The Players' Player of the Season:

The James Black Memorial Trophy was presented for the third year by Mr and Mrs Ian Black, whose late son James was a popular figure on the Moss Lane terraces as well as at away matches before his untimely death. The Black family had commissioned a bronze trophy which goes to the Manager's Player of the Season, who this year was the team captain, left-back Sam Grimshaw.

Finally, there were awards to three of the five players who had made their first-team debuts in the last year.

Two other debutants, Joe Coombs and Jake Barnabas were unable to attend.

Manager George Heslop also announced that Joe Reid, Adam's father and a UEFA "B" qualified coach, would be joining the Altrincham FC Youth coaching team,

At the end of the evening Chairman Grahame Rowley thanked all the players and their families for their roles in making the youth team successful.

STRUDWICK’S STROLL

Following on from that success, this year the next section of the canal walk around Newport, amounting to a distance of 16 miles, is to be conquered! Leading the charge to raise funds, not only again for Level Playing Field but also on this occasion the Haemophilia Society, will be none other than the General Manager, Dennis Strudwick (right). The walk will take place on Friday 8th June.

Being a glutton for punishment Andy Shaw will again don his walking boots to support Dennis and also roped in to make it a trio of walkers will be none other than Blue Square’s PR Manager, Alan Alger.

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards their combined efforts, can send a cheque payable to the 'Football Conference' for either of the chosen charities, c/o Fraser Tooley, The Football Conference, Third Floor, 31-34 Wellington House, Waterloo Street, Birmingham. B2 5TJ. For those not identifying either charity the donations received will be split 50/50.

Alternatively, for any member clubs or individuals attending the AGM at Celtic Manor, Newport on Saturday 9th June, donations will be welcomed at the registration desk prior to entering the AGM or donations can be handed personally to any of the trio, who will be present. Best wishes to all three and well done for giving something back to those less well off in our society".

BSBN NEWS

From BSBN, we learn that "Colwyn Bay have secured the services of top scorer Rob Hopley who has agreed to sign a new contract for next season. The 27-year-old, who scored 14 goals last season in the club's first season in the Conference North, after leading the scoring charts with 23 the previous season, will be in his fifth campaign at the Seagulls, interrupted only by a short spell with Chester.

Versatile John McKenna, who put in some sterling performances both in midfield and central defence last season, has also agreed to sign a new contract. The only definite departure from the squad so far is forward Karl Noon who looks set to join Evostik Premier club Marine. Noon scored eight goals last season but couldn't hold down a regular place in the team".

NL Daily reports that "The Football Conference has confirmed the date when the 2012/13 Blue Square Bet Premier fixtures will be released. Fans will be able to find out on Monday 2nd July the exact list of who, when and where their team are playing next season. As announced last week, the Blue Square Bet Premier season itself will start on Saturday 11th August and conclude on the earlier than usual date of Saturday 20th April. The play-off final is pencilled in for Sunday 12th May and will take place at Wembley Stadium".

According to Pitchero Non-League, "Corby Town manager Ian Sampson believes his budget for the new campaign will be 'competitive'. Speculation has been rife about how much money Sampson will have at his disposal since he was appointed as the new boss at Steel Park last week....

Sampson said, 'I am not going to make any predictions. I have been guilty of that in the past when I was at Northampton. I think everyone is looking to get out of the league they are in - whether they have the resources to do it is a different matter. I would like us to finish higher than we did last year and get more home wins. The fans were starved of success at home last season and it has a knock-on effect on attendances... But we aren’t going to spend beyond our means.

The club has had a little bit of debt before and we don’t want that... “You can see what is happening down the road with Kettering Town and the last thing we want is for that to happen here. The players have to be realistic about what is happening at this club. We want to build a sustainable business and I know the chairman doesn’t want to run it as a ‘football business’. The chairman wants to break even and he wants to know what is going out and coming in and that makes sense to me. Players don’t always see it like that but they will have to realise that we can’t be paying massive wages and leaving ourselves in debt. That’s not the way we are going to run things. Let’s just say the budget will be competitive. It has been reduced so we will have to do a bit of wheeling and dealing here and there'".

At Chester "boss Neil Young has made his latest signing, snapping up Northwich Victoria centre half Dominic Collins... Collins arrives at the Exacta Stadium on a 1 year deal, and will compete with both George Horan and Michael Taylor for a place in the defensive unit next season".

The Times and Star says that "Workington Reds midfield star Stuart Green could be set to switch to ambitious Northern League neighbours Whitehaven Amateurs – as manager. Reds have given Whitehaven permission to speak to the former Carlisle United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Hull City ace, who signed a two-year deal at Borough Park last year after his release from League Two Wycombe Wanderers...

Green hails from Whitehaven and played for Marchon, the forerunner to Amateurs, as a junior before launching his career on the pro scene. He was keen to return home last year after a 15-year career in the game, and at just 30, he signalled he had no plans to drift in to retirement. His opening season with Reds was dogged by injury, however, ankle ligament damage bringing an early end to his campaign".

CHESHIRE NEWS

After appealing to the Football Association, Northwich were reinstated but only to Evo-Stik NPL Division One South, a demotion of one division. And they could have to honour their agreement to play at Marston Road – over 40 miles from Northwich – if they can’t find a ground closer to home....

Rangers' chairman Mike Hughes said, 'It’s all in limbo at the moment but, as far as we are concerned, they have our blessing to go somewhere else. Yes, we have this agreement but I have told the league that we wouldn’t hold them to it or demand compensation. If they can’t find anywhere else or the league won’t let them, we will honour the agreement and it’s still in place. We entered the agreement in good faith to help a club we known for many years, who are older than our own club... It’s up to them, so the ball is in Northwich’s court'.

Northwich have already seen plans to play at Skelmersdale and Warrington fall through but have approached other neighbouring teams. And Hughes admitted it could be 'unworkable' for them to operate as a club from Marston Road next season. He said, 'The distance, for them, is too far and it would put a real strain on them, the sensible thing would be to find somewhere closer. In common sense terms, it’s unworkable for them, it would have brought extra income in for us but also extra expense. We haven’t built it into our budgets and, as we have listened to what has been going on, none of their fans would come here anyway!'"

YOUTH TEAM FINISH AS RUNNERS UP

As a consequence of the 15 points deduction, the youth team have finished in third place in the North West Youth Alliance Premier Division who yesterday confirmed FC Utd of Manchester as Champions and Altrincham as runners up".

The new positions are shown in the revised NWYA league table.

Tonight witnesses the Altrincham FC Youth Team presentation evening at Moss Lane. With ten of the youth team having signed BSBN forms last season, it was a highly successful season for manager George Heslop and coaches Josh Collins and Ant Small's squad. All supporters are welcome to attend the presentations which will take place in the bar at Moss Lane, starting at 7pm.

DOING YOUR BIT

On the pitch the grass at Moss Lane continues to grow well after the re-seeding. Off the pitch, amongst the work going on is the major revamp of the away dressing room - the club is grateful to Neil Faulkner's Robinsons Preservation for their work in this respect. Painting and other tidying up work is also proceeding but help is always welcome.

YANKEE UP TO £1,800

GET YOUR GLASSES

CHEER ON ENGLAND!

As a special promotion all of Hyde's bitters will be priced at just £1.50 a pint and all other beers or lagers will be £2.50 a pint. So, come along to support England as well as your local club.

Former Alty centre-back, Mark Sertori, has now joined Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad as a masseur, following on the heels of former Alty striker, Rod Thornley.

BSBN NEWS

Meanwhile, "Gainsborough Trinity’s squad rebuilding for next season has continued as midfielder Shane Clarke has committed to another season. Clarke will be joined in the colours of Trinity by left-back Josh Wilde from Buxton".

Pitchero Non-League reports that "Darlington`s hopes of a successful appeal against their demotion to the STL Northern League appear to have been dashed by confirmation from the Football Association that Shildon's ground is unable to host matches at a higher level. And in another blow to the embattled Quakers, the FA have also revealed it is 'very likely" the club will have to change its name as it is regarded as a new entity by English football's governing body.

Darlington officials had been hoping to appeal last week's decision to demote the club five divisions by proving that former chairman Raj Singh had agreed to relinquish the playing licence, known as a football share. However, their appeal looks doomed to failure because of their ground-sharing arrangement with Shildon.

An FA spokesman said, 'Darlington presented a plan to the FA that they would be ground sharing with Shildon for the duration of the 2012/13 season. Shildon's ground is graded at Step 5 level only... The original Darlington FC are no longer members of the Football Conference and, under the regulations of the National League System, are now a new club. As such, they are only allowed to make an application to join a league/division at Step 5.... It is very likely that the new club will not be allowed to carry the name Darlington FC. This is a matter to be discussed with their County Football Association, Durham FA. As it stands, the new club are not yet affiliated to Durham FA and have been advised to do so at the earliest opportunity by the Football Association'".

And news of the other BSB Premier club to be demoted lower than BSBN comes from the BBC, which says that "Kettering Town's George Rolls says he is confident that creditors will accept a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) at a meeting on 14 June. The club's acting-chairman has stated that debts amount to £1.2m.

He told BBC Northampton, '[Current owner] Imraan Ladak has agreed to waive his loans in the business. With money owed to myself and Ritchie Jeune, and a few other creditors we know will vote yes to the CVA already, we know there's over the 75% needed'. The Evo-Stik League hold their AGM on the 16 June and have confirmed that any club entering an insolvency event, either before or after that meeting, will be liable to a 10-point deduction.

Kettering want to enter a CVA without being in administration first. Football finance experts say it can be cheaper and easier to do so - and is more suitable between seasons, as opposed to mid-campaign. The 10-point deduction in the Southern Premier will make promotion difficult, especially as the team still needs major re-building - and a manager. But after months of uncertainty, just competing in the 2012/13 season would be a relief to Poppies' fans. Although it can only be confirmed at that AGM, Kettering Town have been placed in the Southern League Premier Division by the Leagues Committee.

'Creditors are going to lose out and I feel genuinely sorry for them', said Rolls. 'But a lot of creditors have got back some money because we've been paying them off since we came to the club. For example, we've knocked the debt down with one of the utilities companies by £20,000. St John's Ambulance were owed well over £1,000 and I think they're owed about £150 now. The club has cost me money since I've been here. I can sleep at night knowing we've done all that we can'.

The club's mounting debts contributed to not being able to fulfil Football Conference conditions for entry into the Blue Square Bet North, but a CVA protects the club from winding up petitions. 'We didn't want to put the club into insolvency but HM Revenue & Customs wanted another chunk of money. They wouldn't be like other creditors and [accept being] paid over a certain amount of time. There was a tax bill from 2007 that had been missed as well. And [former manager] Mark Stimson took the club to an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal'.

The club are yet to appoint a new manager after Morell Maison, Stimson, Mark Cooper and Ashley Westwood held the role in 2011/12. But Rolls says he is hopeful of high attendances in 2012/13, despite the Poppies dropping two levels. 'The fans didn't have much to cheer about. When they see a winning team, I'd like to think we'd get 1,200 or 1,300 regularly. We've budgeted for 700 but that's very pessimistic. We'll be going in with one of the larger budgets in the league and I know some people say that's not fair because of creditors being owed money, but our budget is the same as it would've been in Conference North'". So that's OK then.

From Chester "midfielder Alex Brown, joint winner of the Players' Player of the Year Award at the recent Awards Evening, has turned down an offer to stay at the Club, and instead will look to join a Blue Square Bet Premier club. Brown, who featured 39 times for the Club last season, netting 3 goals, said at the Awards Evening that last season had been 'the greatest of his career', but has decided that his future lies elsewhere, a move which has left Neil Young disappointed...

The 27 year old midfielder said, 'For me I've been offered an opportunity I don't want to pass up on and, although I would have loved to have stayed, after deliberating long and hard, I've decided to take on a new challenge'. Chester manager Neil Young said, 'Alex was offered a new contract at the football club but has decided that he wants the opportunity to play in the Conference. Yes we are disappointed but if players see their futures elsewhere it's important that we concentrate on the players who want to be here'".

According to the Times and Star, "Workington Reds will travel 8,650 miles next season, as the Football Conference looks set to rubber stamp more travelling to the Blue Square Bet North’s most northerly club. Brackley Town and Oxford City have been promoted from the Evo-Stik South League Premier Division - a combined 1,106 round trip.

If the Conference accepts their inclusion at its annual meeting next month, Chester and Bradford Park Avenue will also come up. The Football Association’s leagues committee met on Friday to discuss where clubs would play, but the Football Conference must agree before the final tables are decided. As things stand, Workington will travel an extra 330 miles on last year. The longest trip of the season is the 600 mile round trip to Hertfordshire to take on Bishop’s Stortford".

Alty's longest trip will remain the 194 miles each way to Bishop's Stortford but our second longest away trip will no longer be to Blyth Spartans but the 148 miles each way to Oxford City, followed by the 141 mile journey to ... Workington.

Mike Avery has last season's journeys for the BSBN- Alty's average trip was 77 miles each way. And King's Lynn have an interesting list of average gates for 2011/12.

SEVEN UP

Altrincham FC Chairman, Grahame Rowley, receives the Fair Play Award from the PFA's Bobby Barnes at the National Game Awards at Stamford Bridge..

HYDE DEFENDER AGREES TERMS WITH ALTY

BSBN NEWS

The BSBN reports that "Oxford City would have preferred to be playing in the Blue Square Bet South next term, but chairman Brian Cox says they're happy to be in the North division... after Kettering's resignation lead to a reprieve for relegated Blue Square Bet South outfit Maidenhead United...

Cox told the Oxford Mail, 'Obviously, we would have preferred to be in the South, but we're just happy to be in the Conference and playing in an excellent standard of football. I know last season Bishop's Stortford were given £12,000 in compensation by the league when they were put in the North. We'll certainly ask the league what the situation is now - £12,000 is quite a lot of money for a club like ours'".

Last year Brian Lee of the Football Conference made it clear that the £12K "is not a precedent for any other club" as he stressed that the award "was made due to the timing of the switch", well after the end of the previous season.

Cox continued, "I'm not too concerned about the extra distances, journeys to the Midlands and the North might be easier than those around London. At least we won't have to cope with the M25! The only thing I'm worried about is the extra travelling might affect the number of fans we take to away games'".

The BSBN also reports that "Gainsborough Trinity have received a major boost with the confirmation that midfielder Jonathan D'Laryea has signed a new one-year deal. The 26-year-old made 45 appearances for the Blues last term and was voted the Supporters' Player of the Season, as well as the Players' Player of the Season. D'Laryea joined Gainsborough from Eastwood Town in the summer of 2011 and also counts Northwich Victoria, Mansfield Town and Manchester City amongst his former clubs.

Commenting on the midfielder's new deal, chairman Peter Swann told the club's official website, 'We feel that he has not only delivered some superb performances week in week out, but also a very important part of what is a superb team here at Gainsborough. We are over the moon that he has decided to stay with us and not take up offers which he has received from elsewhere'".

Meanwhile, Gainsborough Trinity add that "the following players have all signed year long contracts keeping them at the Northolme for at least another season:

Paul Connor and Lee Ridley both signed two-year contracts last season, so they were already guaranteed a place in Steve Housham’s squad. Ryan Williams was delighted to have been offered a new deal by Steve Housham. 'I’m looking forward to the future and my deal is all signed and I’m looking forward to next season to give it a good old go again and grab that promotion’ said Williams.

Other members of our squad are still considering their offers which we gave them, and we are in talks ourselves with many very exciting players. Goalkeepers Phil Barnes, Andrew Pettinger and Michael Emery have all been asked to come back to train with us on the 25th June to prove their fitness for the coming season".

The Gainsborough Standard adds that "Trinity’s squad rebuilding for next season has continued as midfielder Shane Clarke has committed to another season. Clarke will be joined in the colours of Trinity by left-back Josh Wilde from Buxton. But Andrew Boyce has left the club to join Lincoln City. Released striker Leon Mettam has signed for Worksop Town in the Northern Premier League".

Chester First tells us that "Neil Young believes his latest signing is a massive coup for Chester. The Blues boss has secured the services of striker Nathan Jarman on a free transfer and on a two-year deal. Jarman, 25, netted 17 league and cup goals for Alfreton Town in the Conference Premier League last season and has joined Chester after turning down other offers from Conference Premier and Conference North clubs.

Young said, 'To get a player of Nathan’s ability and experience on a free transfer is a massive coup for Chester Football Club... I have been criticised a little bit in the past about some of my signings and about Chris Simm recently being released, but people have to realise that we need to move on. I think Nathan will freshen things up in the final third after doing so well for Alfreton last season'...

Revealing that assistant Chester boss Gary Jones had played a key role in trying to persuade Jarman to join the Blues, Young added, 'Nathan used to partner Gary Jones in attack at Grimsby Town and it was always mine and Gary’s ambition to secure Nathan’s signature'...

Meanwhile, Young has set this Friday as a deadline for several players to make a decision about whether they intend to stay at Chester. Young said, 'I think Iain Howard and Robbie Booth will rejoin the club, but Michael Taylor is away until tomorrow, while Michael Wilde, Christian Smith and Alex Brown are still deciding what to do. I am setting a Friday deadline for those players who are still undecided about rejoining the club, but they have to understand that I only have one pot of money for my budget. I am still pursuing a few other targets which I would like to secure before I have a holiday. I am still wanting another forward as well as a left sided player, a centre back, and a goalkeeper as cover for John Danby'".

