days ago linking Calder with a directorship and a similar role to that held by Gautrey, acting chairman Baker told the News there was nothing in it. But following Gautrey's announcement after United's annual meeting on Monday... Baker admitted 'Gary Calder is one of those people who has been around football for a long time and the job [as chief executive] he's in at the moment at Weymouth is doubtful in terms of their survival, from the latest information we know. He has got a job he feels is insecure, so he's casting his net to see if there's anything going here. It's possible we could take someone like him, I certainly wouldn't rule it out... We'd have sit down and do the sums because we'd have to pay someone to do what Norman has done for nothing'".

Referring to Gautrey, Baker said: "He wanted to take several months off because he was going to the West Indies for the Test matches and he's going somewhere else after that'... Baker said both he and director George Rolls would take on Gautrey's responsibilities in the short term".

Still at Cambridge, "Paul Barry last night insisted a legal battle over the sale of the Abbey would put Cambridge United's future in jeopardy. The US-based director told shareholders at United's annual meeting the club had as good as ruled out taking landlords Bideawhile to court over clauses inserted in the contract of the £1.92million sale of ground in 2004 that they felt restricted their chances of buying it back. Barry estimated it could cost around £1m to get involved in a legal fight, and said United did not have that kind of cash to gamble with. He said: 'We're well aware that there's a five-year limit on taking action... The cost of going down the legal path is astronomical'...

United made a £4m bid for the Abbey last August, but Bideawhile, co-owned by the club's former vice-chairman John Howard and partner Stephen Clark, said they would not consider it unless the club could provide proof of funds. But Barry... said talks were continuing with the landlords over a way forward... Meanwhile, chief executive Norman Gautrey said United were still looking into securing planning permission for a new stadium by 2012. A recent feasibility study carried out by Cambridgeshire Horizons identified three possible sites - Milton, Cambridge East and Cowley Road - for a 10,000-seater stadium costing between £12m and £16m. Gautrey said: 'The FA and Cambs FA are very positive about a move, but it may depend on us sharing with another user'".

FRIENDS

1. Mrs M Warrington (no.51)
2. Gareth Thomas (61)
3. Dianne Swindells (19)

Please consider joining the Friends scheme, to help Altrincham FC. Details of the scheme are at the above link.

ALTRINCHAM 1 YORK CITY 1

Right: Jody Banim comes on a sub, in the rain, against York.

In a match played at a frantic pace Altrincham were ultimately happy to take a point from a York side which had gifted them a first-half lead, before Alty returned the favour immediately after the interval. Altrincham had both their leading strikers, Colin Little and Chris Senior out, injured, but midfielder Anthony Danylyk was back from suspension. Last week's new loan signing 21 year-old midfielder, Jordan Hadfield, from Macclesfield Town was in the squad, joined by former Droylsden striker Jody Banim, who had signed earlier in the day on a one-month loan. Peyton and Lane dropped to the bench as Denham, Danylyk and O'Neill started.

THE LATE DAVID BURNS

Dear All

Thank you so much for the pleasure you gave David through his involvement with Altrincham Football Club. He loved being part of such a close knit group and part of a club with such loyal fans.

As you probably know, I am not a football fan but I will be following the future of AFC with interest from now on.

I would be most grateful if you could pass on my thanks to the people who posted kind messages on your website.

With very best wishes for a successful future.

Jane Burns".

Before Tuesday night's match, Altrincham FC chaplain, Rev Andy Barclay Watts read the roll of honour of Altrincham FC supporters, former players and others associated with the club, who had died in the past year. More than a dozen names were announced which underlined that the club has sadly lost many of its longstanding associates in the past twelve months. The club's condolences go to the relatives and friends of all concerned.

BSP NEWS

FIXTURES

ALTY SIGN BANIM

Jody is well known at Moss Lane having been based for several years in the North West and even having a brief spell as a trialist at Altrincham in 1997. Born on 1 April 1987 in Manchester, he started out as a youngster with Manchester United and was a trainee at Old Trafford in 1995/96 season before being released and joining Trafford FC. A brief trial at Altrincham in 1997 followed but he moved on to Flixton in 1998. In 2001 he joined Radcliffe Borough where he made 125 appearances and scored a phenomenal 97 goals, netting in 14 successive matches in one spell. In December 2003, his performances prompted a move for £20,000 to Shrewsbury Town who were in the Conference at that time. After 9+(8) games for the Shrews in their promotion season, he joined Accrington Stanley and Droylsden before arriving at Stalybridge Celtic in 2005. He rejoined Radcliffe in March 2006 on loan before rejoining Stalybridge and then Droylsden, again, in August 2007 for their promotion into the Conference. Last season at Droylsden he made 37(+4) appearances and scored 10 times. From February to April 2004 he was on loan at Torquay United where he made 3(+5) appearances without scoring. In May 2008 he joined Burton Albion but has not established himself as a regular at the Pirelli Stadium.

Jody is the third recent Altrincham signing to have also been at Droylsden in the last year, following Dale Johnson and Chris Denham. All at Moss Lane wish him a productive spell at our club and, with Chris Senior and Colin Little sidelined by injury, he has a golden chance to establish himself in the team.

With Kevin Street out, long-term, and Chris Senior and Colin Little temporarily sidelined by injury, Altrincham's available squad of players with league experience now stands at just 16, three of whom are goalkeepers (Coburn, Ralph, Acton) plus 2 loan players (Hadfield and Banim). The 13 outfield players are Lane, Doughty, McGregor, Young, Lawton, Denham, Peyton, O'Neill, Johnson, Meechan, Danylyk, Densmore and Smith. Of these, Densmore is suspended for next week's clash with Northwich.

BRING YOUR UMBRELLA

It is hoped to provide some updates during the match here.

For next Tuesday against Northwich Vics the ref is Mr S. J. Rushton who officiated in the 3-4 reverse to Barrow at Moss Lane back in August.

ANTHONY BACK

YORK PLAN FOR ALTY

But the Press reports that "Worried York City manager Martin Foyle accused some of his players of failing to understand the game after a 2-1 defeat at part-timers Eastbourne Borough. Midfielder Christian Smith scored his second goal in as many games for the Minstermen, but his 63rd-minute header only proved a consolation after another sorry first-half display. Foyle questioned some of his players’ decision-making, including captain Mark Greaves’s choice to kick into the sun in the first half. The City boss said: 'Players have got to understand the game and play the conditions. We won the toss in the first half, but played into the sun. You can’t go to places like Eastbourne and Barrow either and expect to play football. They did well to get the game on and it was a heavy pitch, so you’re not going to get time on the ball. I’m a worried man because there’s a lot to learn and a lot of them are naive. They’ve got to grow up. We’ve got tricky games coming up and we’ll find out whether players are men or boys because I can’t carry boys at the moment'.

Foyle added that his back four was a particular concern with five goals having been shipped in the last two games as key defender David McGurk was ruled out again due to his calf injury.The City chief dropped Darren Kelly to the bench for the Sussex clash and partnered Greaves with Danny Parslow in the heart of his defence. But Parslow was at fault for the home side’s first goal and Greaves limped out of the action on 37 minutes with a hamstring injury. Foyle was happier when the subsequent reshuffle saw Kyle Critchell move to the centre and Simon Rusk switch to right-back, but admitted he is hoping McGurk might be available for tomorrow night’s match at Altrincham with full-back Ben Purkiss certain to return.

He added: 'We’re missing David McGurk. York City supporters probably realise how good he is and I think Danny Parslow has missed him. We put Kyle in there because they were lively and might have caused Kells problems if I’d brought him on. Kyle did well and Simon Rusk has played right-back before. We don’t look comfortable as a back four though and that worries me. Ben Purkiss will go straight back in tomorrow – no messing around – and hopefully David McGurk will be back as well'.

Foyle gained some encouragement from his team’s performance in midfield, where Levi Mackin made his debut alongside former Wrexham team-mate Smith. The City boss said: 'Christian Smith scored again. He can get into the box and we’ve got nobody else in the club that can score goals from midfield... He’s just got to sharpen up a little bit, but he’d run into a brick wall for you. Levi got caught out a couple of times losing the ball on a bobbly pitch, but he can go simple and get up and down'. Foyle started Mackin’s fellow Wrexham loan signing Simon Brown as a striker after leaving Daniel McBreen and Onome Sodje out of his travelling party.

The City manager added: 'Daniel McBreen and Onome Sodje are a little down on their luck and a bit flat after Tuesday’s game at Barrow. We went with Browny and Richard Brodie up there, but the passes up to them weren’t particularly the best. Everything fell short rather than to their feet or behind their defence. We wanted Browny to get down the sides and, when he did, he put some good crosses in, but we didn’t get enough bodies into the box until Christian scored'. Foyle threw Adam Boyes on for the last half hour and admitted the 18-year-old striker could now start at Altrincham tomorrow... He said: 'I was delighted with Adam. He was prepared to run down the channels and was always on the move. He’s aware and has a decent touch and will be in big contention for his debut tomorrow'”.

GRAHAM PLEASED

The Burton Mail says "It was a case of unlucky 13 for Burton Albion - but not Shaun Harrad - as their remarkable winning run finally came to an end at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday... After 12 successive victories - a Conference record - the Brewers were brought back to earth by battling Altrincham. But after a first half display that fell well short of the usual standard, Albion still earned a pat on the back from Roy McFarland by rescuing an unbeaten home record stretching back to last April. The caretaker boss had to earn his money and lift Albion out of the doldrums for the first time since stepping into the boots of Nigel Clough after Altrincham had threatened to inflict their first defeat since October. Liam [Joe's twin brother?] O'Neill punished the lackadaisical Brewers with a 24th minute goal to give the Cheshire outfit the scent of a famous victory, but it was a different Albion who came out for the second half". "ROY McFarland is optimistic that Burton Albion will make a swift return to winning ways in front of former boss Nigel Clough at the Pirelli Stadium tonight.

Elsewhere the Burton Mail quotes McFarland on the game, "From a situation at half-time where we could have been well and truly out of it, we came back in the second half and showed our true spirit to get a good point out of a game we could quite easily have lost... For me, it was still a valuable point against Altrincham, a point nearer to promotion".

REMEMBRANCE

CUP FINAL

YOUTH NEWS

Meanwhile, Flixton have signed former Alty Youth defender Rico Colulo.

BSP NEWS

NL Daily states that "Dean Saunders, manager of Wrexham, has revealed that he is on the verge of sealing the signature of Ghanaian defender Christian Gyan after a successful trial spell. The 30-year-old former Feyenoord player has spent the last two weeks at the Racecourse Ground... Saunders said: 'We are close to agreeing a deal that will see Christian stay until the end of the season. He is a quality player who is equally at home at right back or in the centre of midfield and he has the experience we need. Sometimes you need an old head in the spine of the team, someone who is able to complement the youth and enthusiasm of younger players around him. Christian played for Feyenoord for ten years and we are very lucky to get him on board'", reports the Evening Leader.

"Goalkeeper, Ross Flitney, has agreed to cancel his contract with Grays Athletic FC and is now expected to join Croydon on a permanent contract. Grays Athletic have signed goalkeeper, Darren Behcet, on non- contract terms, Darren started his career at West Ham before joining Yeovil Town in 2006. He has had loan spells at Cambridge United, Dorchester Town & Bognor Regis Town".

Crawley Town "can confirm that they have lodged their appeal in relation to a recent points deduction by The Football Conference. The Reds were deducted 4 points at a recent Football Conference Regulatory Commission for fielding an unregistered player. The 20 page document has been received at The Football Association this afternoon with a copy delivered to The Football Conference. Chairman Vic Marley said; 'I can confirm that having considered all the documentation and then taken legal instruction we as a Board of Directors feel our sentence is unjust and therefore an appeal has been lodged with The Football Association. We all trust we will have a full and fair appeal hearing when we meet with the selected FA Appeal Board'... Marley is confident the Reds will be successful in the appeal process".

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that former Crawley Town owner "Azwar Majeed is on bail so he can help police investigate his financial affairs. The former chairman of a West Sussex football club is facing jail for cheating the taxman out of up to £1m. Millionaire businessman and former boss of Crawley Town FC, Azwar Majeed, 33, of Dyke Road, Brighton, admitted one count of cheating the public revenue. Appearing at Southwark Crown Court, he also admitted a charge of failing to keep 'sufficient' accounting records and concealing criminal property. Majeed will be sentenced on 25 February. The court heard he used personal and company accounts to launder cash and bought expensive cars - a Lamborghini, a Ferrari Enzo and a Bentley - several luxurious East Sussex properties and hi-tech entertainment equipment. He deliberately blurred his personal and financial affairs to disguise the source and extent of his wealth.

When police raided a safe deposit box in Knightsbridge, west London, they found two holdalls containing £500,000, while a further £12,000 was recovered from a safe at his then home in North Street, Brighton. At the time Majeed was sole director of SA Retail which was involved with the wholesale distribution of alcohol, running off-licences, general stores and bars... Although a number of other counts were not being proceeded with, those Majeed had admitted 'fully' reflected the Crown's case. She said Majeed had previous convictions for common assault and perverting the course of justice, but also had to be dealt with for breaching a financial restraining order. Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith told the businessman he was being allowed to remain on bail so he could help a police forensic expert investigate his financial affairs for an eventual confiscation hearing".

From Kent Online we learn that "MyfootballClub members will decide whether Ebbsfleet go ahead with a possible club record £25,000 deal with League 2 promotion contenders Brentford to make Darius Charles's move to Stonebridge Road permanent. The Fleet will pay £15,000, with a further £10,000 payable on performances for the 21-year old defender, presently sidelined by injury. If it goes through, it will beat the £20,000 paid to Cambridge City for striker Michael Gash. Ebbsfleet chief executive David Davis said: 'We believe this is a great deal for a quality player, and now seek instructions from the club's owners as to whether they wish to proceed with the transfer'. The result of the fans' vote will be announced on Wednesday. Meanwhile rumours that Charles could be out of action for a further two months have been described as 'unfounded'".

The Mid Cheshire Chronicle tells us that "Supporters of troubled Northwich Vics turned out in force today to protest against the club’s landlord Mike Connett. Fans formed a picket line at Wincham Avenue on Monday morning to 'say goodbye to Connett', ahead of his company Beaconet’s expected winding up on Wednesday. The former Vics' chairman is fans’ public enemy number one after effectively evicting them from their home earlier this month. One supporter said: 'It is a chance to show the general public our solidarity as Vics fans, and that we’re willing to fight to the end'".

BURTON WIN

BURTON ACTION

SPONSORS' DIRECTORY

SPORTING BEHAVIOUR

1. Torquay United 24 yellows, 2 reds = 30pts (1pt for a yellow, 3pts for a red)
2. Kidderminster Harriers 27, 1 =30
3. Burton Albion 29, 2 =35
4. York City 35, 1 =38
5. Histon 36, 1=39
6. Mansfield Town 33, 2=39
7. Stevenage Borough 33, 2 =39
8. Altrincham 32,3 =41

The bottom three are Cambridge United (63pts), Salisbury City (65) and Northwich Vics (67).

JOE

Right: Joe O'Neill has only started one league and one cup match this season, following his operation in the summer. Yet he has already netted four goals for Altrincham in a total of 2(+14) appearances. With Alty's two leading scorers, Colin Little and Chris Senior both sidelined by hamstring injuries, Joe now has a good chance to re-establish himself in the team. He is seen here in Gavin Rathbone's picture, playing against Witton last Tuesday. Our next opponents are Joe's former club, York City. More of Gavin's Alty photos are on his GR Photography website.

NEXT OPPONENTS

OLD BOY

LOOKING BACK

BSP NEWS

This is South Devon states that for Torquay United, "The FA CUP run... will prove a key weapon if they are still in the Blue Square Premier next season. Following an extraordinary general meeting earlier this week, the Conference is poised to bring back salary-cap limits for the 2009-2010 campaign. And United chairman Alex Rowe says that the money generated from the Gulls' Cup exploits... will give them a real advantage. United have already made more than £200,000 from the Cup this season, and [the] sold-out Fourth Round tie against Coventry City is expected to generate record gate receipts of nearly £75,000.

'It's very possible that the Approved Player Budget (APB) will be reintroduced next season', revealed Rowe, who attended this week's Conference EGM at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium. 'Although a consultation document is likely to reach the clubs between now and the summer, I get the impression that it may be a done deal. There is a concern that among the 68 clubs in the Conference that, although a big majority — say two-thirds — are very well run and a proportion are pretty well run, a significant minority would be recognised as not being very well run'. United worked under an APB last season, their first in the Blue Square Premier, but it was scrapped last summer, in favour of clubs submitting themselves to a broader solvency test.

But several clubs, including Grays Athletic, Salisbury City, Lewes, Northwich Victoria and even Oxford United, have run into financial trouble this season. And the Conference board appears to believe that stricter rules should be brought back. 'If everybody plays by the rules, it's fine', said Rowe. 'What is not acceptable is people who will throw money at players and then can't pay the person who drives the team coach. That's not acceptable, and it's not fair. Having a salary cap concentrates the mind on your business plan and making sure you generate the biggest turnover possible... We certainly found it inhibiting at times last season, but I'm not against it in principle and we would hope to manage it better next time'.

The APB is calculated on a percentage, usually around 70 per cent, of each club's turnover. The money that United make this season... will be part of their APB for 2009-2010... Rowe also revealed that he had a chance to question the Setanta Sports TV representative at the EGM. 'I wanted to ask about the viewing figures', he said. 'On the whole, the Conference outperforms the Scottish Premier League on Setanta. But Saturday and Monday nights are their best slots for live matches, and our game against Wrexham last Friday night pulled in about half their usual viewing figure and having the schedule knocked about, as it has been recently, doesn't do their figures any good, let alone our supporters'".

Despite being locked out of their own ground, not paying Telford their pre-Christmas FA Trophy gate money and non-payment of wages to their own players, Northwich Vics continue to sign players on long contracts, claims the Northwich Guardian. "England stopper Jamie Stevens has signed for Northwich Victoria. The non-league international linked up with Steve King’s men on Saturday after his contract at Crawley was cancelled. He has signed an 18-month contract. 'This is a massive coup for us', said the Vics' boss. 'Jamie is a player who was on the verge of moving into the Football League in the summer – now he’s here to help us stay up'. The Boston-based defender, 19, had a trial with Ipswich before the current campaign but has dropped down the Reds’ pecking order in recent weeks. Manager Steve Evans believes the deal is best for both clubs.

'It’s a good opportunity for Jamma to secure a new longer contract with his deal here running out in May', he told Crawley’s official website... He comes from a lovely family and he has been a credit to them'... King can see a solid future for Vics’ backline with Steve Robinson and skipper Simon Grand – who this week signed a new, one-year contract with the Blue Square Premier strugglers – alongside the latest new recruit... 'I’m really excited about this signing, I hope the supporters will be as well'".

Meanwhile "Vics have switched next weekend's league clash with Woking to Kingfield. In return the Cards will travel to Cheshire in April... With Vics' landlord Beaconet Limited facing a winding up hearing in the High Court this Wednesday, January 28, it is not known whether the current stand-off at the Marston's Arena will continue. But, even if the business of former chairman Mike Connett is liquidated, there is not time enough to complete the work required for Cheshire Trading Standards to lift a prohibition order preventing football matches being played at the Wincham stadium". Crawley boss Steve Evans "will beg his directors to appeal against the Reds' five-point deduction" for fielding an unregistered player, reports the NL Paper. He said, 'I believe we've got a case. Ourselves and Oxford are in the same division,... were convicted of the same offence but received different punishments".

The Kidderminster Shuttle reports that "Harriers are waiting to see if midfielder Russ Penn will be out for some time after he was carried off at Holker Street during Saturday's 1-0 loss. The 23-year-old was taken to hospital after sustaining a suspected cruciate ligament damage".

John Moules, now chairman of Ebbsfleet United, told the NL Paper that he was confident that the annual renewals of MYFC membership would be sufficient to fund his club through another season. "The club can only prosper if it has another 12 months of MyFootballClub membership".

The Salisbury Journal told us before the game that "New loan signing Danny Spence is expected to go straight into Salisbury City's side for the match with Stevenage Borough. The Reading youngster, who can play in defence or in midfield, joined the Whites yesterday on a one month loan".

According to the Comet "Borough have missed out on a big pay day after Celtic boss Gordon Strachan said his club had been priced out of a move for former Broadhall Way favourite George Boyd. The Scottish giants have had scouts at Peterborough watching Boyd and teammates Craig Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean in recent weeks but were told they must pay £15 million if they want to prize the trio away from London Road. Boyd moved to Peterborough for £240,000 in January 2007 and it is believed Boro secured a large sell-on clause as part of the deal which would see them receive a substantial proportion of any future transfer fee.

But Strachan confirmed at a press conference today that his club had ruled out a move for the trio after Peterborough's director of football Barry Fry had said each player would cost £5 million. According to the Daily Record, Fry said 'If Gordon thinks we are trying to price him out of the market then he's absolutely correct. We're not interested in selling. When anyone comes on to speak to me about them I quote £5m each. Craig has scored 45 goals in 69 games, Aaron 53 in 83 and George 31 in 95 - and he's been playing as a left winger!'".

A member of the Northwich Victoria Supporters' Trust has posted the following on the club's Forum about a meeting of "George Osborne MP (member for Tatton), Jim Rushe owner of Northwich Victoria FC 2004 Ltd and representatives of the Supporters' Trust and Supporters' Club. Mr Osborne was brought up to date with the situation at the football club and the ongoing problems associated with the club's inability to currently use the Victoria Stadium (Marston's Arena). Furthermore the Vics' deputation sought advice from Mr Osborne on matters concerning the clubs position regarding the Inland Revenue authorities. He was also advised of the football club owners plans for the development of the VS (Marstons Arena) should Mr Rushe’s bid to buy the stadium (from the administrators) be successful. The Tatton MP showed great interest in all the aspects of football club business raised during the meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting Mr Osborne asked that he be kept in touch with all developments. Confirming that he would be happy to meet with club again, he wished them success in their endeavours. Mr Rushe together with the Supporters' Trust and the Supporters' Club would like to publicly thank George Osborne for taking the time in his busy schedule to meet with them".

Stevenage Borough announce that their "Broadhall Way stadium will be renamed the Lamex Stadium next week... In a six-figure deal, the club will in future use Lamex's name in all media references to the stadium. Chairman Phil Wallace is a major shareholder in Lamex Food Group and the Group's recent move to new headquarters in Hertfordshire has made the transaction possible. Lamex are a global organisation with 15 offices in 12 countries, covering four continents, with an annual turnover of around $750 million worldwide. They are amongst the largest private companies in the world in the import and export of frozen poultry, pork and fruit. A Lamex spokesman said: 'Obviously Phil’s ten-year involvement with Stevenage Borough made it an easier decision for us, but we are a global company with particularly strong connections in China and South America. Many of our suppliers and customers are football fanatics and it’s good business for us to be associated with our local professional club in the UK. If Graham Westley can bring football success to the club, then we can build on this relationship'.

Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace said: 'Lamex are employing in the area and the added exposure to a great local football club is good news for both existing and future staff. It comes at a time when we’ve reinvented our desire to go deep into the heart of the local community... The club will now benefit from a significant injection of cash... Although the club is a personal passion for me, this is a commercial transaction that has genuine advantages for both parties'".

BURTON GAME

OLD BOYS

BSP FIXTURES

YOUTH GAME OFF

BURTON VERDICT

Right: Stuart Coburn claims the ball in the first half at Burton.

Burton Albion report that they "were held to a 1-1 draw by Altrincham at the Pirelli Stadium but although the winning run came to an end there was a sense of relief that the unbeaten home record was still intact. A dismal first half performance was remedied by a much brighter second half... Caretaker boss Roy McFarland noted that it was a below par first 45 minutes from his players and that he was pleased to get the players in at half time to sort things out. 'We had to do some work and the lads had to put some really hard work in today. In terms of what we have been playing like, that was unacceptable and unrecognisable in a sense for them. We were slow and we were sluggish in that first half. We weren’t competing and we were not on the front foot and anything that you can describe about football then we weren’t it in that first half. We were pleased to come in at half time one nil down as we could have been behind by more. It was a case of upping the tempo. We talked about it before the game but it didn’t happen although it happened a lot better in the second half. We squeezed up a little bit from the back and we made it a little bit easier for our midfield to start playing and that seemed to work for us. We created chances and managed to take one of them and then looked as if we could go having the better chances although Altrincham had a good one right at the end. At the end of the day though it is a valuable point... We could have been well and truly out of that game by half time... and it is a good point we have taken from a game we could have easily lost'...

McFarland went on to explain his decision to put skipper Darren Stride into the attack in place of leading scorer Greg Pearson halfway through the second half. 'We just thought Stridey might help get some balls in behind their defence. Towards the end of the first half we created a few chances.... Keith [Gilroy] showed us exactly what he can do and I think that will have done him a lot of good today'".

BURTON ALBION 1 ALTRINCHAM 1

WEEKEND GAMES

Saturday 24th

FA Cup 4th Round

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

The Northwich Guardian reports that "Steve King has turned to Damian Reeves to score the goals to shoot Vics to safety... 'It’s a deal we’re very happy to do', King told the Guardian. 'I like Damian because he combines pace with good movement, plus he has a proven scoring record at this level'... And the Vics boss is not the only one with faith in the ex-Leeds United youth product to bolster Vics’ shot-shy front line. 'I am sure he will probably score 10 to 15 goals between now and the end of the season', said Histon manager Steve Fallon. The Stutes cancelled the striker’s contract yesterday, Thursday, after Reeves requested a move away from the Glassworld Stadium". Histon boss Steve Fallon said “With the travelling he has to do as well it probably magnifies the frustration, so it's in all our interests that he moves on". Also, "King captured another of his former players, defender Jay Conroy... The 22-year-old was part of Lewes’s title-winning team last term".

Eastbourne Borough "have cancelled the registrations of striker Jean-Michel Sigere and goal-keeper Chris Winterton. Sigere, a former France Under 21 international, made five appearances for Borough. 20 year-old Eastbourne born Winterton, who had a spell with Brighton, made three appearances... 27 year-old striker Allan Tait - 92 appearances and 28 goals for Borough - has extended his loan spell at Basingstoke by a further two months".

Player movements reported at Grays Athletic are:

Meanwhile, "Former Grays defender Damien Batt has become Oxford United's latest recruit at the Kassam Stadium. The 24-year old played league football in a promotion-winning Barnet side, and has also had spells at Norwich, Dagenham & Redbridge and Stevenage. A right-sided player who can also play on the wing, Batt has signed until the end of the current campaign... Batt played 10 league games for Grays this season after signing on non-contract terms". And the BBC adds that "Oxford United have said they will decide on Monday whether or not to appeal against their five-point deduction by the Football Conference. Monday is the deadline for a decision... 'We have been thinking long and hard about the appeal', said chairman Kelvin Thomas in a statement. 'We have received the written reasons for the decision and we will make a final decision by the deadline'".

Oxford keeper Billy Turley "says the Football Conference is right to examine its procedures over player registration... 'If it was just an isolated case you would think there was a problem our end', the keeper, 35, told BBC Oxford. 'There have been four teams that have been done. It's a strange situation and one that needs looking at'. The Football Conference has announced it is to hold an internal review into its administrative procedures in the wake of the points deductions".