Pitchero Non-League tells us that "FC Halifax Town have confirmed that Danny Holland has left The Shay after a two-year stint... Holland has been in and amongst the Town starting line-up this last season. However, manager Neil Aspin has decided not to renew the charismatic man's contract.

Aspin said, 'I had Danny at Harrogate and he always gives a lot both on and off the pitch. He's a great character and good footballer, he's scored a lot of goals in his time and I've always enjoyed working with him'".

Other news from Pitchero Non-League is that "David Livermore would love to discover the new Dan Holman is already within the confines of Histon Football Club. The Stutes’ manager hit the jackpot when he brought Holman to the Glassworld Stadium from ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League side Long Buckby almost a year ago, the striker scoring twenty-nine goals in his debut season at Blue Square Bet North level.

A lack of scouting options means Livermore is hampered when it comes to unearthing new talent from the lower leagues. And the boss believes more young and hungry players with the potential to excel could be coming through the club’s youth system. Livermore said, 'In some respects we were lucky there weren’t a lot of other teams trying to sign Dan Holman last season. Conor Washington at St Ives Town is at the same level Dan was playing at, but he’s brought a lot of attention... There are players at the lower levels, but the difficulty we have, because of resources and finances, we don’t have the luxury of sending people to watch these players. We can’t afford to pay expenses, so that’s another reason why we have to develop our own players. Hopefully, the next Dan Holman is already at the football club'".

NW & WELSH NEWS

The Welsh Premier says that "After failing to gain the FAW domestic licence last month, Neath's woes continued as they were wound-up at London's High Court today. The rugby club escaped a similar fate last week, but an official receiver will now handle the football club's affairs following a petition by Barclays Bank...

Neath finished third in this season's Welsh Premier League behind Bangor City and champions The New Saints, but were refused entry into Europe after also failing to gain a UEFA licence. Today's decision means that players under contract at The Gnoll should be free to join other clubs, with several having already been in talks".

Meanwhile, "Bangor City have boosted their attacking options for next season by signing striker Chris Simm, who has just been released by Chester FC. A former trainee with Wrexham, Simm came to prominence as a prolific striker with Leigh RMI and Hyde, for whom he scored 39 goals in two seasons".

ALTY WIN FAIR PLAY AWARD

The one thing we've found is that we've had no disciplinary calls at all this year from the FA and it's saved the club a bit of money! It's worked for us and I think it's a great commendation for the football club that we've actually won this award'".

Photos from Wednesday's National Game Awards can be viewed here.

Footnote: The previous season (2010-11), in 46 games, Alty amassed 79 yellows and 7 reds.

DAMIAN MISSES OUT

Meanwhile, Doncaster Rovers have already commented in the press that they have been targetting Damian as a possible new signing for the Yorkshire club but the Doncaster Free Press reports that manager"Dean Saunders is patiently waiting for another club to start the domino effect which will allow him to make new signings at Rovers. Saunders this week met with six players to discuss potential moves to the Keepmoat. But he remains unable to offer any deals until he drastically cuts his wage bill - and that means moving players on.

He told the Free Press, 'All it takes is one club to start the domino effect by coming in for one of our players and we’ll be up and running. I think things will start to happen in the next fortnight... Saunders invited several targets for face to face meetings this week in an attempt to decide which will make suitable signings. He said, 'I like to look a player in the eye when I’m deciding if they’re right for the club. Just because they’ve been here doesn’t mean I necessarily want to sign them. A few of the lads I’ve met made a good impression and I’ll be looking to do some business with them. But I’ll not be following up some of the others... We’ve been concentrating on looking at strikers because Chris Brown is the only one we’ve got on our books right now'".

MARK'S BAND

Maddox... got together with three of his childhood mates to form "Last of a Dying Breed". Inspired by the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin and Oasis, the Scouse foursome have produced an 11-track album available from Reverbnation.com".

Mark told the NLP, "No one in football knew I had such a love for music because I never spoke about it. I started playing the guitar when I was 16 but while I got into football and didn't have the time, the other boys carried on. As soon as I was diagnosed, we all said "Right let's try and do something". We've recorded the 16 tracks in my mates's bedroom but we're so pleased with how it's come out. I've known the boys since we were babies and it's bene good for me mentally with the illness. It's helping me stay as sharp as I can'".

The articles relates how fundraising at Altrincham FC culminated in Mark being awarded a £25,000 cheque for his testimonial fund. Mark added, "As a football club, Altrincham have been fantastic. They've done so much for me". And the NLP concludes that "The musical feel around the club continued this week with Lee Sinnott signing...Carl Rodgers - who works as a DJ"!

Mark's album cover is shown, right.

BSBN NEWS

BSBN NEWS

From the Worcester News "Worcester City manager Carl Heeley is happy to play a waiting game while several of last season’s stars take their time to decide whether to re-sign with the club... Heeley has already persuaded a number of last term’s key performers – such as Mike Symons, Tom Thorley and Rob Elvins – to extend their City careers into next term. However, he is still waiting to hear back from the likes of skipper Kevin O’Connor and the versatile Tyler Weir, with Gloucester City believing they are in pole position to sign him. He won’t be putting pressure on them for answers, though.

Heeley said, 'I am aware of what the Gloucester manager has said about Tyler but all I’m concentrating on is what we are doing at Worcester. We’ve had contact with Tyler but he is a Hereford United player until the end of June, so it is premature to say anything yet. We are talking to him but so are a number of other clubs. Every player needs to want to play for Worcester City and if anybody does not, then we don’t want them on board... I am not worried about what other managers say, as I have enough to occupy me here at Worcester... We don’t just have one option – we probably have too many players to choose from and they are all good footballers'.

The City manager added, 'Nothing has changed with Kevin either. He asked me for a little bit more time to consider his options and one thing I know about him is he will be totally open and honest with me... We would love to have him here next season but he has to do what’s best for him'".

Confirmation comes from the Oxford Mail that "Oxford City will play in the Blue Square Bet North next season... The club had been hoping to be placed in the south division, but were forced into the north after Kettering Town resigned due to financial problems.

That allowed Maidenhead to be reinstated and means Mike Ford’s side face some lengthy trips when the season kicks-off in August. Their schedule will take them as far north as Workington in Cumbria, a mammoth round trip of 544 miles, while Brackley Town and Gloucester City will count as their shortest away days. The greater travelling distance will have financial implications on City,...

Secretary John Sheppard commented, 'Our preference was clearly for the south division, but it was not to be. It's disappointing, but we will just get on with it'".

Meanwhile, "Oxford City have received a massive boost after experienced duo Steve Basham and Chris Willmott, pledged their future to the Court Place Farm outfit. Basham, 33, scored 22 goals in all competitions, while his former Oxford United team-mate Willmott, 34, was a vital part of the defence as City won promotion... And although the former Oxford United duo have not yet put pen to paper on deals, boss Mike Ford feels it is just a formality...

'Both have verbally agreed to sign', Ford said. 'I would be gobsmacked if they changed their minds. In their own ways, they are both big players... They are superb fellows to have around the place and they give their honest opinions. We are a largely young team, but experience will count for a lot next season... There are no better role models than Steve and Chris'.

City are now hoping that defender James Clarke will agree to stay. Ford added, 'James has been offered a new contract and we are just waiting to hear back from him'. The future of keeper Jason Mooney, who was on a season-long-loan at City from Wycombe last season, should become clearer next week following his release by the Chairboys.

'I have had a conversation with Jason and he has had a trial at Cheltenham, so we’re waiting... We want him to stay. He’ll obviously be playing part-time and maybe we can help find him a part-time job. A lot of players have shown interest in coming here, but [speaking a few days ago, he said] I can’t do anything until we know where we are playing and how it will impact on my budget'".

The Gainsborough Standard states that "Trinity midfielder Jamie Yates says he had no intention of leaving the club... Despite interest from other clubs, Yates, who captained the side in the final six games of the campaign, admitted that Gainsborough’s failure to secure promotion had no bearing on his decision to sign a new one-year contract.

He told the Standard, 'There is a job that is unfinished at the minute'...

And the 23-year-old says following talks with Trinity chief Steve Housham and chairman Peter Swann, his decision to stay on the Northolme was made a lot easier... Yates joins fellow midfielder Jonathan Williams and goalkeeper Jason White, who have both extended their stay at the club for another year. Last week, Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Year Jonathan D’Laryea inked a new contract with the club along with Dominic Roma and Ryan Williams.

However, the Blues have decided not to retain club captain Gavin Cowan, who missed the latter half of the season through injury. Leon Mettam, Kevin Sandwith and the club’s longest serving player Lewis McMahon have also been shown the exit door. 'I am surprised to see one or two go maybe but that is the manager’s decision and as a player I wish them all the best', added Yates.

'The likes of Gavin Cowan, Kev Sandwith, Metts and Lewis McMahon, they are all very good players but the opinions of people above me have obviously decided differently... There are big personalities that have left, but we still have big personalities that are here'...

It does seem as though Trinity will enter the new season with a much more youthful look about their side and Yates says it could be something manager Steve Housham is trying to build at the club. He said 'I’ve had a good couple of years at this level now and I’m still only 23. Shane Clarke, Dom Roma and Ryan Kendall have all done the same and a few experienced heads along with us could really help us do something'.

The Standard also understands that striker Ryan Paczkowski and former Lincoln City defender Adam Watts have been told they can leave."

From the Cambridge News we learn that "John Payne says it is still full steam ahead for the setting up of the Histon Independent Supporters’ Trust despite more off-field drama at the club this week. Chief executive Gordon Boateng, director of football Glynn Mason and director Graham Muncey all quit the Stutes’ board on Monday.

And there were rumours on internet message boards yesterday that the club were about to be hauled in front of a Football Conference panel and threatened with expulsion from the Blue Square Bet North if they could not prove they were close to clearing their debts. But those rumours were scotched by Dennis Strudwick, the Conference’s general manager telling the News there was no such thing on their agenda...

Said Payne, 'We’ve not seen or heard anything that’s going to knock us off course... It’s a case of getting all the legal bits and bobs in place so we can be in a position to start inviting people into the trust... We’ve got the shareholders’ meeting on June 7 and we’ll wait and see what comes from that. We can speculate and try to guess what will happen, but until we know what happens there’s no point in us doing anything but steaming ahead'".

The Herts & Essex Observer tells us that "Scott Shulton is set to leave Bishop’s Stortford FC for Hendon... where a friend of his is manager. Shulton has been known to struggle with the long midweek journeys to and from Blues’ away games as he is a school teacher...

Meanwhile, Dwight Gayle completed a memorable spring when he secured the Blue Square Bet North Player of the Month award for April. The ex-Stansted striker ended the season with 42 goals, breaking the record for Bishop’s Stortford FC, which had stood for more than two decades... His goals allayed drop fears as Rod Stringer’s side finished in 10th. He hit four hat-tricks during the campaign. Gayle, 22, had been on loan at Stortford after signing from Dagenham & Redbridge. Gayle also scooped the 2011-12 Players’ Player of the Year and Supporters’ Player of the year gongs at Woodside park. He now returns to the Daggers and will look to seal a first-team spot".

CHESHIRE NEWS

'The FA says we can’t play at Warrington', owner Jim Rushe told fans at an open meeting on Saturday. 'We want to go there, but I don’t know why it’s been knocked back by them'.

However Warrington Town chief executive Toby Macormac has told the Guardian that his club – and not the game’s governing body – had made the decision not to share their pitch with a rival. He confirmed that the two clubs had discussed entering into an arrangement though.

'We as a board decided that logistically it’s not right for us at the current time and the matter will not be pursued any further', he added.

League officials, who would have to be convinced by Northwich that a swap from Stafford to another venue is acceptable after its March deadline has passed, say they have not been asked to approve a change. A source told the Guardian, 'Northwich Victoria has not made an application to ground share with another club. It submitted an agreement to play at Stafford Rangers prior to the deadline on March 31, which remains the club’s designated home ground for next season'...

Northwich reached an agreement with Stafford, whose Marston Road home is more than 40 miles from Vics’ old one, hours before the league’s deadline. The club had expected to play at Skelmersdale, but that accord fell through when the club’s West Lancashire College Stadium failed an inspection to host Premier Division matches".

The Guardian adds that "Northwich Victoria will play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s Division One South next season, the Football Association has decided... The club has arranged to share Stafford Rangers’ pitch, a determining factor in the FA’s suggestion that the team be placed in the league’s southern section".

NEW STRIKER FOR ALTY

BSBN NEWS

BSBN states that "Lincoln City have announced the signing of defender Andrew Boyce from Gainsborough Trinity. The 22-year-old was offered a new contract by Trinity following the conclusion of the 2011/12 campaign, but has opted instead to link up with the Red Imps on a one-year deal. Due to the fact that Boyce is under the age of 24 and was offered a new contract, Gainsborough are entitled to a compensation fee which is currently being discussed by the two clubs...

Boyce told This is Lincolnshire, 'I had a great season with Gainsborough. They were fantastic with me and we had a terrific season. I am gutted to be leaving, but on the other hand happy to get full-time football with Lincoln. It was an opportunity I could not turn down because playing full-time football has always been an ambition of mine. I have so many people to thank at Gainsborough for what they have done for me. It's a terrific club and I have met some great people'.

Boyce started his career as a trainee at Doncaster Rovers but failed to make a single first-team appearance and subsequently signed for King's Lynn at the start of 2009. He went on to sign for Gainsborough in December 2009".

A report from Chester says that the club has "completed the signing of striker Nathan Jarman, who has arrived from Alfreton Town. Jarman, 25, netted 17 league & cup goals last season for Alfreton and has turned down other clubs from the [Blue Square] Premier League and Blue Square North to come to Chester.

Chester boss Neil Young said, 'Nathan is a great signing for us, to have a striker from the Conference who netted double figures gives us firepower up front, and it's a big signing for us as we obviously want the type of player who has scored goals at the level that we are aiming for'. The striker has previously played for Barnsley and Grimsby in the Football League, and last season scored a hat trick against Stockport County".

The Nuneaton News says that "Nuneaton Town manager Kevin Wilkin has revealed the reasons behind his shock decision to let 21-goal top scorer Danny Glover leave the club. Skipper Mark Noon and left-back Eddie Nisevic agreed new contracts on Wednesday, but Glover was unwilling to entertain the possibility of non-contract terms and was released.

Wilkin admits he had doubts how much more he could get out of the striker, who may have paid the price for only scoring 11 league goals from open play - four of which came in one game. He said, 'It’s about how much further I can take Danny Glover as a player. If we were full-time then maybe I could get more out of him, but at two days a week training I don’t see that happening... There are certain elements to his game that need developing for what is a very big step up to the Conference and I don’t see that happening as it stands. If he puts those things right then I fully expect him to realise his potential. I think he needs to be at a club that can offer him full-time training, which we can’t do.

He’s a great lad and I don’t question his dedication but I don’t think two nights a week is enough. If I had him full-time I would have looked at it differently. There was the possibility of a non-contract offer, but I understand why Danny wasn’t willing to consider that'. The 22-year-old arrived from Worcester City last summer, where he had also scored 20 goals in Blue Square Bet North in a one-season stay after leaving Port Vale.

Wilkin says the striker, believed to be one of the club’s highest earners, will be replaced. Fan favourite Andy Brown has already agreed a new contract and Wilkin says he may be partnered by teenager Wes York, another who is staying. 'When you’ve got the pace of Wes you will be an asset. He can play in a number of positions and be effective'...

Meanwhile, Wilkin says his former No 2 Ken Gillard will be a success at Crystal Palace, after he joined the Championship club’s academy staff".

"Darren Edmondson, manager of Workington, has identified the players he believes will improve his squad" reports the News and Star. "Some of the players he’s chasing have been released by Football League clubs, while others are experienced non-league players... Edmondson said, 'I have spoken with a number of players, but we are some way off having deals completed. It’s a waiting game but the lads I have had contact with would definitely improve on what we already have'.

Edmondson expects a number of new faces to take part in training when the players return from their holidays next month. He said, 'We want to see them in action, and make sure they are the right type of player for us'".

The Conference North season starts on Saturday, 18 August 2012.

The NW Weekly News says that "It looks likely that Oxford City and Brackley Town (Northamptonshire) will join Chester and Bradford Park Avenue in the Conference North next season following today's meeting of the Football Association's Leagues committee. The four newcomers will replace Hyde, Nuneaton (both promoted to the Premier), Eastwood Town and Blyth Spartans (both relegated). With Kettering dropping into the Southern League due to their £1.2 million of debts, and Darlington dropping all the way down to the Northern League in Step 5 due to their financial problems, Hinckley United (who finished third bottom) have been reprieved from relegation and stay in the Conference North.