Kidderminster Harriers have signed veteran midfielder Craig Armstrong, following his release by Cheltenham. The 33-year-old has played in the Premier League, Football League and Blue Square Premier. Harriers manager Mark Yates told BBC Hereford & Worcester: 'He's experienced and can play in a number of positions, and he's a good player. I've known him for a while and he's done well at Burton this season, so we're delighted to have him on board'. Armstrong is a versatile left-footer, comfortable in either midfield or defence, both centrally and out-wide. He has played over 400 league matches and has top-flight experience with Nottingham Forest... He has also played non-league football this season, whilst on loan with league leaders Burton Albion... Armstrong has joined Harriers for the remainder of the season".

"Woking have signed Reading's Australian Under-20 international midfielder Oliver Bozanic on... a month's loan with a view to staying for the rest of the relegation campaign. He told BBC Southern Counties Radio: 'My preferred position is through the centre of the park, but I love playing left midfield and can't wait'".

"Cambridge United boss Gary Brabin wants to see greater consistency from his side following Thursday's 2-0 defeat to promotion rivals Wrexham. The U's have not managed to win back-to-back league matches since October. Brabin told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'We've been stuttering all season, we jump up to third, then fourth, then slip back down to sixth. I just feel we need to start putting back-to-back wins together as we've haven't done that enough'... The U's were swamped in midfield by a well organised Wrexham side and struggled for chances... 'We've got a cracking squad of players and I keep saying how we're not a million miles away', he said".

CHRIS OUT, JORDAN IN

However, Alty have signed Macclesfield midfielder Jordan Hadfield on a one-month loan and he is likely to be in the squad tomorrow at Burton. He was born in Swinton and stands 5'9" tall. Jordan started out at Stockport County and made one Football League appearance for them, in March 2005. After a successful first season at Macclesfield in 2006-07, during which he made 42 first-team appearances, he followed manager Paul Ince by going on loan to MK Dons, where he made 13 appearances. This season, back at Macclesfield, he has started 3 league games and made two sub appearances in first-team games. Jordan will wear squad number eight, the shirt vacated by Val Owen.

BSP NEWS UPDATE

GRAHAM PRAISES DALE

Graham added, "Lee Elam leaving has freed up some money and another player could be going out on loan for a month. If that happens we will need one or two new faces. I will endeavour to bring them in and something could happend by the weekend. Nothing is definite... I must make sure we are not left with a squad that is too thin'".

WEEKEND GAMES

Right: Chris Lane keeps his eye on the ball against Witton on Tuesday night. This and other excellent photos are on Gavin Rathbone's GR Photography website.

Thursday 22nd

YORK, NEXT AT MOSS LANE

And York City themselves report, "'Bitterly disappointed and nowhere near the standard I want to see'. That was the frank assessment of Martin Foyle after the Setanta Shield defeat away at Barrow. So just what was lacking? 'Fight, first and foremost, which is something you can't normally say about my sides. That first half was gale force winds and persistent rain and it's a case of defending well; getting two banks of four and being hard to beat. The first goal, he turned Kelly too easily on the edge of the box, despite getting away with it a few minutes before that. Kyle Critchell got beat too easily for the third goal and maybe Ingham should have pushed it away, but it's a hard one to catch and drop at the same time. Nowhere near'," he continued, hinting at further moves into the transfer market.

Elaborating, Foyle added 'We can still get loans after the January window, so it doesn't affect us unless we want to buy somebody, which probably isn't us at the moment. I've got to freshen it up and put some people in there that I know will fight a corner for me. And I've got to question one or two tonight. Is it easy? There's a lot I want to say, but over the last eighteen months or so, they've relied on the likes of Purkiss, McGurk, Parslow and Robinson and it's hidden a multitude of sins. The forward play has been poor... I've got to get the right personnel in. I'm not pushing the others out of the door. We're so inconsistent it's frightening, but it only takes one or two players to drop out of the team and it gives us a problem which has been highlighted tonight'...

Foyle continued. 'I know I'll get a reaction with Chris Smith, Simon Brown and Richard Brodie back in and one maybe two new faces. I've got to do it. I'm not going to hang around. I've got a job to do here... If it takes one or two loan players and a bit of money, then I've got to do it... McGurk won't play Saturday, but will be back for Tuesday [at Altrincham]. So will Purkiss. Rather than take them on the long trip to Eastbourne, I'll hold them back for the Altrincham game just to make sure they're 100% right because I can't afford for them to break down again. If Critch goes back then I've got a problem at right back. There's loads of things going through my mind at the moment and I've probably waffled on a little bit, but that's me'".

BSP NEWS

SETANTA SHIELD SEMIS DRAW

BSP NEWS

And Mansfield Town announce that "Defender Michael Briscoe is on trial with us on trial and played in yesterday's reserve match... Briscoe has plied his trade at Macclesfield, Hucknall, Tamworth, and more recently Halesowen Town... He links up with the squad along with his namesake, Louis, who is with us permanently on an 18 month contract". But "Defender Ashley Kitchen has been released from Field Mill this afternoon by mutual consent. Meanwhile, defender Chris Wood has officially joined Ilkeston Town today on a month's loan".

NL Daily says that "Yannick Bolasie’s loan spell at Blue Square Premier club Rushden & Diamonds has ended as the striker has been recalled by Plymouth Argyle, and has today been sent out on loan to League Two Barnet". Bolasie is the man whose foul on Robbie Lawton put him out of action for several weeks.

"Lewes have taken a second player on loan from Havant & Waterlooville. Former Brighton midfielder Shaun Wilkinson will go straight into the squad... after signing for a month. Wilkinson, who made nineteen first-team appearances for the Seagulls, can play central midfield, out wide or at full back" reports the Argus.

"Gary Calder, chief executive of Weymouth, has revealed that it was property developer Malcolm Curtis who pulled out of the proposed takeover deal that was struck before Christmas not the consortium. Reacting to comments made by Curtis in the local press where the former chairman branded the Terras 'The Afghanistan of non-League football', Calder has also given some insight into the work going on behind-the-scenes to stabilise the troubled club.

He said: 'On December 23rd, a deal was agreed between the consortium and Malcolm Curtis where he would pay £150,000 into the club either as a one-off payment or through instalments between now and the end of the season. He put £20,000 in before Christmas but then a couple of weeks afterwards we were informed that the deal was not going to happen, which obviously came as a big bombshell. The consortium said they would only take over the club on the condition that the £150,000 would go towards servicing the debt and I want to make it clear now that the consortium nor the club pulled out of the deal. As there is now a balance of £130,000 not coming in, the consortium is considering their position '... Curtis notified the club that he was resigning from his position as chairman on January 12 and since then his 82 per cent shareholding has been transferred into a company called Make It So Ltd.

Calder added: 'Make It So Ltd is a company owned by WFC directors that is being used as a vehicle to sell the share... His resignation has basically left us holding the baby. He was the one that transferred the shares and although people might not think he is able to just go ahead and do that, he can and has. And contrary to rumours, he was not out of the club before Christmas and we can assure you of that. We can also assure people that only as of this week he is 100 per cent no longer involved in WFC in terms of shares or as a director'. Curtis has claimed he has ploughed £240,000 into the club since he took over in October 2007 but Calder... said: 'The £240,000 Malcolm Curtis has put into the club is still showing in the books as a loan but he has said he will look at that if the development of the new stadium takes place'.

As for Curtis comparing the club with Afghanistan, Calder added: 'The club would particularly like to distance itself from those comments. People could have family members serving out there or even have relations who have died out there, and a remark like that is of bad taste and could cause huge offence. Also such words do not do anything to help the club and its efforts to move forward... The football club can play here forever and a day at least until a new stadium is built" he told the Dorset Echo.

But on the Weymouth FC website it is stated that "Malcom Curtis remains intent on delivering a new stadium to Weymouth Football Club, despite quitting as chairman, but a proposed site is yet to be made official... He said: 'I’m still 100 per cent committed to delivering that and that has always been the plan. It’s why Wessex Delivery Partnership LLP was set up. I don’t know how long it will take... We are looking to develop the Wessex site as well, quite what it will be we are not 100 per cent sure, but what it will do is facilitate the new stadium. WFC will remain at the Wessex Stadium until a new stadium is delivered. They can’t be kicked out'. Plans for a proposed new stadium were released back in August with a site off Monmouth Avenue the chosen location. However, the possibility of moving alongside the home of Weymouth Rugby Club is far from certain... The property developer was also keen to have his say on the issue surrounding a £240,000 loan to the club.He said: 'The £240,000 loan is not from Wessex Delivery Partnership LLP, it is from Wessex Park Ltd, of which I am a 99 per cent shareholder. I’d also like to add that a takeover deal involving the consortium could not be reached for legal reasons'".

"Ebbsfleet United have signed striker Matthew Judge from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers. Judge began his career at Tottenham Hotspur as a youth player and he stayed at White Hart Lane for five years before his release and subsequent move to Luton Town.... He was not offered a permanent deal and had a spell at Dagenham & Redbridge where he was an unused substitute on two occasions, as well as a time with Ryman League sides Heybridge Swifts and Harlow Town. Having made the Republic of Ireland under-19 team and moved to eircom League side Sligo Rovers in the summer of 2006... The 24-year-old left Sligo in December and has signed a contract with the Fleet until the end of the season and becomes the club`s third signing in the space of a week following the loan capture of Wycombe Wanderers` duo Leon Crooks and Derek Duncan" reports says NL Daily.

The Northwich Guardian tells us that "Steve King has trimmed the wage bill further after releasing two players. The Vics' boss cancelled the contract of midfielder Chris Flynn last night, Wednesday, following talks with the former Stafford Rangers enforcer. 'We both agreed it was better we went our separate ways', said King. 'There is no secret that he has found it tough to break into the side here'... Flynn, along with Matty Crowell and Simon Grand the most booked player in the squad this season, failed to hold down a regular place. Another player heading for the [still locked] exit, albeit temporarily, is winger Paul Barratt after agreeing to join Fleetwood Town on loan... King hopes the duo’s departure, plus that of goalkeeper Michael Jones to Rhyl, will give him room for manoeuvre to bring in more fresh faces".

Salisbury City there is news that "Central defender Aaron Cook and midfielder Wayne Turk are both expected to complete permanent moves to Newport County shortly, after having had successful loan spells with the Blue Square South side".

"Patrick Suffo has signed a contract to remain with Wrexham until the end of the season" reports NL Daily. "The former Cameroon international striker joined the Dragons in November on a short-term deal... And manager Dean Saunders is delighted ... 'Patrick has been brilliant around the place. He has been helping the younger players and he will be important to us the next three or four months. Patrick has a big part to play. He is head and shoulders above everyone at the club talent wise. Obviously he has struggled with his knee but he would not be here otherwise'... Saunders has also extended the loan deals of two players who have been at Wrexham since November. Bolton Wanderers winger Nathan Woolfe has extended his deal for a third and final month while Preston North End midfielder Nathan Fairhurst will stay with the Reds until the end of the season. 'I have got young players in who have got fire in their bellies', said Saunders.... Saunders also has Liverpool midfielder Ryan Flynn and Cardiff City winger Jon Brown on loan at The Racecourse Ground. And Saunders believes his activity in the loan market – Ritchie de Laet, Angelos Tsiaklis and Joe Allen have also had successful spells at the club – has paid dividends. 'I have never signed loan players before I came here, even at Blackburn and Newcastle', added Saunders. 'All the ones that have come in for me at Wrexham I have been happy with. It is a big decision for them to drop down but they have been spot on, and have had a great attitude'2 he told the Evening Leader.

COMING UP

Chris Ainsworth of TASC has produced another excellent fixture poster (above). To print the poster in whatever size you want, right click on it and zoom in or out as required.

GRAHAM ON PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Graham Heathcote is exploring the possibility of adding to his squad to try and make sure Altrincham's best season in years keeps heading in the right direction. After battling against relegation for the past three campaigns, Alty are finally showing signs of establishing themselves in the Blue Square Conference, and Heathcote is determined to guard against their progress being undermined by dwindling numbers.

Right: Action from Altrincham v Witton on Tuesday night.

The Alty boss revealed that, as well as Lee Elam leaving for Northwich, he has received an approach for one of his players on loan and added that his response would hinge on whether he can bring in new signings in the next few days. Speaking to Alty's official website after Tuesday night's emphatic 4-0 Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final win over Witton Albion, he said: 'Someone asked me yesterday whether they could take a player on loan for a month, but it can't happen unless we get a body or two in. I will endeavour to do that, especially with Lee Elam's departure freeing up a bit of money, and hopefully there may be developments by the weekend. There is plenty of availability out there, but if I can't get the players I want, the loan deal won't happen. There is nothing definite, because I told the lads already here that if they did the job for me, I would stick by them. I just need to weigh up what is available and what money there is, then decide. The players have been great, but it is important we don't let the squad become too thin.

That is why it was important to see Joe O'Neill and Chris Denham get some important match time against Witton. I needed to know what they've got in the tank, and it struck me they can both play an integral part for the remainder of the season. Chris, in particular, needed a run-out. Anything over and above that was always going to be a bonus, so the two goals he scored won't have done him any harm whatsoever. Looking sharp against Witton and playing against Burton Albion is a different kettle of fish entirely, but I was pleased he got 75 minutes under his belt'.

Heathcote insisted there were positives to be taken from his side's 1-0 defeat at Oxford and relished the prospect of taking on leaders Burton on Saturday, as Alty round off a run of four tough away fixtures. 'I was delighted with the performance,' he said. 'Oxford are a side who might yet sneak into the play-offs, yet we gave them a real game. I was disappointed with the result, and the fact that their goal should have been a free-kick to us for studs up, but the overall showing was in keeping with what we produced over the Christmas period. It was a big improvement on what we did at Oxford last season, but, then again, there has been a big improvement in the side generally. It can be an intimidating place for officials, and I still can't quite believe 40 fouls were given, when neither physio got on the pitch once. Bit ridiculous to me, is that. But we created a couple of chances late on, with Joe having one and Dale Johnson forcing a save with the other, and there was an energy and tempo which pleased me.

Burton have carried on in the same vein since Nigel Clough left, but we usually give them a good game. They usually seem to nick the result, but we have held our own against them and must look to do at least the same on Saturday'.

In Tuesday's Robins' Review, Graham Heathcote wrote, "You will have read I have allowed Lee Elam to leave. As I have always said, I don't keep anyone who says he wants to go and, whilst Lee tried to kid me by saying he was going to a club below our league, the fact he popped up at Northwich doesn't worry me one bit. I knew [this] before I told Derek Wilshaw (club secretary) to cancel his registration and I have never been one to worry where a player goes. I'm only bothered about what they do whilst they are here. Lee wanted to play regularly and I won't guarantee that to anyone. I also think a contract to the end of next season [at Northwich] would be tempting, I hope he gets paid at Northwich".

WITTON GAME

Denham, back in the starting line up after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, flicked Matt Doughty’s centre into the far corner. A second should have followed from the spot. Robbie Lawton picked out Peyton and, as he turned inside to shoot, Booth took him down with a sliding challenge. Only the referee believed it was not a penalty...

Alty doubled their tally a minute before the break, Densmore blasting a swerving free kick into the top corner after Gary Scott had floored Alex Meechan on the edge of the box... Greg Young stormed down the left flank before squaring to Denham, who scored at the second attempt... Alty completed the scoring on 74 minutes following a gaffe by Pritchard. His square pass was pounced upon by sub Chris Senior, who scampered clear before lobbing Smith".

The Crewe Chronicle reports that "A great, late show earned Nantwich Town a place in the Cheshire Senior Cup final on Tuesday night. The Dabbers were losing 1-0 at Woodley Sports in the semi-final due to Danny Queeley’s 77th minute strike. But Dave MacPherson (84) and Dave Walker (89) turned it around to allow the holders to defend their title. They will meet Blue Square North [I think not!] outfit Altrincham in a repeat of last year’s final. Head coach Steve Davis said: 'It was a great result. To achieve it against a side that quite clearly came for a draw by placing eight men behind the ball from the start showed a lot of character'”.

NEXT OPPONENTS

Gilroy's absence has been tempered by a successful start to a loan spell at the Pirelli Stadium by Rotherham United wide man Jamie Yates... However, the Brewers boss hinted he may err on the side of caution in the case of full-back Andy Corbett, who damaged a hamstring against Salisbury".

BSP NEWS

Elsewhere, the paper reports that "Supporters of Northwich Victoria have been told the club is doing everything it can to resolve the stand off that saw the team locked out of its home ground by its landlord Mike Connett. Club chairman Jim Rushe spoke up after the lock-out forced the club to play a home match more than a dozen miles away in Altrincham. Connett, who is more than £1.5million in debt, has shut the gates of the Marston’s Arena and banned both Rushe and club secretary Derek Nuttall. Jim Rushe told the Guardian: 'Rest assured I am doing everything I can to stop what is happening. I want this club back where it belongs, which is playing football at the Victoria Stadium in its home town'.

Connett appears to have spent the past seven days emptying the club’s home patch of its contents. When the Guardian visited, boxes were piled floor to ceiling in the former bar while chairs and other furniture were stacked ready for removal. A team of workers was spotted playing a makeshift football match on the pitch. Mr Connett, laughing and smiling, could be seen directing operations in the darkness as the stadium remains without mains-supplied electricity. A stand-alone generator that had been providing power for the past three months had also gone, leading Cheshire Trading Standards to shut down the ground for the second time in as many months on Friday.

'We had no choice', said spokesman Ian Callister. 'Quite obviously the ground is not fit to admit supporters to watch a football match'. The club switched Saturday’s league encounter with Histon to Altrincham to avoid being kicked out of the Football Conference. It cost them more than £2,500 to do so... Mr Rushe is close to buying back the ground after his consortium were issued contracts to complete the deal. It is not known whether that can be done before Vics’ next scheduled home match against Woking on Saturday week".

On the BBC NW Tonight programme, it was announced that Vics' next home game would be at Macclesfield Town's ground.

NL Daily says that "Vastly experienced defender Guy Butters has signed for strugglers Lewes on a month's loan from Havant & Waterlooville. Butters, 39, started out as a trainee at Tottenham Hotspur in 1988, making thirty-eight appearances before moving to Portsmouth in 1990 after a loan spell at Southend... At Brighton he broke the 200-game mark, playing 212 games in all competitions, 26 of which were made last season, before retiring from the professional game in May 2008, with a total of 659 matches under his belt. Butterscould come straight into the squad for the visit of Mansfield Town on Saturday with centre half Danny Cullip ruled out by suspension".

"Weymouth striker Pierre Joseph-Dubois has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking a metatarsal in the 2-0 success at Kidderminster Harriers last Saturday... The news comes as a huge blow for boss Alan Lewer, who will be left with just one striker should Stuart Beavon leave by the end of the transfer window. Lewer told the Dorset Echo, 'It would only leave us with Lee Phillips'".

"Mansfield Town have snapped up experienced left-back Paul Mayo - the eighth permanent signing by new boss David Holdsworth. He would seem to be a replacement for Alex Jeannin, who was transfer-listed on Tuesday. Mayo, 27, has joined from local rivals Notts County until the end of the season, meaning the Stags now have both first-team full backs from the Magpies. His arrival continues a massive period of upheaval at Field Mill - and that will continue at Wednesday afternoon's reserve match at Shrewsbury which will feature several triallists... Mayo said: "I have played at Field Mill numerous times in the past and I know it is a good club, which is well supported... David Holdsworth seems like a top bloke and he didn't need to do too much selling in order for me to come'" reports The Chad.

"Maidstone United have signed defender Peter Hawkins from Ebbsfleet United on a one-month loan... The 29-year-old versatile defender has found it difficult to nail down a first-team place at Ebbsfleet this season".

"Barrow`s out-of-favour striker Lee Hunt is to spend a month on loan at Droylsden. Hunt spent a month on loan at Fleetwood Town in November/December... Liverpool-based Hunt signed for Barrow in the summer, with the club delighted at landing their number one transfer target. He arrived at Holker Street with a big reputation as a goalscorer having notched 93 times in 153 games for Bangor City and Rhyl... Hunt started all of Barrow's first eight games this season... He was listed for loan earlier this month" says the NW Evening Mail.

Another player from Wales, "Defender Chris Thomas has left Forest Green Rovers after falling out of favour with manager Jim Harvey. The Welshman moved to the New Lawn from Principality Welsh Premier side Carmarthen Town on a non-contract deal last summer and began the season as Harvey's first-choice right back. But the capture of Jerry Gill as player-coach from Cheltenham Town in October restricted Thomas's opportunities".

"York City have confirmed that Niall Henderson has now left the club to return to his native Northern Ireland" according to the Football Conference.

Meanwhile, the BBC confirms that "Barrow have allowed midfielder Ashley Winn to join Southport on a permanent deal. Winn, 24, has found first-team opportunities at Holker Street limited this season following his arrival from Stalybridge Celtic in the summer. Barrow joint-boss Dave Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria: 'Ash obviously didn't want to be here. It's a shame he's gone because he's got a lot to prove'".

"Oxford United manager Chris Wilder has circulated the names of players he is prepared to let leave the club. Wilder will not publicly reveal the names, but has made it clear some of his squad are available for transfer. 'The circular has gone out about a few players, and it is up to them to get on with it', Wilder told BBC Oxford. 'If they want to stop here then they need to do well to earn a contract. I know I have to free my own funds up so there is no point sitting back'".

Grays Athletic report that "Defender, Adam Gross, has terminated his contract by mutual consent".

ALTRINCHAM 4 WITTON ALBION 0

TUESDAY GAME

Setanta Shield 4

Setanta Shield 5

CSC FINAL REPEAT

WITTON PREPARE

BSP NEWS

'There is a loophole available to make sure there is an outcome on the day of a game and Wrexham are trying to use it. Both clubs have to agree to the proposal for it to become part of the rules and right now I don’t know if it makes financial sense for us. If we get the chance of a replay then we should be entitled to the extra revenue that comes with it. I am not sure what we will be doing yet, I will need to speak with the Wrexham chairman'.

Dobie will get the chance to meet his counterpart, Geoff Moss, on Thursday when they attend a chairmen’s meeting at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium. Wrexham average 3,789 at the Racecourse in the league and... Workington would be entitled to half the takings if they secured a replay and Dobie is not willing to give that up. He said: 'With shared gates in the competition there would be quite a bit of money involved... I know Wrexham are anxious to avoid a backlog of fixtures and they also have three or four players involved in international Under-23 commitments in midweek which would obviously create problems for them'".

"Torquay could make as much as £75,000 from Chesterfield's decision to sell striker Jamie Ward to Sheffield United" reports the BBC. "The Gulls sold Ward to the Spireites on January transfer deadline day in 2007 for a fee in excess of £100,000. Torquay have told BBC Devon that they had a clause inserted in the deal which saw them receive 25% of any profit Chesterfield made if they sold Ward on. The Blades have signed Ward for an initial fee of £330,000 which could rise to as much as £400,000... During his seven-month spell at Plainmoor, Ward scored 11 goals in 29 league and cup appearances".

"Grays Athletic have continued to trim their squad by transfer listing two players and releasing a further four. Defender Jon Ashton and midfielder Sam Sloma have been unable to agree new deals with the club, so have been made available to other teams. Meanwhile, Luke Hickie, Gavyn Davies, Scott Forrester and Leon McKenzie have been released with immediate effect. The club have also accepted coach Jim Dean's offer to step down in order to help the club's financial situation. Last week the Essex outfit placed Ross Flitney, Rob Gier, Stefan Bailey and Stuart Elliott on the transfer list. In October the club's chairman Mick Woodward announced the club were having to cut back on expenditure, following the loss of three major sponsors and the current financial situation" reports the BBC.

In contrast, "Mansfield Town have added two more players to their squad... Midfielder Curtis Shaw, 21, and forward Anthony Howell, 22, have joined on 18-month deals from manager David Holdsworth's former club Ilkeston Town. Holdsworth told the club website: 'They are the type of people I want. They are determined and hungry to succeed'. The Stags have already signed several new faces including former Ilkeston striker Louis Briscoe... Holdsworth has also transfer listed French full-back Alex Jeannin. The 31-year-old has made 27 appearances since signing in the summer".

NW NEWS

NEXT TWO OPPONENTS

The Burton Mail reports that "Midfield player Neil MacKenzie is joining Burton Albion on trial after being released by Notts County. The 32-year-old playmaker will train with the Brewers this week with a view to possibly signing until the end of the season. Meanwhile, Albion caretaker boss Roy McFarland, who previously managed MacKenzie at Cambridge United, has decided not to offer terms to utility player Craig Armstrong. Armstrong, who had a month on loan to Albion from Cheltenham Town, could now link up with rivals Mansfield Town".

"Roy McFarland has insisted he will take none of the credit for the record-breaking victory that has taken Burton Albion nearer to the Blue Square Premier title... 'I'm no record breaker. That distinction belongs to the players. They're the ones who put in all the hard work to make it all possible', he said. 'Nigel was involved in 11 of those games and I've been involved in one. But forget Nigel, he's gone. The major reason we have broken the record is because of the guys in the dressing room'. Loan signing Jamie Yates celebrated his league debut with the only goal of the game... [Talking of promotion, McFarland,] the 60-year-old former Derby and England legend said: 'In a sense we can only probably give it away, but I cannot see that happening in our dressing room'".

The referee for Saturday's game at Burton is Mr P. E. Curry, and for the York City game at Moss Lane on January 27th it will be Mr R. L. Metcalfe.

From The Press we learn that "York City have announced losses of more than £400,000 for the year ending June 30, 2008. The KitKat Crescent club’s accounts, which have been lodged with Companies’ House, detail a total loss of £413,590. Loan interest, amounting to almost £200,000, represents a significant proportion of the six-figure sum. Approximately £150,000 of that interest relates to the Football Foundation loan, acquired by the club to regain ownership of their KitKat Crescent home from former directors Douglas Craig, Barry Swallow and Colin Webb.

The remainder concerns the accrued interest on 75 per cent majority shareholders’ JM Packaging’s loan to the club, but that money is not due to be paid out until the Minstermen have moved stadium. A rise in the playing budget, as City looked to build upon their play-off success during the previous season, also saw total salaries, including all club staff, swell to £854,305, which represented 74 per cent of the club’s turnover. Repairs and renewals to ageing facilities, meanwhile, cost the club £33,249. The total income for the year was £1,152,419, which was slightly improved on the previous 12 months despite gate receipts dropping by £137,112 to £494,372 as the team failed to meet expectations.

As a result, attendance revenue unusually represented less than half the total income. Impressive donations, totaling £77,257 and led by active supporters groups such as York Minstermen, resulted in a £15,000 increase in that area and commercial activity also improved. But the contribution from the Supporters’ Trust, still 25 per cent owners of the club, fell to £5,346.25.