The full list of clubs proposed for the Conference North, which will have to ratified at the Conference AGM next week, is:

Northwich Vics will play in the Evostik South"

NW NEWS

Meanwhile the Evostik League announces "the Football Association's proposed league allocations for 2012/13;

Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division: AFC Fylde, Ashton United, Blyth Spartans, Buxton, Chorley, Eastwood Town, Hednesford Town, Ilkeston, FC United of Manchester, Frickley Athletic, Grantham Town, Kendal Town, Marine, Matlock Town, Nantwich Town, North Ferriby United, Rushall Olympic, Stafford Rangers,Stocksbridge Park Steels, Whitby Town, Witton Albion, Worksop Town

Evo-Stik NPL First Division North: Bamber Bridge, Burscough, Cammell Laird, Clitheroe, Curzon Ashton, Farsley, Garforth Town, Goole, Harrogate Railway Athletic, Lancaster City, Mossley, New Mills, Ossett Albion, Ossett Town, Prescot Cables, Radcliffe Borough, Ramsbottom United, Salford City, Skelmersdale United, Trafford, Wakefield, Warrington Town

Evo-Stik NPL First Division South: Belper Town, Brigg Town, Carlton Town, Chasetown, Coalville Town, Gresley, Halesowen Town, Hucknall Town, Kidsgrove Athletic, King's Lynn Town, Leek Town, Lincoln United, Loughborough Dynamo, Market Drayton Town, Mickleover Sports, Newcastle Town, Northwich Victoria, Rainworth Miners' Welfare, Romulus,Sheffield, Stamford, Sutton Coldfield Town.

YOUTH PRESENTATIONS

Amongst the awards to be made during the evening will be the Players' Player of the Season (1st, 2nd and 3rd), the Player of the Season, the Clubman of the Season and the prestigious James Black Award, presented by Mr and Mrs Black in honour of their late son, James, who was a regular ALtrincham supporter, home and away, before his untimely death.

GOLF DAY SUCCESS

Peter Foster has kindly supplied a report on the Altrincham Football Club Golf Day for 2012...

"The Club's annual Golf Day was held on Tuesday at Withington Golf Club. We had eight teams entered, including representatives from Ravenscroft & Co, Gemini UPVC, Float Glass, Manchester Glass, The Cresta Court Hotel and two teams from Securitas. The weather was fantastic, and the golf was very competitive. The competition was won by Patrick Air's Manchester Glass team, by one point from the runners up, Paul Salt's team from Ravenscroft & Co.

Withington Golf Club proved once again to be exceptional hosts, with the course in good condition, and the food being excellent. The club would like to thank all of the participants for their support for the event, which raises important funds for the club. The two pictures feature (left) the winning team from Manchester Glass, and (right) the runners up, Ravenscroft & Co receiving their prizes from Chairman Grahame Rowley". Click on the images for larger versions.

And Grahame Rowley adds, "The booby prize was won by Neil Tolson's Securitas team, although Neil says he was hampered by his fellow team mates! Gorgeous weather, good food and a great atmosphere made the day a great success for the club - anyone interested in competing next year should contact Peter Foster for details (0161 928-1045)".

BSBN NEWS

All the named players have given excellent service to the club, particularly Dave Merris, who has been ever-present 2010-11-12 and has been awarded Player of the Year by the Supporters for the last two seasons... Steve has found decisions difficult to make, especially as he brought all the players to the club, but as part of the rebuilding process has had to make decisions that he, his Management team and the Club believe will move us further forward."

And Guiseley add that they "are delighted to announce that the following signings... Josh Wilson, 24, from Vauxhall Motors who is a current England C striker... Rhys Meynell [ex-Stalybridge Celtic], also aged 24, has signed on contract terms and is a left back or midfielder who we have had to work hard to capture. On top of these signings, we are equally pleased to announce that both Danny Forrest and Jamie Clarke have agreed to stay with the club next season."

Following the news of Kettering's enforced demotion to the EvoStik Southern League Premier Division, 200% has a typically thoughtful analysis. It says "Clubs continue to live beyond their means, make bafflingly bad business decisions and then walk away from the all too predictable results of their mismanagement... So it was that last night, for the second year in a row, the supporters of Kettering Town found themselves in a public meeting after the final whistle had blown on their season.

Last year, Imraan Ladak was polling supporters over whether the club should leave its Rockingham Road home and decamp eight miles away to Nene Park, the former home of the late Rushden & Diamonds FC.... After a lavish spending spree on new players, it soon became apparent that the team wasn’t gelling, crowds were falling considerably short of the expectations of the owner and... by the time that relegation was confirmed, the fight for the survival of Kettering Town Football Club was overshadowing anything that could happen on the pitch.

The white knight thundering into Irthlingborough on his charger was a familiar name: the former chairman of Cambridge United and Weymouth, George Rolls. Over the last few months and years, Rolls has developed a curious habit of saying one thing with considerable confidence before doing something else entirely. When he arrived at Weymouth, he had no intention the club into a CVA, before putting them into a CVA. When his name first became linked with Kettering Town, he proclaimed very publicly that he was doing nothing more than 'advising' the club. Within a couple of months, he had decamped to Nene Park. Upon his arrival at Irthlingborough, he stated that he had no intention of putting Kettering Town into a CVA. At last night's meeting, he confirmed that he would be putting the club into a CVA...

Under Football Association rules, any person that is involved in two separate insolvency events at football clubs fails their Fit & Proper Persons Test. Rolls was a director at Weymouth when he put the club into administration, but he seems likely to side-step liability for this second insolvency event because he is not yet formally a director of Kettering Town FC. He did, however, become the sole director of a new company called Poppies Events Ltd on the fifth of March. Is this the company that is ready and waiting to buy the club out of administration with a CVA in place as soon as the insolvency practitioners are formally appointed? It could, of course, all be a happy coincidence that Rolls was becoming the sole director of a company whose registered address is at Nene Park two and a half months prior to the formal announcement that the club was insolvent...

Who are the current directors of the club?... Who are the creditors and why does it already seemed determined that they will be happy with ten pence in the pound as a result of this clubs financial recklessness? ...

At last night’s meeting, Rolls stated that the club needs average attendances of 700 people next season in order to continue to break even... Seven hundred people per match may be optimistic. The club will be playing at least... two divisions below where they ended last season... and the fact remains that Nene Park is and will remain eight miles from the town of Kettering itself. Will people turn out in considerable numbers to watch a club whose off the pitch behaviour has left a sour taste in the mouth and will be starting the season with a deduction of ten points?...

Some may be tempted back by the Rolls statement that he intends to spend £20,000 per month next season on wages, which will likely be the highest wage budget in their division... Perhaps there is nothing morally repugnant about offering creditors who provided the club with services in good faith being offered a pittance by a man who says almost in the same breath that he intends for his club to spend so lavishly on players. These are, perhaps, considerations for Kettering Town supporters to ponder as the close season stretches out before them".

Left: The grass has been growing well at Moss Lane following the re-seeding little more than a week ago.

BSBN reports that "Gainsborough Trinity midfielder Jamie Yates has claimed that...his mind was made up to stay with the Trinity after meeting with boss Steve Housham. 'There is a job that is unfinished at the minute', Yates told the Gainsborough Standard... 'We were all disappoint[ed] to miss out on promotion but that still didn't affect anything with regards to my summer plans... I'll be looking to do well again next year to prolong my stay and hopefully if things go as well as they have done this year then there shouldn't be a problem'.

He added, 'I had a couple of phone calls (from other clubs) but after speaking with Steve and the chairman I decided to stay... There is a new ground up and coming and it would be nice to move into that in the league above. It is in the back of our minds that if we do well then we could be starting Blue Square Premier football in a new stadium'".

According to the Northampton Chronicle "Chris Plummer believes he has a 'fantastic opportunity' to progress his career at Corby Town as well as bringing the club some good times. The 35-year-old officially resigned as manager of UCL Premier Division side Peterborough Northern Star on Monday before being unveiled as Ian Sampson’s assistant in the Steelmen’s new-look coaching staff...

'I had been talking to the club for a few weeks', Plummer said. 'The club is looking to be progressive and I have been interested in joining Corby for a number of weeks'...

Plummer certainly has a good footballing pedigree. He was at Queens Park Rangers for 10 years as a player and also made 50 appearances for Posh as well as playing for a spell at Barnet... 'As a player I played under some fantastic managers, particularly at QPR with the likes of Gerry Francis, Ray Wilkins and Bruce Rioch', he said...

Plummer’s knowledge of players at a lower level could prove invaluable as Sampson looks to put together a young team. And Plummer believes there are 'a few' players in the UCL who could be capable of making the step up if they are given the chance".

Spalding Today confirms that "Spalding United have fired a signal of their intent by pulling off the mouth-watering signing of former Boston United skipper Lee Canoville. The 31-year-old centre back, who left the Pilgrims last month to seek a new challenge, has been handed a two-year contract by Tulips boss Pat Rayment. Canoville, who started his career with Arsenal after graduating from the FA School at Lilleshall, captained Boston to UniBond Premier Division promotion before spending the last two seasons in the Blue Square Bet North – which included a stint as joint boss with current supremo Jason Lee".

From Worksop Town we learn that "The Tigers have pulled off a real coup in signing Leon Mettam from Gainsborough Trinity. The 25 year old striker got 14 goals last season despite limited starts. There were a number of clubs after his signature". Mettam hit a hat-trick at Moss Lane in the final game of last season.

POPPIES JOIN DARLINGTON ON BSBN BY-PASS

George Rolls, who is in full control of the club, laid out the plan to supporters at a hastily-arranged fans forum at Nene Park last night (Wednesday). Rolls revealed the full debt of the club stands at £1.2m but all current and previous directors have agreed to write off their loans, leaving the Poppies with £402,000 to clear – a figure that will be dealt with by a CVA over three years.

It means they are to be thrown out of the Football Conference but Rolls has revealed the Southern League are willing to let them into the Premier Division, although they will start with a 10-point deduction. The CVA is set to be confirmed on June 7 and Rolls believes creditors are likely to receive 'around 10 pence in the pound' as part of the agreement.

Rolls, who revealed he has put a 'six-figure sum' into the club also moved to clear up the situation over the delay over the transfer of shares from former chairman Imraan Ladak. Rolls said, 'I feel sorry for the people who are owed money. This is not my debt, I feel we have done well since we have been here. We have got the losses down from £40,000 a month to an affordable £15,000 a month and I would like to think people can see that we are trying hard.

We are looking at breaking even by October going forward but the Conference will want a bond of £100,000 for next season. We were hoping that the money coming in from season tickets and people like myself would see us through but it won’t. We have called in an insolvency practitioner and we will look to enter the CVA.

I will bring this club back to the Blue Square Bet Premier. I will stay until the job is done. But we will live within our means. Our playing budget won’t change for next season, it was always going to be the same. We are going to have a fresh start.

As far as the share issue is concerned, Imraan Ladak is not involved any more and he can’t be involved any more. It is a complex issue but I am in full control of the club. Imraan isn’t in the background and he isn’t coming back'.

Rolls also confirmed matchday admission prices would go down to £12 for adults and £10 for concessions for next season, with those who have already brought season tickets receiving the appropriate rebate".

It is believed that this will reprieve Maidenhead United from BSBS relegation and that Hinckley will likewise be reprieved by Darlington's drop but these decisions will be confirmed later.

CARL SIGNED "TO DO A JOB"

Away from football, the 6ft 2ins former Chester City midfielder works as a disc jockey, so he should come in handy at club functions! But Sinnott believes it’s 29-year-old Rodgers’ footballing talents rather than his prowess at the turntable which will endear him to the Moss Lane faithful. Chester-based Rodgers joins Alty from AFC Telford, where, in six seasons, he helped the Shropshire club climb from the Evo-Stik League to Blue Square Bet Premier.

Sinnott said, 'I’m delighted to have signed Carl and sure our supporters are going to like him. He’ll bring something we don’t have; a big, physical presence to the centre of midfield. Carl can also operate as a central defender but, while it’s always useful to have players who are versatile, I’ve brought him to the club to do a job for us in the middle of the park.

He’s at a good age, has bags of experience and knows what it takes to get out of Blue Square Bet North. All things considered, he ticks a lot of boxes'.

Sinnott, whose main task during the close-season remains to bolster Alty’s leaky defence, is also poised to sign centre-half Matty Flynn from newly-crowned BSBP champions Fleetwood. Flynn impressed while on extended loan with the Robins last season and Sinnott’s pleased he has agreed to join Alty permanently once his contract with the League Two-bound Cod Army expires next month.

Altrincham have released details of five pre-season friendlies, starting with their now traditional leg-stretcher at Abbey Hey on Saturday July 7. They visit Nantwich the following weekend before hosting two eyecatching clashes, with Morecambe first up at Moss Lane on Tuesday, July 17 and a Burnley XI then providing the opposition four days later on July 21. After that, the Robins will be back on the road again when they make the short hop to neighbours Trafford on Thursday July 26.

Meanwhile, Altrincham’s ‘meet the old recruits’ evening in aid of the Mark Maddox testimonial fund was a big success. It ended with compere, Alty legend, Graham Heathcote presenting a £25,000 cheque to former skipper Maddox, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease a year ago".

NOEL HONOURED

Former Manchester United manager Docherty, who had a spell in charge at Alty, has agreed to appear as guest speaker at the gala event, which starts at 7.15 and includes a four-course meal, celebrity guests and entertainment.

White rose to the very top of football administration, holding the prestigious position of FA international committee chairman for 14 years, but has never forgotten his roots and still attends games at Moss Lane whenever he can.

Explaining the decision to honour his remarkable impact on the game – locally, nationally as Liverpool chairman and internationally with the FA – Alty chairman Grahame Rowley said, 'Noel will always be regarded as a club legend at Altrincham, but we feel his general contribution to, and achievements in, football should be recognised and that this tribute dinner is a fitting way to do that.’

White’s rise to prominence began after he forged a business partnership with Peter Swales. The pair opened their first White & Swales record and sheet music shop on Cross Street before taking over at Alty in 1961 and transforming their fortunes. While Swales moved on to Manchester City a few years later, White remained at Moss Lane as chairman and oversaw an era in which Alty became the country’s most renowned FA Cup giantkillers.

Told the dinner was being staged in his honour, White said, ‘It is very nice that my efforts in football are being recognised in this way. My involvement in football administration goes back to when I was 15, playing for a team run by my father in the Altrincham and District Service of Youth League. I used to collect match subs of threepence per player per match, write the details in a cash book and handle player registrations.’

Alty, who have signed former AFC Telford United midfielder or centre-back Carl Rodgers, still have tickets available at £30 each on 0161 928 1045 or by e-mail."

DAMIAN

But the striker originates from Doncaster and might prefer a return to his home town. Rovers manager Dean Saunders... did have the player, who finished the campaign as English senior football’s leading scorer, watched earlier this season. Reeves works as a self-employed plasterer so the option to turn professional would be an enticing one. Contracts only run for a season-long basis at Altrincham, meaning that there would be no transfer fee involved and Altrincham chairman Graham Rowley expects Rovers to be in the race to sign him.

Rowley insists that Reeves, who has scored 64 in 79 since signing for the club two seasons ago, would be a gamble worth taking. Rowley told The Star, 'I know Doncaster looked at him around Christmas and anyone who scores that amount of goals is going to get noticed. We haven’t had any official enquiries yet and we will offer him a new deal but he’s earned a shot at League football and I expect more interest in him shortly. We can’t say whether or not he’ll be able to hack League football but the goals he’s scored suggests he’s definitely worth a punt'.

Reeves broke a club record last campaign by scoring in 10 consecutive games for the Moss Lane outfit... Rowley likens the striker’s skills to those of Blackpool veteran Kevin Phillips, who also played in non-League football before making it in the Premier League and earning an international call-up for England.

Although resigned to losing his star man he believes, with Rovers low on numbers since releasing a dozen players following their relegation from the Championship, that the former Leeds United trainee Reeves would be a great first addition and one that would catch the imagination of fans at the Keepmoat.

'Damian’s a predator in the box. He’s not going to score 25-yard screamers and you’re not going to get 90 minutes of hard work out of him but if he gets a chance, it’s a goal', said Rowley. 'He’d definitely be one for Doncaster fans to get excited about. He can appear a bit lazy at times but he comes alive in the final third of the pitch and he’s good with either foot. He’s a great finisher and if you watch the footage of him on Youtube you’ll see that some of his skills are sublime'".

BSBN NEWS

Manager Neil Aspin told the club's official website, 'I can't speak highly enough of Tom. He was here before I was but we decided to keep him at the club and that was a wise decision. He helped in both our promotions and has made a massive contribution to the club. He always gives 100 percent and is willing to play through injuries for the cause. I just can't say enough good things about him.

However sometimes it's best for players to have a fresh challenge and I think it's time we change some players for new ones. He leaves the club with our best wishes and I'm sure he'll do well wherever he goes'.

Meanwhile, Holland has also been released after two years at the club where he has scored 30 goals. Aspin added, 'I had Danny at Harrogate and he always gives a lot both on and off the pitch. He's a great character and good footballer. He's scored a lot of goals in his time and I've always enjoyed working with him'".

The Cambridge News tells us that "Russell Hands wants to get a clutch of professionals with a passion for Histon on to the club’s new-look board. The Stutes’ chairman is the only director left... following the resignations of chief executive Gordon Boateng, director of football Glynn Mason and director Graham Muncey this week.

A general meeting will be held on June 7, and Hands believes the right people to join the board are already helping out behind the scenes. 'We’ve got several members that have helped us over the years that are now babysitting various aspects, if you like, until that meeting', said Hands. 'Hopefully one or two of those will come on the board because they’re very professional. They’ve been reluctant in the past, but hopefully we can coax them on this time around... They’ve been like ghost directors working behind the scenes and done a lot of the hard work in the past'...

Manager David Livermore said his position had not changed in the wake of this latest upheaval, but he is concerned the club could miss out on transfer targets as he still does not know his playing budget. 'I guess I’m in the same position I was, and all the conversations I’ve had have been with Russell, the chairman', said Livermore. 'I’ll get on with what I can get on with, which is organising pre-season and making sure the guys have their off-season plans. It’s a little bit concerning because people seem to be doing their business now and we’re missing out on opportunities in that respect... We might miss out on one or two players, but they might be players we can’t afford anyway'".

BSBN says that "Boston United winger Kallum Smith has signed a new contract... The 22-year-old joined the Pilgrims from Lincoln City on transfer deadline day in March and only made a couple of appearances before the end of the season. However, he started against Hyde FC and Guiseley in United's last two league games, and did enough to impress manager Jason Lee, who has awarded him with a contract. The Pilgrims have recently also re-signed defenders Gareth Jelleyman, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield and Conor Marshall, midfielders Ian Ross and Ben Milnes, and strikers Marc Newsham and Spencer Weir-Daley."

On the NL Daily site we read that "Neil Young, manager of Chester, has axed striker Chris Simm... The Blues' boss confirmed he has told last season’s joint leading goalscorer that he couldn’t guarantee him regular football for next season’s campaign.

'Chris Simm has been a good servant for Chester and he is a great lad both on the pitch and in the dressing room', Young said. 'I know how much he loves his football and how well he played for the team last season – and that was underlined by the number of goals he scored in our title-winning campaign. “But I couldn’t guarantee Chris a regular place in next season’s starting line-up and I had to be respectful by telling him that. I prefer to be straight and honest with every player because I don’t want to mess people around as they have bills to pay as well as wanting to play football.

There certainly won’t be any shortage of clubs wanting to speak to Chris now that he is a free agent because he has scored goals wherever he has been'...

Simm, who finished last season as Chester’s joint leading marksman with Matty McGinn on 16 goals, admitted ... 'Neil Young told me there was nothing there for me and to say I was shocked by what he said is an understatement. I thought I’d done well enough to stay at the club and I think he knew I’d say no if I was offered non-contract terms because I’ve got a young family to provide for. I’m disappointed because I think Neil has left me in the lurch after I have helped the club win the league title and finish the season as joint top goalscorer... I have been loyal and I now feel I am in my prime...

I knew after speaking to people at the weekend presentation evening that Neil had already spoken to some players, so I thought I was okay...I’ve now got to start again from scratch'" he told The Leader.

Also at Chester "Neil Young has made his first signing of the Summer, with midfielder Dave Hankin joining from Kidderminster Harriers. Hankin 27, joined the Blues on a 2 year deal...having formerly played at Stalybridge Celtic, and his preferred position is right midfield... It wasn't the only bit of business carried out by Young today, as Marc Williams & Levi Mackin put pen to paper on their contracts for next season."

At Alfreton Town manager Nicky Law "has begun his planning for next season by signing four of last season's squad on new deals and releasing three. Central defender Darran Kempson has signed a new two-year deal and one-year contracts have been signed by Josh Law, Connor Franklin and Leigh Franks...

Attacking midfield player Daniel Meadows, 19, who was on loan at the Impact Arena for the last five weeks of last season from Nottingham Forest, has agreed a two-year deal with the Reds of Alfreton and other new one-year deals have been agreed by Anton Brown and Nathan Arnold.

Players already under contract with Alfreton for the 2012/13 season are Paul Clayton, Jake Moult, Adam Quinn, Anthony Wilson, Matt Wilson, Adie Hawes, Chris Senior and Greg Young. Utility player Theo Streete has also had an additional one-year option to stay with the Reds exercised by the club.

Law's squad already looks to have a good foundation to build on and it will hopefully get stronger as last season's 17-goal top scorer Nathan Jarman is in ongoing negotiations on a new contract. One very pleasing factor is that Franklin, Law, Brown and Arnold have agreed to stay with the Reds despite interest from other Blue Square Bet Premier clubs.

Released by the Reds are goalkeeper Dan Lowson and winger Jamie Mullan. It is understood that central midfield man Nicky Deverdics, who was on non contract during a short spell at the club at the end of the season, will not be offered new terms. Reds chairman Wayne Bradley thinks there will be several new faces coming into the club in the summer, somewhere between four and six depending on how successful the club are with their targets...

Said Bradley, 'This year will be a case of quality instead of quantity'".

Guiseley say that "With the dust having settled on the Lions’ play-off heartbreak, the club’s management team have wasted no time in getting players signed up for the next campaign. The club are happy to announce that Danny Ellis, Mark Bower and Andy Holdsworth have all agreed terms to stay with the club next season. Steven Drench, Simon Ainge and Gavin Rothery are already under contract for next season’s campaign".

According to the Northampton Chronicle, "Ian Sampson insists he ‘can’t wait to get started’ after being confirmed as the new manager of Corby Town... with ex-Peterborough Northern Star manager Chris Plummer arriving as his assistant...

'It is a fantastic little arena here, I am just keen to get started and very excited about the prospect of progressing Corby Town', said Sampson, who was sacked as Cobblers boss in March, 2011...

'Don’t get me wrong, we are looking to win games of football because, if you don’t, you pay the price as a manager regardless of what budget you have... There were 800 here for the first game at this ground last season and 400 for the last. If you have 14 defeats at home, fans will stay away. We need to get that home form right and hopefully if we do, we can get the local people coming down here to have a look at us'.

Ingram revealed Sampson will have a smaller budget than the club had at the start of last season but a bigger one than it finished the campaign with. But Sampson is unfazed...

'Budget is a massive thing in football but there are teams that do well on lower budgets and we will be looking to be one of those', he added... 'There are players who were at the club last season that we are interested in keeping on, we don’t want to dismantle the whole thing'".

Although they would normally have dropped into the BSBN, the Northern Echo tells us that "The Northern League are preparing to accommodate Darlington ahead of Friday's Football Association announcement about which league the club will be playing in next season. The FA are still to confirm Darlington's punishment for failing to exit administration by the proper procedures at the start of the month.

A delegation including DFC 1883 chairman Denis Pinnegar and board member Laura Drew argued for leniency when they met FA officials at Wembley last week. However, it looks as though their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, and The Northern Echo understands there is a strong possibility of Darlington being placed into Division One of the Northern League ahead of the start of next season.

If confirmed, the news will be a major blow to club officials, who had been hoping to secure a place in either the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier or Division One North. That could still happen, but it is telling that Northern League officials have been instructed to start making preparations for the Quakers' possible inclusion in next season's competition.

Interestingly, Durham City's demotion from the Evo-Stik League means the Northern League's top-flight currently has an odd number of clubs. By installing Darlington, the FA would be preventing the need for a further reshuffle.

The Quakers will discover their fate on Friday, and little more than two years after they were playing against Bradford City, Notts County and Crewe Alexandra in the Football League, they could find themselves lining up against the likes of Newton Aycliffe, Consett and Team Northumbria. They are also set to be in the same division as Shildon, who will be their landlords at Dean Street.

If they bypass the Evo-Stik League, they will have been relegated four divisions since the end of last season, when they finished in the bottom four of the Blue Square Bet Premier. The FA's punishment would be one of the most draconian ever dished out, and reflect the governing body's unhappiness with Darlington's failure to adhere to the regulations that govern a club's exit from administration.

FA rules state that in order to leave administration and reclaim a place in the football pyramid, a club must agree a Creditors' Voluntary Agreement (CVA) with its creditors...

They could not reach an agreement with the club's major creditor, former chairman Raj Singh, and inherited footballing debts relating to outstanding wages owed to the club's former players. Pinnegar has promised to do all he can to help local businesses who lost out when the club was placed into administration, and has pledged to pay the players' outstanding wages. However, his assurances are not understood to have placated FA officials, who are concerned that a lenient interpretation of the rules on this occasion could establish a dangerous precedent for other clubs to exploit in the future.

To further complicate matters, Darlington have not been able to transfer their existing footballing share, the notional ratification that enables them to compete in an FA-affiliated competition. As a result, while DFC 1883 opted not to go down the route of liquidation and reformation as a 'Phoenix club', the FA are effectively treating the latest incarnation of the Quakers as a separate entity to the one that ended last season.

There are also issues over the ground rating of Dean Street which could prevent Darlington from playing Evo-Stik matches at the stadium... If Darlington are demoted to the Northern League, questions will be raised about the wisdom of keeping the club alive in the second half of last season, rather than investing the money that was raised through bucket collections and personal donations into the creation of a brand new club".

OLD BOYS

BSBN NEWS

The Conference may yet ask Kettering for a bond of £100,000 or even boot the Poppies out of the upper reaches of the non-League game. The Blue Square divisions are due to be confirmed at the Conference’s annual meeting on June 9...

'To be honest, the club isn’t in a position to be able to name a new manager', Westwood said. 'They need to get through to that meeting on June 9 and find out what division they are going to be in. From my point of view, other opportunities came up and it was a question of hanging on or taking one of those opportunities. I think I have done the right thing. I am disappointed because I put a lot of effort into the job at the end of last season and I believe I could have made a go of it... I feel sorry for the new owners because the fans don’t seem to be very enthusiastic. Even when they came in and secured the immediate future, there was no real buzz around the place which I found strange. It’s very much a case of "help them help you" and I hope the Kettering fans get behind their club again,'" he told the Northampton Chronicle.

At another relegated club, the Darlington and Stockton Times reports that "The new owners of Darlington Football Club have launched an appeal for fans to reinvest money already pledged to the club. Darlington FC 1883 Ltd (DFC 1883) says it needs £70,000 before the end of this month and £200,000 by the end of next month to be able to move forward.

Last night, DFC 1883 launched two websites – savedarlo.org and 1883cic.org – to explain to fans how the club will be run and how to invest and donate money. The options include investing in 1883CIC – a new community interest company (CIC), which will have a controlling stake in the club. Alternatively, fans can back one of the club’s supporters' groups, which will either buy a stake in the club, invest in the CIC, or donate money directly to the club directly".

The Northampton Chronicle tells us that "Former Cobblers' boss Ian Sampson has been named as the new boss of Corby Town. Sampson was unveiled as the Steelmen’s new man at a press conference at Steel Park. The club’s new owner Kevin Ingram is putting his faith in Sampson, who was sacked as the Cobblers boss in March last year.

Sampson enjoyed a reasonably successful stint as Town boss, with the highlight of his time in charge at Sixfields being the stunning Carling Cup win over Liverpool at Anfield in September, 2010. The Cobblers were mid-table in league two when Sampson was dismissed, but the team has struggled at the wrong end of the table since...

Sampson, who also played 449 games in the claret and white, replaces Graham Drury at the Corby Town helm, and will be assisted by Chris Plummer, the former Queens Park Rangers player and ex-boss of Peterborough North."

BSBN says that "Boston United have confirmed that striker Spencer Weir-Daley and defender Gareth Jelleyman have signed new deals at the club. Weir-Daley has penned a one-year contract with the Pilgrims, where he has scored 41 goals in 96 appearances. The 26-year-old spent half a season at AFC Telford after they snapped him up last summer, but he returned to York Street in January.

Meanwhile, club captain Jelleyman has also signed a one-year deal after making 41 appearances for United last term. The 31-year-old full-back has made 90 appearances for the club since arriving in 2010. He also had two separate loan spells at Boston, in 1998 and 2004".

The Blue Square Bet North the 'Player of the Month' for April and the play-offs is Dwight Gayle from Bishop's Stortford. In the Blue Square Bet North the Manager of the Month' award for April and the play-offs goes to Nuneaton Town manager, Kevin Wilkin.

BSBN NEWS

On Friday 18th May 2012 the Club received a letter from a shareholder requesting a general meeting of shareholders to be convened within the timescales outlined in the company’s Articles of Association. Proposed resolutions include the appointment of a new Board to be made up of a number of individuals that have stepped forward to declare their interest.

The Club will be writing to all shareholders immediately with further details and to confirm arrangements for the meeting which will be held in The Glass World Lounge on Thursday 7th June at 7.00pm. For now it is business as usual, I along with the Management Team, David Livermore, Brian Page and not forgetting the volunteers, will continue to push forward for the Season ahead.

Russell Hands, Chairman".

"Experienced defender Paul Mayo has joined Stamford from Corby Town. The 30-year-old has agreed to team up with boss Graham Drury again, after enjoying two successful spells under his guidance with the Steelmen".

"The Chairman of the Kettering Town Supporters' Trust admits the club faces a 'huge task' to avoid administration", reports the BBC. "KTST chairman Mark Severn echoed acting chairman George Rolls's plea for supporters to buy season tickets. Severn told BBC Northampton, 'There's a lot of scepticism about. There's been so many false dawns. We've asked the fans to put their hands in their pockets since December but we need to give that little bit more if we can'.

Severn continued, 'This is the biggest crisis we've had. If the club is to have any chance of moving forward, it's going to need all the supporters that came out and helped us last summer doing it again. It's a huge task to avoid administration. I'd hope that we can, but without the season ticket revenue and things happening off the field, there's only so much we can do'.

The Football Conference has confirmed a meeting took place with Rolls on Tuesday 8 May at which assurances were sought regarding the club's ability to complete its fixtures and meet its financial obligations in the Blue Square Bet North in 2012/13. A spokesperson for the Conference said, 'Kettering were advised, in writing, of a number of conditions to comply with and respond to by 25 May. Dependent on that response, it could be that the football club may have to lodge a financial bond [with the Conference] prior to the AGM on the 9 June to ensure the integrity of the competition'.

Neither the Conference, the club nor the Trust will confirm what those conditions relate to, although the value of the bond is known to be a six-figure sum. "

Meanwhile, "Kettering defender Ashley Westwood is one of three players to have agreed a move to Lincoln City. The former Manchester United trainee, 35, was player-caretaker manager at Kettering last season and has signed a one-year contract at Sincil Bank. Grimsby striker Rob Duffy, 29, and Nuneaton midfielder Gary Mills, 31, have also signed one-year deals...

Westwood added, 'Kettering are still not certain of their future to be honest - what league they're going to be in, whether they'll be in administration or not - with that pending I didn't really have a decision to make to be honest'".

According to the Worcester News, "City are still waiting to hear whether they will be able to play at Kidderminster Harriers from the start of the 2013-14 campaign. Worcester officials met their Harriers counterparts last month about the possibility of ground-sharing at Aggborough once they leave St George’s Lane at the end of next season. Harriers are believed to be City’s preferred option as the stadium is already up to Football League standard, although the cost could prove a stumbling block. The other option, Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground, would need investment to bring it up to the Blue Square Bet North grading required by City".

TELEVISED FOOTBALL

LIVING LEGENDS

Above, the Altrincham FC Legends who took on the Altrincham FC Coaches last week. Back row: Matt Doughty, Gary Talbot, Stephen Rose, Ian Craney, Robbie Lawton, Paul Robertson, Ged Kielty. Front: Steve Aspinall, Colin Potts, Eddie Hussin, Gary Scott, Peter Band, Charles Heathcote.

FRIENDLY

RUNNING FOR GOOD CAUSES

Watching the Manchester 10km Run on Sunday brought several other sightings of competitors with Altrincham FC connections. Former Alty defender Richard Battersby was part of a team of 41 (including 9 players) which was entered by FC United to raise funds for the club. As FCUM explain, "There will be an FC United team running the Great Manchester Run to raise funds to help FC get closer to our dream of a ground of our own... It will be interesting to see if any of the supporters taking part manage to finish before any of the players."

At least one regular on the Moss Lane terraces, Dan Martell, also ran the course. So, congratulations to these competitors and all the others who ran in the event for the benefit of charities.

BACK TO THE LEAGUE

BSBN NEWS

OLD BOY

BSBN NEWS

AFC Halifax Town reports on a player who had a loan spell at Altrincham who "has been the most popular player in FC Halifax Town's short history, but James Dean's time at The Shay has come to an end. The big striker, who scored an astonishing 83 goals in just 130 games for The Shaymen, has joined big spending AFC Fylde of the Evo-Stik Premier...

Neil Aspin, who brought the talisman to The Shay, was disappointed with the surroundings of his exit. 'Deano's done a very good job at Halifax, he's played a massive part in the two promotions and made a big contribution this season as well. I was just very disappointed that he had agreed to sign for another season and then just sent me a text saying he had signed for Fylde, so in that respect I do find it disappointing that he couldn't ring to tell me. But I have no problem with Deano, he's done a very good job for us'...

With Dean joining Simon Eastwood in leaving The Shay exit, Aspin assured fans he is making progress in bringing players into the club. 'Of course, we've got targets lined up who we think can come in and do the job and that's what we're aiming to do. That won't stop from now until we have got the strongest squad we can assembled'".