Commenting on the accounts, finance director Terry Doyle said: 'We try to operate York City on a break-even budget, however, last year was a tough year and the losses were extremely disappointing. The drop in gate receipts due to lack of success on the pitch was a real blow and the loan interest payments to the Football Stadia Improvement Fund became a burden we were finding difficult to deal with. Thankfully, the payments have now been placed on a moratorium and the debt will be paid when the ground is sold, which will assist our cash flow going forward. What has become evident is that our income cannot, on its own, sustain the Football League structure we have tried to maintain at the club and produce a team which can compete effectively in the Conference.

We continue to look at all aspects of the club to identify where savings can be made, but the reality is that without JM Packaging’s support the club would be in a difficult trading position. It is likely we will continue to require further funding from JM Packaging this year... We continue to ensure all creditors are paid promptly and properly and that the club complies completely with Conference financial reporting requirements'.

Despite the sorry financial statistics, communications director Sophie Hicks revealed that funds are still available for boss Martin Foyle to strengthen his squad further during the current transfer window. She also added that the staggered appearance and performance-related payments, which will be received following Martyn Woolford’s August sale to Scunthorpe, could mean an improvement in this year’s accounts. Hicks said: 'The money for Martyn may help to offset losses this year'".

The BBC addsthat "Salaries accounted for £850,000, which is just under three-quarters of the club's income. Finance director Terry Doyle told BBC Radio York 'Buoyed with the success of the previous season, we put a little bit more into the playing budget. We'd been relatively successful in getting to the play-offs, so we took a little bit of a gamble, if you want to put it that way, upped the playing budget, and it didn't work'. On the high proportion of salaries to income Doyle said: 'It's a frightening proportion, [but] if you look at most clubs at this level they would have similar proportions'. Doyle warned that this season's accounts might not look much better, despite receiving a sizeable undisclosed fee from Scunthorpe for Martyn Woolford. 'At the moment we're having another poor season on the pitch', he added. 'Gates have been poor... so it's another tough year'. The club are still operating as if they were a Football League club and Doyle said they were very reluctant to change that, despite the losses".

BSP NEWS

"Histon first-team coach John Beck has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a new three-year deal to remain at the club. The former Cambridge and Preston boss has been instrumental in club's recent success working alongside Steve Fallon. Beck told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'I'm very happy and flattered that the board of directors feel I'm doing a good job. I'm settled in the area so it was just a matter of putting pen to paper...Meanwhile, it is understood Histon will entertain offers for unsettled striker Damien Reeves. Reeves, 22, arrived from Farsley Celtic over the summer but has struggled to hold down a first-team place".

Ebbsfleet United "is delighted to announce that the FA Trophy 3rd Round match, on Saturday 31 January at Stonebridge Road against Swindon Supermarine, will be free admission for all. This follows a decision by the club's owners, the MyFootballClub members, to hold a 'free admission match'. Swindon Supermarine supporters will also be able to attend the match free of charge... The match will also be broadcast live online and free of charge to overseas members of MyFootballClub... The winners will progress to the quarter-finals". Should the Fleet reach the semi-finals, Altrincham could find they have a Tuesday night trip to Kent as that round clashes with our league match at Northfleet.

Kent Online adds that "Chief executive David Davis is hoping to attract a crowd of more than 3,000 as the holders look to book a place in the last eight. More than 1,000 MyFootballClub members voted in favour of holding a free game while 283 voted against the idea... Mr Davis said: 'One of the reasons we are doing this is to try and attract some of the people who went to Wembley who haven’t been seen at the club since... Hopefully it will generate interest and raise the profile of MyFootballClub with renewals coming up on February 19'. The cost of the free admission match will be covered by MyFootballClub and Davis is hoping the club can make money through increased bar, food and programme sales... Mr Davis added: 'I’m hoping that we can get more than 2,000 for the game'”.

According to This is Nottingham claims that "MAnsfield are poised to have a look at right-back Levi Reid in Wednesday's reserve game at Shrewsbury. Reid, 26 today, has started five games and has come off the bench a further five occasions for Oxford this season... He was at Macclesfield last season and Stafford Rangers before that, after beginning his career at Port Vale. Reid can also double up as a midfielder... 'We will be having a look at Levi if we can get the all clear to play him', said Stags boss David Holdsworth. 'We believe he is on a free (transfer) so it is a good opportunity for him'. But fellow right-back Chris Wood has been sent out on loan to Holdsworth's old club Ilkeston Town... Holdsworth has rubbished claims Michael Blackwood is about to leave the club... Trialists Ashley Burbeary, Gianluca Havern and Sean Webb are also set to feature against the Shrews".

"chief Executive Gary Calder has announced that Malcolm Curtis has resigned as chairman and a director of Weymouth Football Club Ltd" reports the Dorset Echo. "Curtis's 82% majority shareholding is back in the hands of the Terras and officials at the Blue Square Premier outfit are currently in negotiations with potential new investors. The club hopes to release an update on this latest statement in the next seven to 10 days".

BOOKINGS AND BANS

Matt Doughty (right) has apparently not received five cautions this season as earlier reported so he remains free to play. However, Greg Young has picked up five yellows but, because one of them was in the Cheshire Senior Cup which the disciplinary authorities do not count as a first-team game (even though the Cheshire County FA does!), he will not be suspended unless he picks up a fifth league booking.

RE-CYCLE YOUR MOBILE

Recycle your old mobile 4 Alty

Did you get a new mobile ‘phone for Christmas? Is your old one lying around? Have you got any unused old mobile phones? TASC are looking for fans to help them raise money for the Football Club by collecting and recycling old mobile phones. Phones can be handed in to the club office during normal week days or in to the boxes in the shop or the bar on any match day.

If anyone has any queries about this scheme please e-mail Steve Foster or telephone Brian Flynn on 07860 561011.

YOUTHS LOSE OUT

Altrincham Youth lost their league home match with ProVision UK on Sunday afternoon, 0-1. Match report in the Youth section.

Above: Alty attack, early in the game.

TUESDAY'S GAME

Witton boast a number of ex-Alty players and as the Crosby Herald reports, two of them scored at the weekend. "A miserable week for Marine was compounded on Saturday evening when they slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Witton Albion. Goals at either end of the match from Lee Thompson and James Olsen were good enough for Witton". Thompson is a product of the Alty youth and reserves who also reached the first team whilst James Olsen was with Alty in 2005.

Lisa Jones, Altrincham FC's Commercial Executive, writes regarding Tuesday night:

Since season tickets are not valid and you will be paying to get in anyway, why not make your money go a little further and take a place or two in our sponsors' lounge for some pre-match hospitality? Complimentary drinks and a hot buffet are served before the match, with coffee and biscuits at half time. You get a matchday proramme and teamsheet thrown in with the cost of the package, which for this match is priced as follows:

Thanks, Lisa.

BSP NEWS

Vics, used to climbing mountains, found themselves at the foot of another when Brown was sent off on 26 minutes... Midson nudged Tynan into the perimeter fence as the Vics' keeper blocked the ball on its way out of play, the impact earning him an early exit on a stretcher with suspected medial ligament damage to his right knee. Substitute Ryan Clarke will wish he’s not got his gloves dirty. His first act was to pick the ball out of the net... More misery followed, the previously anonymous Josh Simpson popping up to scoop a chip beyond Clarke seven minutes later" in the sixth added minute at the end of the game.

The NL Paper reports that, as regards the Marston's Arena at Northwich, Cheshire County Trading Standards officer Keith Fishwick told them, "As the manager of the building and the holder of the safety certificate, Mike Connett has been served with a prohibition notice on the Marston's Arena. We took that decision because important safety equipment had been removed, leaving the ground unsafe for spectators. Until all of that is restored, along with the electricity supply, spectators cannot be allowed back in and football cannot be played there". Meanwhile property advisors GVA Grimley told the NLP "We've only got a charge over the land and the buildings, not the contents. Some items, Mr Connett will have paid for in full and owns outright. Other items, like the catering equipment, are on hire purchase so we're allowing the companies that own them to come in and take them away. It's standard procedure. As for things like the seats and floodlights, Mr Connett would be within his rights to remove them, but why would he? Whoever we sell the ground to, we'll pay Mr Connett some money for the fixtures and fittings. There's no point in removing them".

The NL Paper states that "The conclusion of Mansfield's second player registration problem is set to drag on into a sixth month. The Stags were charged by the FA in September for playing striker Aaron O'Connor when his former club, Grays, claim he was still under contract... FA spokesman Matt Philips said this week, 'We are looking at finding a date for an FA Commission in mid-February".

The Paper also quotes Rule 6.8 which covers registrations. It states that clubs found to have played an ineligible player will have points deducted and a fine applied. The only "variation" allowed in the punishment is "where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or in the case of where a substitute player who is ineligible participates in a match or is listed on the official team sheet but does not participate in that match". It also says the "Board may also order that such a match be replayed" if an ineligible player was involved.

But John Moules, who headed the Conference when Alty were docked the full 18 points for full and substitute appearances by James Robinson, now criticises the Conference for failing to spot registration problems quickly enough. He says that when he was in charge "We could have told clubs before midday on a Monday (after a Saturday game) if there was a problem" with a registration. The Robinson case was not a registration issue but one of international clearance which is presumably why the Conference did not spot it until Alty had played Robinson in a large number of games.

Mr Moules also queries the points deducted from Oxford (and by implication from Mansfield), who did not suffer deductions relating to substitute appearances. He says of Oxford "In matches [the unregistered] Hutchinson played, Oxford picked up 11 points, so why did they get deducted five... That number doesn't tally".

A DIFFERENT VIEW

It also describes Oxford's perfomance as "their most potent attacking display in years and says that James Constable, the Oxford scorer had "an unerring eye for goal". A little nearer the mark was its observation that "Graham Heathcote's men put in a disciplined defensive peformance. Their backline was magnificent. Dale Johnson looked seriously dangerous on the attack. Had Joe O'Neill (right) taken Alty's best chance of the match, shooting wide from the edge of the six-yard box in the 94th minute, they could have walked away with an unlikely share of the spoils".

OXFORD UNITED 1 ALTRINCHAM 0

SATURDAY GAMES

OXFORD GAME

He has joined AFC Telford until the end of the season... His departure paved the way for Wilder to bring in left winger Craig Nelthorpe from Doncaster, and Nelthorpe looks set to make his U's debut in tomorrow's home league game against Altrincham. Wilder said the midweek home defeat by York in the FA Trophy had made up his mind about the pressing need for a serious shake-up of United's squad. The changes started with Jamie Guy going out, and three young players coming in. And Nelthorpe for Trainer may not be the end of it. 'We need a big turn-around', he said. 'I looked at Tuesday night and maybe you learn more about players in defeat. It confirmed two or three things I had in the back of my mind. Phil's been here a bit and has been up and down. He's done OK, but I need to change things around. He was one who wasn't part of our plans long-term, and Telford have taken him, until the end of the season, when his contract here would have been up. Players have got to deliver. If they don't, they come out of the team. And if they don't do it over a period, they go out of the club – and that's how it has to be. Somebody once told me 'waiters are for restaurants'. Maybe we'll use that little phrase . . . if people want to wait about and see what happens, they won't be a part of what we want to achieve'”.

FRIDAY SCORE

OLD BOYS

This is Staffs says that "Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton has rejoined Tranmere Rovers on loan until the end of the season. The 20 year-old, from Fenton, played 19 times at right-back for the League One outfit during an earlier loan stint between September and November. A product of Stoke's youth academy, he made his one and only appearance for the first team as a late sub in a Carling Cup tie at Cheltenham back in August. He goes straight into Tranmere's squad for tomorrow's league fixture at Millwall".

BSP NEWS

He added: 'We’ll have to see what happens with Beaconet in the next couple of weeks. I am hopeful we can reach an amicable solution but, given the time available to us, it was obvious there was no chance of putting a match on at the Marston’s Arena. We’re very grateful to Altrincham for their help'. Vics’ next home encounter is against Woking on January 31 but Rushe refused to speculate on a venue for that game, saying he preferred to concentrate on ‘one game at a time’.

He said: “'Of course we want to play our home matches in the town where we belong, but that just isn’t possible in the present circumstances'.

However,"Northwich Victoria’s landlord has made it his mission to destroy them. The club last night lifted the lid on the antics of their former chairman following an extraordinary 24 hours at the Marston’s Arena. 'It’s been quite a day', said owner Jim Rushe. 'And it’s very difficult to know where to start to explain what’s going on'. He said receivers Deloitte Touche were powerless to stop Mike Connett emptying the club’s home patch of its contents. On a day of acrimony in Wincham, Connett:

More than 100 supporters were at Lostock Social Club last night, Thursday, to hear Rushe describe the club’s plight, one that has forced them to switch tomorrow’s Blue Square Premier ‘home’ clash with Histon to Altrincham’s Moss Lane.... 'There isn’t enough equipment at our ground to host a football match', added Rushe. 'Mike Connett claims that everything there belongs to him and right now nobody is properly able to challenge that legally. Even though they know we have a very strong lease, the receivers are powerless to do anything that allows us to play there... We are looking at legal ways in which we can stop what is happening'...

This morning Cheshire Trading Standards will shut down the ground for the second time in as many months because it is unsafe to house spectators, not least because they is no electricity – mains supplied or otherwise – there".

Nevertheless, "Jim Rushe is close to buying back Northwich Victoria’s home ground. The club’s owner told supporters his consortium had been issued contracts by the receivers to complete the deal. They will pay £1.5m for the Marston’s Arena. 'We are 85 per cent of the way to having that funding secured', he revealed. 'I don’t know how long it will take to complete things from here but I am confident the club will own it’s own stadium again soon'... A new holding company would act as the club’s landlord, with Northwich Victoria Football Club (2004) Limited as a tenant. However, businessmen from Rushe’s group would sit on the board of both companies. 'People are coming in to help the club', he said. 'They also have an interest in the ground and we’ve discussed how we could make it work. The sums we have done so far do stack up, we can support a Blue Square Premier club here providing we exploit the income streams properly. As far as I’m concerned the club should be sustainable and it could be if it owns the ground, which it will do soon'.

Deloitte Touche, who seized the nine-acre Wincham site of previous landlords Beaconet Limited in October, have accepted Rushe’s offer following talks with a number of interested parties. The finance specialists were hired by Clydesdale Bank to recover more than £1m in debts owed by Beaconet, the company of former Vics chairman Mike Connett. Rushe added that a petition to wind up the club by HM Revenue and Customs, due to be heard in the High Court later this month, was likely to be adjourned until a deal for the stadium was complete. 'I’ve spoken to the tax man already', he said. 'He is happy for a later date for the case because the way in which we pay back the debt is linked to us getting the ground back'”.

The Northwich Guardian confirms that it was not the club but Northwich "fans [who] have helped pay off part of Vics’ debt to AFC Telford United. They dug deep to hand over a £1,000 instalment – around a fifth of the total owed to the Bucks following October’s FA Cup clashes between the two clubs – yesterday, Thursday. 'I want to thank everybody that contributed', said Vics' owner Jim Rushe. 'The money from supporters has been very helpful in starting to repay those debts', he said. He did not say when the Blue Square North club could expect the rest of the £5,700 due from gate receipts... 'We are in ongoing discussions with the clubs to resolve the matter', said FA spokesman Mark Hooper. Bucks’ owner Lee Carter claims... 'I am frustrated because he [Rushe] just has not communicated with us at all. The longer he goes without talking to me the more we are likely to pursue the matter on a more formal and legal basis'".

Funds from a sponsored walk to Altrincham’s Moss Lane home by a group of Northwich supporters on New Year’s Day are likely to form part of the next instalment. Organiser Tony Rogers told supporters last night that he hoped to raise almost £2,000 from the 13-mile trek...

Vics have settled a four-figure bill with rivals York City following last month’s FA Trophy tie... The Minstermen banked a cheque for £1,250 this week, again made out from donations by Northwich supporters'".

Despite this shortage of cash, Vics' boss Steve King "hopes to call on a trio of fresh faces tomorrow. Midfield pair Karl Murray (Bromley) and Lee Elam (Altrincham) were due to sign today along with former Rushden and Diamonds wide man Dean McDonald. At least two of them can expect to start providing Vics filed the paperwork on time".

On the club's forum, a Northwich supporter reports on this week's supporters' meeting at which he says that "Jim Rushe explained that the southern-based players are only being paid £150 a week... that we do owe Connett £2,000 and that is the reason he will not give us the kit. Jim Rushe explained that the club is running at a £200,000 a year loss which he said could be made up if we own the stadium."

Elsewhere, "Liam Daish has drafted in two players to boost the squad" at Ebbsfleet uniteed. "Following in Paul McCarthy's footsteps, the two Wycombe Wanderers players are 21-year-old Derek Duncan and 23-year old Leon Crooks. Derek Duncan is comfortable in left-sided positions at the back or in midfield. He was born in Newham, East London, and began his career at Leyton Orient, where he made over 20 appearances, before joining Grays Athletic in 2007. He moved on to Adams Park and will now join the Fleet until the end of the season. Leon Crooks, signed initially on a month's loan, is a 6ft 2 Greenwich-born player who joined Wycombe in January 2007 after also playing for MK Dons. He will wear the number 4 shirt at Stonebridge Road".

According to the Conference "Right back Tom Hirst has been released by York City. The 18 year old signed for The Minstermen last September following an impressive trial in the Reserves but has failed to force his way into the 1st Team reckoning".

From NL Daily we learn that "Striker Kaid Mohamed has been made available for transfer by Forest Green Rovers".

The Burton Mail reports that "Roy McFarland said 'Whenever a new manager is appointed, they usually get inundated with calls from agents of players who are all world beaters. A few people have managed to get hold of my (phone) number since I took the Burton job and have offered me players, but we'll only consider people who we think can improve the squad'. McFarland inherited a group of 22 players from Nigel Clough, including trialist Scott McCubbin and winger Jamie Yates, who joined the Brewers on loan from Rotherham United on the day the managership changed hands. The numbers have subsequently dropped because of injuries to Andy Corbett, Keith Gilroy and McCubbin. And the size of the squad could be trimmed still further if McFarland decides not to offer terms to Craig Armstrong...

Corbett's injury could persuade him to bring in extra defensive cover if Armstrong is not offered a deal... Danny Holmes provides the only viable cover for central midfielders John McGrath and Michael Simpson - currently one booking away from a suspension - while an additional striker was on the Clough shopping list. The Brewers currently have a trio of players to cover for the 29-goal pairing of Greg Pearson and Shaun Harrad. But all three - Lee Morris, Jon Newby and Jody Banim - have the potential to drop out of the frame... The unpredictable Banim may not be an Albion player for much longer. Clough was thought to be ready to unload him at the earliest opportunity and McFarland may do the same. Certainly, he was not enamoured with the former Droylsden striker's performance at Tamworth and may feel there is someone better out there..,

It may be that Clough will still play an influential role in affairs at the Pirelli Stadium. The compensation package agreed between Albion and the Rams included an undisclosed cash sum, a pre-season friendly and, perhaps significantly, the loan of players... The Brewers meet Grays Athletic at the New Recreation Ground, kick-off 3pm, looking to set a new Blue Square Premier record of 12 successive victories".

And Kent On Line adds that "Daish believes his side could get sucked into a relegation battle unless results improve. Daish’s side have lost their last five league games and remain just four points clear of the Blue Square Premier drop zone... He said: 'I think most teams from halfway down could be in a relegation battle. It’s something that we’ve not experienced in the last three years. We’ve always looked up the table and not down'. The former Republic of Ireland international is looking to bring in at least four new players during the January transfer window. He added: 'We’ve got to strengthen. I can’t let this transfer window go without getting some other players'".

Former Kidderminster "Midfielder Gavin Hurren has today been released by Mansfield – and is set to sign for King's Lynn", reports This is Nottingham.

LEE ELAM DEPARTS FOR VICS

The Northwich Victoria forum correctly reports that Elam has signed for them. He is likely to be involved tomorrow at Moss Lane when Vics take on Histon.

KETTERING DATE

ANDY AT TRAFFORD

WITTON MATCH HOSPITALITY

Since season tickets are not valid and you will be paying to get in anyway, why not make your money go a little further and take a place or two in our sponsors lounge for some pre-match hospitality?

Complimentary drinks and a hot buffet are served before the match, with coffee and biscuits at half time. You get a matchday proramme and teamsheet thrown in with the cost of the package, which for this match is priced as follows:

Thanks, Lisa.

GRAHAM SALUTES TRAVELLING FANS

Heathcote rues the timing of the big freeze in one way but admits it has at least allowed a lengthy injury list to clear up. Robbie Lawton, Anthony Danylyk, James Smith, Lee Elam and Chris Denham have been suffering from a variety of ailments but all have a chance of being fit for Saturday. 'They were two tremendous away victories at Northwich and York', said the Alty boss. 'We were going well and would liked to have continued that, but at least we've had some breathing space for getting players fit. We'll head south with just about a clean bill of health, and that is important, because Oxford are still a force, even allowing for the difficulties they have had in the first half of the season. I know their manager Chris Wilder well, and I know they are going to be a right handful, particularly with home advantage. Away wins in this league are hard to come by, so to have managed five so far is a fantastic effort. We need to add to that, and we will be giving it our best shot. I expect Oxford to be more determined than ever after being deducted five points for fielding an ineligible player, but we have our own incentives. One of them is the fans who keep making the journeys to support us. We have had some difficult years on our travels in this league, so to see them heading back home with a smile on their faces means a lot'.

Nigel Clough's departure from Burton Albion to take over at Derby means Heathcote is now the longest [continuously] serving manager in the Conference , with three-and-a-half years' unbroken service since steering Alty to promotion. 'It's funny in one way, because I've actually been here 30-odd years in one capacity or another', he said. 'But in another, it's a sad indictment that it has become so results-driven that managers keep losing their jobs'".

Details of how to book on the supporters' coach to Oxford for Saturday's game are here.

BEFORE THE GAME...

As usual Oxford are selling tickets in advance, potentially at a discount, but this time sales are not being done through the visiting club's staff but directly by phone (01865 337533) or via the Oxford United official website. However, this time there is a £2 booking charge per transaction. So if you are going alone, it is no cheaper to buy in advance as the discount is £2 and the booking fee is the same sum. But if you are travelling in a group it makes sense to buy as a group as it is just £2 per group. Prices are as follows; under 7s are the big winners of this scheme.

In advance:

On matchday:

In advance of Saturday's game against Altrincham, two players have left Oxford United. Firstly, Blue Square Football report that "Oxford United have released midfielder Paul Evans after his contract came to an end. The 34-year-old joined the U's in September 2008 but failed to secure a regular spot in the first-team this season... United manager Chris Wilder told the Oxford Mail: 'Paul is a super pro and has trained hard while he's been here. His contract ended after Saturday and having had a chat we both agreed that it was time for a fresh start'".

And, secondly, "AFC Telford have signed Oxford United midfielder Phil Trainer on loan until the end of the season. The 27-year-old midfielder, who hit 11 goals last season, had been a fixture in Oxford's team after a freak injury. But his contract is due to expire this summer and new Oxford manager Chris Wilder has opted to move him on now. 'Phil's done his part for the club', Wilder told BBC Radio Oxford. 'There has to be big changes in the summer. But any changes I can do now, I will do'. And Trainer is prepared to make what he hopes is a temporary drop down a division to Blue Square North promotion hopefuls Telford".

But there is also an arrival reported by NL Daily; ""Midfielder Michael McGrath has left Kidderminster Harriers after the remainder of his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. The 23-year-old, who played sixty-one times for Harriers after joining in early 2006, has joined rivals Oxford United on trial... This season McGrath has only made one substitute appearance against Altrincham and he spent one month on-loan at Worcester City. Oxford are looking for a new midfielder following the departure of veteran Paul Evans".

Meanwhile, Oxford United state that "Chris Wilder will have an almost full squad to choose from this Saturday as United take on Altrincham... Captain Adam Murray and centre half Chris Willmott are both available again after suspension, having missed the home game against York City on Tuesday, and with new signing Craig Nelthorpe also available for the first time United have only long term absentees Barry Quinn and Sam Deering ruled out. Adam Chapman limped off in the York game but is fully fit".

TASC MINUTES

A link to all previous minutes has been added here and in the navigation links at the top-left of this page.

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

Owner Jim Rushe told the Guardian last week that he had been asked to hand over documents for the league’s latest quarterly review of accounts, a system introduced at the start of the season in tandem with the Football Association to help teams keep on top of their bills. A payment schedule to service Vics’ six-figure debt to HM Revenue and Customs was just one of those items. The Guardian has learned that the league thought the club were in arrears with VAT payments. Vics have proved that is not the case... King now has a fortnight to find players he believes can help Vics climb the table".

But "Mike Connett is preparing to empty the Northwich Victoria’s home patch of its contents. The Guardian visited the Marston’s Arena this afternoon, Thursday, using a public right of way that runs through the nine-acre site. Gates at the main entrance remain padlocked and chained up. Boxes were piled floor to ceiling in the former bar, while chairs and other furniture were packed ready for removal. A team of workers were spotted playing a makeshift game of football on the uncovered pitch. Rumours of the goalposts, or seats in the main stand, being removed too proved wide of the mark. Connett, laughing and smiling, could be seen directing operations in the darkness as the stadium remains without mains-supplied electricity. A stand-alone generator that had been providing power for the past three months has also gone.

There was no sign of a removals van seen parked outside the reception since the start of the week. An inspector from Cheshire Trading Standards is expected to issue a second prohibition notice in as many months later today, Thursday, following an inspection this morning. He is likely to report that the ground is not fit to host spectators, leaving Vics with no choice but to switch their scheduled Blue Square Premier clash with Histon to the home of rivals Altrincham. There appears little chance club officials will be allowed access to the ground before then.

Beaconet was stripped of its main asset – the ground – in October owing more than £1m in charges to another lender.Finance specialists Deloitte Touche were called in as receivers under the terms of the Land and Property Act (1925) to sell the land to the highest bidder, although they appear reluctant to intervene in the latest dispute between Connett and Vics".

However,"Northwich Victoria’s landlord has been given a third High Court reprieve in as many months. Mr Registrar Simmonds yesterday adjourned a case against Beaconet Limited, the company of the club’s former chairman Mike Connett, for a further fortnight. A petition to wind up the firm will now be heard on January 28 – the same day Vics themselves face going out of business over an unpaid tax bill. 'We had to delay the hearing to make sure the proper process was followed', said a spokesman for HM Court Service. The Guardian has learned that another mix-up over paperwork has caused the latest delay.

Solicitors representing Bank of Scotland, owed more than £60,000 by Beaconet on a loan, did not get a sealed copy of the petition to Connett in time for the case to be heard. At a previous hearing in November, the court told the lender’s lawyers that they had to present the paperwork to Beaconet as a matter of urgency. That has not happened. In the meantime the company, already stripped of its main asset – the Marston’s Arena – after failing to pay back charges worth well over £1m, is free to continue trading from its Wincham base. It is not known whether Connett will continue to charge Vics £1,000 a week to play there after spending the past 48 hours clearing out his offices".

From the BBC we learn that the next league visitors to Moss Lane (on 27th) "York City have signed former Wrexham team-mates Christian Smith and Simon Brown until the end of the season. Midfielder Smith, 21, has signed a short-term deal following his release by Wrexham and striker Brown, 25, has joined on loan from the Dragons. They could face Lewes in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday after receiving international clearance from the Football Association of Wales".

"Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth says forward Nathan Arnold could still stay at Field Mill. The 21-year-old was transfer listed after refusing to commit his future to the club but Holdsworth has since been impressed by his attitude. He told BBC Radio Nottingham: 'Nathan has shown great character and he's in the squad for Saturday. The door's not shut, it's half open. If he decides he wants to stay then we'll sit down again'. The Stags' boss, who has already signed six players and brought a further seven in on trial, says he only wants committed players. 'There's a-thousand-and-one players who want to play for David Holdsworth which is great. I will only bring them in if they want to commit to this football club, be 100% professional, 100% respectful and have that desire to play for our fans and for me'. Holdsworth's first game in charge will be against Crawley at Field Mill on Saturday".

Meanwhile Mansfield Town announce that ""We have been boosted by the signing of striker Tomi Ameobi, who joins us from Doncaster Rovers on a one month loan deal. The deal also includes an option to extend Ameobi's stay, should we desire. Ameobi, 20, is a former Leeds United trainee. The powerful forward has also enjoyed loan spells at Scunthorpe United and more recently Grimsby Town. Appearances for these clubs have been few and far between, however. Tomi is the younger brother of Newcastle striker Shola. Manager David Holdsworth told mansfieldtown.net: 'He is a young man from Doncaster Rovers and someone of good character who is very well thought of by the people at Doncaster. He brings another element to the squad and also a lot of qualities which I like. I am hoping that he will be a good addition to our squad. His brother is very well-known, a bit like mine really! He is eager to impress and to get his career started. He is at a successful club and he is probably paying for the success that the team has had. They (Doncaster) have a very good squad and they have to bring in players that can go to that level and play at that level. This young man has been playing on the fringe, and he is a player who I have been studying for a while'".

"Huddersfield Town striker Danny Broadbent has signed on loan for Rushden & Diamonds for a month. The 18-year-old has made one first-team appearance this season, coming off the bench... He could make his debut for Rushden in Saturday's match at Ebbsfleet. He is the fourth teenage member of the Huddersfield squad to go out on loan to Blue Square Premier sides this season. Tom Denton and Simon Eastwood are currently at Woking, while defender Shane Killock is at Oxford United" says the BBC.

According to the Dorset Echo, "Weymouth chief executive Gary Calder has poured scorn over rumours that former director Dave Higson has completely pulled out of talks regarding the future of the club. Calder has confirmed that Higson remains part of the negotiations and that a statement regarding the takeover of the Terras will be released on Monday. A consortium struck a deal with majority shareholder Malcolm Curtis before Christmas but due to the festive period there has been a hold up concerning the relevant documentation".

Woking's "Manny Williams has gone on a month's loan to Weston-Super-Mare".

Barrow "have recalled midfielder, Ashley Winn, following his impressive form with Southport. Winn was twelve days into his second month's loan at Haig Avenue, but has been on the scoresheet several times".

According to the Burton Mail, "Darren Stride could soon be joining Burton Albion's push for the Blue Square Premier title... The long-serving skipper has missed three months of the campaign because of thigh and knee injuries. But Stride gave himself and caretaker manager Roy McFarland a huge boost by playing the full 90 minutes as a scratch Albion side was narrowly beaten by Tamworth in Tuesday's Birmingham Senior Cup quarter-final at The Lamb. McFarland said: 'We went to Tamworth with the intention of him having half a game, but he was full of it. We even gave him the option of coming off with 10 minutes to go, but he was telling us that he wanted to carry on'".

From Cambridge News we learn that after a 0-5 home defeat by crawley in the Trophy, United manager Gary Brabin said, "We're all embarrassed at the result, but we've had three players - Danny Potter, Wayne Hatswell and Paul Carden - having injections yesterday so they could play. We're down to the bare bones and we came up against Crawley who are the big spenders of the league. We're in a similar position to them in the league and whereas we've lost our two main goalscorers for financial reasons, they've gone out and spent money on two players to strengthen their side. It's difficult because I feel we're near but yet so far. It was my decision to get rid of Lee McEvilly, but we know we are minus a big man which is important. Certainly after this result and performance, if we're going to sustain a serious challenge we definitely need to strengthen".

VICS' GAME AT MOSS LANE

NORTHWICH AT ALTY

MORE DATE CHANGES

Nine of Altrincham's 12 league games between 27 January and 31 March are now at home; revised fixture list here.

MEET THE NEW RECRUITS - Part Two

The event will include a meat and potato pie supper, with vegetables, followed by a pudding. The catering will be provided by Dave Johnson, whose expertise as a chef made the recent Altrincham FC Pensioners' Christmas Party such a success. For those unfamiliar with the format of the Meet the New Recruits evenings, they include a question and answer session with the players. The proceedings are expertly compered by Alty boss, Graham Heathcote, who invariably gives an amusing insight into the world of the Moss Lane changing rooms! Tickets for the event are good value at £15 so, if you wish to book, please ring Karen Rowley at the club (928-1045) or contact her or Grahame Rowley by e-mail.

OPPONENTS STRENGTHEN

OXFORD TRIP

OLD BOYS

Kent Online reports that former Alty reserve centre-half "Laurence Ball grabbed the late winner as leaders Dover moved 23 points clear and continue their relentless march toward the Ryman League Premier Division title in front of more than 900 at Crabble on Tuesday. Defender Ball headed in Sammy Moore's cross 10 minutes from time as the ball squeezed past goalkeeper Tony Tucker, who got a hand to it, but couldn't stop it going in". It was Laurence's his third goal of the season.

CHESHIRE NEWS

Meanwhile, in Tuesday's friendly at Witton, Albion losts 2-1 to Northwich Vics in front of 134 spectators. Kieran Lugsden netted Witton's goal. Vics' team included some new names: Clarke, Aspin, Barrett, Bailey, Shaun Webb, Paul Evans-Owen, Mullan, Flynn, Stamp, Mirlin Piana, Dean McDonald (ex-Rushden). Subs: Robinson, Jay Conroy (from AFC Wimbledon), Welch, Grand, Brown, Price, Lodge, Allan, Steele, Burns

The Northwich Guardian reports that "Northwich Victoria have made Steve Robinson's switch to the Marston's Arena a permanent one. The stopper, on loan at the Blue Square Premier strugglers since the end of November, is their second addition during this month's signings window. His move is not subject to a transfer embargo currently placed on the Wincham outift. Meanwhile Charlton Athletic teenager Rashid Yussuff has returned to the Valley following a two-month loan stay". This is confirmed by the BBC which adds that "Winger Peter Winn and midfielder Rashid Yussuf have ended their loan spells with Northwich Victoria. Winn, 20, who joined the Vics in October has been recalled by Scunthorpe United after making nine appearances... The departures mean Northwich currently have no loaned players in their squad".

Nevertheless, the Mid-Cheshire Chronicle says that "A transfer embargo is putting the brakes on Northwich Vics’ drive to Blue Square Premier safety. Manager Steve King says that he was about to bring six top-class players, who had agreed terms, to the Marston’s Arena that would have shot struggling Vics up the league. But the transfer freeze, imposed by the Football Conference last month due to Vics’ worrying financial situation, has stopped King from bringing in any new faces. 'It’s absolutely killing me', he said. 'I had six players lined up that are absolutely quality. Some of them have vast experience from the football league while a couple of them know this league inside out. They were done deals but I can’t bring them in now. If they had come to Vics then there is no way we’d be in this situation'.

The transfer embargo was placed on Vics when the league requested to see the club’s accounts including details of the six-figure debt to HM Revenue and Customs. Football Conference general manager Dennis Strudwick said that the embargo was only there to make sure the club did not fall further into debt and that the Birmingham-based organisation was working alongside Vics to allay their financial troubles. He said: 'The embargo will remain there until they (Vics) can provide us with certain information and we know that the football club is working extremely hard to do this. They need to acknowledge the embargo, speak to creditors and then prepare a payment plan before the embargo can be lifted. We don’t want clubs to increase their debt. We want to encourage clubs to act responsibly when it comes to spending money and repaying debt. If they can’t pay back the debts then they need to put a payment plan together'.

Club owner Jim Rushe says that he is getting all the paperwork in place and that he is working hard to get the transfer ban lifted. Meanwhile the sale of the Marston’s Arena saga is about to take another twist. Former chairman Mike Connett’s company Beconet, which owns the Wincham football stadium, is subject to a winding-up hearing today. If the firm is wound up then Rushe confirmed that he would be contacting administrators at Deloitte, who are seeking a buyer for the ground, to see if Vics could operate the ground on a temporary basis".

So, "Vics will not be signing Chester City players Paul Butler and Tony Dinning due to a transfer embargo imposed on the club"... “Butler and Dinning will not be coming,” King said. “I am not sure I would be too interested but the embargo has put a stop to it anyway". Vics play Histon on Saturday and King stated, “Histon are very good at what they do. They get after you, turn you around and chase every ball and it gets them results... It’ll be a hard afternoon for us".

FA TROPHY

Wed 14 Jan

BSP NEWS

"Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has confirmed" to the Dorset Echo that "Weymouth’s Stuart Beavon is on his striker short-list. The Cherries’ manager ran the rule over the 24-year-old during a behind-closed-doors friendly... Beavon, who is understood to be available on a free transfer, turned in an eye-catching display and opened the scoring for Weymouth with a well-taken penalty. The former Reading trainee was on the verge of joining the Cherries earlier this season before it was discovered the Terras had placed a £25,000 fee on his head. However, with the Wessex Stadium club looking to trim their wage bill, it is believed they would now allow Beavon to leave for nothing. But should Howe decide to pursue his interest, he is likely to face competition for Beavon from Weymouth’s rivals Cambridge United.

Howe said: 'He is a good player and I thought he did well against us. He was certainly a handful for our central defenders. His movement was good and his hold-up play was excellent. He’s a player I’ve known about for a long time and someone I watched a few times when Jason Tindall was in charge at Weymouth'... Beavon’s strike partner Lee Phillips netted twice as the Terras chalked up a 3-0 victory... over a full-strength Cherries... Former Yeovil Town midfielder Maher, who at the age of 20 has made three appearances for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, enjoyed a run out at right-back for Weymouth and [manager] Lewer was content with his showing... Maher did sign non-contract terms with Salisbury City earlier in the season where he made three appearances".

According to The Press, "York City could be without defensive talisman David McGurk for three weeks because of a pulled calf muscle... Goals by strikers Daniel McBreen and Richard Brodie secured the surprise win at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium but City boss Martin Foyle could not disguise his disappointment at McGurk’s injury at the final whistle. He said: 'I was gutted when David went off because he’s been my best player since coming to the club'... Foyle did, however, hail the performance of substitute Darren Kelly, who is now expected to deputise for McGurk. The City chief added: 'It was a hard decision not to play him after he started the last match but I’ve told him that Dave McGurk and Danny Parslow are my best two central defenders and he just has to be patient'... Foyle added 'I’m delighted to come to Oxford and get a win but I will still be doing something in the transfer market. I’ve told the players not to get carried away with a cup win. I’d rather have three points in the league and there’s still a lot of work to be done... I’m here to get us out of trouble as quickly as I can. The chairman has been very supportive and I want to bring one or two players in'.

Nor has Foyle given up on signing Adam Smith despite Gainsborough’s stubborn stance over a transfer fee since the on-loan winger’s return to the Lincolnshire part-timers. The City boss said: 'The deal’s not dead in the water. I’ve been in touch with Gainsborough and am waiting to hear something back. I’m trying to knock down some walls to make it happen'. On-loan Wrexham right-back Kyle Critchell, meanwhile, made his debut last night with Foyle suitably impressed, saying: 'Critch has a football brain and likes to play and join in from defence'. But injury-prone midfielder Steven Hogg did not feature and Foyle added that the Minstermen might need to allow time for the former Manchester United trainee to recover his fitness".

SEAN'S UPDATE

All the players that have been injured lately (Robbie, Anthony, James Smith and Lee Elam), came through a full training session last night with no problems. Providing none of them suffer any reaction from their respective injuries and train on Thursday, we should have a fully fit squad for the trip to Oxford on Saturday. The players have worked very hard to regain their fitness ahead of Saturday's game, but I also feel that the lay off we have had due to the bad weather has played a major part in aiding the players' recovery. It's very pleasing to see Robbie back in training now his symptoms have settled, not only for him, but also me, as I hope to see my phone bill dramatically reduce from now on, as we have been in daily contact since he sustained the injury on the 29th of November!

RESULTS

Tues 13 Jan

FA Cup

Tue 13 Jan

Setanta Shield SF

Northern Section

Southern Section

FIXTURES

BSP

Fri 16 Jan

Sat 17 Jan

MAKE A DATE

Altrincham FC photographer, Gavin Rathbone, announces that he has produced an Altrincham FC calendar for 2009 (seen above), which "is available by contacting the club on 0161 928 1045 or by e-mailing Gavin who will produce the calendars to order. The calendar is A4 in size and contains a photo of all the current players, as well as a number of supporters celebrating a Greg Young goal, as can be seen on the December page. These excellent calendars cost just £6.50 each.

GRAHAM PREPARES FOR OXFORD

The big freeze may have brought frustration for in-form Altrincham, after impressive away wins at Northwich and York, but it has at least eased congestion in the treatment room at Moss Lane. While manager Graham Heathcote would have welcomed the chance to build on his side's maximum six-point haul over Christmas, he readily acknowledged that the weather's intervention had provided valuable recuperation time for those on a lengthy injury list. Speaking to the club's website, ahead of Saturday's game at Oxford, the Alty boss said: 'It would have been good to have been able to build on those two wins, but, to be fair, the lay-off has given one or two injured players the chance to get fit. Robbie Lawton would have been touch and go last weekend but should be all right for this Saturday, and it is a similar story with James Smith. He felt his hamstring tighten at York and would not have been right on Saturday, but he's got a chance for the Oxford game. Anthony Danylyk seems all right, Chris Denham has been back in training for a couple of weeks now and Lee Elam should be OK after picking up a knock in training. Oxford are going to be a real handful, especially with home advantage, but at least we've got something like a clean bill of health'.

The referee for Saturday's game at Oxford against Altrincham is Mr D. Coote who oversaw Stafford Rangers v Alty on 27 August 2007. Before that he reffed Halifax Town v Altrincham in January 2007. Both these games ended 1-1. Mr Coote is a "Referees' Development Officer responsible for the area of referee recruitment and retention, including the area of referee training" says the Nottinghamshire FA.

OLD BOY

VICS LOCKED OUT OF GROUND

The Guardian visited the ground earlier today, but the perimeter gates were padlocked and chained up. A removals van was parked outside the stadium’s main entrance. Vics are due to host FA Cup heroes Histon there at the weekend, but it is not known what state their home patch will be in should Connett depart.

Finance specialists Deloitte Touche are trying to sell the nine-acre site after seizing the asset from Beaconet last year. Their job is to recover cash – to the sum of £1.2m – owed by Connett’s firm to Scottish lender Clydesdale Bank. 'At the moment Beaconet continues to trade as normal', said Jo Ouvry, co-head of PR at Deloitte. She refused to comment on tomorrow’s court case. Should Connett’s company be struck off then there could be a power vacuum at the Marston’s Arena until Deloitte completes its sale.

Vics’ former owner has been allowed to run his business from there since the end of October. He has continued to collect rent from the club – to the tune of £1,000 a week – to cover match day expenses. Vics can’t use the ground at any other time. Mr Registrar Simmonds is due to hear the winding-up petition, brought by Bank of Scotland over a separate five-figure debt owed by Beaconet, at 10.30am tomorrow, Wednesday.

Deloitte has not made clear who will take over the day-to-day management of the site should a winding-up order be made, nor do Vics know if they will have access to the site before Saturday’s match. A stand-alone generator continues to provide electricity to the facility, which was shut down on December 12 after a test on emergency lighting. Volunteers, led by Vics fan Mark Holman, fixed the problem later the same day. A similar effort could be required ahead of Histon’s visit".

But the Vics' website announces that "The monthly Supporters' Club Meeting will take place on Thursday 15th January at the Lostock Social Club... Entry will be FREE to all fans due to the current developments at the club. Jim Rushe will be in attendance and he has asked for as many fans as possible to attend. He will answer any concerns fans may have and could well make a significant annoucement as the VS [Victoria Stadium] situation nears a conclusion".

MAKING A POINT - BSP NEWS

All the Football Conference has to say about the cases this week is that "Pursuant to Rule 6.8 of the Rules of The Football Conference a three member panel found three member clubs guilty of playing an ineligible player. Bognor Regis Town have been deducted 7 points in respect of the player Samuel Pearce, Crawley Town have been deducted 4 points in respect of the player Isaiah Rankin and Oxford United have been deducted 5 points in respect of the player Edward Stephen Hutchinson". In 2005 The FA stated that "Altrincham FC's appeal against a disciplinary decision by the Football Conference was rejected. Altrincham were deducted 18 points and fined £1000 by the Conference in April for fielding an ineligible player, James Robinson. The sanction was based on the points won by the club in the 13 matches Robinson played. [He only started 8 league games for Alty]. This sanction was upheld by the Appeal Board today".

The Oxford Mail says that "Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas vowed to consider an appeal to the Football Association after seeing the club docked five points... The U’s were found guilty of failing to register a player correctly – Eddie Hutchinson – and looked set to lose the 11 points they collected when he played. But a three-man panel decided that United should not lose the full amount, just the points they gained when Hutchinson started matches, not appeared as a substitute. The club were also fined £500 with £3,500 suspended until May 2010".

The Oxford Mail continues, "However, while most fans were expressing their relief that United were not sent plummeting into the relegation zone, Thomas expressed his dismay at the verdict. 'We are very disappointed with the panel’s decision', United’s chairman said on leaving the offices after a two-hour hearing, followed by a 15-minute summing-up and verdict. 'We will consider an appeal, but will wait to get all the information from the hearing before deciding on our next step. We will receive a letter from the panel with their explanation of the decision and we will consider out position after that. We feel there are major issues surrounding the administrative procedures of the league that need addressing. We had a fair hearing, but are deeply disappointed with the outcome'.

When asked about the future of secretary Mick Brown, the man responsible for the registration of players, Thomas declined to comment, other than to say: 'We have obviously held an internal investigation, but I do not want to discuss the details of that'. Thomas refused to allow the media to question Brown... 'Obviously any points lost at any time are crucial, but now especially', Thomas said. Crawley Town were charged with the same offence, and picked up a four-point deduction".

Manager Chris Wilder admits he is "'disappointed' by the decision to deduct Oxford United five points, but says he hasn't given up hope that they can still push for a play-off place... 'It's a bit in-between really. Disappointment at these five points, but then it could have been a lot worse. We have won the last two games, so have got some momentum, and it's disappointing to have that knocked back. But we can't hide behind the fact that this has happened, and we've got to get on with it. Players, being players – or at least one or two of them – will maybe use it as an excuse. But the good thing from my point of view, if there is one, is that this will weedle them out. They are not the kind of players who will achieve, not the kind of players I want at the club, so if I see signs that any player is thinking like that, I'll soon act on it. I certainly won't be making excuses, or using it as an excuse. We will take every game on its merits and will try to win every game, to do everything possible to still try to reach them (the play-offs)'...

Wilder says midfielder Eddie Hutchinson, the player who, through no fault of his own, has been at the centre of the registration trouble, will be involved against York City on Tuesday night... 'Eddie's played in the last two games and we've won both of them, so he will start'". Talking to the BBC, "Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas says 'We'll give ourselves a bit of time. There is a lot of raw emotion about the decision. We have requested a written explanation of the panel's decision. We will wait to see what the reasons are. Then we can make a clear judgement going forward'".

On the pitch, Oxford United reported on Tuesday that "Yemi Odubade returns to the United squad tonight as they take on York City in the FA Carlsberg Trophy. Yemi has been troubled since Christmas by a knee injury caused by overextending the knee ... and comes back into the United squad alongside Chris Carruthers and Joe Burnell who have also recovered from injury. With Chris Willmott and Adam Murray both serving one match bans boss Chris Wilder is likely to give loanee Shane Killock a debut at centre half and Burnell an opportunity in midfield. Adam Chapman hopes for a debut at right back while another loan signing, Ricky Sappleton, starts up front alongside top scorer James Constable".

From The Argus we hear that "Crawley boss Steve Evans is demanding that the Conference improve their 'archaic' registration procedures after they became the third club this season to be deducted points. Reds were docked four points for failing to register Isaiah Rankin... Crawley have yet to decide whether to appeal but Evans says they will demand that the Conference check the details of every player in the league and believes it will throw up more unregistered players. He said: 'The system is archaic so we are going to insist that they go through every club and every player in a reasonable time and I think you’ll find a few more clubs will lose points. Barry Munn sent off Rankin’s registration in exactly the same way as every other player. In Conference north and south you have an individual registration number for every player which goes on the teamsheet. That wasn’t the case in the premier division before Rankin came to light – but it is now'.

Crawley chairman Vic Marley expressed his surprise at the leniency of Oxford’s punishment. Their player concerned – midfielder Eddie Hutchinson – helped them win 11 points while injury-plagued Rankin, who has only made one league start, helped Reds collect seven points and three of those were in a game when he came on in the 88th minute to make one of four substitute appearances. Marley said: 'We are extremely disappointed with the decision which is even more surprising given the sanction awarded to Oxford for a similar but much deeper breach of the rules. The decision is hard to take given the flawed registration procedures the Conference had in place at the start of the season. I have sympathy for Oxford who have been victims like ourselves but there is no doubt we have been dealt with more harshly'.

The club will seek legal advice before deciding whether to appeal but a second points deduction since he became manager in July 2007 has left Evans bitterly disappointing and considering his own future... He said: 'I sometimes work 80-90 hours a week to get something right here at Crawley and then something like this happens to you. All you look for in terms of your punishment is fairness and in a couple of days time we will look at what has happened and then decide as a management team whether you want to fight and carry on. The players will be disappointed but they will just get on with it. It is the same as when Manchester United played at Southampton in grey shirts and lost. If you give players an excuse they will take it but what has happened will not be the difference between us winning games or not. I can’t fault the attitude of our players and what will get us through this is the togetherness of the squad'... Reds will give debuts to Lewis Chalmers and Jon Shaw, who joined last week, against Cambridge United in the FA Trophy fourth round tomorrow. The winners will be away to either Lewes or Havant & Waterlooville".

This is Mansfield says that "Andy Perry has confirmed Mansfield will study the findings of a Football Conference statement on Oxford’s points deduction before deciding what action, if any, the club will take. The Us were expected to be docked the 11 points they gained in the games when they fielded Eddie Hutchinson while not properly registered. But they were deducted five points by the Conference, raising the question among some member clubs as to whether the punishment fits the crime. It is similar to an offence that saw four points taken off Mansfield earlier in the season for winning and losing the two games concerned.

Crawley also had four points deducted yesterday for playing an ineligible player, Isaiah Rankin. 'If we are not happy with what we read in the statement, we will be asking the question of the Conference as to how they made their decision', said Stags chairman Perry. 'If it is for the same breach, then we want to know we have been dealt with in the same way as Oxford were. If the punishment is for this particular player, then I am surprised it is only five points, because you can clearly see which games he has played in and the points they have picked up during that time. But it may not be as simple as that. Oxford may have discovered their error and registered the player for the later games, which means the points deduction would be less. We will have to see, but our fans can be assured that we are on the case'... Perry said: 'I’m sure we could go down the legal road if we are not happy, but we would have to assess whether it would be worth it. Say we were to finish in mid-table by the end of the season, people would say it would be a waste of money pursuing the case'".

OTHER BSP NEWS

We learn from the Northants Evening Telegraph that "Kettering Town have signed former Nottingham Forest striker Jason Lee, subject to the final paperwork being completed. The 37-year-old striker has signed for the Poppies from rivals Mansfield Town".

"UEFA Cup winner Christian Gyan has joined Wrexham on trial in the hope of earning a contract with the club" reports the Daily Post. "The 30-year old former Ghana international spent the bulk of his career in Dutch football and was a member of Feyenoord’s UEFA Cup-winning team in 2002. Gyan, who can play in midfield and in defence, recently completed a six-month spell in Finland with TPS Turku and is one of several trialists currently with the Dragons as manager Dean Saunders considers how best to strengthen his squad... Saunders admitted he was unlikely to make any new signings this week, but has included Gyan in the squad of players who are heading to Basingstoke today before moving on to Devon following tonight’s FA Trophy clash to prepare for Friday night’s league game at Torquay United. Racecourse assistant manager Terry Darracott, meanwhile, confirmed that York City, now managed by his Dragons predecessor Martin Foyle, have inquired about taking midfield player Simon Brown – who is surplus to requirements at Wrexham – on loan".

Meanwhile Blue Square Football confirms that "York City boss Martin Foyle has refused to pay a transfer fee for Gainsborough Trinity's Adam Smith despite expressing his desire to hold onto the winger. Smith impressed the York mentor in his seven appearances for the Minstermen during a one-month loan spell. Foyle is eager to sign the 23-year-old on a permanent basis... He told The Press: 'I'd desperately like to take him on until the end of the season and perhaps beyond that, but it's up to Adam whether he can come to some agreement. We can't afford to pay a transfer fee, which they are asking for. They are playing games, but we won't go there'".

Torquay United are "delighted to announce that Tim Sills has signed a contract extension with United that will tie him to the club until the end of the 2009/10 season. Tim, 29, signed for the Gulls in the summer of 2007 and along with leading the scoring charts this term was United's top scorer last season".

FA TROPHY DRAW

MANSFIELD DATE

Indeed, this season is becoming characterised by an uneven distribution of home and away games. Between 6th December and the 24th January, Altrincham had seven away games and two at home scheduled; however, one home and one away were postponed because of frost, leaving six away games and one at home in that period. On the contrary, from 21 February to 31 March, Altrincham have six home games and two away.

DRAW DATE

OLD BOYS

Another Alty youth product is in the news as "Congleton Town have signed Ryan Stewart from Woodley Sports. The left-sided midfielder impressed sufficiently in Congleton's recent friendly against Leek Town to be taken on. Stewart, formerly with Altrincham as a youth and Winsford United, lives in Trafford, so will be a travelling companion for the Bears` Altrincham-based Ryan Baker".

CONGRATULATIONS, GRAHAM

Indeed, if you take Graham's playing experience, his club secretary and coaching roles as well as his assistant manager duties both to John King and Bernard Taylor, the Alty boss has an unrivalled range and depth of experience at the top level of non-League football.

BSP NEWS

Crawley Town Football Club are extremely disappointed with this decision. The decision is even more surprising given the sanction awarded to Oxford United for an identical but much deeper breach of The Football Conference rules. The football club board will now take legal advice prior to any decision being made in relation to an appeal, which from today we have 14 days to do so. Within the time frame outlined above we will have had the opportunity to have fully considered the full written reasons of the Conference panel. At that stage we will be in the position to make an informed decision.