Meanwhile, Corby Town report that they "can confirm that Leicestershire-based business man Kevin Ingram has completed his purchase of shares from David Mallinger and Graham Starmer and is the now the club’s majority shareholder. Mr. Ingram has assumed the role of Chairman and confirmed that he has invited several new directors to join the current board. Former acting chairman Mallinger and vice chairman Starmer have also accepted new roles within the restructured board.

'Due to the complexity of the deal it has taken a while to get to this point but things are really beginning to take shape now', explained the new Chairman.... 'Corby Town is going to be a club that does things the right way; it is going to be a club people will want to be associated with and one other clubs will look at with envy... I am looking forward to working closely with new Borough Council CEO, Norman Stronach and his team, as well as the newly formed Supporters' Trust. They all have significant roles to play too.

It is my ambition to build a highly motivated football team who will become ambassadors for the area and wear the shirt with pride. We will do this in a sustainable and progressive manner. What this club needs right now is financial stability, we have to bring an end to the volatility of recent years'.

At this present point in time, the club is approaching the final stages of the search for a new first-team manager and that will remain the board's primary focus for the immediate future. 'I hope to be in a position to make an appointment next week'" said the Chairman."

From This is Lincs we learn that "Supporters may be shocked and upset to hear Leon Mettam will not be at Gainsborough Trinity next season". Manager Steve Housham admitted, "'It was a very difficult evening', said Housham. 'Talking to Leon was especially tough as he has done a fantastic job for us. But I see him as an impact player and he needs to be starting more matches. It was very difficult telling my son Billy because Leon is his favourite player'".

Mettam, though, who finished the season with 14 goals from 13 starts, is looking at his departure as an opportunity. 'It was kind of a joint decision really', Mettam said. 'I had spoken to Houshy (Steve Housham) and the chairman (Peter Swann) a while ago about wanting to start more games... I do have a few irons in the fire and I am talking to clubs, some at a higher level and some in the same league. In fact I had a call from Boston United manager Jason Lee this week, who asked me not to sign anything until he gets back from holiday.

But that doesn’t mean I will be going there. Like I said, I will be talking to a few teams over the next few weeks'...

Lewis McMahon, Adam Watts and Ryan Paczkowski have not been offered new deals and Housham is still to meet with club captain Gavin Cowan and defender Kevin Sandwith. 'I hope he (Housham) doesn’t upset the apple cart too much,', added Mettam. 'I don’t know who he is letting go, but there are some big personalities in the dressing room who have helped us have a very good season. I don’t yet know what will happen with Gavin (Cowan), but he is a great influence at the club... There are no hard feelings at all on my part'".

Promoted BSBN champions, Hyde, say "Tahir Khan has been appointed as the new chairman of Hyde FC, replacing Allan Kenyon who recently stepped down from the role due to business commitments" He said, "I considered other offers at Football League level, but for me there was only ever one destination. Hyde FC is renowned for having one of the best playing surfaces in the Conference and the club like to play a passing game. I have met with the new management duo of McNiven and McCann and they have reassured me that they want to play a passing game... We have big plans to develop the club, its infrastructure, the facilities, academy and there is lots of hard work that lies ahead...

We have a very positive relationship with Premier League champions Manchester City, and it’s befitting that we have both been crowned champions this year... We recognise that it’s a very expensive family day out to watch our big cousins City and United. Therefore, I am urging both sets of these fans to adopt Hyde as their second club".

MEET THE OLD RECRUITS

Right are two images from the Evening; click on each for a larger version.

Left: Mark receives a cheque for £25,000 from chairman Grahame Rowley, which is the sum raised from the various events held over the past year for Mark's testimonial. Right: Mark's former team-mates attended in large numbers. Here we see; standing: Steve Aspinall, Colin Potts, Eddie Hussin, Stephen Rose, Ged Kielty and kitmen Dave Mitten and Charles Heathcote. Seated (more or less) are Peter Band, Gary (a.k.a. Glenn) Scott, Ian Craney, Mark himself, Graham Heathcote, Grahame Rowley, Stuart Coburn and, having emerged from under the table, Chris Adams. Also in attendance was former assistant manager, Dalton Steele.

The event was compered in inimitable fashion by Grahame Heathcote who, of course, managed the team for much of Mark's career. The players formed two panels which were asked questions by the audience. Amongst the many stories recollected was Gary Scott's of the Play-Off Final at Stoke in 2005. Gary was named as Man of the Match in the News of the World the next day but the paper ruined his moment of national fame by printing his name as "Glenn Scott" - and it still rankles! Nevertheless, Gary recovered his composure to treat the audience to a rendition of "King of the Road".

Other memorable moments included Mark Maddox's snap response to a questioner who asked what his biggest regret in football had been. "Meeting Graham Heathcote" was the reply! For Steve Aspinall, the biggest regret had been giving Gary Scott lifts in his car back to Merseyside. The players told us what they were doing now that (in virtually all cases) their football careers were over. Ged Kielty, for example, "works for the government", Stephen Rose is about to go to Canada for three months and Steve Aspinall is an electrician at a hospital. Ged has also run five marathons over the past five years.

Peter Band is now in football management at Mossley, whilst Colin Potts retains his carpet-laying business. Graham Heathcote lamented that a few years ago he had employed Dave Mitten as kitman and Graham Barrow as assistant manager. Both were now in the Premier League at Wigan Athletic, whilst Graham was out of full-time football employment working as a school groundsman!

Asked to sum up their feelings for Altrincham FC, Colin Potts told us that he had made "friends for life" at Moss Lane. Stuart Coburn explained how football had changed with the regular booze-ups of the past now replaced by a more serious attitude from current players. Whilst some of Chris Adams's stories were unprintable, one tale was hair-raising; he had set light to Rod Thornley's hair on the team coach coming back from Bradford Park Avenue!

Ian Craney, who attended with his footballer friends Pater Cavanagh and Tony Grant, gave a boost to the Testimonial Fund when he won the auction for a signed Altrincham FC shirt. The final part of the evening saw Gary Scott as the victim in a game based on "Deal or No Deal", before chairman Grahame Rowley thanked the organising committee and presented Mark with a cheque for £25,000, for which Mark thanked all who had contributed. Many thanks, too, go to Richie Bentley for preparing the food for such an enjoyable evening.

BSBN NEWS

Newsham, meanwhile, scored twenty-one goals to finish the season as the Pilgrims’ top scorer, in addition to scooping three end-of-season awards. He also passed the fifty-goal mark in United colours during the course of the season".

According to the Cambridge News, "David Livermore has told Daniel Sparkes and Remy Clerima to take their time over deciding whether to commit to Histon. The Stutes announced they had offered re-engagement terms to captain Sparkes and French defender Clerima on May 4, with the pair having 28 days to make up their minds.

And manager Livermore is still waiting to hear back from the board regarding the futures of goalkeeper Jorg Stadelmann and Grant Roberts, as well as more details on next season’s playing budget.

'Sparky and Remy have got 28 days to do what they want to do, so I expect them to take their time on the decision', said Livermore. 'There’s no rush. At present I’m still talking to the club about Jorg and Grant Roberts. It’s on-going talks and I still don’t know what the budget is, so once I know that we can get on with a few things'.

Livermore has been busy in his attempts to unearth a few gems at trial games, attending events in Staines, Walsall and Loughborough. 'I saw about 180 players last week, so it was worth going to them', he said. 'You see three games and then you get all the information on the players in a booklet. You fill in a form at the end and that gets passed on to the players, and you then get emailed their contact details. It’s certainly a worthwhile exercise. Not everyone would be suitable but, if we can get one player from events like that, then it’s worth it'.

The boss will be keen to have the bulk of his squad formed when they return to pre-season training on June 25. 'We’re probably looking at doing a bit longer pre-season than we did last year, probably coming back in the last week of June', said Livermore. 'Last season the guys came back in good shape so we didn’t have to gamble too much in the first few weeks of the season. After a bit of preparation work we went into the higher intensity stuff... but having an extra week, making it seven weeks rather than six, will make sure bodies are prepared and ready to get into the more enjoyable stuff'".

The Northants Evening Telegrph says that "George Rolls insists there is 'no crisis' at Kettering Town. But the acting chairman has made another passionate plea for fans to purchase season tickets for the next campaign to help with cashflow over the next couple of months. The Poppies are currently without a manager while it remains unclear what division they will play in next season.

Season tickets have been on sale for over a month but, after over 1,000 were sold at a cut price before the last campaign that ended in relegation, just 74 adult tickets have been sold since the season finished...

He said, 'There is no crisis. The business and football club is viable, we know that is the case... We just want the supporters behind us. The number of tickets that have been sold so far is a bit insulting to me, Ritchie and my wife because we are the ones who have come in and saved the club. That’s the way it is... I realise we are asking people to dig deep but it’s what most clubs around the country are doing at the moment and I dare say most fans are obliging. We can make this work but we need to sell some more season tickets. If we can sell another 200 or so, quickly, then we will be in a good position... I believe a good fanbase is there but it needs to show itself now'".

Meanwhile, the previous occupants at Nene Park "Phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds have been informed by the FA National Leagues Committee that the club have been placed in the United Counties League Division One for the forthcoming season 2012-13... at Step 6 of the Non-League pyramid".

Stalybridge Celtic have lost another player as Pitchero Non-League tells us that "Jim Gannon, manager of Stockport County, announced a hat-trick of new signings at the Edgeley Park outfit today"... In addition to two others, "The Hatters have also nabbed striker Craig Hobson from Conference North side Stalybridge Celtic, for whom he netted sixteen times last season... He joined Stalybridge from Kendal Town three years ago, after scoring twenty-six times... in 2008/09. Hobson played in the same Myerscough College team as Anthony Pilkington. He has made a big impression at Bower Fold in his last season picking up the manager's 'Most Improved Player of the Season award and coming third in the Player of the Season award, too".

It is reported by This is Glos that "Tyler Weir wants to become a Gloucester City player on a permanent basis and boss Dave Mehew is hopeful of striking a deal to land the former Hereford United man. Gloucester-born Weir, who has enjoyed two loan stints with his hometown club, is being released by Hereford this summer and the Tigers are his preferred destination...

Mehew said, 'I have had a few conversations with some quality players, who I believe will improve the squad, if we can bring them in. I haven't spoken about money with any of them yet as the budget hasn't been confirmed but Tyler is one of them. He has said to me that if we can sort a deal out then we are his preferred destination and that is great to hear. However, whether we can afford him is another matter... He will certainly have other offers...

Mehew said, ideally, he wants to add 'two or three quality new players' for a play-off push next term... 'In an ideal world I would love to bring in three or four players in for next season, but we certainly don't need wholesale changes', he said. 'We have a backbone of players and we're keen to add two or three quality players to that mix, whether I can do that remains to be seen... I honestly believe that with some good additions that we can be pushing for a play-off place next season'".