Chairman Vic Marley said; 'This decision is extremely hard to take given the flawed registration procedures that The Football Conference Premier had in place in the early part of the season. I also have sympathy for Oxford United who like ourselves are a victim of this flawed process but there is no doubt we have been dealt [with] far more severely. I will meet with Steve Mansell, Sue Carter and my fellow board members at the earliest opportunity and in follow up to that meeting a full statement will be released. No further comment will be made'".

Meanwhile the Oxford Mail says that "Oxford United say they will study the exact details before deciding whether to appeal against their five-point deduction for playing an ineligible player at the start of this season. At a meeting of the Football Conference Disciplinary Panel in Birmingham, United were fined £500 and docked five points for failing to register midfielder Eddie Hutchinson. The U's collected 11 points in the period he was not registered, before the mistake was spotted".

As previously reported Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas told the club's website: "We defended our case. However, the decision was a fine of £500, with a further fine of £3,500 suspended until May 2010, and a five-point deduction. We are deeply disappointed with the penalty imposed and feel there are major issues surrounding the administrative procedures of the league which must be addressed". Blue Square Football adds that "Oxford United ... chairman Kelvin Thomas, general manager Mick Brown and Graham Bean of Football Factors attended the meeting... Football Factors is the only company in the UK which specialises in football disciplinary issues and they have represented various clubs throughout the football leagues".

By way of perspective, Altrincham supporters will recall that in 2005 they were docked all 18 points accrued when James Robinson played for them, not having received international clearance at Accrington Stanley, before his move to us. Altrincham were also fined £1,000 pounds.

The Northwich Guardian says that "Witton Albion will host neighbours Northwich Victoria in a friendly tomorrow, Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm. The town's two teams, both of whom have not played a match since Boxing Day, plan to face off to give their players some match practice. Admission is £6 adults, £4 concessions".

"Cambridge United have clinched the signature of midfielder Daryl McMahon on a free transfer from rivals Stevenage Borough. The 25-year-old has signed a contract which runs until the end of the current campaign and will have to option to extend the deal should he impress in the remaining half of the season. 'He will bring us something different that we need in midfield', U's manager Gary Brabin told the club's official website. 'We're a bit light on numbers in that area and after losing Mark Convery for three months we're missing a ball-playing, footballing midfielder. Daryl is a good player that Paul (Carden) and I talked about earlier in the season, and he's got a hunger in him too. He should be and wants to be playing at a higher level again and coming here is a good opportunity for him'. McMahon struggled for first-team chances at Stevenage this season after being placed on the transfer list by then manager, Graham Westley. However, Brabin believes that the signing of McMahon could prove to be an astute bit of business. He added: 'He has a point to prove and his ability is certainly not in question. He's a fantastic footballer'".

Blue Square Football also reports that "Grays Athletic have placed four players on the transfer list after informing them they are surplus to requirements. Ross Flitney, Rob Gier, Stefan Bailey and Stuart Elliott have been told they a free to actively seek moves... A statement on the club's website reads as follows: 'Due to the current plans of the manager and the immediate financial position the players listed below are not in consideration for a first team place and will not be offered a new contract for next season. Therefore to be fair to the players they have been given permission to seek others clubs for the remainder of this season and for their future'".

"According to Wrexham manager Dean Saunders, Dragons' striker Simon Brown is on the verge of joining league rivals York City on a month's loan. The Wednesbury-born attacker joined Wrexham on a free transfer from Mansfield Town in June, 2008 and recently returned to the Racecourse Ground from a loan spell at Rushden & Diamonds. However, upon his return, Brown made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when comments made by him and team-mate Christian Smith were circulated around the internet. Suanders told the Evening Leader: 'It was nonsense really on Facebook, they hardly said anything. Christian has gone and Simon is probably going out to York City this week if we can agree on it. York want to take Simon on loan. It is not agreed yet but we hope to sort it out. It was all ridiculous and I have closed the book on it now. I would rather talk about the positive things that are going on at the club, like Andy Fleming and Marc Williams signing their contracts'" .

Salisbury City like Alty have a scheme called "SOS Save Our Squad. To maintain what is now a strong squad, with the return of loan players, and increase our chances or survival at the Blue Square Premier League, and enable us to make important signings, and loans and progress further - the proposals from a recent Fans' Forum are to be implemented. Several supporters at the forum, volunteered to contribute on a regular basis, and if we could get 100 a month to contribute £40, we would have £4000 month, or150 people we would generate £6,000 a month.

We appealed earlier in the season to supporters to raise £100,000 to maintain the current standard of football, and although the funds generated fell a long way short, the club was grateful for the difference it made. The money raised, together with savings made with the loan of key players, as enabled us to continue our involvement in the Blue Square Premier League, but now the return of those players, whilst very welcome in footballing terms, increases the financial burden. Disappointing attendance and a lack of home games has not helped.The original aim, was and still is the ability to field a strong squad in the Blue Square Premier League, if you share our objectives, please download the standing order from the website , fill in and post back to the club."

The BBC adds that "Salisbury City have launched a Save Our Squad scheme in a bid to both keep existing players at the club and to bring in new faces. A similar fundraising drive raised £40,000 for the Whites in the latter part of last year. Manager Nick Holmes told BBC Radio Wiltshire. 'I was genuinely surprised at how much we raised. It showed me a lot of people want us to be in this division and in a way we are just asking for their help again'. Salisbury are looking for more help after chairman Neville Beal admitted they cannot afford to keep high earners like Matt Tubbs, Liam Feeney and Robbie Matthews... 'The players are certainly good enough to stay in this league', said Holmes".

Bullsnews confirms that "Stockport have released young defender Gianluca Havern, who is to go on trial with Mansfield". And This is Nottingham adds that "Mansfield have brought in three more players on trial – while a trio of others have been transfer listed. Boss David Holdsworth is taking a look at goalkeeper Paul Farman, 19, from Blyth Spartans and defender John Kane, 21, and midfielder Martin McBride, 21, both from Stranraer. But Nathan Arnold, Gavin Hurren and Jason White – all whose deals run out in the summer – have been told they can leave the club.

The three trialists are players Holdsworth knows from his time as a coach at Gretna. 'Paul is someone I am aware of from last season when he was with Newcastle. Dan Whatsize is here but it's important we keep our eyes peeled', he said. 'John is a centre half or right back who is a tough tackler and a good organiser. Martin was technically one of the best midfielders I had up in Scotland, is a dead ball specialist and can provide a link between the midfield and forwards. The two lads from Scotland will be here for a week'... Holdsworth is also hoping to have two more players in on trial, one from a League One side and one from a Conference side".

"Talking about the trialists, he told The Chad 'Kane can play either centre half or right back'. Kane has started 50 matches for the Scottish Division II club, while McBride has started 37 matches in a career which has also taken in Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers... One deal already sorted is an 18-month deal for midfielder Jon D'Laryea which the new boss felt epitomised the level of commitment he wants from his players. 'The new deal I sorted with Jon took just 10 minutes which was a great response and fans should embrace that', he said. 'He has worked really hard with a smile on his face since I came here. I want to increase his capacity for scoring and getting about the park'".

On the listing of the three current squad members, Holdsworth told This is Nottingham, 'I have given them my reasons for it. If the opportunity is there for them to move on, then they will be able to – I won't stand in their way. Nathan is slightly different. We would like to keep him on a longer term contract. When you are a young man you are eager to go to the next level and sometimes you want to keep your options open. But I only want players who are fully committed to this football club'".

But The Chad adds that Mansfield have "ruled out a move for experienced striker Daryl Clare, after days of speculation, due to the player's wage demands. 'He is a very good player, but we can't afford him; you can only shop in Harrods if you pay Harrods prices', said manager Holdsworth. Holdsworth, who last week brought six new faces to the club and saw three loan players leave, had already intimated that Jason White would be allowed to leave on loan. But his decision to transfer list the versatile Hurren, who recently filled in as a defender, and youth system product Arnold will be a surprise to some fans.

Talking about the decision to list Arnold, the manager said the wingman wanted to keep his options open this summer when he is out of contract at the club... 'But I won't be held to ransom by any player, not that I am suggesting Nathan is doing that. We get on fine. But I need players who are prepared to commit to this football club'. This season Arnold has been called up to the England U21 side and made his international debut in Sarejevo. The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals in 96 games for the club...

On the decision to release Hurren, the boss said: 'Gavin is very happy here, but at the moment he is not going to be playing and needs to look at the situation. He and Matt Somner are very similiar players and living in Birmingham, it's a long drive every day for him. He has to get up a lot earlier than the other boys and that extra hour and a half will affect you. Maybe if the opportunity came up to move and play nearer home it would suit him better. I love them to bits - they are great lads and while they are here they are available for selection and I know that if they pull the shirt on they will give me 100 per cent. There will be more leaving - trust me. Those that want to convince me they have a future here have to do that with performances. The door is not shut on anyone - it's still half open.

The days have gone of players getting contract after contract without earning it. There are loads of good players out there and one thing I have got is lots of contacts'. Hurren (23) joined the Stags in the summer after being released by Kidderminster...

Just last Thursday Holdsworth had told Chad: 'I love wingers, so players like Michael Blackwood and Nathan Arnold will enjoy themselves under me'. But he also warned: 'There may be casualties - that's life! I am here to win'...

The Sussex Express says that "Lewes Football Club has put forward plans for new floodlights which its says will cut light pollution but residents have complained they have been left in the dark about the proposal... The club has applied to remove its existing lights - eight 12m columns, with four 18m columns. Martin Elliott, managing director of Lewes FC, told the Express: 'The purpose of the floodlights is not only to improve the lighting across the pitch but a modern lighting system will considerably reduce light pollution for the area. The current lights need to be replaced because they are expensive to maintain and in my view potentially a health and safety issue'.

Phil Jones, chairman of the Mountfield Road Residents' Association, said:'Residents of Mountfield Road are very concerned about this application because of the potential light pollution, the height of the pylons and what they will look like and the fact that so little detail has been made available. 'It is also unfortunate that the club did not consult with the residents, for whom the lights will have a big impact day-to-day'".

The Northants Evening Telegraph claims that "Garry Hill is looking for bargains instead of big-money deals to rebuild Rushden & Diamonds' squad this month. The manager admits last summer's signing spree was a failure as the Nene Park club remain outside the promotion play-off places. After Diamonds were knocked out of the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday, Hill revealed they are unlikely to make any high-profile moves during the transfer window.

He said: 'We are a club which has taken full notice quickly of what is going on around the world, let alone just in football. I'm not knocking the players who we have signed this season. But we haven't had a team as hungry and determined to go out there and create chances like we did at Torquay United. I understand the frustrations felt by the fans. But when they see a performance like that and the second half at home to Stevenage Borough, it might be a case of being patient. We are trying to build with younger and hungrier players. Over the last few weeks we've said goodbye to Dean McDonald, Sagi Burton, Phil Gulliver, Leon Knight, Lee Phillips, Curtis Woodhouse and Alan Marriott. We've made big decisions this season. The chairman (Keith Cousins) has been supportive. Now I've got to be big enough, big and bold to turn around and say it hasn't worked with certain people. We are going down the line where we are working to a structure and we are going to be the same as a lot of other clubs. We will be working with players who have a certain amount of experience and youngsters for the future'".

OXFORD LOSE FIVE POINTS

See below for further details of this case...

ALL CHANGE

FAT 3

TORQUAY TRIP

We would like to offer accommodation to your supporters for the above event at the discounted prices of £25 per person per night. We are a small family-run, licensed hotel/guest house with plenty of parking and only 250 metres from Torquay train station. Prices include breakfast. Get a 2nd opinion 1st on hotelsreviewed.com or tripadvisor.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank You, Tim & Sarah, parks-hotel.co.uk, Parks Hotel, Rathmore Road, Torquay, TQ2 6NZ.

YOUTH FIXTURES

FAIR PLAY

NEXT OPPONENTS

In advance:

On matchday:

THE NL Paper states of Oxford that it has been told by "a top Conference source that the U's will lose 11 points for failing to register a player correctly, unless they win an appeal. We exclusively revealed a fortnight ago that... Crawley were the centre of a Conference probe. It is understood that the Red Devils have admitted their error and will receive a penalty, believed to be five points". With BS South club Bognor also in the dock, "Oxford, though, are set to take the toughest blow with their deduction sending them down from 11th place to third-bottom.... A source said, 'The hierearchy meets tomorrow (Monday) to finalise the sanctions but Crawley have accepted their fate. Oxford and Bognor are likely to appeal'". The NLP adds that in these three cases, "the identity of all players involved is unknown but Crawley admitted ... that they were being investigated over the registration of a player signed during the summer" but explicitly denied it was Lewis Killeen.

In response, Oxford United "can confirm that we have been charged with rule breaches by The Football Conference in relation to player registration. The Club have appointed football disciplinary experts, Football Factors Limited to conduct representation on our behalf. The matter is due to be heard before a Football Conference Disciplinary Panel on Monday 12 January, 2008 and no further comment can be made by the club until after the hearing. Chairman Kelvin Thomas said 'We are refuting the charges and are glad to have the opportunity to talk to the Conference on Monday at the personal hearing. I will be representing the club along with Graham Bean of Football Factors, who is very experienced in these matters, and we will await any outcome and respond appropriately. The general feeling around the football club is positive at the moment and we are starting to see improvements on and off the pitch. The charges relate to an issue at the beginning of the season and we will be working to present our case in a professional and detailed manner. I will keep fans informed as quickly as possible when more information is available, however, as I am sure you can understand I cannot comment any further until after the hearing".

The BBC adds that "BBC Oxford understands the charge relates to the registration of midfielder Eddie Hutchinson... Even though Hutchinson, 26, has been an Oxford player since July 2006, clubs are obliged to re-register players at the start of every campaign. United gained 11 points from matches in which he played before the problem came to light in November. In October Mansfield had four points docked for a similar offence".

And the Oxford Mail says that "Kelvin Thomas must be wondering why he gave up life in America to become Oxford United’s chairman... Having been in the hot-seat for just three months, Thomas is facing his biggest challenge yet. Today’s hearing over a possible 11-point deduction for Oxford United is crucial for the club’s future... However, the whole situation hardly puts the Football Conference in a good light either – just how did it take them so long to notice that he was not registered with the club? If, as was the case with Mansfield earlier in the season, the mistake was spotted quickly, United could have faced a three or four-point deduction that they would have to have accepted. But an 11-point penalty at this stage of the season will be catastrophic.

Former manager Darren Patterson did not want transfer-listed Hutchinson re-registered when secretary Mick Brown sent off the forms in the summer for all the players who ended last season at the club and would be staying for this campaign. But when the midfielder rejected a couple of moves elsewhere, Patterson realised that due to the size of United’s squad, he would need Hutchinson available as back-up should the need arise. Hutchinson signed the relevant paperwork, which was then sent off by Brown to the Football Conference. But they claim the forms never arrived, and United’s failure to check meant that an unregistered Hutchinson featured in 13 games.

The 11 points United face being docked came when Hutchinson played in wins over Eastbourne, Northwich and York, as well as draws against Woking and Ebbsfleet. Fortunately, he did not come off the bench in the 2-1 win over Rushden, or the 1-1 draw with Torquay, or United would face a 15-point ban... While trying to keep the club afloat and ensure there is enough money to pay the Kassam Stadium rent as well as wages to the staff, Thomas has had to deal with a young player who posted racist remarks on a website, and now a member of staff who made one error that could cost the club very dear.

But you can’t help but feel sorry for new boss Chris Wilder too. Wilder is understood to have been told about the situation when he was interviewed for the manager’s job at the Kassam Stadium... Battling against point deductions is nothing new for United’s manager, however. His cash-stricken Halifax Town side lost ten points while he was in charge last season after going into administration".

BSP NEWS

In response Crawley Town Football Club say they "are disappointed with a media report this morning (Sunday) concerning monies allegedly owed to their nominated programme printing company. The football club have a payment arrangement plan in place with our nominated printers for monies owed under the previous owners. The fact is the debt has significantly been reduced under our ownership. This was a debt we did not expect to incur when we took control but it was not the only additional debt that we have had to take on when it came to light. We have significantly reduced all of these extra debts and we are delighted with our progress in that area.

The explanation is quite simple. Prior to Christmas Vic Marley’s extended stay in hospital prevented a payment cheque being sent as he is our cheque signatory. In turn this caused a minor problem for one match but we found a solution and produced a reduced match programme for the match concerned. The payment in question has since been made in full to our printers who we have an excellent business and trading relationship with.

This story is factually wrong in a few areas and the Broadfield source quoted in said story does not know any of the facts so we in turn question the validity of such a quote. It appears there are a few people minded to try and destabilise what we are achieving here. They will continue to try and do this but this football club is making huge progress on and off the pitch and we will not let such people destabilise that journey.

Our Chairman Vic Marley said a few weeks ago these are difficult trading times but we have managed to significantly reduce a number of inherited trade creditors as part of the financial planning we did back last April when we took control here at Crawley Town Football Club. We are delighted with such progress but also realise there is a long way to go".

Elsewhere in the NL Paper, Crawley's Jon Shaw writes that when joining Crawley on loan from Rochdale, the "main thing that swung it was the fact that there's already an ex-Halifax contingent at Crawley, with Jake Wright, Danny Forrest, Lewis Killeen and Adam Quinn. It's a long commute from Derby but I get on really well with all four lads and they've sorted out a five-bedroom house to rent so I can have my own room".

Barry Fry, the Peterborough Director of Foootball told the NL Paper that "I have been in football for over 35 years and George Rolls [Cambridge United director] is the worst person I have ever dealt with. He moves the goalposts to suit him. He twice agreed to pay what we asked for Scott Rendell and then backed out, blaming us for asking too much. He's a disgrace"... Rolls said, "I take what Barry said about me being the worst person he's dealt with as a compliment!. We won't spend money we haven't got... It's every club's prerogative to pull out of transfer dealings".

FIXTURES

FAT 2

Sun 11 Jan

Torquay United say that "We would like to clarify that as yet Torquay United Football Club has not received official confirmation requesting, and therefore our agreeing to, our Blue Square Premier fixture with Wrexham, scheduled for Thursday 15th January, being moved to Friday 16th January. We are hoping that we will be in a position to clarify the situation early Monday morning". However, Wrexham say that "Due to our delayed FA Trophy visit to Basingstoke Town, it has now been decided that the live Setanta match at Torquay United will be put back 24 hours to Friday, 16 February (7.45pm)".

YOUTH GAME OFF- AGAIN

THE MANSFIELD POSTPONEMENT

Holdsworth said: 'I like to see experience in the right areas. We will get the ball forward quicker. Against Burton the only times we hurt them was when we played the ball in behind. I love my wingers and Nathan Arnold, Michael Blackwood and Louis Briscoe should enjoy themselves. We have to get the ball wide and into the box and hopefully that will get results'".

Mansfield Town reported that "Today's game against Altrincham has been called off due to a frozen pitch. Referee Robert Madley of Wakefield carried out a pitch inspection at 9.40am this morning and deemed that the pitch was unsafe to play on. Groundsman Michael Merriman told mansfieldtown.net: 'It is minus five now, with freezing wind. It was perfect yesterday but the weather has been verry bad over night'. Said match referee Robert Madley: 'The field of play is rock hard at the moment. The temperature will only get up to one degree today so there isn't sufficient time for it to thaw out'. Manager David Holdsworth said to mansfieldtown.net ... 'I'm very disappointed. We've worked very hard on our preparation for today's game and the players have been very focused... We will remain positive and hopefully step up to the plate next week against Crawley', he added".

In the light of the spate of postponements recently, Bullsnews has an interesting article from a man who was the guest at a recent Sportsman's Dinner for Altrincham FC. "Graham Poll, the former top referee now media pundit, says that one of the hardest decisions for a referee is deciding if a pitch is playable. He gave his views to the Daily Mail... Before the teams arrive, the ref has to guess how much the surface might deteriorate a few hours later. He has to ignore groundsmen wanting to protect their pitches and also managers, some of whom will want the game played, and others - with players missing - who will want it off...

The principal decision is based on player safety and this weekend the presence of frozen ruts, which can slice players' legs, make a postponement relatively straightforward. A flat, hard surface is playable and not dissimilar to the ground in August but, as professional pitches are now so well maintained, some players often feel uncomfortable on them - which is why in cup-ties pressure can be applied on a referee not to play. The decision is much tougher when the pitch has been partly exposed to the sun, while the rest is covered by the shadow of the stands. This can lead to an inconsistent surface...

The second consideration for the referee is whether the conditions will allow a credible game to take place or if it will descend into farce... At the top level, home clubs are not permitted to postpone a match but they must take the initial action when there is doubt over the condition of the pitch... Referees try to inspect a pitch and make a decision prior to away fans departing and then inform the media so that unnecessary travel is avoided".

OLD BOYS

Another ex-Alty man with FCUM connections is the subject of NL Daily which reports that "Underachieving Boston United hosted FC United of Manchester in front of a crowd of 1,625. Kyle Wilson struck the only goal of the game".

Three players with Alty connections have signed this week for New Mills. They are former Alty trialist striker Stephen Moore (ex Curzon Ashton), ex-Alty striker Joz Mitten and a player from Alty's UniBond days in 1999-2000, Steve Tobin.

BSP NEWS

The Northwich Guardian says that "Jim Rushe plans has vowed to fight a transfer ban stopping Vics signing new players". This ban was apparently not known about previously by Vics' fans. The Guardian continues, saying that Vics' owner "says he is will do everything he can to get the embargo – made by the Football Conference last month – lifted. 'I’m working flat out', he said. 'As far as I am concerned we have done everything asked of us in terms of providing the pieces of paperwork that the Conference wants to see'. He said further talks were planned with league bosses following a meeting at the Football Conference’s Birmingham headquarters on Tuesday.

General manager Dennis Strudwick summoned Rushe to discuss the club’s ongoing financial problems. 'I felt the meeting went OK,'” said Rushe. 'It’s very frustrating because we want help the manager strengthen the squad so we can start moving up the table'. On Tuesday Rushe said he had been asked to hand over documents for the league’s latest quarterly review of accounts, a system introduced at the start of the season in tandem with the Football Association to help teams keep on top of their debts. A payment schedule to service Vics’ six-figure debt to HM Revenue and Customs, was just one of those items.

Meanwhile the Conference remains tight-lipped on the reason for hitting Vics with a ban – their second of the season so far. 'These matters are private', Strudwick told the Guardian... He also refused to be drawn on what Rushe would have to do in order for the embargo to be lifted or indeed how quickly that could be done. He added: 'The club is working very hard to meet all the Football Conference’s criteria and policies'... Meanwhile manager Steve King is unable to bring in players he feels can improve a side without a league win since October 18... Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke has made his move from Salisbury City a permanent one since the transfer window opened at the start of the month, a signing not subject to the ban".

Meanwhile, former Alty loanee "Mat Bailey has returned to Northwich Victoria following a loan stay at Hinckley United. The defender started just two matches for the Blue Square North club - both as a striker - as the weather forced three postponements over the past fortnight. 'It turned out to be a waste of time because he didn't play a full game', Knitters' boss Dean Thomas told the Coventry Telegraph".

SATURDAY'S GAMES

FAT 2R FIXTURES

"Oxford United V York City and Ebbsfleet United V Stalybridge Celtic have been postponed and will now take place on Tuesday 13th January. This means that the Setanta Shield fixture between Barrow and York City, due to take place on the same day will be postponed. Basingstoke Town V Wrexham and Tiverton Town V Kettering Town have been pushed back to Sunday 11th January with a 2pm kick off".

GAME OFF

MANSFIELD'S "WINNING FOOTBALL"

"New Mansfield boss David Holdsworth could hand debuts to four new signings against Altrincham" according to the BBC. "Goalkeeper Alan Marriott, defender Scott Garner and strikers Rob Duffy and Louis Briscoe could all start but Curtis Woodhouse is suspended". As previously reported "Altrincham captain Robbie Lawton (back) and striker Chris Denham (eye) are back in contention after injury. Midfielder Anthony Danylyk (knock) could also feature, but defender James Smith (hamstring) is a doubt".

S.O.S. (Strengthen Our Squad)

TASC are very grateful to those people who have already contributed to the S.O.S. Scheme to provide extra funds for manager Graham Heathcote to strengthen his squad in 2009 following a highly successful first half of the season. The squad has been relatively small throughout the season AND with a number of injuries to key players during the last couple of months, playing resources have been stretched to the limit.

With the possibility of loan signings right up to the end of March deadline, we will be keeping this fund open until the end of the season AND would like to encourage as many Altrincham supporters as possible to contribute to putting the best team possible out on the pitch between now and April 26th.

If you are able to help then please contact Mike Ainsworth at Altrincham Football Club (0161 928 1045) with your pledge. All pledges,large or small, will be gratefully received. Alternatively, you can send a cheque, payable to Altrincham Football Club. All cheques should be sent to the Football Club and clearly marked for Mike's attention.

NEXT WEEK

And Altrincham FC has been asked to publicise the following: "Oxfordshire Parenting Forum (OPF) are coming to the Kassam Stadium on 17th January [for the game with Altrincham]. They will be there before the match and during half time, offering art activities and face painting (in Oxford United colours, of course!) for Dads and their kids. These activities are all free of charge and for any male carer with their child/ren. Come along and let us entertain you and your child.The government are keen to highlight the role of the Father and support them in anyway they can. OPF are hoping to meet lots of Dads on 17th January and find out from them what services, if any would be of benefit to them. If you require any further information on this event or about OPF, please dont hesitate in getting in touch. Delyth Hallion, Parenting Development Worker for OPF (Fathers), tel. 01865 397972".

BSP NEWS

According to NL Daily "Craig Braham-Barrett will make his debut for Kettering Town against Tiverton Town in the FA Trophy on Sunday. The Peterborough United left-back has joined the Poppies on an initial one-month loan deal... Kettering boss Mark Cooper confirmed the young defender will start the clash after he revealed Tommy Jaszczun is out of the game due to the Achilles injury... Guy Branston, who also has an Achilles problem, is also struggling. So Cooper was pleased to snap up Braham-Barrett who joined Posh for £10,000 from Welling United last year. 'I have seen him Braham-Barrett play a few times and he looks a good prospect', Cooper said. 'He has excellent delivery with his left foot and is quick so it's a good signing for us'".

"On-loan striker James Constable could have his stay at Oxford United extended if U's boss Chris Wilder gets his way" claims the BBC. "The Shrewsbury forward is Oxford's top scorer this season and Wilder is keen to see the 24-year-old stay beyond his current one-year deal. 'He epitomises what I am trying to build here at the club', Wilder told BBC Oxford".

"Wrexham midfielder Andy Fleming has signed a new contract which extends his stay with the Reds until summer 2010.The 21-year-old broke through into the first team this season after the arrival of new manager Dean Saunders. A knee injury in October interrupted Fleming's progress but he returned to the side over the Christmas period. Also staying until at least the end of January are two loan players, Cardiff striker Jon Brown, 18, and Liverpool midfielder Ryan Flynn, 20... However, midfielder Christian Smith has left the Racecourse after his contract came to an end. The 21-year-old signed a short-term deal in August after being released by Scottish First Division club Clyde" states the BBC.