18 May 2012 CHEERS! Altrincham FC would like to thank all of the beer barrel sponsors at last weekend's Beer Festival. The club is also very grateful to Dunham Scaffolding/Gallagher Roofing for erecting the covered area adjacent to the bar. Everybody's assistance is much appreciated. STARTING FROM A GOOD PLACE The Hale, Altrincham & Sale Independent says that "Altrincham FC may have failed to make the play-off but manager Lee Sinnott believes 'the buds of improvement are there and ready to grow'. Though disappointed with the final placing – eighth in the league – he believes that the Robins provided true entertainment for their loyal fans by scoring 89 goals, making them the joint top scoring team in the league. And the club manager singled out Damian Reeves for special praise for his sterling contribution of around half the team goals. Yet, while he acknowledges this meant the Robins gave the fans an exciting time, the problem was that they simply couldn’t plug the holes in defence effectively. And this is a situation he intends to address during the closed season. 'We conceded 15 penalties which didn’t help', says Lee Sinnott. 'But we still came back from relegation the season before and managed to flirt with the play offs'. The manager admits he faces an issue that we are living in a time when everyone wants success yesterday – and managing that expectation can prove difficult at times. 'We mustn’t forget that there are only a couple of clubs in the league that can be successful and, unfortunately, it wasn’t our time this season', he says. 'You have to look at the overall situation in a level headed way. You’ve got to deal with what you’ve got and overall I think we have had an OK season'. Not that he sees it will be a walk over next with the arrival of well supported clubs like Chester. 'But Altrincham is a well run club with a very loyal fan base and the support has been very good. There’s no better starting point for next season than that'". The paper adds that "Although the results in the games against the top teams were disappointing, the difference between Alty and the teams above them in most of these games was not great, and Manager Lee Sinnott will have recognised the areas where they need to tighten up... Amidst the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs, there have been positive features of the season, not least the emergence of players from the Club’s Junior and Youth sections, into the first team squad. Over the season 5 players have featured either starting in the team, or as sub, with particular mention being due to goalkeeper Adam Reid, with 3 starts and many appearances as sub, and forward Duncan Watmore, who scored his first league goal in the final game of the season. After the Club's final game of the season, the annual awards were presented, with the Club’s, and the League’s, leading goalscorer Damian Reeves receiving both the Players' Player, and the Fans' Player awards. Runners up in the Fans' award were Stuart Coburn and Nicky Clee. Young Player of the year was captain Shaun Densmore, and scorer of the Goal of the Season was James Lawrie. Altrincham FC is largely run by volunteers, and the Club tries to recognise the contribution of the many who do keep the club going, by awards to the Volunteer of the year, which this year went to the Lewis family, Allison (Safety Officer), Peter (Chief Steward), Zoe and Samm (Stewards). The award for Clubman of the year went to Joint Kitman, John Skelhorn. The Club is most grateful to all who contribute their time though. Although the playing season has finished, the Club still has some fundraising events in May. On May 22 the holds its Club Annual Golf Day at Withington Golf Course. Anyone interested in entering a team should contact the club on 0161 928 1045. On May 18 there will be the final event in the Mark Maddox Testimonial year, which is a ‘meet the old players’ event to be held in the Club's Sponsors' Lounge". BSBN NEWS The Football Conference says that "It’s back to business for Dave Mehew, manager of Gloucester City, with six players agreeing to new deals with the Tigers... although three of those to agree new deals did so before the end of last season! Goalkeeper Mike Green, defenders Jack Harris, Matt Coupe and Tom Hamblin and strike partners Darren Edwards and Will Morford will all be back in yellow and black next season. And Mehew has said all the remaining members of the squad will be offered deals in the next week, with no one being released". New of a former FC Halifax Town player comes from Sky Sports which reports that "Leicester City have agreed a deal worth £1 million for Fleetwood Town striker Jamie Vardy. Vardy is understood to have turned down offers from fellow Championship sides Cardiff City and Peterborough United to join Leicester... The Conference champions have agreed what is a record deal for a non-league player, and it could rise to £1.7million. Vardy, 25, only joined Fleetwood last season from Halifax Town. Before that he played over 100 games for Stocksbridge Park Steels". The Chester Chronicle says that "Chester FC are in danger of being priced out of the market by their Blue Square North rivals. Neil Young has started to make tentative enquiries in a bid to strengthen his championship-winning squad. But the Blues boss has so far been frustrated by the money being offered by some of the teams expected to challenge his side next season. Young, who has led Chester to back-to-back promotions, said, 'We’ve been putting some feelers out there to see what certain players’ availability is like and, if I’m being honest, at the moment there are wage demands we can’t meet. There are other clubs in our league who have met those wages demands and that’s where we are at the moment. It puts it into perspective what we’re facing. We get 3,000 people coming through the gates but just because other teams don’t have our massive fan base, it doesn’t mean they don’t have luxury in terms of finance'.... Young said, 'We’ve already got a lot of the best part-time players so what we’ve got to do is find those lads who want to drop down from full-time to part-time'. Midfielder Ashley Williams was last night expected to sign a new contract with Chester". From the Wharfedale Observer comes news that "Play-off semi-finalists Guiseley have confirmed their first two pre-season friendlies. They will play Huddersfield Town, who will be sending a first team to Nethermoor on Saturday, July 21. Meanwhile, Bradford City will visit Guiseley in another high-profile contest on Wednesday, August 1... The match against Simon Grayson’s Terriers, who could be a Championship club by then, will be the first game at Nethermoor following further stadium refurbishment during the close season. City, who are under Phil Parkinson, will also be send-ing a first team to face the Lions. Last season, Guiseley added a second stand, while plans for the summer include getting their own water supply and replacing the perimeter fencing behind the stands and in front of the third-generation artificial pitch, as well as getting new dugouts. Guiseley’s joint club secretary Adrian Towers was on the pitch yesterday, and said, 'They are digging the bore-hole at the moment and are 50 feet down. Maybe they will have to go 100 feet down to get to the water. The money for the project has come from the Football Foundation, while the new perimeter fencing will give us more space for terracing. The dugouts are past their sell-by date and the new ones will be more like those seen in the Football League". 17 May 2012 SUCCESSFUL BEER FESTIVAL Altrincham FC Joint Press & Media Officer, John Edwards, writes "Alty boosted by beer festival success. Grahame Rowley saluted the sponsors and volunteers who helped turn Altrincham’s Beer Festival into a resounding success and made Moss Lane the place to be last weekend. Backed by shirt sponsors J.Davidson, the event raised significant funds for the club, as the lure of real ales and ciders, football, live music and family fun events ensured the ground was a hive of activity on all three days. ‘A big thankyou to all those who helped organise and run the Festival and, of course, to the sponsors whose financial support was greatly appreciated,’ said Alty chairman Rowley. ‘We are really grateful to Jamie Davidson for sponsoring the entire event and Manchester Glass for sponsoring the glasses. ‘There is a long list of people who gave their time and worked really hard to make sure everything went smoothly, and the fruits of their labour were there for everyone to see. It really was a spectacular success. We were fortunate with the weather, and it was extremely well attended. ‘There was a wide range of things for people to watch. We had a legends game and a ladies game, and the juniors were in action as well. All elements of the football club were on show over the course of the weekend, and that made it all the more special. ‘The bar was packed for much of the weekend, particularly on Sunday, when it was standing room only for the final games of the Premier League season. We had United on one screen and City on the other, and the banter between the two groups watching either game was priceless. There were songs flying back and forth, but it was all good natured. There was never any hostility, which says everything about the people who follow our club. ‘It was a great end to a memorable weekend.’ Alty are already turning their thoughts to next season. The pitch was dug up at 6.30 on Monday morning, in readiness for work aimed at helping it withstand whatever the elements throw at it next season, while the away dressing room is being completely refurbished. The club are also in talks with prospective new signings and hope to make an announcement in the next few days". BSBN NEWS There are one or two surprises in the Gainsborough Standard, which tells us that "Steve Housham has confirmed that he has released a quartet of players. The Trinity manager... has let strikers Leon Mettam [who hit a hat-trick at Moss Lane in the last game of the season] and Lewis McMahon go. Adam Watts and Ryan Paczkowski have also been released. Housham said it was a tough decision, 'We’ve offered contracts to most of the squad, but we’ve let Leon, Lewis, Adam and Ryan go. It’s hard, hard talking to them about it because we’ve had a really good season with them but, unfortunately, they don’t really feature in our plans. Leon needs to get regular football and it’s time for pastures new'. After his first season in charge on The Northolme, Housham is keen to put the disappointment of Sunday’s play-off final defeat behind him. 'We need to move on', he said. 'We’ve got a presentation night on Friday to celebrate what we’ve achieved this season and then we shut the door on it. We don’t want to go through it again, we want to go even better next season, finish higher than fourth, if not win the league. We had a good season; it would only have been a great season if we’d brought a trophy home'". Another club issuing its retained list is the subject of an announcement from Harrogate Town. "Players staying next season: Jonny Allan, Adam Nowakowski, Alan White, Mark Cook, Craig Radcliffe, Matt Bloomer, Lee Elam, Alex Meechan, Robbie Youhill Players released: Jake Picton, Paul Brayson, Laurie Wilson. Manager Simon Weaver is also keen to allow our long-term injury players the chance to prove themselves again, so Paul Heckingbottom, Danny Stimpson, Michael Brough and Liam Hardy have all be invited back to pre-season training. Also invited back are: Chib Chilaka, Paul Beesley. Youngsters Dan Clayton, Jack Emmett and Josh Garbutt are also returning back to pre-season training". According to the Football Conference, "Boston United have completed their first outright signing of the summer by capturing Hinckley United goalkeeper Dan Haystead. The 26-year-old, who spent a successful spell with the Pilgrims in 2010/11, returns to The Jakemans Stadium following the release of veteran stopper Paul Bastock. Haystead established himself as the Pilgrims’ number one in the early weeks of 2011 and his ever-present league run was only ended by a freak injury when he sustained ankle ligament damage by tripping over his dog’s toy and falling downstairs. In total, Haystead kept seven clean sheets in fifteen Conference North outings for the Pilgrims. He will be the Pilgrims’ number one stopper in 2012/13 once more, with 22-year-old Ricky Drury providing goalkeeping cover". The Leader tells us that "Neil Young is keen to strengthen three positions before the start of the new campaign. The Chester boss.... is determined to build on his club’s back-to-back promotions... 'I am aiming to stage talks with players next week, once this weekend’s club presentation evening is out of the way', Young said. 'I have made a couple of enquiries about a few players I am wanting to sign but the targets are not matching up financially to other clubs' valuations. I won’t be bullied into paying over-inflated prices for any players. Other clubs may think that we have plenty of money in the bank because we attract big crowds, but I have a budget and I will stick to it. Other clubs in the Conference North have big investors and their position puts into perspective what we are facing'. Young admitted he wasn’t going to sign many new additions to a squad that celebrated a comfortable 17-point title victory last term... But he confirmed that he would be looking to replace [ex-Alty] striker Matty McNeil, who was named as the Player of the Season after missing the end of the campaign with a knee injury which requires an operation. And Young also hopes to increase his defensive options and provide back-up for the impressive defensive partnership of skipper George Horan and Michael Taylor. He added, 'I don’t need to make that many new signings. Most people will expect us to look for a new striker because of Matty McNeil’s injury problems and that is one of the vacancies I do need to fill. I also need to strengthen the defence with another centre half because I need another player to provide an option as I only have two centre halves at the minute. Another player I want to find is a forward who can play wide and help us switch from a two in attack to a three'". In the Worcester News we learn that "Worcester City have increased their season ticket and general admission prices in a bid to sustain a Blue Square Bet North play-off challenge. The St George’s Lane club... have aspirations of again being in the promotion mix. An adult season ticket costs £252 to sit and £216 to stand, up £32 and £16 respectively, while for concessions (overs 60s) it is £180 to sit and £144 to stand, an increase of £30 and £14. Season tickets for under 16s cost £20, while under 21s can get one for £90. Matchday admission is up across the board, meaning it will now cost £14 for adults to sit and £12 to stand with concessions £10 and £8... It is the first time City have put up prices since 2010 after freezing levels last year despite VAT rising to 20 per cent. A statement said the club regretted the increase but had no choice if they were to remain competitive". From 200%, we learn that "Kettering Town’s wretched season ended with a whimper rather than a bang. They finished the season with just thirty points, rooted to the bottom of the Blue Square Bet Premier, and under the same ownership with which they began the season – albeit under the apparent control of a new 'acting chairman'... Some financial liabilities, however, remain ongoing all year round and if season ticket sales prove sluggish, a critical source of income may be lost for another year. Much of this may be playing on the mind of George Rolls this week. Rolls is always careful with his words. As recently as the middle of February, he was telling the Dorset Echo that those concerned that he was set to leave Weymouth FC that 'Unfortunately, some people make things up and put two and two together and don’t always come up with four', the implication being that he was having a 'having chit-chat to try and help other clubs out' and no more. Within three weeks of this, though, it was being reported that the Kettering Town Supporters Trust was already stating that Rolls had been (in the words of the BBC) 'handed control of the club', and at the end of March Rolls paid off the £42,000 that been the subject of a winding up order brought against the club by HMRC. Within two weeks of this, his take-over of the club was being described as “imminent”, although this, so far as anyone is aware, has yet to be confirmed. Rolls has offered the supporters trust a twenty-four per cent stake in the club, and the trust has recommended to its members that this be accepted, and talks are set to begin between the trust and Rolls over how to get the club through the summer months, but one comment straight from this particular horse’s mouth this week really did stand out, 'The threat of going into administration is very real. If the club needs to go into an act of insolvency than so be it'. This should be of particular interest to supporters of the club because it is only just over two years since Rolls took Weymouth into a CVA, with debts of £900,000 being reduced to around £80,000. Interestingly, the representative for 'a group of creditors owed around £200,000' quoted in the BBC article from March 2010 which confirmed the creditors’ agreement to this CVA was one Steve Beasant, who would resurface at Rushden & Diamonds as its Chief Executive in time for that club to be expelled from the Football Conference and subsequently fold. Upon the closure of Rushden & Diamonds, of course, Kettering Town moved into the suddenly-vacant Nene Park, the former home of the Diamonds. So, where does this leave Kettering Town, then?... A football club enters into any arrangement with a majority in value of its creditors in respect of the payment of its debts or any of them as a Company Voluntary Arrangement (under the Insolvency Act 1986, the Insolvency Act 2000 or the Enterprise Act 2000) or a Scheme of Arrangement (under the Companies Act 1985). As is reasonably common knowledge, any director who is involved in two or more insolvency events fails the Fit & Proper Person test and cannot act as the director of a football club. As such, we might consider George Rolls to be at the point of giving up his right to be able to act as the director of a football club, but the truth of the matter is that George Rolls is not listed at present with Companies' House as a director of Kettering Town Football Club yet. The FA, of course, has a detailed definition of what does and doesn’t constitute a director: “Director” means in respect of any Club, any individual person operating the powers that are usually associated with the powers of a director of a company incorporated under the Companies Act (as a company limited by shares or by guarantee) including, but not limited to: (a) a person exercising direct or indirect control over a corporate director of the Club... Kettering Town Management Ltd only has one director, but there can be little question that, even though he may claim to only be an advisor,... he is acting in the way that a director would. He has paid off £42,000 of the clubs debts and has been interviewing for the vacant manager’s position at the club... It may be down to the FA to make a decision over which they consider him to be, and whether the restrictions placed on directors under the Fit & Proper Persons Test... Should the club not enter into administration, then Rolls will presumably complete a take-over of the club, but this would surely only leaves only leave Kettering Town's short-term future secured. They will remain at Nene Park in Irthlingborough, eight miles from the town of Kettering, with no plans in place to return to the town". CHESHIRE NEWS The Stockport Express tells us that "Didi Hamann’s appointment as Stockport County manager last summer raised a few eyebrows, so you can imagine the reaction last month when Peter Withe, a fellow European Cup winner, confirmed he’d be taking charge at Woodley Sports. Just three days earlier, the non-league outfit discovered that, due to issues with their Lambeth Grove ground, they’d be demoted from the Evo-Stik North – which was already three levels below County. But, speaking from his current home in Perth, Western Australia, Withe stressed that the impending league verdict didn’t deter him from committing to a two-year contract with Woodley. 'I was well aware that decision might be made, it’s not as if the goalposts have been moved', said the 60-year-old, who scored the only goal as Aston Villa beat Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final. 'It was unfortunate but we’ve just got to be positive and move on, because in the general scheme of things, it doesn’t set the club back in terms of their long-term plans and the way we want to go forward'. Woodley have taken the bold decision to go full-time and their plans attracted the interest of Withe, who felt it was time to return to coaching in the UK after bringing his golf handicap down to five while in Australia. The Liverpudlian was contacted late last year by Ian Seddon, who was organising a ‘This Is Your Life’ night for his father Ben, a team-mate of Withe’s at Southport in the early 1970s. The pair kept in touch and Seddon, who is now Withe’s representative, began looking for potential opportunities. 'It was a case of out of sight, out of mind so we made a website and then got on Twitter and Facebook', explained Withe, who won league titles with Nottingham Forest and Villa as well as 11 England caps. 'There were a few jobs that came up but we felt Woodley Sports was the best option. They’ve got a three-year business plan and we like what they’re trying to do and what they’re trying to achieve, building an academy and hoping to progress up the leagues. It’s a challenge I wanted to have a go at, it’s something I can really get my teeth into.'. Coaching Woodley may seem a far cry from international management for Withe, who spent seven years coaching Thailand and Indonesia, but he is no stranger to non-league. 'I started out playing part-time at Skelmersdale United and Southport while working on the docks in Liverpool', said Withe, who was director of youth and chief scout at Villa before taking up the Thailand job in 1998. 'Football has changed dramatically, with non-league teams now having academies, but I’ve no qualms about coaching at this level. Some coaches who’ve coached at the top level find it difficult coaching players of a lower quality. They ask them to do things they can’t physically do. I’ve coached 12-year-olds up to senior professionals and you can’t be looking down on them, you’ve got to adapt to the level you’re coaching at. I’ve no problems about my ability to do that. I’ve got the same enthusiasm as when I was 18. I haven’t lost any desire to improve and get better, and I feel there’s so many things I can still pass on'. However, most of the players Withe will have at his disposal will be used to top-level coaching, and the club is currently in the process of putting together a squad that will train full-time. The club is focusing on youngsters who’ve been released by Football League academies and are looking to kick-start their career, although they can also offer accommodation to players wishing to come from overseas. Woodley will be running a full-time operation off the pitch too as their ambitious plans aren’t being bankrolled. The club has worked hard to put together a commercial team that will bring in the sponsorship we need', explained Withe, who will be based in Solihull. 'We’ve got the ways and means to generate our own income and be self-sufficient. We want a system that can produce players for the team now and help them move up the leagues, which will generate sales for the club, something Crewe have done for 30 years. We have to be realistic with our thoughts but with the business plan we’ve got, we believe it can work'". Woodley's average league gate last season was eighty-four. 16 May 2012 ALTY SIGN CARL Altrincham FC is pleased to announce the signing, tonight, of 6 feet 2 inch midfielder/centre-back Carl Rodgers, who has spent the last six seasons at AFC Telford United (since 2006-7 season). He rose through the leagues with Telford from the Northern Premier League to the Conference National. Born on 26 March, 1983, his work outside football is as a disc jockey. His previous clubs include Chester City (2002), Caernarfon Town (2002-03), TNS (2003-04) and Colwyn Bay (2004-06). Pictured, right, Altrincham FC Secretary, Derek Wilshaw witnesses Carl's signature. PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES Five pre-season friendlies for Altrincham FC have so far been arranged in July 2012: 1. Sat. 7.7.11 3pm Away Abbey Hey 2. Sat. 14.7.11 3pm Away Nantwich Town 3. Tue. 17.7.11 7.45pm Home MORECAMBE 4. Sat. 21.7.11 3pm Home BURNLEY XI 5. Thu. 26.7.11 7.45pm Away Trafford PRESENTATION NIGHTS Altrincham FC supporters are invited to two presentation nights at Moss Lane: Youth Team Presentation Night, Wednesday, 30 May 2012. Alty Youth finished third in the NWYA Premier Division but manager George Heslop and his assistants, Josh Collins and Ant Small, have been delighted to see no fewer than ten of their players progress as far as signing Conference North forms last season. And five of these were named in a league or cup squad. Ladies' Team Presentation Night, Saturday, 16 June. Under the managership of Keith Edleston, the Ladies laid the roots for a successful team. YANKEE The Altrincham FC Saturday Yankee jackpot now stands at £1200. Last week there were five winning "Trebles" each winning £40 for their code holder. The winning code 7672 was unissued. Plenty of behind the scenes work is going on at Moss Lane in the close season. As well as the pitch renovation which started on Monday, the away team dressing room has been gutted and painted and new benching will be installed next week. Meanwhile, Dave Johnson and Jim Vince have completed the bin emptying and washing around the ground. But there is still plenty to do... So, Altrincham FC invites all of its supporters to come along, please, to help spruce up the Moss Lane ground for the coming season. Two dates have been chosen for this "Operation Tidy Up" but, if you cannot make either date, you are invited to contact the club if you have a couple or more hours free on any other date(s) over the summer as useful jobs can always be found for willing volunteers! The dates when it is hoped to get a number of volunteers together are: Saturday, 19 May, from 10am to 3pm Saturday, 9 June, from 10am to 3pm Whether you are coming on either of these dates or wish to come on a different day, please let the club know in advance so that jobs can be assigned appropriately. The Club can be contacted for this purpose either by phone (0161 928-1045) or by e-mail. The Club relies heavily on volunteers throughout the year so please do consider giving up a few hours for the benefit of your football club, if you possibly can. BSBN NEWS BSBN reports that "Worcester City manager Carl Heeley has rubbished reports linking him with the managerial vacancy at Hereford United. Manager Richard O'Kelly recently parted ways the Bulls, who were relegated to the Blue Square Bet Premier this past season, which led to speculation linking Heeley and Stalybridge Celtic boss Jim Harvey with the job. However, the City tactician has made it clear... [as he] told Worcester News, 'There's been no approach to me or the club regarding the Hereford United vacancy. I am Worcester City manager until anybody tells me otherwise'". The Northampton Chronicle reported on Tuesday that "George Rolls will hold talks with the Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters' Trust tonight as he looks to get the club through the summer months. The Poppies’ acting chairman has admitted the threat of administration is 'very real' after he confirmed just 74 adult season tickets have been sold for the next campaign. The club are currently without a manager, don’t know what league they will be in next season and are on the back of the worst campaign ever in their near 140-year history. And Rolls again admitted the club might be forced into an 'insolvency act'. However, he will be talking over the issues with Trust chairman Mark Severn and treasurer Michael Quinn this evening. 'The debt the club has is manageable, if given time', Rolls said. 'Unfortunately, the Revenue won’t give you that time. They are due another large chunk but we are having to deal with payments to them from 2007, it’s quite frankly ridiculous. We are disappointed with the season ticket sales so far but what will be will be. It has been very quiet over the past week and a half or so, which is a big concern. The threat of going into administration is very real. If the club needs to go into an act of insolvency than so be it'". From the BBC, we learn that "Chairman Peter Swann says he is keen to develop Gainsborough Trinity's young players to be the club's future... Swann told Radio Lincolnshire, 'We have a lot of youngsters in the side we would like to bring though. [Manager] Steve [Housham] and I will sit down and discuss what we need to do to go one better next year. This was a bonus this year and, hopefully, if we keep most of the squad together, which we would like to do, we will learn a lot from this. I wish we could have done a little bit more for the fans. I don't think we really came to the party. I think when you look at it, we can play a lot better than that, we know that. But listen, they gave 100%, as we have done all season. It has been a great season and, like I said to a few of them, we have to do the same next year'". According to the North Wales Weekley News, "Colwyn Bay boss Jon Newby says he aims to carry on playing next season. The 33-year-old former Liverpool and Bury striker is looking for the Seagulls to build on a season of consolidation... Although he only scored six goals last season, (four of those before he took over the managerial chair in October), as compared to 18 the previous season, he had numerous assists and Colwyn Bay always looked a better side from an attacking point of view when he was on the pitch. 'I feel that I can still contribute something as a player and that I probably have a couple more seasons left in me, injuries permitting', he commented this week. He is hoping to strengthen the squad with a couple of key signings and says he has had talks with a number players. 'We have one or two irons in the fire, but it is very early days yet as players want to weigh up their options over the next few weeks before making a decision', said Newby. Several of last year's squad have already agreed to stay on and the club are hoping to fend off reported interest from Bangor City by offering a contract to attacking full-back Mike Lea, who picked up both the manager's and players' Player of the Season awards last month. 'We have offered Mike what I feel is a very good deal and I am hoping that he will accept', said Newby. Right-back Luke Denson, who has just won the Club Player of the Season award, has been in Scotland recently for trials with Inverness Caledonian Thistle and is expecting a decision this week on whether they are to offer him a full-time contract. 'I would be very sorry to see Luke go, but also delighted for him if he is given a chance to go full-time. He has worked very hard and deserves the opportunity', added Newby". The Grass Roots Football Show 2012 announces that "With some of the best coaching talent in the country including Phil Brown, Tosh Farrell, Bill Beswick, Tom Bates and Mark Meredith all at the event it will be the biggest weekend of the year for anyone involved in the world of coaching. The FA are in full support of the event this year too, with the FA Zone taking up a large part of the floor plan. The FA Zone will be packed full of interactive football features and FA led coaching content as well as the chance to meet key people from the FA face to face. Central to the FA Zone will be The Vauxhall Youth Arena – where visitors can enjoy a full programme of interactive demonstrations featuring highly qualified FA coaches. As well as this and in recognition of the great grass roots support of FA Charter Standard Clubs and FA Qualified Coaches, we have special ticket deals for these groups as well as deals on tickets and CPD events available for FA Licensed Coaches.. In addition we have a full programme of content across our arenas, theatres and workshops, as well as the biggest football focused exhibition in the country! Plus if that's not enough, all FA qualified coaches and FA Charter Standard clubs can still get 50% off their tickets". 15 May 2012 HELP REQUESTED As the image, left, from Grahame Rowley, shows, the pitch at Moss Lane is undergoing its annual renovation, under the guidance of groundsman Neil Brown. But behind the scenes, there is a lot more work to be done before the 2012/13 campaign starts. So, Altrincham FC invites all of its supporters to come along, please, to help spruce up the Moss Lane ground for the coming season. Two dates have been chosen for this "Operation Tidy Up" but, if you cannot make either date, you are invited to contact the club if you have a couple or more hours free on any other date(s) over the summer as useful jobs can always be found for willing volunteers! The dates when it is hoped to get a number of volunteers together are: Saturday, 19 May, from 10am to 3pm Saturday, 9 June, from 10am to 3pm Whether you are coming on either of these dates or wish to come on a different day, please let the club know in advance so that jobs can be assigned appropriately. The Club can be contacted for this purpose either by phone (0161 928-1045) or by e-mail. The Club relies heavily on volunteers throughout the year so please do consider giving up a few hours for the benefit of your football club, if you possibly can. Thank you in advance for your assistance. THANK YOU Chairman, Grahame Rowley, writes: "On behalf of Altrincham Football Club I would like to thank the many people who made the Beer Festival weekend a giant success for the Club. Jamie Davidson for sponsoring the entire event. Manchester Glass for sponsoring the glasses. All 16 beer barrel Sponsors - keeping costs to a minimum Gallagher Roofing / Dunham Scaffolding for providing the covered area. Neil Faulkner for building the beer cask racking Bob Large for installing additional electrics. John Glover for advising and helping set up all the beers. Peter and Steve Foster for their help in the organising, setting up and running. The Lewis family for all their support and helping out over the weekend. The stewarding team. Colin Mitchell, Anthony Wright, Tom Jacobs, Paul Salt, Mike Ford, Martin Howe, Brian Flynn, John & Laura Starkey, John Skelhorn and the Rowley family for their help behind the Real Ale Bar. Jenny & George Heslop, Darren & Louise Gregory for their help behind the club bar. Keith Davey, Dawn Abbott, Richie Bentley, Gemma, Matt and Dan for preparing and serving the food. Keith Edleston for organising and running the Ladies game. Sandbach FC for agreeing to play our ladies team. Graham Heathcote for organising the Legends side. Graham Houghton, Chris & Wendy Bullock and Rachel for helping organise the Junior coaches' side and the Junior football events on Sunday. Phil Taylor for organising the officials for all the games played over the weekend. and finally...... Everyone who attended the Festival over the weekend - without your attendance it wouldn't have been the success that it was. Grahame Rowley". SALUTING MARK On Friday, 18 May, in the Sponsors' Lounge at Moss Lane, Altrincham FC will be holding a "Welcome Back to the Old Recruits" evening. It is expected that twelve former Alty players will be in attendance, with proceeds going to the Mark Maddox testimonial fund. Please ring the club (0161 928-1045) or send an e-mail to get your ticket. Tickets are just £15 per head, which includes a chicken and chips meal expertly cooked by club caterer Richie Bentley. The event begins in the bar at 7.30pm with an 8pm start in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge. 73 GOALS FOR A TENNER! Alty TV announces "The Altrincham Football Club 2011/2012 Highlights DVD (right). 73 goals packed into 90 minutes of highlights from 19 league home games including 26 of Damian Reeves's record haul of 44 league goals. The DVD also includes full post-season interviews by Brian Flynn with Altrincham Manager, Lee Sinnott, and striker Damian Reeves. Priced at £10 + £2 P&P via Paypal from watermarkfilms.co.uk. BSBN NEWS According to the Football Conference, "Boston United full-back Conor Marshall has become the first player to put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the club. The 19-year-old, who impressed following his switch from Brigg Town in January, was offered new terms for the 2012/13 season and has officially signed the paperwork. The former Grimsby Town player made sixteen appearances for the Pilgrims after his mid-season arrival... Marshall’s signature is the first of what manager Jason Lee hopes to be a number of players signing new deals". FC Halifax Town "announce that goalkeeper Simon Eastwood has been released following a one year stay at the club. The stopper signed from Oxford United last year and has been a first team regular all season. However, he has not been offered a new contract for next season. Manager Neil Aspin said, 'I just felt that we needed a change in the goalkeeping department. Simon is only young and has a long career ahead of him. It's quite possible he could move to a higher division but I feel we need changes defensively and this is the first stage of the process... We part on good terms'". The BBC reports that "Gainsborough Trinity boss Steve Housham says getting so close to winning promotion has made his side determined to come back stronger next season... Housham told BBC Lincolnshire, 'We will pick ourselves up and have another go... The fans should be proud of what we have achieved this season and so should the players. We were so close - it just didn't fall for us. We gave it a right old go and the supporters were fantastic'"> In the Leader, "Chris Pilsbury today gave an assurance that Chester wouldn’t turn professional until they become a Conference Premier side. The Blues' chairman revealed that the subject of professionalism had been looked at and discussed by the Chester FC board after the club’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns. Pilsbury admitted Chester were well on track of achieving their objective of Conference Premier status within the next three years and Football League status within the next eight years. 'We are well ahead of schedule in terms of achieving our club objectives, but Chester won’t be turning professional until we are members of the Conference Premier Division', he said. 'The Chester FC board have looked at, and discussed, the issue of professionalism, and we believe there is no need to change our part-time status until we are in the Conference Premier'... He added, 'I am scheduled to meet Neil [Young, manager,] this week to discuss his plans for next season. He has already told me he would like to strengthen the squad with four or five new players because we are now another step up the ladder... Nobody at Chester would expect Neil to do nothing. It is inevitable that new players will be brought in to bolster the squad and increase our hopes of challenging for a play-off place. I have no doubt that we will be focusing our sights on a top six position in the Conference North, but the thought of a third straight title victory is beyond anyone’s wildest dreams... I don’t think anyone ever believed we would win back-to-back titles, but we have and that in my opinion is stupendous. To win any league title by 17 points is amazing, and to lose only eight games in two seasons is an incredible statistic. Neil has certainly raised expectations of more success for Chester and in that respect I suppose he hasn’t done himself any favours for next season. But there is no pressure as far as I can see because I feel the current squad are well equipped to challenge for a play-off position and anything better than that would be a bonus... I definitely think Neil Young is the man for the job because he is astute, tough, single-minded, and ambitious.” 14 May 2012 BEWARE! Altrincham FC would like to alert all supporters and local companies to the existence of a confidence trickster who is visiting local premises, claiming to be selling advertising space on an Altrincham FC wall chart. The man in question is in his forties, white, and speaks with a Merseyside accent - though, of course, he may have accomplices of a different description. Please do NOT give any money to any such person claiming to represent the Club and note that any cheques intended for the Club should always have "Altrincham FC" as the payee and not an individual's name. ALTY GLASSES There are a few souvenir Altrincham FC pint glasses available following the weekend Beer Festival at Moss Lane. If you would like to purchase one they are available at just £2.50 each from the club. Please ring the club (928-1045), send an e-mail, or visit the club offices to get yours. A small image of the glass is here. SALUTING MARK On Friday, 18 May, in the Sponsors' Lounge at Moss Lane, Altrincham FC will be holding a "Welcome Back to the Old Recruits" evening. It is expected that twelve former Alty players will be in attendance, with proceeds going to the Mark Maddox testimonial fund. Please ring the club (0161 928-1045) or send an e-mail to get your ticket. Tickets are just £15 per head, which includes a chicken and chips meal expertly cooked by club caterer Richie Bentley. The event begins in the bar at 7.30pm with an 8pm start in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge. After the game on Sunday, the Balloon Race in aid of Mark Maddox's testimonial fund was started by Gary Scott and Eddie Hussin, as pictured (left). PLAY OFFS Football Conference North play-off: Gainsborough T. 0 Nuneaton T. 1 Football Conference South play-off: Dartford 1 Welling United 0 So, Bulls' News reports that "Dartford and Nuneaton will be on the list of clubs the Bulls will face next season after winning their respective play-off finals today... Nuneaton won 1-0 at Gainsborough to return to the fifth tier for the first time since their 2008 liquidation. The Boro went bust in 2008 and the reformed side has had to win three promotions in four seasons to bring the town back to the fifth tier... For Dartford it has also been a rise up the leagues after financial problems. They went bust in 1992, on the back of Maidstone's failure, and then had a number of temporary homes at the likes of Gravesend and Thurrock before returning to the town in 2006. Three promotions since then have seen the club return to the fifth tier for the first time since 1986". According to the Football Conference, "Andy Brown's first-half goal was the difference between Nuneaton Town and Gainsborough Trinity... Boro had to defend for much of the 90 minutes in front of the travelling fans in the 3,280 crowd as they defied a Trinity onslaught... Boro were almost always under pressure as they dug deep to earn a place in Conference Premier. The only goal of the game came after 17 minutes when a free-kick floated in was headed past Jason White by Brown. The second half saw dogged defending from the Boro defence against a Trinity side that saw manager Steve Housham put three strikers on, with Leon Mettam, Paul Connor and Ryan Kendall all looking for that elusive equaliser... It was all Trinity but Nuneaton would not buckle". And "Dartford booked their place in next season's Blue Square Bet Premier after winning the Kent-derby... against Welling United at Princes Park on Sunday. The sides were eventually separated by Lee Noble’s early spectacular 4th minute strike". ALTY LEGENDS 8 ALTY JUNIORS' COACHES 8 Above, the Alty Legends and Alty Coaches, are seen after the match at Moss Lane. Honours were even at the end of this 70-minute match at Moss Lane, which featured a side of ex-Altrincham players (a.k.a. The Legends) against opposition comprising coaches of the Altrincham FC Juniors' teams. With the Legends 7-0 up early in the second half, the rulebook was torn up and the game ended with 20 Coaches playing 14 Players! The numerical advantage told as the Coaches pulled back the deficit and equalised in the last minute. The Legends squad was: 1. Charles Heathcote, 2. Stephen Rose, 3. Matt Doughty, 4. Peter Band, 5. Gary Talbot, 6. Edie Hussin, 7. Robbie Lawton, 8. Gary Scott (capt), 9. Colin Potts, 10. Ian Craney, 11. Paul Robertson. Subs: 12. Ged Kielty, 17. Steve Aspinall. The first half was dominated by the former players as they stroked the ball about. Ian Craney put his side ahead from a good ball played by Paul Robertson (12 mins). From an excellent corner on the left by Robertson, Peter Band arrived in the box with perfect timing to head the second goal past Tom Read in the Coaches' goal (17 mins). Right: Peter Band (no.4) heads goal number two past Tom Read. A clever step over by Eddie Hussin from Paul Robertson's low cross from the left allowed Craney a tap-in to make it 3-0 to the Legends (34 mins). Colin Potts broke away to net number four just before the half-time whistle. The Coaches started the second half by parking the bus in front of goal with a 1-9-1 formation. Nevertheless, they soon got in their first shot on target, but new keeper Peter Band saved it well. But the Coaches soon conceded three more goals. From an Ian Craney cross from the right, Charles Heathcote cushioned the ball back for Eddie Hussin to net. Two minutes later a trademark rocket from Steve Aspinall made it 6-0 and Matt Doughty converted a Craney pass for the seventh goal, ten minutes into the half. The Coaches now had 17 players on the pitch and the tactic quickly worked as they got forward and won a penalty when goalkeeper Band bowled over the Coaches' Tom Read, the former Alty Youth keeper, who was now playing up front. In a reversal of roles, goalkeeper Read got up and beat defender Band from the spot, 14 minutes into the half. The Coaches scored again a minute later when Band made a good save but the loose ball was cleverly played by Read to a team-mate, who netted. Robbie Lawton found himself controversially (in his view anyway!) booked before another "legend" joined the game in the form of sponsor, Neil Faulkner. So, with 12 Legands players now pitted against 17 coaches, the score became 7-3, sevnteen minutes into the half. And, three minutes afterwards, a glancing header from Tom Read somehow got past Peter Band's hands into the net. However, Colin Potts restored a four-goal lead for the Legends, with a header, before Tom Read completed his hat-trick as he chested the ball down before scoring (24 mins). Two more goals before the 30th minute of the half made it 8-7. But the 20-strong Coaches had the last word as the ball was taken round the keeper to make it 8-8. Moments later the final whistle sounded. It was good to see so many ex-players turning out and all of them showed that whilst their pace may have departed them, their skills remain (largely) intact! The coaches too deserved credit for keeping going when 7-0 down and first-half goalkeeper Tom Read, after his second-half hat-trick, may now be pressing for a place in the outfield positions at his club, Trafford. OLD BOYS Chester FC report on their testimonial game in memory of Ciaran Geddes, whiuch ended Chester FC (2012) 6 Chester City (2004) 4. During the game, "Chester FC nearly regained the lead as Wes Baynes tried to repeat his heroics from the game against Buxton earlier this season as he struck a shot from just inside the Chester City half, catching Chris MacKenzie off his line but the effort was off target". There were several ex-Alty players in the line-ups, as listed below. Chester FC Team: Mike Dixon, Wes Baynes, Matty McGinn, George Horan, Michael Taylor, Christian Smith, Levi Mackin, Ash Williams, Gary Powell, Marc Williams, Joe Ormrod. Subs: Jordan Grace, Iain Howard, Alex Brown, Alex Hay, Steff Latham, Michael Powell, Calvin Hughes Chester City XI Team: Chris MacKenzie, Jamie Heard, Kevin McIntyre, Carl Ruffer, Phil Bolland, Shaun Hessey, Robbie Booth, Ben Davies, Daryl Clare, Jason Manford, Michael Twiss. Subs: Gary Brabin, Billy Stewart, Jimmy Haarhoff, Adam Carden, Eddie Bishop, Colin Woodthorpe, Stuart Beddows, John Bishop, Chris Lightfoot". BSBN NEWS An article on the Football Economy site holds up a BSBN side as a model for others. Entitled, "Is there a Histon model?", it says, "Have Histon managed to develop a model for non-league survival at a minimal cost? They have managed to survive in the second tier, despite having a £130,000 budget, which permits a 15-man squad which works out an average of £7,000 per player [?£8,667]. Left: Altrincham FC Club Secretary, Derek Wilshaw, captured by the camera of Colin Mitchell as he works his way through the ales at the Altrincham FC Beer Festival, held over the weekend in conjunction with the Old Market Tavern. Histon is just to the north of Cambridge and with the intertwined village of Impington is a fast growing area. However, the combined population is short of 10,000 which is quite small to sustain a tier two club, even though some fans come from further afield. They do, however, manage to train five days a week, whereas my third tier side just trains for one night. What helps is that they have access to excellent training facilities at Anglia Polytechnic University and, perhaps more surprisingly, Cambridge University Press. However, the Press has a 'works' side that plays in the Eastern Counties League Division 1". The Telegraph & Argus reports that "The celebrations after Bradford Park Avenue’s promotion play-off success last Sunday lasted long into the night – but the club’s directors were back to business the morning after, despite it being a bank holiday... Director Kevin Hainsworth said, 'It was wonderful to win the game and reach our goal. You don’t get days more special than that. Preparation started on Monday morning for next season though because you can’t just bask in the glory'... It ended a three-year quest by the Bradford club to reach the Conference North. They had lost in the two previous play-off campaigns, once after finishing runners-up to neighbours Guiseley, but had learned from that. Hainsworth revealed... 'An awful lot of work went into it behind the scenes. We analysed the previous two play-offs and identified that we had struggled with injuries. Against Boston United and then FC United last year, we had had to win something like our last seven games just to get into the play-offs. It means you don’t have a chance to rest players and at this time of year, with hard pitches, the players are going to pick up knocks and sprains. So we made a conscious decision back in January to have a large enough squad to ride out those problems. At that time it was obvious that no-one was going to catch Chester at the top, so we protected the players as much as possible. We brought experienced lads in to play the odd game here and there and we always felt we would be in the play-offs. The strategy worked to perfection. It wasn’t good for the nerves that we left it so late (minutes before a penalty shoot-out) but I think in many ways that made it even better because of the tension. If Rocky had knocked his opponents out in the first round every time, there wouldn’t have been 70-odd sequels! It’s the triumph over adversity that makes it so worthwhile'". 13 May 2012 BEER FESTIVAL DOUBLE BILL - LEGENDS' GAME + PREMIERSHIP FINALE Today, (Sunday), The Altrincham FC Legends will take on a team of Altrincham FC Juniors' Coaches as part of the Altrincham Beer Festival weekend. The game starts at 1pm and The Legends team includes: Stuart Coburn, Stephen Rose, Gary Scott, Steve Aspinall, Peter Band, Gary Talbot, Ged Kielty, Ian Craney, Eddie Hussin, Matt Doughty, Robbie Lawton, Colin Potts, Paul Robertson and Charles Heathcote. Jason Gallagher may also play if he can get away from work, whilst Barry Shuttleworth will be in attendance but is unable to play due to a back injury. Please come along an lend your support. After the game you can watch the Premiership finale in HD in the Noel White Suite at Moss Lane. United and City's games will each be shown - on different screens! And the Beer Festival itself is going well with plenty of excellent ales to choose from, plus the full range of other drinks stocked by the Club bar. The Harbingers had a very successful gig in the bar on Friday and the music continues throughout the weekend. TASC's Colin Mitchell reports from the Beer Festival, where he has been selling a football card for Club funds. Colin says, "The winning club was 'Blyth Spartans' and Mr Derek Wilshaw is the lucky winner of the 'Family Size George Foreman Grill'". One of Colin's photos of the Beer Festival is below... GET WELL, KEITH All at Altrincham FC wish Catering Manager, Keith Davey, a quick recovery after he was taken into hospital early on Saturday morning. ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES 1 SANDBACH LADIES 2 Above: Altrincham FC Ladies Saturday evening's match during the Altrincham FC Beer Festival, organised in conjunction with The Old Market Tavern, was a friendly between Altrincham FC Ladies and their counterparts from Sandbach. The visitors ran out narrow winners thanks to a goal midway through the second half by their number 10, in a game which proved a good advert for the ladies' game, with barely a foul, no dissent and some impressive play from both sides. After Sandbach had opened the game marginally the better side, Altrincham had taken a 14th minute lead when a Sandbach defender headed an excellent cross from the right into her own net. Altrincham then enjoyed an impressive spell, forcing a couple of good saves from the Sandbach keeper. But four Sandbach corners approaching the half hour mark underlined their resurgence and they levelled the scores in the 33rd minute when they seized on defensive hesitancy to score through their number five. With the first half going into added time, Alty's number ten suffered a serious ligament injury as she stretched to attempt a shot and, sadly, a stretcher was needed followed by the summoning of an ambulance to take her to hospital, from where we hope she will make a speedy recovery. After Sandbach's second goal, Alty went close with a 30-yarder and, in the closing minutes, Sandbach had a well-worked goal correctly ruled out for offside by referee Phil Taylor and his assistant. Altrincham FC's chairman, Grahame Rowley, awarded a trophy to the winners and, on behalf of the club, he thanked the visitors for making the journey to play the game. BSBN NEWS Hyde say that "Allan Kenyon has stepped down as Hyde FC chairman and resigned from the board due to business commitments. Allan has released the following statement to the supporters: 'It has been a privilege to be chairman of Hyde FC in a season where we have seen some fantastic football resulting in our players becoming Blue Square Bet North champions for the first time in our history. It is with deep regret that I have decided to step down as chairman and board member as of Friday 11th May. Due to business commitments I can no longer give the time necessary to fully perform the duties of chairman as I would wish. I was very saddened that [management duo] Gary and Martyn felt that they had to leave the club due to budget restraints but, as I have always said, the budget must reflect the income. I would like to say thank you to John Manship for his financial commitment two years ago, without it we would not have survived to witness this special season... Andrew McAnulty was elevated from supporters club secretary to football club secretary overnight. This is by far the hardest job in the club and Andrew performed it faultlessly. Andrew’s shrewdness in rearranging games early on in the season, I think, played a part in helping us win the league'... Also, as announced at Monday’s supporters’ meeting, Tigers chief executive Ted Davies has resigned from the board to concentrate on his role in developing the club’s new football academy." Meanwhile, "Nuneaton Town have been handed a welcome boost before the play-off final with the news flying forward Wes York has agreed a new deal. The 18-year-old will miss Sunday’s big game at Gainsborough Trinity with a knee injury, but he has pledged his immediate future to the club after shaking hands on a one-year contract with the option of a second. Left: Colin Mitchell's camera catches two happy customers at the Beer Festival - obviously only one of them could consume the ale but there are plenty of soft drink options available too. Manager Kevin Wilkin says he is thrilled to have retained a player who attracted Premier League interest after a blistering start to his Boro career. He said, 'I’m delighted. Wes came in with a real blaze. He got a load of goals and assists in those first few games when he signed at the start of November. They dried up a bit when we moved him to the right wing but his all round contribution remained excellent. He gave the team real balance out there and he is learning all the time'... Clubs including Birmingham City, Watford and Burton Albion regularly sent scouts to monitor his progress until he picked up a knee injury last month. He underwent knee surgery last Wednesday and has started a six-week recovery programme, which means he should be back for the start of pre-season... 'I’ve no doubt he can do well at the level above, if we go up. He’s got pace and bags of ability. The one thing you want, but can’t teach, is pace and he’s got it in abundance. He’s also a level headed lad with a great attitude'", he told the Nuneaton News The Oxford Mail reports that "Mike Ford, manager of promoted Oxford City, says he will do all he can to retain the services of keeper Jason Mooney and striker Aaron Woodley, but admits it could be tough. They were part of the City side that clinched promotion... Mooney, 22, was due to return to Wycombe Wanderers, where he was a first-year professional, after completing a season-long loan at Court Place Farm, but was released by manager Gary Waddock following their relegation. Woodley, 19, who was on loan from Oxford United, was let go by manager Chris Wilder after making three senior appearances for the U’s in 2009/10. 'I was surprised Jason was released by Wycombe, because I think he is good enough to be their No 2 at that level', said Ford. 'He now needs to find himself a new job and Aaron is at a stage in his career where he needs to be playing football on a regular basis, whether it’s here or somewhere else. They will be difficult to keep, because both will be much sought-after'. However, Ford admits City’s elevation has made them a more attractive proposition for potential players. He said, 'We’ve already had a few emails, from home and abroad, from clubs asking about sending players to us. Senior clubs are more willing to loan players out to Conference clubs than Southern League ones'". Whilst Oxford City may not end up in our division, news of more certain opponents comes from the Harrogate Advertiser, which says that "Their season might be over but, for Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver, the hard work has only just begun. The 2012/13 campaign promises to be a cracker with FC Halifax, Guiseley and Bradford Park Avenue all in the mix. Off the pitch work has started on the levelling of the Wetherby Road playing surface, which will mean playing the majority of pre-season fixtures away. 'There’s lots going on', said Weaver. 'The ground work is well underway. There are going to be some good fixtures coming up. We’re looking at games against Knaresborough Town, Harrogate Railway, Ossett Albion, Tadcaster Albion, Middlesbrough and Blackburn, which will be confirmed later. Then there will be a game to officially open the new pitch. We’re also set for a tour to Belfast. I did that at Lincoln and it was good. We’ll get a flight over, play a few games, have a night out, and then come back, we’re all looking forward to that'. Weaver has pencilled in a fixtures against well known NI side, Crusaders, on July 28. He also revealed the club will release more news about pre-season signings next week". Still in Yorkshire, the Wharfedale Advertiser tells us that "After drawing the first leg 1-1 of their Blue Square Bet North play-off semi-final at Nuneaton Town last Wednesday, the Lions were beaten by the only goal in extra time in Sunday’s second leg at Nether-moor. 'It still hurts', confessed Guiseley’s community director Phil Rogerson, 'but maybe not quite as much as last season, when we got to the play-off final against AFC Telford United and were within ten minutes of getting into the Conference before losing 3-2'... As for this season, Rogerson said, 'Nuneaton did us for pace but we have had a long season... It is galling knowing that we were the second best team by 11 points but haven’t been promoted. Hyde lost out earlier in the FA Trophy than we did and they had the rub of the green with the weather as we were three games behind them at one stage and we had one of our festive games against Harrogate Town called off. We also had to play the West Riding County FA Cup final on the Wednesday after a Bank Holiday Monday. It seems as if the fates were against us'... At least staying in the same division will mean derbies against FC Halifax Town and promoted Bradford Park Avenue next season, as well as games against Kettering and Chester... He said, 'If you think where we have come from in the last five or six years, then we have every right to be proud... We have had a 26 per cent rise in attendances, which is the biggest in the division. I would like to think that that is down to the style of football that we play but also the effect of social media such as Twitter and Facebook... It is to our credit that we aren’t just a parochial football club. We are putting ourselves out there, and we are also moving forward off the pitch as well with our new stand, and there are further plans for next season so that when we do get into the Conference we will be all right'".