The Cambridge News says that "Daryl McMahon's on-off switch to Cambridge United from Stevenage has been put on ice. Just a day after United backed out of a temporary deal to keep Scott Rendell at the Abbey for the rest of the season after admitting they could not meet Peterborough's demands, they have now been forced to pull out of their bid to sign McMahon. The Irish midfielder, who was transfer-listed by Stevenage two months ago, passed a medical on Wednesday amid rumours he had failed due to a knee or ankle problem. But Brabin said last night he had been told he would not be able to bring McMahon in unless he can release another player from his squad, and admitted he was not in a position to do that ahead of tomorrow's FA Trophy, second round clash at home to Crawley. He said: 'We can't bring anyone in at the moment and it's a Catch 22 situation. We're so low on numbers, I think I've only got 15 players for tomorrow, so we can't afford to let somebody go out at the moment'".

"Lewes are currently ten points adrift of safety in Blue Square premier and some people believe they are already relegated because they do not have the necessary ground grading to stay in the top-flight of non-league football. However, ground gradings may be discussed at the next Conference meeting on January 22 because of the current financial climate", claims the Argus

And from Kent Online we learn that "Ebbsfleet could announce the preferred site for their new ground later this year if negotiations with the owner continue to prove positive. MyFC board representative Jessica McQueen has revealed the move in her latest report to members and says the club have now chosen from a shortlist of three and are going ahead with a feasibility study... Mrs McQueen said: 'A masterplan showing how the stadium would fit the site has been prepared. We are currently in detailed liaison with Gravesham Council and Kent County Council regarding this location... 'It is ideally located for a stadium and the necessary infrastructure and... We hope to be able to announce the site in the coming months'".

This is Glos confirms that "Forest Green have turned to their wiliest old campaigner to solve their sudden defensive crisis. Assistant manager Jerry Gill will switch from right-back to the centre of defence for the visit of Redditch United in the FA Trophy... The 38-year-old's versatility is required after Darran Kempson opted not to extend his loan spell from Wrexham and Darren Jones picked up a one-match ban... With John Hardiker and Ben Ashford injured, and Redditch old boy Lee Ayres cup-tied, Rovers have only one fit and available specialist centre-half in Mark Preece. Manager Jim Harvey said: 'It would have been difficult to bring someone in on loan for essentially one game, so we'll have to make do with what we've got'... Former Cheltenham Town captain Gill has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract at the New Lawn, having initially moved to the club on loan on October 1. Otherwise Harvey expects it to be a relatively quiet transfer window... Ex-Northwich Victoria midfielder Michael Byrne has been training with Rovers for two months, but Harvey is unsure whether a permanent deal can be done. 'Michael has fitted in well, but it all depends on what funds, if any, we'll have available', he said. Rovers have also been linked with recently released Barrow forward David Brown".

Kidderminster Harriers "will have to trim the squad before bringing in new faces to strengthen during the January transfer window, according to chairman Barry Norgrove... Manager Mark Yates is eager to bring in new faces in order to maintain their good form. However... 'I have spoken to Mark about player and we need to get rid of several players before we bring anymore in', said the chairmman. 'We want to help Mark bring in players but with the financial situation the way it is we have to be careful. The good thing is that we have paid most the bills and look on an even keel... We don't want to let players go because I think we have a decent chance of making it into the play-offs... At the moment we've had no bids for our players and would resist them if we could. Obviously, if an offer that was too good to resist was to come in then we'll see'"... Despite a money-spinning run in the FA Cup, funds are still tight at Aggborough. Harriers wins over King's Lynn, Cambridge and Curzon Ashton earned the club £62,500, while a crowd of nearly 14,000 at Saturday's third round loss at Coventry City should also generate more funds for the club... 'I wouldn't like to guess how much money we will get from the Coventry game because I think they had a lot of police and stewards at the game', commented the chairman. 'After the expenses have been paid we might not get that much money'.

Norgrove believes that the [TV] cash boost from the home league clash against Cambridge United will only offset the reduction in fans going to the match. The clash has been put back two days to Monday, February 9 at Aggborough, which the chairman believes will hit the travelling support... 'We're getting £13,000 for the game but it's offset by the loss of away fans'.

Meanwhile "Harriers have completed the signing of on-loan defender Lee Baker from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer".

"Richie Sutton has made his move to FC Halifax Town a permanent one" states the Northwich Guardian. "The full back was released by Northwich Victoria yesterday after making just five starts in league and cup since signing from Stafford Rangers in the summer. He had been on a month-long loan at the Shay. Halifax manager [and ex-Alty player] Jim Vince told the Evening Courier, 'Someone of his quality will be a real asset to the club'... He now drops down three tiers into part-time football to hook up with another former Northwich man – FC Halifax Town skipper Danny Meadowcroft. Vince added: 'He was looking to go part-time and we were in the right place at the right time'".

MANSFIELD FORECAST

DAVID BURNS'S FUNERAL

C/O Ms T Foley, Macmillan Cancer Support, Wythenshawe Hospital, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9LT

All other enquiries about the funeral to Kenneth Dewey and Sons 0161 980 7010.

The Burns family would like to thank all who have send messages, letters and cards to them following their sad loss.

SPONSORS

BSP FIXTURES

Thursday 8th

BSP NEWS

"Further to the appeal announced by Lewes FC before Christmas, the club have had much interest from a number of different parties. The Board continue to hold discussions with those individuals and businesses that have expressed an interest in helping the Club and would welcome any further offers from any other parties. It is very much hoped that a meeting will be convened shortly of those who have confirmed a serious interest to agree the way forward as well as deal with the short term financial issues. The Board continue to seek professional advice, and do not see a need to follow the route of considering administration at this time... The club will be making a further detailed statement at the end of January".

Nevertheless, The Argus confirms that "Lewes are signing two new forwards on loan from Barnet. Kieron St Aimee and Elliot Charles are set to join the club in time to make their debuts in Saturday's FA Trophy tie... Their arrivals coincide with the return of midfielder Joe Tabiri to Barnet after manager Kevin Keehan decided against taking up the option of extending his loan".

"Right back Wes Baynes has handed in a shock transfer request to Wrexham" according to NL Daily. "The right-sided Baynes, who is contracted to Wrexham until the summer of 2010, has made the shock request just days after the January transfer window opened. But the move has astounded Reds` manager Dean Saunders. Saunders said he couldn't believe that the 20-year-old, who is one of Wrexham's most talented young prospects, wanted to leave The Racecourse Ground. 'With the way things are moving forward here, and the atmosphere at the club, I find it flabbergasting to be honest', Saunders said. 'But Wes has decided he does not want to be part of it and my staff and I are bemused about the whole thing. We have not had an argument but Wes wants to leave'" he told the Evening Leader

"Torquay United could find themselves more than £75,000 richer — thanks to a deal done by former chairman Chris Roberts. Barnsley have given Chesterfield until Wednesday evening to accept or reject a £400,000 bid for striker Jamie Ward. And the Gulls have a 25 per cent sell-on clause on the deal which took Ward from Plainmoor to Saltergate for £90,000 two years ago. United's cut will be calculated on any profit which Chesterfield make on former Aston Villa starlet Ward, 22, who is the Spireites' leading scorer with sixteen goals this season. A £400,000 sale of Ward now would net United £77,500. Few, if any, Torquay fans view Roberts as anything but a disaster for the Plainmoor club. His ill-fated tenure at Plainmoor lasted from October 2006 - February 2007 and led the club, saddled with new debt, towards relegation from the Football League. His sale of Ward just before the close of the January 2007 transfer window may have kept Roberts' regime afloat temporarily, but it also removed United's last realistic chance of staying up... With Ward's contract at Saltergate due to expire next summer and the Birmingham-born forward so far declining to sign a new one, that sell-on looks as if it's about to pay off for the club Roberts left in such disarray... The pacy 5` 6” tall striker has kept up his excellent strike rate with thirty-one goals in sixty-four starts for Chesterfield" reports This is South Devon. But later the BBC reported that "Barnsley have pulled out of a deal to sign Chesterfield striker Jamie Ward after the player failed to agree personal terms"

"Newly-appointed Derby County boss Nigel Clough will return to former club Burton Albion with a view to securing the services of three of the backroom staff who served under him", claims Blue Square Football. "'It's essential to get people you trust and I know they can do a good job'", he said. Clough has also vowed to do things his own away, amid comparisons with his father, Brian... 'I do wish he was here to give a bit of advice though', Clough told a press conference. 'But we're going to try and do things our way'".

This is South Devon confirms that "Former Gulls' boss Roy McFarland looks set for a busy January in his new job as caretaker manager of Burton Albion.... It looks as if McFarland may well have to find some new backroom staff at the Pirelli Stadium. Burton are set to lose some key men, like assistant managers Gary Crosby and Martin Taylor and coach Andy Garner, to Pride Park. Derby are paying compensation for Clough, and Derby-based McFarland will have the cash for a signing or two over the next three weeks. It's an interesting situation for the former Bradford, Derby, Bolton, Cambridge, Torquay and Chesterfield manager — 'I've never taken over a club 13 points clear at the top of the table before', he admits... McFarland has been out of employment since he was sacked by Chesterfield in March 2007... His new appointment runs only to the end of the season, when it will be reviewed, and he may well be asked to groom a permanent successor".

Meanwhile Wrexham report that "stoke City defender Ritchie De Laet has today agreed a deal to join Premier League, European and World Club Champions Manchester United. The 20-year old, who has spent the early part of this season on loan at Wrexham, will pen a contract at Old Trafford".

Barrow's NW Evening Mail says that "Striker David Brown has been shown the Barrow AFC exit door.The 30-year-old former Manchester United apprentice was last night told he was surplus to requirements... The other player on his way out is Luke Joyce, who has returned to Carlisle United following the end of his loan stay... Out-of-favour striker Lee Hunt, attacker Chris Thompson, whose season has been wrecked by injuries, and number two goalkeeper Tim Deasy, all three of whom are on contracts, have been made available for loan. Both Hunt and Thompson have already had loan spells away from Barrow this term. Experienced duo, skipper Paul Jones and Paul Tait, both non-contract, have been told they won’t feature regularly, but have been invited to fight for their places. On the release of David Brown, who made no secret of his desire to play full-time, joint-AFC manager Dave Bayliss said this morning: 'He was frustrated that we weren’t playing the way he likes and we were getting frustrated because he didn’t really want to play the way we want to play... We intend to play with a new dimension for now. We haven’t had enough pace and power, and with the loan lads we’ve brought in during the transfer window so far (striker Wayne Curtis, centre-half Marcus Holness and central midfielder Luke Sharry) we will get that. We’ve got in lads who are going to make us more physical. David was non-contract. We offered him a contract a few months back but he refused, maybe he thought he was better than he was. We are a part-time club and we can only pay what we can pay. We’re not going to go over for what we don’t think is worth going over'.

On the announcement regarding Hunt, Thompson and Deasy, the joint AFC boss said: “We’ve told the three lads they’ve got to go out and get games. If they don’t then they must play every reserve game and train hard. We’re not going to have anyone sat there picking up money for nothing. It’s been too easy for some for a while now. They are not transfer-listed as such, but we have given them the option. Either go out on loan and get first team games or you play in the reserves and work hard. None are going to be in the match 16 squad at the moment, and they know that. With Tim it’s a little bit different. He’s probably been replaced by the best under-21 keeper in the UK. Tim is still a good keeper. It’s not the end of the road for any of them, and that includes Ashley Winn (currently on-loan at Southport) they just need to get out there and prove themselves. We’ve had loan offers for all three already, though Chris Thompson is still injured and a week away from fitness. On Jones and Tait, he added: 'We told them that they wouldn’t be figuring as much as they like because of the new signings. “We told Paul Jones we have a new defender, Mark Boyd and Andy Bond that we have a new central midfielder and the front lads know we already have Wayne Curtis. Telling Paul Jones that was probably the worst thing I’ve had to do in football... We want him to stay with us, he’s been fantastic for us, but I know he won’t like not playing'. Bayliss also said that he hopes to bring in one more new face, a defender, during the transfer window".

"Histon will go full-time if they win promotion to the Football League, chairman Gareth Baldwin has revealed" to the Cambridge News. "Baldwin believes the vast majority of the playing staff would want to turn professional if they were plying their trade in Coca-Cola League Two... And although the club would remain part-time if they were in non-league's top flight next term, the Stutes' supremo says they must still step up their training regime.

Baldwin said: 'If we go up this season then we'll go full-time by July - if we don't go up then we won't, but we'd go from training three times to four times a week. Without permanent facilities, which are available in all weather conditions, it causes the management team and the players a problem, so John (Beck, head coach) is currently producing a report on how we can overcome this and at what cost. If we are able to resolve our training facilities soon, we plan to train four times a week for the last month of this season, with a view to either going full-time next year (if promoted) or maintaining that level of training in the Blue Square Premier.

'I know Steve (Fallon, manager) and John are in discussions with the players about how and when we train and 99 per cent of the players are receptive to taking steps that will improve them and enhance their careers in football. We will definitely work to accommodate everyone who is with us currently as there may be one or two who can't commit to the planned programme because of work commitments, but that will be a position we have to migrate from over time'.

Histon have suffered a double injury blow after losing the services of midfielders Jamie Barker and Daniel Sparkes for up to two months. A scan shows Barker - who is suffering from a hernia - needs an operation to cure the problem, while Sparkes broke a bone in his foot at training. It leaves Nathaniel Knight-Percival as the only fit recognised left-winger".

According to the Gravesend Reporter "The owners of Ebbsfleet United moved a step closer to making footballing history last week as they fell just 39 votes short of choosing to pick the team instead of head coach Liam Daish. MyFootballClub, the internet community that bought a 75 per cent share of the club in January 2008... has yet to vote in favour of picking the starting line-up themselves. But in the most recent poll that ran prior to the Blue Square Premier fixture against Wrexham last Saturday... 46 per cent of the 492 members who voted wanted members to decide on which players should be picked and in what formation instead of Daish...

Fleet chief executive David Davis believes that a string of five defeats may have influenced some members into feeling it was time that they should have a say... 'I completely defend their right to do that but, on a personal level, it doesn't particularly excite me. Although it was one of the things that intrigued me when I initially joined MyFC, I decided I didn't want to get involved that way because I didn't have the time to do the research on the players and didn't want that responsibility of potentially impacting on people's livelihoods. But if they decide it is Pick The Team (PTT), then we have to deal with that when it happens'...

With the MyFC membership currently in the middle of a seven-day vote ahead of the FA Trophy tie against Stalybridge Celtic this weekend, speculation on the MyFC forums is rife that PTT is about to be implemented for the first time. Davis, though, believes that the current voting system may need to be revised with less than two per cent of members actually voting ahead of the Wrexham fixture... Daish told the Reporter 'I'm aware of the situation, but I'm just going to keep picking the team until I am told otherwise'".

The Surrey Advertiser tells us that "Phil Gilchrist has slapped a £250,000 price tag on striker Wilfried Domoraud - with a Championship club said to be interested in making an offer to Woking for the Frenchman’s services. And the Cards’ boss is determined to fight to keep his star front an who, amazingly, spent the first few weeks of this season trying to persuade the club he was worth signing after a failed summer trial. 'I’ve heard there are one or two clubs interested but they would have to offer big money to persuade me to let him go', said Gilchrist. 'We would want £250,000 for him because looking at some of the players that have gone from this league for similar sums, I think he’s a better player. There are three or four players I just don’t want to lose and Wilfried is one of them. I want to offer him a new contract and I suppose when we do that, we’ll get an idea of what he’s thinking... I watched the DVD back of the Crawley game and a couple of the things he did I thought to myself "you’re in the wrong division son". I wouldn’t want to stand in his way but we would want big money'".

MORE MANSFIELD SIGNINGS

OLD BOY

NEW DATE

SATURDAY AVAILABILITY

THE SKIPPER'S LEGACY

ALTY AND TV CASH

A further £8,000 eluded Alty last month when Burton Albion were forced to play a rearranged FA Trophy tie, instead of Blue Square Conference fixture before the Setanta cameras at Moss Lane, following a postponement a few days earlier. Finally, the weather intervened last Thursday, just as Alty were hoping it would prove third time lucky and savouring the prospect of a much-needed £13,000 boost to their finances.

It could hardly have come at a worst time, as vice-chairman Grahame Rowley (left) confirmed by saying: 'The forecast is we could make a loss this season, so we really do need all the income streams we can get. When you consider the effects of the credit crunch as well, it is a setback we could have done without. We are having to review our budget on a monthly basis now, rather than setting it for the season and not worrying too much about it. Everything is having to be evaluated as we go along, because, everywhere you look, there are signs of people tightening their belts. Away supporters coming through our turnstiles can make a big difference to our income, but numbers seem to be down. On top of that, we’ve only got one Conference game at home this month, against York on the 27th [a Tuesday night], so that isn’t exactly helping with cash flow, either. After the bad luck we had already had with television dates this season, it really was a blow when the temperature plunged last week and the Northwich game had to be called off'”

NEXT GAME

This is Nottingham adds that "Mansfield have confirmed the signing of teenage goalkeeper Dan Whatsize on trial. The 18-year-old former Chesterfield youth team player has been brought in to offer competition to Alan Marriott, who joined from Rushden and Diamonds yesterday. The other two keepers on the books at Field Mill are currently out of contention. Jason White is recovering from a knee injury while Luke Herriott is ill. Whatsize has also briefly appeared for Conference North club Tamworth. Marriott is expected to be first choice for Saturday's visit of Altrincham, but the youngster is available if required".

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

Conference general manager Dennis Strudwick also wanted to see a payment schedule for Vics’ debt to HM Revenue and Customs. Last month Rushe told supporters at an open meeting that the club must find £100,000 before the end of January to carry on trading. Since he took over the club little over a year ago he, in tandem with former director Nick Bone, has paid back around a fifth of the £500,000 tax debt ran up by previous owner Mike Connett. A winding-up petition against Northwich Victoria Football Club (2004) Limited is listed for a High Court hearing in 21 days.

'We’ve done everything asked of us so far', said Rushe. 'Since Monday I have spoken to the tax man, as I always do, so he knows exactly the situation we are in'. One penalty the league can impose is a ban stopping the club signing new players, a particularly acute punishment during a transfer window. But Rushe hopes to give manager Steve King the go-ahead to recruit fresh faces following last night’s meeting. 'It’s frustrating for Steve because he just wants to get on with his job', he said. 'He has players lined up to come in and is still confident, as I am, that the club can have a future at this level'2.

Despite this, "Vics still have not handed over cash they owe to their FA Cup conquerors. The game’s governing body today confirmed it was continuing to press the Blue Square Premier club to pay AFC Telford United. The Bucks say they are owed more than £3,000. 'We are in the same position as before', said FA spokesman Matt Phillips. 'The case does not seem to have progressed at all – essentially we are still waiting for Northwich Victoria to pay Telford'.

Last month the Shropshire outfit called on the FA to mediate in a bid to find a solution...following their FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie in October... Payment should be made in full within 14 days of the match. At this stage the FA have not resorted to punitive measures for Vics’ non-payment, preferring instead to seek a resolution by other means. They could hit the cash-strapped club with a fine or, alternatively, throw them out of next year’s competition. Vics owner Jim Rushe apologised to Carter last month and promised to pay up before December 20... 'At no point have we been trying to avoid paying them, it’s just that we a haven’t had the money available at any time'”.

Meanwhile "Peter Winn is set to return to parent club Scunthorpe United before weekend. The wing man will play for Vics for the last time in their televised Blue Square Premier at Woking tomorrow night, Thursday".

Kettering Town announce that they have "reached the 4th round of the FA Cup last Saturday for only the second time in 136 years, one of only two teams from the 670 non-league entrants to make it this far. Even more improbably, the draw pitted Kettering against Premier League side Fulham owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, which made it the competition’s first ever clash between two Muslim owners.

Kettering Town and the football world looked forward to a great challenge while the club anticipated the traditional windfall that every non-league team expects when drawn at home to a Premier League side –a cheque for £160,000 for live TV coverage. Televising the game would have had a further benefit – a chance for Kettering’s shirt, which carries the slogan Palestine Aid, to raise awareness and charitable aid for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

But yesterday afternoon ITV and Setanta took the almost unprecedented step of not choosing as one of their live matches a non-league team drawn at home to a Premier League side. Not only is it a tradition that such a tie is screened live, the schedule chosen contradicts the Football Association’s stated objective 'to use The FA Cup to redistribute funds throughout the game” as Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham were all screened live in the 3rd round, whilst Tottenham will be live on TV for six consecutive games. The decision has not only shocked and angered the supporters of Kettering and Fulham, but supporters of other clubs, including Tottenham, have flooded club message boards complaining.

Not only will Kettering Town miss out on the much-needed windfall and millions of football supporters be deprived of watching a match that embodies the essence of the Cup, more importantly the opportunity has been lost to raise further awareness and humanitarian aid in Palestine and follow the FIFA edict that says: 'Due to its values, popularity, universal nature and appeal, football (in all of its forms) can be a viable and practical instrument for achieving social and human development targets…from a 'charitable giving' approach to a meaningful 'socially responsible, involved, and committed' one'.

For this reason, Kettering Town have today decided to offer ITV another opportunity to broadcast our game against Fulham live and will waive our right to the £160,000 fee we would be entitled to. Furthermore, if ITV are unable to fit our game into any of their four channels, over the four day period set aside for 4th round games, we will allow Setanta Sports to screen our game, on any of their seven channels, again waiving the £160,000 fee.

If, for any reason, neither ITV or Setanta can fit the game into the eleven channels and four days of programming we would ask the FA to allow the game to be moved to another date, as happened in the first round of the FA Cup, to assist ITV and Setanta with their scheduling.

And finally, if for any reason, none of the three options above works, we have other non-subscription TV channels that would be willing to screen the game live or allow ITV or Setanta to use their platform on any date the FA choose.

Chairman Imraan Ladak said 'We were all very disappointed when the news was announced, but we hope our offer will allow ITV or Setanta to help increase awareness of the humanitarian crisis, whilst giving Kettering, Fulham and the neutral supporter the chance to watch one of the ties of the round'".

"Scott Rendell's loan will not be extended to the end of the season due to Cambridge United being unable to meet Peterborough United's financial demands. The League One club had agreed on December 28th that the striker could stay at the Trade Recruitment Stadium for the rest of the season. However, after careful consideration, their demands of a £25,000 loan fee, a £25,000 promotion bonus and all of his wages for the duration of the loan have effectively put the cost of the loan out of United's financial reach. Director George Rolls said, 'The total is clearly a substantial amount of money and we're not in a position to meet those demands, so regrettably Scott will be returning to Peterborough with immediate effect. We would dearly have loved to have kept Scott at the club, but we cannot jeopardise the financial stability of the Football Club'. Rendell returned to Cambridge on loan in November and scored seven goals in the nine games of his loan".

According to the BBC "Barrow have released striker David Brown as the Bluebirds continue to re-shape their squad during the January transfer window. Brown, 29, joined Barrow on non-contract terms in October 2008. 'We are going in a different direction and he didn't really fit into our plans', joint-boss Dave Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria. Bayliss has made forwards Chris Thompson and Lee Hunt and goalkeeper Tim Deasy available for loan. 'We've had a number of enquiries about some of our players', Bayliss said. 'We're leaving that in the laps of the players themselves. We don't want to force anyone out of the club. It's down to the players themselves if they want to go'. Thompson's season has been hampered by injury while Hunt has recently been out on loan at Fleetwood Town. Deasy has found himself as second choice goalkeeper following the arrival of Scotland Under-21 international Alan Martin on loan from Leeds United.

Bayliss is also confident that his squad will not be left light on numbers should his four loan arrivals - Martin, Marcus Holness, Wayne Curtis and Luke Sharry - not have their stays extended. 'We're getting a 90% guarantee regarding Marcus and Luke that we can have them longer than a month', Bayliss said. 'We're not going to be daft, we're not going to leave ourselves wide open as regard numbers in the squad... We definitely want to bring one more player in but that will mean a couple of players have uncertain futures. We've told [captain] Paul Jones and Paul Tait that they've got to fight for their place now with players coming in. It's up to them now whether they want to stay and fight for their place or whether they want to go', he said...

The Bluebirds are now unlikely to pursue their interest in York City striker Richard Brodie, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Holker Street earlier this season. 'He's gone back to York and had a second reprieve and is on fire at the moment', Bayliss said. 'If we had a hell of a lot of money we could maybe get him away but we haven't. I spoke to him and he said he would have loved to stay at Barrow but he's contracted there for this season and next. But I believe we've got an even better player in Wayne Curtis at the moment'".

FA CUP DRAW

DAVID BURNS

David is pictured right in May 2008, presenting Altrincham FC Youth team captain, Jack Kimber, with his Clubman of the Year award.

"David Burns, the former chief executive of The Football League and a director at Altrincham Football Club has died aged 52. Mr Burns, of Hale, died last Friday after a two-year battle against stomach cancer. The successful businessman, who began his career as a lawyer, joined the Altrincham board in May last year and until recently was also chief executive of the Chill Factor-e indoor ski complex near the Trafford Centre.

He was chief executive of The Football League from 2000-02, steering the league through troubled times following the collapse of the ITV Digital deal. A keen Sheffield Wednesday supporter, Mr Burns' career also included roles as accommodation chief executive of Airtours for 13 years and managing director of the Travelsphere Group, which included the Page & Moy company.

He was diagnosed with stomach cancer shortly before his 50th birthday. He leaves his wife Jane, daughter Annabel, 16, and son Roddy, 14. Mrs Burns, 50, said: 'David lived life absolutely to the fullest - he must have crammed at least 70 years into 50. All the times we had with him were happy and you couldn't ask for a more vibrant, enthusiastic and loving husband and dad. He loved football. Sheffield Wednesday was his team but it didn't always matter who was playing, he'd go and watch it. He just had a passion for life'.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week. Grahame Rowley, Altrincham FC vice-chairman, said: 'David made a major contribution to Altrincham FC through his financial expertise and exceptionally sound business acumen. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jane and her family at this sad time. He will be greatly missed at Moss Lane'".

Originally from Scotland, David moved to Hale with Jane 17 years ago. John Nagle, of The Football League, said: 'We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of our former chief executive David Burns... He was always a passionate football man'".

OLD BOY

NEXT OPPONENTS

MATCHDAY REPORTS

THE CURSE OF PLAYING ALTY

Today, Mark Cooper the Kettering boss must be the most worried manager in the Blue Square Premier as he realizes that Altrincham are in the middle of a run of seven successive fixtures against clubs who have just changed their managers - Northwich (two scheduled games), York (two games), Mansfield, Oxford and Burton. Alty's eighth match in the sequence is away at Kettering!

The Burton Mail earlier reported that "The Burton Albion boss will leave the Pirelli Stadium after 10 years in charge to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, Brian, with The Rams. His appointment will come just a day before Derby take on Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg. Clough will leave Albion just as the club is on the cusp of breaking the all-time Conference record of 11 straight wins".