---

12 May 2012

LADIES' GAME AT BEER FESTIVAL

The Altrincham FC Beer Festival, run in conjunction with the Old Market Tavern, includes today the Altrincham Ladies v Sandbach Ladies friendly game (6pm). This and the other events today are listed on the image below. Entry to the Festival (including the match and other entertainment) is free, so please come along and enjoy the match... and the beer. Wine and the full range of other drinks as well as food are also available, and the club bar will be open.

ALTY STAFF 4 ALTY SUPPORTERS 2

Above, the Staff and Supporters' teams are pictured after Friday night's annual clash at Moss Lane.

The annual Staff v Supporters game at Moss Lane ended in a 4-2 win for the Staff, who maintained manager John Skelhorn's unbeaten record.

The game got off to a bright start with each side scoring in the first five minutes. The Staff took the lead in the third minute when Chris Rowley scored from close range after Alty's assistant boss Neil Tolson had got in a good cross from the right. The Supporters equalised two minutes later with an excellent volley from a Ryan Barry corner.

The Staff took the lead when Neil Tolson's fine header from a Matt Day cross from the left flew into the net off the underside of the bar (22 mins). The Staff were fielding four goalkeepers - Tom Reid, (who works for the Altrincham FC Community scheme), between the posts and fellow custodians Ian Senior, Chris Rowley and Stuart Coburn in outfield positions. And it was one of them, Stuart Coburn who made it 3-1 with a superb shot from outside the box after 41 minutes.

Above, left: Stuart Coburn celebrates his goal. Right: The Staff side celebrates its win.

Neil Tolson made it 4-1, six minutes into the second half when hesitation in the Supporters' penalty area allowed Matt Day to feed Neil Tolson for his second goal of the match. The Supporters spent much of the second half on the front foot and finally got some reward in injury time when Tom Jacobs was ruthlessly scythed down inside the box by Altrincham's joint Press and Media Officer, Brian Flynn. Tom got up to convert the spot kick and the game ended soon afterwards, allowing the spectators to return to the serious business of the Altrincham FC Beer Festival, to the musical accompaniment of The Harbingers.

Staff v Supporters squads:

STAFF: Manager, John Skelhorn, 1. Tom Read, 2. Alan Ainsley, 3. Steve Foster, 4. Ian Senior, 5. Grahame Rowley, 6. James Dawson, 7. Richie Bentley, 8. Sam Heathcote, 9. Neil Tolson, 10. Chris Rowley, 11. Matt Day, 12. Danny Fishwick, 14. Luke Pickering, 15. Stuart Coburn, 16. Dan Martell, 17. Josh Collins, Brian Flynn, Gavin Rathbone.

SUPPORTERS: Manager, Martin Jordan, 1. Alex Pugh, 2. Jack Lawley, 3. Jack Jolley, 4. Chris Hewitt, 21. Matthew Turpin, 20. Tom Jacobs, 7. Tim Ainsworth, 8. Dan Cashin, 9. Jon Pentry, 10. Ollie Needham, 11. Andy Topping, 12. Cal Shelmerdine, 14. Ryan Barry, 15. Dave Fishwick, 16. Matt Lamey, 17. Leighton Wright.

BSBN NEWS

The Hinckley Times reports that "Hinckley United will discover which league they will play in next season when the FA put together the league structure on Tuesday... The Knitters could escape the drop, should Darlington be demoted two leagues due to their financial problems over the last 12 months, as expected. If the Conference side are forced to start the 2012/13 campaign in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, this would free up a space in the Blue Square North for Hinckley and see them avoid becoming the team with the highest amount of points to be relegated from the division".

According to the Coventry Telegraph, "Sunday's play-off final will define Nuneaton Town’s season says manager Kevin Wilkin as battle-scarred Boro go to Gainsborough Trinity looking book a place in the Football Conference. Boro, who have been beaten twice this term by their Lincolnshire hosts, go into the do-or-die tie with confidence high and Wilkin hopeful of making it third time lucky and getting a victory over Trinity.

Twelve months ago, Boro lost out to AFC Telford in the play-off semi-final and missed the chance to contest the showpiece for a Conference spot but since then Wilkin’s well-laid plans have come to fruition. And now he’s just one game at Northolme away from bringing back top-level non-league football to Nuneaton after nine years on the fringes...

Few remember losers but the Town chief, in his sixth term in office, is positive. He said, 'This is our cup final. Nothing matters now, just the result of this one game and we go into it in a great frame of mind after our brilliant end-of-season run into the play-offs and the superb performance in beating Guiseley last Sunday to seal our place against Gainsborough... It’s not been easy on or off the pitch for us one way or another but the lads have done terrific'...

Wilkin has no injury worries with Mark Albrighton set to return to the squad after missing the 1-0 win over Guiseley due to a family illness... 'We know what it’s like to lose in the play-offs. It was pure hell and a real kick in the teeth. We want this badly and that’s why I think we will win'".

From Solihull Moors we learn that the "Moors are pleased to announce that a number of players have agreed terms for the 2012/13 season. Having confirmed the new backroom staff, Manager Marcus Bignot has also been quick to finalise deals with many of the current first team squad.

Players' Player of the Year, [goalkeeper] Jasbir Singh, has been offered a new contract, and Bignot has also secured the services of Supporters' Association Player of the Year, Dominic Langdon, along with fellow defenders Stuart Pierpoint and Danny Spencer, all of whom have put pen to paper on new deals. They will be joined in the squad by Midfielders: Andre Francis, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Dean Bennett and Junior English, along with Forwards: Ryan Beswick, Michael Blackwood, Justin Marsden and Lee Morris who have all committed to Solihull Moors FC for another season.

Discussions are ongoing with all the other remaining squad members including Club Captain, Phil Midworth, and the club hopes to conclude these talks in due course. A number of our U21 players have also signed for the Club. Alex Price, Steve Jackson, Alando Lewis and goalkeeper Sheridan Martinez will be given the opportunity to stake a claim for a first team position next season".

---

11 May 2012

LEGENDS' GAME

The Altrincham FC Legends will take on a team of Altrincham FC Juniors' Coaches as part of the Altrincham Beer Festival weekend. The game is at 1pm on Sunday, 13 May, at Moss Lane. The Legends team includes:

Stuart Coburn, Stephen Rose, Gary Scott, Steve Aspinall, Peter Band, Gary Talbot, Ged Kielty, Ian Craney, Eddie Hussin, Matt Doughty, Robbie Lawton, Colin Potts, Paul Robertson and Charles Heathcote. Jason Gallagher may also play if he can get away from work, whilst Barry Shuttleworth will be in attendance but is unable to play due to a back injury.

Please come along an lend your support.

Before that, don't forget the Staff v Supporters' game tonight at 7pm. Free entry to the game and the beer festival applies.

BEER FESTIVAL OPENS

The poster, above right, gives details of the Beer Festival to be held at Moss Lane from Friday till Sunday (11th to 13th May) and, below, is a list of the ales which will be available. Entry to the festival and its events is FREE and the beers will include...