The Independent adds that "Derby had planned to delay the announcement until after the visit of Manchester United tomorrow for the Carling Cup semi-final first leg and it is expected that caretaker manager Chris Hutchings will still be in charge for that match. However, it now seems Clough's third game in charge will be at Pride Park for the second leg against Sir Alex Ferguson... It will be a significant move for Clough, 42, whose father won the title with Derby in 1972 and led them to the semi-finals of the European Cup the following year. Nigel, who has two young children, has often cited the lifestyle benefits of staying at Burton over moving to a professional club. It is unclear whether Burton, who are currently 13 points clear at the top of their division, will be entitled to compensation – they have a gentleman's agreement with Clough rather than a contract... Burton [were supposed to] play Torquay United tonight [Tuesday] and if they win the match they will break the old Conference record for the most consecutive wins –12 in a row... In a unlikely historic parallel, Brian's first season at Derby, in 1967-68, finished with them also in 18th position in English football's second tier. Having saved them from relegation with assistant Peter Taylor he went about building a new side, including the signing of Dave McKay from Tottenham. After promotion Derby won the league in 1972. Clough eventually left in October 1973 after a series of fallouts with chairman Sam Longson".

MIDWEEK GAMES

BSP NEWS

"Forest Green manager Jim Harvey has a major defensive crisis on his hands after Darran Kempson decided to return to parent club Wrexham after completing his loan spell at The New Lawn. The defender had discussed the possibility of staying with the Blue Square Premier outfit, but has now chosen to hold out for offers from clubs in the higher divisions. 'Darran's future is up in the air and he has gone back to Wrexham to try and sort it out', said Harvey told This is Gloucestershire. 'He'll be looking for a Football League club if he can get one, so I don't expect to see him back here'. Kempson is not the only player missing for the Rovers boss. Darren Jones is suspended, John Hardiker and Ben Ashford are both out through injury and Lee Ayres is currently cup-tied... The absentees leave Harvey with only one recognised defender in Mark Preece and the manager is considering a move into the transfer market... 'John Hardiker is probably within a fortnight of returning and Ben Ashford is improving, so we should be okay in the longer term'" said the manager. He added: "Hopefully a few of the 4,836 who showed up against Derby have now been bitten by the bug and will be back for more, as we can still reach Wembley this season".

"Mansfield boss David Holdsworth has snapped up the services of former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Alan Marriott. The 30-year-old, who will join Mansfield until the end of the season, becomes the Stags boss' second signing since taking over at Field Mill. The experienced goalkeeper spent nine years in the Football League as Lincoln City's No.1, reaching the play-offs with them in five consecutive seasons. In 2007/08 he became the first goalkeeper in Lincoln's history to keep 100 clean sheets in the Football League. Marriot joined Rushden & Diamonds in July 2008 and made 12 appearances at the Nene Park club" reports BS Football.

According to NL Daily "Barrow have allowed midfielder Luke Joyce to return to his parent club Carlisle United after his loan spell at Holker Street and will release two players later this week with another two placed on the transfer list". And from the BBC we learn that "Barrow have completed the signing of Bradford City midfielder Luke Sharry on a one-month loan deal. The Bluebirds beat off several clubs to sign the 18-year-old... We know we need to make changes for this league and we will do that', joint-manager Dave Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria...The signing of Sharry is likely to be the final piece of transfer activity of the January window. Bayliss said: 'We don't want to rip the team apart, we just want to make a few adjustments... I'm confident with the players we are getting in we know we won't be in the bottom four come the end of the season'. Bayliss will also inform which players are set to leave after training on Tuesday night.

'We threatened changes a few weeks back and I don't think people gave us credit that we would go through with it. But we've proved that we will drop people and make changes. The lads were superb on Saturday but one game doesn't make a season'. Bayliss has also indicated that the team could be set to change their formation in the coming weeks. The Bluebirds lost right-back Mike Pearson to a double leg-break in the Middlesbrough defeat but Bayliss said a like-for-like replacement is not guaranteed. 'We were thinking about changing our shape any way', he said. 'Mike probably would have been playing in the middle of a back-three but I think the changes will be forced upon us now'".

The Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Kettering Town's clash with Fulham will not be screened live on television. The matches between Derby County and Nottingham Forest, Hartlepool and West Ham United, Manchester Unit

"Kettering Town hitman Chris Beardsley has returned to Rockingham Road from his loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers. The Poppies called for the 24-year-old to return to the club just before his month long loan spell at the Aggborough club had come to an end" according to Blue Square Football

OXFORD TRIP

WEIGHTY MATTERS

Without giving away any secrets, their weights arranged in random order are 13st 8lbs, 12st 13lbs, 19st 8lbs, 15st 6lbs, 19st, 18st 1lb, 15st, 15st 5lbs, 15st. Good luck to all concerned!

NO "NICE BOYS" AT MANSFIELD

"Goalkeeper Paddy Gamble is returning to Nottingham Forest following a five-month loan spell at Mansfield Town... Stags' boss David Holdsworth said: 'I would to thank Nottingham Forest for letting us have Paddy but I think it is a situation where we need to bring in a bit more experience'. It leaves Mansfield without a keeper as Jason White is injured and Luke Herriott ill, but Holdsworth is confident of finding one, if not two keepers, before the weekend. Holdsworth has made his first signing, bringing in midfielder Curtis Woodhouse on loan for the rest of the season from Rushden and Diamonds... Woodhouse has one welterweight fight in Liverpool in March, but Holdsworth feels he has found an ideal first part of the jigsaw. 'He's a rat in the nicest possible way in that he gets in and around people', he said. 'I'm not into nice boys. They can play tippy tappy football, but you needs fighters when you are in the position we are in. He's got one boxing fight in March and we have to accept that and we will with him to help him'.

Woodhouse himself also feels the arrangement can work and feels the less amount of time he will spend on the road will help. He said: 'The thing I was struggling with was the travelling because I was spending two-and-a-half hours there and back including my boxing training at Rotherham. Now it is only about 45 minutes from home (in Hull), which makes it a lot easier. This is the first team since I have signed for Hull City that I have been really excited about moving to another club. I think there are going to be exciting times and I am glad to be part of it. David (Holdsworth) is very ambitious and that's something I like in people. When you work with people like that it tends to rub off on you'. But Woodhouse, 28, will not be available to play Altrincham on Saturday as he serves a suspension for five bookings".

Mansfield Town report that "Goalkeeper Paddy Gamble has returned to parent club Nottingham Forest following a five month stay with us on loan. The 20 year old made 28 appearances for us". Meanwhile, "Undefeated welterweight boxer Curtis Woodhouse has signed for us until the end of the season. Woodhouse, 28, becomes David Holdsworth's first capture as manager. The 5ft 8ins midfielder joins us from Rushden and Diamonds, where he was appointed club captain at the start of this season. He has made over 350 appearances for seven different clubs. During that time, Birmingham City paid Sheffield United £1m for his services in 2001. In September 2006, Curtis left football and opted for a career in boxing. He has since won 9 out of 9 fights, and still aims to be British Champion. He re-joined the beautiful game in November 2006, signing for Rushden and Diamonds, where he has been able to combine a career in boxing and football. On his arrival at Field Mill he exclusively told mansfieldtown.net: 'I'm an all action player - I like to get up and down the pitch and get a few tackles in... If Mansfield want somebody to fight until the end of the season then they've brought the right man in'. Curtis has his own fans' group on the social network website facebook, with currently 290 members".

The referee for Alty's game at Mansfield on Saturday is Mr R. J. Madley from Ossett in West Yorkshire. He officiated at Alty's 1-0 win over Lewes earlier this season.

BSP NEWS

The Daily Post quotes Wrexham manager Dean Saunders: "'Kyle is not fit enough at present to get into my team so the time with York will do him some good. I want him to get some matches under his belt and we’ll review the situation in a month’s time'. Saunders also confirmed that Nat Brown’s loan at Macclesfield Town has been extended for the remainder of the season, although Darran Kempson and Simon Brown are back at Wrexham after spells with Forest Green Rovers and Rushden & Diamonds respectively".

"Huddersfield Town's Tom Denton and Simon Eastwood will stay on loan at Woking until 1 February. The pair, both 19, have featured regularly for the first team since arriving... at the end of November". Goalkeeper Eastwood has played in the Cards' last six games while striker Denton has scored twice in seven games" states the BBC.

From the NW Evening Mail we learn that "Barrow AFC manager Dave Bayliss says the money made from this year’s FA Cup run will give the club a better chance of going full-time next season. The Bluebirds’ coffers look set to be swelled by an estimated £200,000-plus following a run which culminated in a big pay day at Premiership Middlesbrough. Bayliss said: 'There were 25,000 there on Saturday. That’s given us a massive boost in what we want to achieve in going full-time next year. The income we’ve generated will go a long way towards that'. Barrow are currently one of only a

Saturday’s attendance of 25,132 at the Riverside is the biggest-ever crowd Barrow have played in front of as a non-league club. It is also thought to be one of the top five attendances ever recorded for a game involving the Bluebirds. Bayliss added: 'Considering our average gate is about 1,500, hopefully some of those supporters have seen something out there today and will think "we’ll have a go and we’ll go and watch the local side". That’s all we can ask for, that they be fair to us and they just come and watch us a little bit more often. That will give us the finances that we need to go and be full-time nest year. Those lads only train for two hours a week, so to put on a show like that was phenomenal'".

"Daryl McMahon is set to become Cambridge United's first signing of the transfer window" claims the Cambridge News. "It is believed the 25-year-old Stevenage midfielder is on the verge of joining United after being put on the transfer list by Borough two months ago. Former Republic of Ireland youth international McMahon came through the youth ranks with West Ham, but joined Port Vale after being released five years ago. He soon moved on to Leyton Orient before switching to Stevenage in 2007, but has struggled to nail down a place this season following the arrival of Graham Westley as manager".

Rumours of another Cambridge acquisition have been denied in the Surrey Advertiser which reports that "Woking chairman David Taylor has refuted suggestions that a deal has already been done to sell Tom Hutchinson to Cambridge United. Hutchinson, the club’s highest wage earner among Phil Gilchrist’s squad, is still three weeks away from playing again after a knee operation, and Taylor insists there is no sub-plot as far as the Cards’ club skipper is concerned. 'I can say that the story of a deal being done is not true as far as we are concerned', said Taylor. 'Tom is in the same situation as every player at the club. In the situation we are in financially, if an offer came in for him, or any of the squad, we would consider the situation. Until that happens there is nothing to report'”.

From Sussex, the Argus says that "Crawley boss Steve Evans has told skipper Chris Giles that he still has a part to play in their Conference promotion push. Giles is unlikely to play again until February while he recovers from a ruptured appendix. It’s the latest in a series of frustrating setbacks for the 26-year-old defender, who rejoined Reds in the summer from Forest Green Rovers. Giles has only started nine league games because of injury or illness and could be out for another six weeks... Meanwhile, assistant manager Paul Raynor expects there to be movement in and out of the club during the January transfer window. Defender Brad Thomas is staying with King’s Lynn until the end of the season after initially joining on loan in October. And Raynor says Reds are 'just waiting to push the button' on a number of deals".

Crawley Town themselves report that "Manager Steve Evans has confirmed that a bid for Woking winger Matt Pattison has been turned down. The Reds made an offer for the Woking player over the weekend but that bid has been rejected... Team boss Evans said: 'They have said they want a sum for him that is ludicrous in today's football market but they are entitled to value him at whatever price they see fit. We will continue to monitor the lad's performances as part of an exercise that we do with all players that attract our attention. Money everywhere in football is very tight and we thought we made what we consider to be a good offer considering the lad is out of contract in the summer'. Evans refused to confirm or deny whether the Reds would increase the offer for Pattison".

DAVID BURNS

David is pictured right in May 2008, presenting Altrincham FC Youth team captain, Jack Kimber, with his Clubman of the Year award.

"David Burns, the former chief executive of The Football League and a director at Altrincham Football Club has died aged 52. Mr Burns, of Hale, died last Friday after a two-year battle against stomach cancer. The successful businessman, who began his career as a lawyer, joined the Altrincham board in May last year and until recently was also chief executive of the Chill Factor-e indoor ski complex near the Trafford Centre.

He was chief executive of The Football League from 2000-02, steering the league through troubled times following the collapse of the ITV Digital deal. A keen Sheffield Wednesday supporter, Mr Burns' career also included roles as accommodation chief executive of Airtours for 13 years and managing director of the Travelsphere Group, which included the Page & Moy company.

He was diagnosed with stomach cancer shortly before his 50th birthday. He leaves his wife Jane, daughter Annabel, 16, and son Roddy, 14. Mrs Burns, 50, said: 'David lived life absolutely to the fullest - he must have crammed at least 70 years into 50. All the times we had with him were happy and you couldn't ask for a more vibrant, enthusiastic and loving husband and dad. He loved football. Sheffield Wednesday was his team but it didn't always matter who was playing, he'd go and watch it. He just had a passion for life'.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week. Grahame Rowley, Altrincham FC vice-chairman, said: 'David made a major contribution to Altrincham FC through his financial expertise and exceptionally sound business acumen. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Jane and her family at this sad time. He will be greatly missed at Moss Lane'".

Originally from Scotland, David moved to Hale with Jane 17 years ago. John Nagle, of The Football League, said: 'We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of our former chief executive David Burns... He was always a passionate football man'".

OLD BOY

NEXT OPPONENTS

MATCHDAY REPORTS

THE CURSE OF PLAYING ALTY

Today, Mark Cooper the Kettering boss must be the most worried manager in the Blue Square Premier as he realizes that Altrincham are in the middle of a run of seven successive fixtures against clubs who have just changed their managers - Northwich (two scheduled games), York (two games), Mansfield, Oxford and Burton. Alty's eighth match in the sequence is away at Kettering!

The Burton Mail earlier reported that "The Burton Albion boss will leave the Pirelli Stadium after 10 years in charge to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, Brian, with The Rams. His appointment will come just a day before Derby take on Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg. Clough will leave Albion just as the club is on the cusp of breaking the all-time Conference record of 11 straight wins".

The Independent adds that "Derby had planned to delay the announcement until after the visit of Manchester United tomorrow for the Carling Cup semi-final first leg and it is expected that caretaker manager Chris Hutchings will still be in charge for that match. However, it now seems Clough's third game in charge will be at Pride Park for the second leg against Sir Alex Ferguson... It will be a significant move for Clough, 42, whose father won the title with Derby in 1972 and led them to the semi-finals of the European Cup the following year. Nigel, who has two young children, has often cited the lifestyle benefits of staying at Burton over moving to a professional club. It is unclear whether Burton, who are currently 13 points clear at the top of their division, will be entitled to compensation – they have a gentleman's agreement with Clough rather than a contract... Burton [were supposed to] play Torquay United tonight [Tuesday] and if they win the match they will break the old Conference record for the most consecutive wins –12 in a row... In a unlikely historic parallel, Brian's first season at Derby, in 1967-68, finished with them also in 18th position in English football's second tier. Having saved them from relegation with assistant Peter Taylor he went about building a new side, including the signing of Dave McKay from Tottenham. After promotion Derby won the league in 1972. Clough eventually left in October 1973 after a series of fallouts with chairman Sam Longson".

MIDWEEK GAMES

BSP NEWS

"Forest Green manager Jim Harvey has a major defensive crisis on his hands after Darran Kempson decided to return to parent club Wrexham after completing his loan spell at The New Lawn. The defender had discussed the possibility of staying with the Blue Square Premier outfit, but has now chosen to hold out for offers from clubs in the higher divisions. 'Darran's future is up in the air and he has gone back to Wrexham to try and sort it out', said Harvey told This is Gloucestershire. 'He'll be looking for a Football League club if he can get one, so I don't expect to see him back here'. Kempson is not the only player missing for the Rovers boss. Darren Jones is suspended, John Hardiker and Ben Ashford are both out through injury and Lee Ayres is currently cup-tied... The absentees leave Harvey with only one recognised defender in Mark Preece and the manager is considering a move into the transfer market... 'John Hardiker is probably within a fortnight of returning and Ben Ashford is improving, so we should be okay in the longer term'" said the manager. He added: "Hopefully a few of the 4,836 who showed up against Derby have now been bitten by the bug and will be back for more, as we can still reach Wembley this season".

"Mansfield boss David Holdsworth has snapped up the services of former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Alan Marriott. The 30-year-old, who will join Mansfield until the end of the season, becomes the Stags boss' second signing since taking over at Field Mill. The experienced goalkeeper spent nine years in the Football League as Lincoln City's No.1, reaching the play-offs with them in five consecutive seasons. In 2007/08 he became the first goalkeeper in Lincoln's history to keep 100 clean sheets in the Football League. Marriot joined Rushden & Diamonds in July 2008 and made 12 appearances at the Nene Park club" reports BS Football.

According to NL Daily "Barrow have allowed midfielder Luke Joyce to return to his parent club Carlisle United after his loan spell at Holker Street and will release two players later this week with another two placed on the transfer list". And from the BBC we learn that "Barrow have completed the signing of Bradford City midfielder Luke Sharry on a one-month loan deal. The Bluebirds beat off several clubs to sign the 18-year-old... We know we need to make changes for this league and we will do that', joint-manager Dave Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria...The signing of Sharry is likely to be the final piece of transfer activity of the January window. Bayliss said: 'We don't want to rip the team apart, we just want to make a few adjustments... I'm confident with the players we are getting in we know we won't be in the bottom four come the end of the season'. Bayliss will also inform which players are set to leave after training on Tuesday night.

'We threatened changes a few weeks back and I don't think people gave us credit that we would go through with it. But we've proved that we will drop people and make changes. The lads were superb on Saturday but one game doesn't make a season'. Bayliss has also indicated that the team could be set to change their formation in the coming weeks. The Bluebirds lost right-back Mike Pearson to a double leg-break in the Middlesbrough defeat but Bayliss said a like-for-like replacement is not guaranteed. 'We were thinking about changing our shape any way', he said. 'Mike probably would have been playing in the middle of a back-three but I think the changes will be forced upon us now'".

The Northants Evening Telegraph says that "Kettering Town's clash with Fulham will not be screened live on television. The matches between Derby County and Nottingham Forest, Hartlepool and West Ham United, Manchester Unit

"Kettering Town hitman Chris Beardsley has returned to Rockingham Road from his loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers. The Poppies called for the 24-year-old to return to the club just before his month long loan spell at the Aggborough club had come to an end" according to Blue Square Football

OXFORD TRIP

WEIGHTY MATTERS

Without giving away any secrets, their weights arranged in random order are 13st 8lbs, 12st 13lbs, 19st 8lbs, 15st 6lbs, 19st, 18st 1lb, 15st, 15st 5lbs, 15st. Good luck to all concerned!

NO "NICE BOYS" AT MANSFIELD

"Goalkeeper Paddy Gamble is returning to Nottingham Forest following a five-month loan spell at Mansfield Town... Stags' boss David Holdsworth said: 'I would to thank Nottingham Forest for letting us have Paddy but I think it is a situation where we need to bring in a bit more experience'. It leaves Mansfield without a keeper as Jason White is injured and Luke Herriott ill, but Holdsworth is confident of finding one, if not two keepers, before the weekend. Holdsworth has made his first signing, bringing in midfielder Curtis Woodhouse on loan for the rest of the season from Rushden and Diamonds... Woodhouse has one welterweight fight in Liverpool in March, but Holdsworth feels he has found an ideal first part of the jigsaw. 'He's a rat in the nicest possible way in that he gets in and around people', he said. 'I'm not into nice boys. They can play tippy tappy football, but you needs fighters when you are in the position we are in. He's got one boxing fight in March and we have to accept that and we will with him to help him'.

Woodhouse himself also feels the arrangement can work and feels the less amount of time he will spend on the road will help. He said: 'The thing I was struggling with was the travelling because I was spending two-and-a-half hours there and back including my boxing training at Rotherham. Now it is only about 45 minutes from home (in Hull), which makes it a lot easier. This is the first team since I have signed for Hull City that I have been really excited about moving to another club. I think there are going to be exciting times and I am glad to be part of it. David (Holdsworth) is very ambitious and that's something I like in people. When you work with people like that it tends to rub off on you'. But Woodhouse, 28, will not be available to play Altrincham on Saturday as he serves a suspension for five bookings".

Mansfield Town report that "Goalkeeper Paddy Gamble has returned to parent club Nottingham Forest following a five month stay with us on loan. The 20 year old made 28 appearances for us". Meanwhile, "Undefeated welterweight boxer Curtis Woodhouse has signed for us until the end of the season. Woodhouse, 28, becomes David Holdsworth's first capture as manager. The 5ft 8ins midfielder joins us from Rushden and Diamonds, where he was appointed club captain at the start of this season. He has made over 350 appearances for seven different clubs. During that time, Birmingham City paid Sheffield United £1m for his services in 2001. In September 2006, Curtis left football and opted for a career in boxing. He has since won 9 out of 9 fights, and still aims to be British Champion. He re-joined the beautiful game in November 2006, signing for Rushden and Diamonds, where he has been able to combine a career in boxing and football. On his arrival at Field Mill he exclusively told mansfieldtown.net: 'I'm an all action player - I like to get up and down the pitch and get a few tackles in... If Mansfield want somebody to fight until the end of the season then they've brought the right man in'. Curtis has his own fans' group on the social network website facebook, with currently 290 members".

The referee for Alty's game at Mansfield on Saturday is Mr R. J. Madley from Ossett in West Yorkshire. He officiated at Alty's 1-0 win over Lewes earlier this season.

BSP NEWS

The Daily Post quotes Wrexham manager Dean Saunders: "'Kyle is not fit enough at present to get into my team so the time with York will do him some good. I want him to get some matches under his belt and we’ll review the situation in a month’s time'. Saunders also confirmed that Nat Brown’s loan at Macclesfield Town has been extended for the remainder of the season, although Darran Kempson and Simon Brown are back at Wrexham after spells with Forest Green Rovers and Rushden & Diamonds respectively".

"Huddersfield Town's Tom Denton and Simon Eastwood will stay on loan at Woking until 1 February. The pair, both 19, have featured regularly for the first team since arriving... at the end of November". Goalkeeper Eastwood has played in the Cards' last six games while striker Denton has scored twice in seven games" states the BBC.

From the NW Evening Mail we learn that "Barrow AFC manager Dave Bayliss says the money made from this year’s FA Cup run will give the club a better chance of going full-time next season. The Bluebirds’ coffers look set to be swelled by an estimated £200,000-plus following a run which culminated in a big pay day at Premiership Middlesbrough. Bayliss said: 'There were 25,000 there on Saturday. That’s given us a massive boost in what we want to achieve in going full-time next year. The income we’ve generated will go a long way towards that'. Barrow are currently one of only a

Saturday’s attendance of 25,132 at the Riverside is the biggest-ever crowd Barrow have played in front of as a non-league club. It is also thought to be one of the top five attendances ever recorded for a game involving the Bluebirds. Bayliss added: 'Considering our average gate is about 1,500, hopefully some of those supporters have seen something out there today and will think "we’ll have a go and we’ll go and watch the local side". That’s all we can ask for, that they be fair to us and they just come and watch us a little bit more often. That will give us the finances that we need to go and be full-time nest year. Those lads only train for two hours a week, so to put on a show like that was phenomenal'".

"Daryl McMahon is set to become Cambridge United's first signing of the transfer window" claims the Cambridge News. "It is believed the 25-year-old Stevenage midfielder is on the verge of joining United after being put on the transfer list by Borough two months ago. Former Republic of Ireland youth international McMahon came through the youth ranks with West Ham, but joined Port Vale after being released five years ago. He soon moved on to Leyton Orient before switching to Stevenage in 2007, but has struggled to nail down a place this season following the arrival of Graham Westley as manager".

Rumours of another Cambridge acquisition have been denied in the Surrey Advertiser which reports that "Woking chairman David Taylor has refuted suggestions that a deal has already been done to sell Tom Hutchinson to Cambridge United. Hutchinson, the club’s highest wage earner among Phil Gilchrist’s squad, is still three weeks away from playing again after a knee operation, and Taylor insists there is no sub-plot as far as the Cards’ club skipper is concerned. 'I can say that the story of a deal being done is not true as far as we are concerned', said Taylor. 'Tom is in the same situation as every player at the club. In the situation we are in financially, if an offer came in for him, or any of the squad, we would consider the situation. Until that happens there is nothing to report'”.

From Sussex, the Argus says that "Crawley boss Steve Evans has told skipper Chris Giles that he still has a part to play in their Conference promotion push. Giles is unlikely to play again until February while he recovers from a ruptured appendix. It’s the latest in a series of frustrating setbacks for the 26-year-old defender, who rejoined Reds in the summer from Forest Green Rovers. Giles has only started nine league games because of injury or illness and could be out for another six weeks... Meanwhile, assistant manager Paul Raynor expects there to be movement in and out of the club during the January transfer window. Defender Brad Thomas is staying with King’s Lynn until the end of the season after initially joining on loan in October. And Raynor says Reds are 'just waiting to push the button' on a number of deals".

Crawley Town themselves report that "Manager Steve Evans has confirmed that a bid for Woking winger Matt Pattison has been turned down. The Reds made an offer for the Woking player over the weekend but that bid has been rejected... Team boss Evans said: 'They have said they want a sum for him that is ludicrous in today's football market but they are entitled to value him at whatever price they see fit. We will continue to monitor the lad's performances as part of an exercise that we do with all players that attract our attention. Money everywhere in football is very tight and we thought we made what we consider to be a good offer considering the lad is out of contract in the summer'. Evans refused to confirm or deny whether the Reds would increase the offer for Pattison".

GAMES RE-ARRANGED

The Northwich Vics and Torquay United home games have yet to be re-arranged, but the away match with Burton Albion has been moved from Tuesday, 24th February to Saturday 24th January at 3pm. As things stand Alty now have a run of seven away games in the eight league fixtures from the start of December 2008 to 24 January, 2009.

ALTY PRAISED

And in NL Today, John Moules, former chief of the Conference and now chairman at Ebbsfleet, adds "Altrincham boss Graham Heathcote has done wonders in the Blue Square Premier this season, considering his players are part-time and on a limited budget".

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

We concentrated on three key areas...

1. Finances at this period of time remain manageable but difficult. We must continue to keep control of our expenditure and trade with what is affordable...
2. The team manager, his staff and players deserve enormous credit for delivering us to date a highly successful season. Steve Evans can look to strengthen the squad within the budgeted numbers we discussed.
3. In respect of The Football Conference investigation into us fielding an ineligible player, we will work diligently and cooperate fully with that said investigation. We have seen it falsely reported that we could face a huge points deduction, that simply is NOT true. I have heard we are losing 29 points and that is a total fabricated rumour. Any points deduction no matter how small, is not acceptable but please wait until the investigation has been concluded before listening to rumours. The player concerned will remain confidential but I stress it was not the boy [Lewis] Killeen. So I am sorry to disappoint the individual spreading that name around".

From Eastbourne Borough we learn that "Jeff Goulding has returned to Bournemouth following his loan".

According to the BBC "Barrow joint-boss Dave Bayliss has confirmed that defender Mike Pearson will still be at the club next season. Pearson, who is on non-contract terms, is ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a double leg-break in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough. 'The club have assured us that they will look after Mike', Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria... 'He will be a part of our squad next season... He spent Saturday night in hospital and will undergo surgery... We're gutted for him. You couldn't meet a nicer lad and it really put a dent in the day for us. He was also due to start a new job but that is not going to happen for him now so I really feel for the lad'.

Barrow have completed the signing of Rochdale defender Marcus Holness on a one-month loan deal. The 20-year-old central defender began his career with Oldham Athletic where he captained the club's youth side. He spent spells on loan at Ossett Town and Rochdale before making a permanent switch to Spotland in January 2008. The Bluebirds are also set to complete the signing of former Carlisle United and Gretna winger Brendan McGill. Dublin-born McGill, 28, started his career with Sunderland before a four-year spell at Brunton Park where he made 132 appearances, scoring 17 times. He moved to Gretna in 2006 and made several appearances in their ill-fated SPL season... McGill has recently been playing for Bohemians in Ireland after turning down the chance to join York City during the summer".

The Mid-Cheshire Chronicle reports that manager "Steve King has pledged his allegiance to Northwich Vics – despite being offered contracts by two rival clubs. King... says that despite the club’s worrying financial situation and the team’s position at the bottom of the Blue Square Premier, he will stay at the club and lead the fight for survival. King denied he was interested in a move back to his former club Lewes last month... He said: 'I have come here for the long-term. It’s not a short-term fix. I could have gone but I haven’t and people need to be mindful of that. I was approached two weeks ago by two clubs in this league. One is a team in a similar position to us and one was a team much higher up. Coming here has opened my eyes unbelievably and has been a real baptism but I am looking at the long-term future of the club and the team so I hope that supporters will back what we are trying to do. I have given my word to Jim Rushe that I will stand by him because he has been completely straight with me'...

The new manager is yet to taste victory in the seven league games he has been in charge... 'You can’t judge a manager on seven games', said King. 'The team have been in the same position for the past two years. It is no coincidence. All the players I have brought to the club have won man-of-the-match awards but even they need time to bed in and gel with the team. The quality has to be there, but in some departments we have not got that. I am hoping to put my stamp on things in the January transfer window and hopefully we’ll get a couple of wins under our belt'".

MANSFIELD TIMES

FORMER ALTY PLAYER DIES

Ian was the Manchester United defender on the goal line when Goalkeeper Harry Gregg was controversially bundled into the net by Bolton's Nat Lofthouse in the 1958 FA Cup Final. Ian went on to play for Altrincham in 1963-64 season. The programme for the Altrincham FA Cup tie with Wrexham in November 1963 says, "Ian Greaves, a great full-back. Feels much more at home since his switch from the left flank. His experience with league clubs Manchester United and Oldham proved a great asset to the team. Holder of a Cup medal gained in the 1958 final".

Ironically two of the Bolton players playing against Ian in that 1958 FA Cup Final also became Alty players in the early sixties; they were defender Tommy Banks and John Higgins, who is described in the same programme mentioned above as "The greatest club captain to be at Moss Lane".

REVIEW OF 2008

OLD BOYS

NL Daily reports that after their recent signing of Alty trialist Conall Murtagh, Welsh Premier side TNS have "signed Saint Kitts and Nevis under-20 international striker Matthew Berkeley. The Manchester-born 21-year-old arrives at Park Hall from Hyde United, but began his career with Gretna, spending nine games on loan at another Blue Square North side Workington in 2006... In 2007, he joined Altrincham but, after making just three Blue Square Premier appearances, re-signed for Workington. Berkeley was linked with a move to Bury after scoring against them in the FA Cup First Round, before moving to Droylsden, Leigh Genesis, Mossley and Hyde".

YOUTH GAME OFF

BSP NEWS

DAVID BURNS

Funeral arrangements will be announced next week.

The Altrincham FC website would like to add its own condolences to David's family. Though a highly successful businessman, David was always an approachable and modest man, without airs and graces. A lawyer by profession, he joined the Altrincham FC board at the end of May 2007, having been chief executive of the Football League from 2000-02. During that time he had to deal with the collapse of the ITV Digital television deal which affected the finances of many Football League clubs in a major way.

David's business career included roles as Accommodation Chief Executive of the Airtours travel company in its boom years and as managing director of the Travelsphere Group, which included the famous Page & Moy company. In 2008 he became the chief executive of the Chill Factore, a new indoor ski and leisure complex, built next to the M60 motorway near the Trafford Centre.

Sadly, in May 2006, just before his 50th birthday, David was diagnosed with stomach cancer against which he had battled with great determination for the past two and a half years. He will be greatly missed at Moss Lane.

ANOTHER ALTY GAME OFF

RESULTS

Saturday, 3rd January

NL CLUBS IN FA CUP

ALTERNATIVES

One match that is currently still on (Sat. morning) is on the artificial pitch at Woodley Sports, where Kendal Town are the visitors. But check before travelling...

NEW YEAR'S DAY RAFFLE

Following the postponement of yesterday's scheduled fixture with Northwich Victoria, the draw for the New Year's Day Raffle will take place at 5.30pm in the Noel White Suite, after our next home Blue Square Premier fixture against Torquay United on Saturday January 24th.

Ticket Sales currently stand at £1,386 which represents an excellent effort. TASC set an objective of selling £2,000 worth of tickets which means that we need to bring in another £614 between now and January 24th. We have actually broken the back of this and with one final big effort we can cross the line here!

If you have any unsold tickets, please do your level best to sell them, however if there are any remaining, please return them to the club by January 24th.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us get where we are already and with your continued energy behind this, we can break that £2,000 threshold.

RECYCLE YOUR PHONE

Don't throw away your old mobile phones!!!

Further to a suggestion from Pete Hughes, TASC will be carrying out a collection of used mobile phones which will be recycled for cash. So if you have received a bright new mobile for Christmas or have an old mobile just lying around gathering dust, please hold on to it and we will shortly announce arrangements for how you can drop it off and raise further cash for Altrincham Football Club.

JAY'S PROGRESS

BSP NEWS

"Burton Albion forward Shaun Harrad has won the Blue Square Premier `Player of the Month` award for December. Harrad scored four valuable league goals for Nigel Clough’s table-toppers during the period".

Meanwhile, the Northwich Guardian says that "A third bidder is set to make an offer for Northwich Victoria’s home patch. Jim Rushe told the Guardian he has been approached by a firm hoping to turn the nine-acre site into a modern sports village. The Marston’s Arena would be its centrepiece. 'It’s a very interesting proposal', he said. 'They’ve been to have a look at the stadium and they believe their vision can work here'. Rushe did not reveal the name of the mystery bidders, saying only that they were based in the north east of England. They want him to withdraw his interest and back their plan, which would see both the club and stadium change owners. Both would remain separate entities.

Should that happen then Vics’ owner will get back the £250,000 he has invested in the Blue Square Premier club to date. Rushe would continue as chairman and the club as tenants of what he describes as ‘sympathetic landlord.’... He added. 'It’s always been my belief that for Vics to have a long-term future then the club needs to own its own ground and at the moment I’m still very much behind that'... Deloitte Touche, who took over the Marston’s Arena from landlord Beaconet Limited in October, now have a number of options. Rushe has been working hard putting together a consortium of his own over the past six weeks and the Guardian understands their seven-figure bid remains the highest one on the table. A rival offer from Manchester-based Summit Property Finance and Brokers also still stands...'At this point no offer for the Marston’s Arena has been accepted',said Jo Ouvry, co-head of PR at Deloitte".

From Rushden and Diamonds we learn that "Goalkeeper Dale Roberts, who has been on loan at Nene Park from Nottingham Forest, has today signed on contract for Rushden & Diamonds, through to 2011, following his transfer from the City Ground. Roberts signed on loan from Forest last season, making 19 appearances, including the Setanta Shield Final, then returning to the City Ground as the 2007/08 season drew to a close. This season Roberts signed on loan again in October 2008, as cover for Alan Marriott who was facing stomach surgery. Dale has made 18 appearances so far this season, conceding 22 times, with 5 clean sheets".

Whilst Northwich acquire players from their manager's old stomping ground in the south of England, the trend is reversed at Oxford United as, according to NL Daily, "Oxford United have signed centre back Shane Killock from Huddersfield and full back Adam Chapman from Sheffield United on one-month loan deals. The pair are new manager Chris Wilder's second and third signings as U's boss... 'We have a massive amount of injuries and the two we bring in will provide more competition', said Wilder. 'We get value for money and hopefully they will help us out over the next month'. Chapman, a Northern Ireland under-21 international, can play on the right or left side of defence or in the centre. Killock, who is also 19, has made one senior start for Huddersfield and has had loan spells at Hyde United and Harrogate Town in Blue Square North". Alty meet Oxford in mid-January.

"Cash-strapped Salisbury City have seen forward Andy Sandell complete a permanent move to Aldershot Town following a successful loan spell. Shots' defender Dave Winfield moves to the Ryamond McEnhill Stadium for a month in return. Sandell, who has signed until the end of the 2009/10 season, joined the Shots during November 2008 after the Wiltshire-based outfit reportedly suffered financial difficulties... Winfield... has previously spent time out on loan at Chertsey Town and Staines Town... Meanwhile, striker Matt Tubbs' move to AFC Bournemouth has fallen through following the club's decision to sack boss Jimmy Quinn. Tubbs had been on loan at Dean Court, scoring one goal in eight games, and Quinn wanted to sign him on a permanent basis" claims NL Daily.

"Torquay United have clinched the services of Bristol City striker Tristan Plummer on a short-term loan deal. The promising young marksman... Manager Paul Buckle said: 'Bristol boss Gary Johnson feels that he's ready for first-team football now'. Plummer is described as a speedy striker with silky skills and will have the chance to gain some valuable first-team experience at Plainmoor".

NL Daily also reports that "Northern Ireland under-21 international and Wrexham midfielder Conall Murtagh is set to join The New Saints. Murtagh made exactly fifty Welsh Premier appearances for Connah's Quay Nomads and Rhyl before a summer 2007 move to Wrexham on a two-year deal. He made just three Division Two appearances for Wrexham and spent part of his first season on loan at Droylsden. But he has been unable to make an impact at the Racecourse this term, despite recovering from viral meningitis... Murtagh, 23, started his career with Ballymena United and Crusaders before being spotted by Hearts... Following his release from Tynecastle, spent pre-season with Sligo Rovers and then played in the reserves at Altrincham after arriving in Manchester as a student".

Interesting news from the Chester Standard as "Stephen Vaughan revealed that Chester City FC had offered three players on loan to county neighbours Northwich Victoria. The Blues' club owner admitted he had spoken to the Blue Square Premier Division club and offered three players on loan terms. Vaughan said: 'I spoke to Jim Rush, the Northwich Victoria chairman, and told him we were prepared to release Tony Dinning, Paul Butler, and David Mannix, on loan to them and we would fully subsidise the deals'. Chester boss, Mark Wright, had sanctioned the move after revealing last month that Dinning and Mannix were not wanted by the club.

Wright was quoted as saying: 'I've told Tony Dinning that he won't play for us any more. He's not fit enough and he can't play the game I want him to play. Mannix is not wanted by me as certain things have gone on behind the scenes'... Dinning and Butler were involved in a dispute at the club with previous Blues' manager, Simon Davies, earlier this season... Mannix has only made one appearance for Chester since his move from Accrington Stanley in pre-season. He was hospitalised with facial injuries following an incident in October at Chester's training ground which has been investigated by police, and he has not featured in any Chester matches since.

Vaughan, who has not found a buyer for Chester City FC since he put the club up for sale, admitted... 'We need to be moving players out before anyone can come in. The club is losing money hand over fist and I am being continually criticised by some of our fans.... Chester City Football Club remains on the market but I have only received inquiries from three parties so far who have wasted my time, their time, and the football club's time. None of the three parties that have contacted me so far have any credibility or any real substance. I've put my heart and soul into Chester City Football Club and I've personally financed the club, but I can't even put an article in our match programme without being criticised by supporters. I'm now concentrating on selling the football club, but I'm waiting for the right buyer that can [take] Chester City forward'".

"Alan Lewer has agreed to remain as manager of Weymouth until the end of the season" confirms the BBC. "The former Forest Green boss had been in caretaker charge since November, following the sacking of John Hollins. Lewer told BBC Radio Solent: 'The club and fans need a bit of stability at this time'. Marcus Browning will stay on as Lewer's assistant and has also re-signed as a player for the Terras".

Meanwhile "Wrexham have extended the loan stays of Cardiff City teenage striker Jon Brown and Liverpool midfielder Ryan Flynn for another month".

According to The Argus "Eastbourne Borough boss Garry Wilson has thanked Plymouth after extending the loans of demon duo Ashley Barnes and Dan Smith. Barnes scored his fourth goal since signing at the end of November to send Borough on their way to completing a holiday derby double over Lewes... Wilson confirmed afterwards that Barnes and Smith would be staying for another month".

From the Crawley Observer we read that "A former Crawley Town FC midfielder suffering 'serious' head injuries after a punch up was drinking at a town centre pub. Paul Armstrong is being treated for a blood clot to the brain. Former fans' favourtie, now skipper of Eastbourne Borough FC, was hurt while out drinking with friends and family. Armstrong, a Red from 2003 to 2006, was in town after his side's 1-0 defeat to Crawley on Saturday (December 28). A Sussex Police spokesman confirmed the incident happened shortly after 8pm at the Brewery Shades pub. Armstrong was involved in an altercation that resulted in him being punched and falling to the ground".

The Thurrock Gazette says that "Following the pre-Christmas signing of Simon Overland, Grays have further increased their goalkeeping cover by adding Tottenham Hotspur reserve keeper Lee Butcher to their squad. The two new arrivals follow the departure of Spurs' David Button back to White Hart Lane after his loan spell expired following the game against Barrow. Leaving Grays Athletic is midfielder, Dean McDonald".

"Garry Hill has urged Rushden & Diamonds' supporters to 'get behind the team through thick and thin'" reports the Northants Evening Telegraph. "The manager was angered by chants from supporters directed towards him and players during the Boxing Day defeat at Stevenage Borough... He said: 'I can understand the fans getting frustrated with the performances and results. They don't like what they see. But we don't plan to send the team out there to be under-achieving. Whatever their thoughts, we need the fans to rally around us and get behind the team. It's no secret that we haven't played well in the last few games since we lost Andy Burgess through injury. That was a big blow and everybody knows it. It shows how influential he is on the team and our displays. Now we've got to be determined and roll our sleeves up to get a good performance and result. We must all dig deep'... The squad will feature new signing Simon Downer who has previously played for Leyton Orient, Aldershot Town, Weymouth and Grays Athletic. Hill added: 'He's a good player who can operate at right-back or centre-half'... Hill confirmed loan signings Dale Roberts, Yannick Bolasie and Simon Brown are available until after Saturday's trip to Salisbury... However, Brown has been out of favour along with transfer-listed striker Lee Phillips who is expected to leave Nene Park soon. It also seems certain that Daryl Clare has already played his final game for Diamonds, having asked for a move closer to his family home in Lincolnshire".

Altrincham's next opponents are the subject of a report in This is Nottingham. "Mansfield defender James Kay has been rewarded for his breakthrough to the first team with an 18-month contract. The left-back came to Field Mill from Sheffield Wednesday during Billy McEwan's tenure as boss. But he failed to make a single first-team appearance under the Scot... However, when Mark Stallard and Adie Moses were appointed as joint caretaker managers, Kay was handed his senior debut... Since then he has seized his opportunity, showing himself to be a tenacious competitor and excellent crosser of the ball.

Chairman Andy Perry said he is hoping that he can also tie up the futures of other promising young players... 'If a good young player leaves for next to nothing and we haven't tried to get them on a decent contract then we haven't been doing our job properly'. The club have also confirmed Jason Truscott has joined as physio and Gavin Jones as sports scientist and nutritionist".

According to The Comet "Tommy Black has agreed to join Barnet on a short term deal after failing to make an impression at Broadhall Way. Boro boss Graham Westley has been told he must reduce the wage bill at the club and Black was told last week he is surplus to requirements... Boro chairman Phil Wallace warned last month the club must make cuts in order to ride out the recession and more departures are expected during the January transfer window. Iyseden Christie has agreed to make his loan move to Kettering Town permanent after making just two appearances for Boro since signing from Kidderminster in the summer. Boro are also determined to find buyers for transfer-listed duo John Martin and Daryl McMahon with the pair still believed to be interesting Grays".

The Press says that "The wage demands of Blue Square Premier players have 'shocked' York City manager Martin Foyle. Foyle is looking to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window... But the City chief believes the KitKat Crescent club could be priced out of the market for certain players, which means a move for big earners, such as unsettled Rushden and Diamonds’ striker Daryl Clare, is now unlikely. Foyle said: 'I’ve been shocked by some of the wages players are paid at this level. We’ve also been told that we will have to pay their wages in full if we take them on loan, which we can’t do, so we might have to beg, steal and borrow. The players that are available are normally unwanted ones as well, so we need to make sure they’ve played enough games. I won’t bring anybody here who isn’t fit'".

WELL DONE

BSP NEWS

Also for the BBC we learn that "Kettering Town have signed Dagenham & Redbridge winger Richard Graham on loan until the end of the season. The 29-year-old will be eligible to play in the FA Cup... Meanwhile, the Poppies have extended the loan deals of Peterborough's Alfie Potter and Watford's Dale Bennett until the end of the season. Forward Mark Rawle has been released by the club, while Chris Beardsley returns from a loan spell at Kidderminster".

According to the Cambridge News, "Gary Brabin is hopeful a deal can be done to keep Steven Drench at Cambridge United for the rest of the season. The 23-year-old keeper has been on loan from Southport since August, but his temporary deal is due to end today. Drench was Brabin's first signing for Southport after briefly taking charge at Haig Avenue during the summer before being appointed by United. And the Blue Square North side are keen to offload the former Morecambe keeper, who signed a full-time one-year deal just before the club decided to revert to semi-professional status. But with Brabin warned he has a tight budget to work with in the transfer window, Drench could be sent back to free up extra cash elsewhere. Drench has played just once for United, putting in a shaky performance as they lost 4-3 at Telford in the Setanta Shield two months ago. However, Brabin said that display was not a fair reflection of the custodian's quality and felt he could still push Danny Potter for the No 1 jersey if he stays. He said: 'It's important there are two keepers and I think Drenchy is getting the best out of Pottsy every day'".

The Argus reports that "Lewes gave a debut to new striker Josh Klein-Davies in [the] derby clash with Eastbourne Borough... The 19-year-old from Bristol Rovers started up front alongside teenager Fred Foreman as manager Kevin Keehan reverted to a 4-4-2 formation. Youth team striker Foreman... was making his first start for the Rooks. There was another new face on the Lewes bench in the shape of striker Jay Liburd, who has arrived from Braintree".

From the Northwich Guardian we learn that "Stevenage Borough have signed Mark Roberts for a four-figure fee. Vics will bank £5,000 for the defender's sale, made permanent today following an initial month-long loan. He has signed an 18-month contract at Broadhall Way. 'Mark has been an integral part of the club's six-game unbeaten run', read a statement on Boro's official website. The 25-year-old has still made more first team starts for Vics than anybody else this term. The Northwich-born stopper was picked 22 times before joining former manager Dino Maamria at Stevenage in November". Meanwhile Northwich are believed to have signed tough-tackling midfielder Jordan Hatfield from Macclesfield Town.

NEW YEAR'S DAY SCORES

ALTERNATIVES OFF TOO

HAPPY NEW YEAR

GAME OFF

The loss of television revenue from this game, which Setanta were to transmit live, makes it three major losses for the club in the last two months. Firstly, Luton refused to switch the FA Cup replay, which would have been televised live, costing the Altrincham £37,000 in lost TV fees; then FA Trophy results meant that our scheduled league game with Burton Albion could not be transmitted by Setanta, and now the frosty weather has scuppered the Northwich game.

NW NEWS

Chesterfield manager Lee Richardson admitted a "lifeline" had been thrown to his side.... 'We have got to see it is a lifeline. The tie has been something of a saga but the FA have had the final word and the rules are clear-cut - you cannot field an ineligible player. Their man should have been suspended. If he had not played and scored those goals, the result could have been completely different. If the rules were not followed, the game would be in chaos'. Last week the FA revealed no fine would be imposed against Droylsden and the club's participation in future FA Cup competitions would not be affected".

BSP NEWS

However, This is Nottingham says that "Paul Madin today said he was 'disappointed and frustrated' to be axed as Mansfield Town's physio. New manager David Holdsworth said before Monday's game against Burton Albion he would bide his time before appointing his backroom staff. But the Evening Post understands Holdsworth is to bring in his assistant Kevin Philliskirk, sports scientist Gavin Jones and physio Jason Truscott from his former club, Ilkeston. Madin, 40, who has served the club for almost five years, was told his services were no longer required... But he has wasted no time – taking the newly-vacant physio post at Ilkeston... 'I'm disappointed to leave because I wanted to carry on', said Madin. 'I would have given the new manager my full commitment and pulled trees up for him. He wants to bring in his own men and I respect that, but I just wished I'd had the chance to prove myself to him'".

From Histon we learn that "manager Steve Fallon has moved quickly to secure centre half Adam Bygrave from Weymouth Town. The player who has been at Reading, Gillingham and Weymouth is set to join the Stutes on New Year's Day after the player completed his medical and trained with the Histon FC on Tuesday. The club have paid a fee of £5,000 to Weymouth". Also, "The injury to Gareth Gwillim in Sunday's fixture against Grays has been a major blow to the Stutes, but coach John Beck has used his contacts to bring in a left-back Marlon Patterson from Dagenham & Redbridge. John Beck worked with Dagenham manager John Still at Lincoln for three years, so when he recommended the exciting youngster, Histon moved quickly to secure his services".

But "Histon Football Club is very disappointed to learn that Erkan Okay was involved in an incident recently that resulted in the player being convicted of assaulting a Police Officer. The club was only informed of the matter today and has immediately suspended the player until a hearing can take place. Manager Steve Fallon spoke of his disappointment 'the news of this has come as a complete shock to everyone at the club; obviously we are deeply disappointed that one of our players has let himself and the club down. We will now deal with the matter through our disciplinary procedures. This is a very serious matter and Erkan will have to deal with the consequences of his actions'".

Woking report that "The Conference have agreed that, if tomorrow’s game at Crawley has to be postponed, it will be played this Saturday, 3 January, instead since neither side has a fixture that day."

Meanwhile, Weymouth "Football Club can confirm that as from today Joshua Webb has had his contract terminated by mutual consent and has signed for Farnborough Town". Also, "Weymouth Football Club have had an offer for Adam Bygrave which the club have accepted. Histon Football Club have paid five thousand pounds... Also included in the Transfer is various sell-on clauses, were Histon to get promoted or Adam to be sold on at a later date, also Histon Football Club have agreed that Adam will not play against Weymouth when we visit them on January 10th".

From Stevenage Borough we learn that "Striker Iyseden Christie will make his move to Kettering Town permanent when the transfer window reopens on 1st January. The 31-year-old, signed on a free transfer from Kidderminster in the summer, made two appearances for Stevenage before going on loan to Kettering in September. The clubs have agreed a five-figure fee for his transfer".

Oxford United "have strengthened their squad with the loan signing of striker Ricky Sappleton from Leicester City ahead of the New Year's Day home game against Salisbury City. Nineteen year-old Ricky is a Jamaican-born forward who began his career at QPR and after trials with Liverpool and Middlesbrough the highly rated striker joined The Foxes in the summer of 2007. He made one senior appearance last season. He scored his first senior goal this season while on loan at Bournemouth. The deal is initially a one month loan".

Mansfield Town report that "Adnan Ahmed has returned to parent club Tranmere Rovers following a two-month loan spell with us. The Pakistan midfielder made his debut in a 2-0 defeat at Torquay United in November. Since then he has made ten appearances".

At Barrow we learn that the "New Year celebrations began early when they secured the services of Leeds United goalkeeper, Alan Martin, on loan for the rest of the season. Martin has already had the maximum number of days permitted via the short term loan scheme, which began back in mid-September. Leeds do however retain the right to recall him 'in extenuating circumstances'. The Scotland U-21 international has become a firm favourite with the Barrow fans... It is highly likely that there will be more additions to the squad in the near future as bosses Bayliss & Sheridan look to pull away from the relegation zone".

"Weymouth's caretaker-boss Alan Lewer has been offered the role on a permanent basis and will make his final decision on Friday. Lewer, who arrived from Cambridge United last summer as assistant-manager, took over the reins at the Terras on November 13th when former boss John Hollins was initially put on gardening leave before departing the club earlier this month... Lewer, whose last managerial post was at Forest Green Rovers, said: 'An offer has been made and I will spend the next two days thinking it over. The budget has been cut to a level that the consortium feels is affordable in the present climate and I will be sitting down for a chat with them on Friday'. Due to lower than expected attendances this season, Weymouth, like many other non-League clubs, are being forced to tighten their belts" reports the Dorset Echo.

The Cambridge News tells us that "Having dared to dream 17 years ago, Gareth Baldwin is delighted to have seen his careful planning pay off in spectacular fashion. The Histon chairman has overseen the club's spectacular rise from the second tier of the Eastern Counties League to second place in the Blue Square Premier, and puts it down to drawing up a blueprint for success and sticking to it. And as the Stutes prepare to go under the FA Cup spotlight once again on Saturday when they host Coca-Cola Championship side Swansea City in the third round, he believes the club can continue to cause a stir in the footballing community.

Baldwin said: 'Without sounding arrogant, if you don't aspire to greatness, then what are you doing? We've always planned for certain things - of course what we've achieved so far is beyond what we thought possible when we arrived 17 years ago. But, genuinely, when we were sitting down planning three years ago, we were saying that we wanted to be reaching the third round of the FA Cup, making sure we get as close to being in the Football League as we can and then getting into the Football League within five years. It's not just words - it goes on paper and we plan and we plot our strategy and how we're going to achieve it. It may come as a huge surprise to everyone outside this club that Histon are doing well, but when you look at the detail that goes into the planning, on and off the pitch, then people shouldn't be so surprised'...

And although he thinks Histon plying their trade in England's top flight is a fantasy too far at this moment in time, he is convinced the club can keep reaching for the stars. Baldwin said: 'I think, in this day and age, for us to mention being in the Premier League or the Championship would be madness, although probably not as mad as talking about being in the Conference when we were in the Eastern Counties League, First Division. But with the restrictions of our current site and the financial restrictions due to our income from sponsorship and through the turnstiles etc, I think that would be getting carried away. But I do think the Football League is very much achievable and if we do get into League Two then I think we could do well, sustain ourselves at that level and possibly even push on up to another level'".

The Kidderminster Shuttle tells us that "Chairman Barry Norgrove believes that the money made from Harriers’ FA Cup run has taken some of the pressure off the cash-strapped club. Harriers have made £62,500 in prize money from the run so far and could be due another cash windfall from Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Coventry City. The club will get half the gate money from the game at the Ricoh Arena, after expenses have been taken out, which will be an added lift to Norgrove and the board... Harriers also seemed to be one of the crunch’s victims in October, when the chairman made a plea for new investors after his own house building company was affected... 'The FA Cup run has been absolutely brilliant, there’s no doubting the money we have made from it has given us a big lift', commented Norgrove. 'It has helped to pay for bills and make sure we’re not in trouble'".