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The Sale & Altrincham Messenger repoted recently that "With Alty's fate now virtually confirmed, Graham Heathcote has begun planning for the new season by releasing three players. Jake Sedgemore, Carlos Roca and Pat McFadden have all left the club after the Robins' boss decided they would not be part of his plans. There could also be two more departures by the end of the week but Heathcote claimed those particular decisions have been left in the players' hands. 'We've released three and there are now one or two others where decisions are in the players' own hands', he said. 'It's a footballing decision. It might have been different if we had been relegated but now that we're in the Blue Square Premier, the amount of football might not be enough for them. It's their decision and they have to be honest with themselves'.
Sedgemore's time at Alty was largely disappointing, the midfielder never living up to expectations at Moss Lane... Roca arrived at the club in February from Blue Square North promotion contenders Stalybridge Celtic with the reputation as a quick and skilful wideman. But the former Northwich player struggled to make his mark with the Robins... The decision to release McFadden is possibly the hardest of the three, as the striker has been a hardworking and enthusiastic squad member at Alty for the past three seasons... The 21-year-old went on to make 36 appearances for the Robins, of which only six were starts, while also spending loan spells at Trafford, Radcliffe Borough and Leek Town".
The Club wishes all three good luck in their future careers and thanks them for their services.
Mike Appleby, league manager for the FA, said there would be a place for a Halifax team but the issue would be at what entry level. 'We will accommodate Halifax. We are not going to let football die in Halifax', he said. The consortium and the Halifax Town Supporters' Trust have both indicated they were interested in running a club. 'We have had notice of intent but not the detail', said Mr Appleby... The trust is now split with some wanting to back the consortium - with its financial standing and business expertise - and others want the trust to run a members' club. Mr Appleby said whichever group came forward to form a team it would have to prove security of lease. A team playing at the Shay can expect to compete in the fourth tier of non-league football in the Northern Premier League Division One North (Unibond). If games are not played at the Shay then the fifth tier Northern Counties East Football League is the likely scenario". Even before the season is over, there is plenty of transfer activity involving this season's BSP clubs. The champions, Aldershot Town report that "boss Gary Waddock has signed 25 year old defender Chris Blackburn from Swindon Town.Despite being offered a new deal at Morecambe Chris chose to move south and link up with Paul Sturrock at Swindon Town last season. During the campaign he also spent a loan spell at Weymouth where he played an influential part in the late revival as John Hollins's side remained in the Blue Square Premier".
Meanwhile, major new signings are reported at Rushden & Diamonds who have "signed twenty seven year old striker Lee Phillips from Torquay United for an undisclosed fee... Phillips signed for Plymouth as a youth player, becoming the youngest player to appear for the Argyle first team aged just 15 years old. Phillips then had spells at Weymouth and Exeter before joining Torquay in the summer of 2007". And "Diamonds are delighted to announce the signing of Burton Albion Striker Daryl Clare. Also left back Dean Howell has left Nene Park signing for Aldershot".
At Stsvenage Borough it has been "confirmed that Damian Batt, Mark Molesey and Tyrone Berry have not been offered new contracts and have been released. Graham Westley has been busy this past week and Stevenage have confirmed that three new players have signed, with two more expected tomorrow. Goalkeeper, Ashley Bayes, joins the club from Crawley Town to replace Alan Julian, who has told the club that he intends to take up a previous offer from a Football League club... Midfield players Gary Mills and David Bridges join Stevenage from Kettering Town. Exciting young right-back, Eddie Anaclet, has agreed terms and signed a two-year deal with Stevenage Borough. The 22-year-old was out of contract at Oxford United on 3rd May and had been an ever present for the U's for the past two seasons making 73 appearances after joining from Southampton, despite being injured for part of last season. Stevenage have notified Championship and League One clubs that striker Steve Morison has asked for a transfer. Chairman Phil Wallace said: 'Steve handed me a written transfer request on the Monday after our last game. I told him it wasn't the time or place and that I wouldn't consider it until we'd appointed a new manager. I fully understand his point that he's ready for League One or the Championship and 57 goals in two seasons can't be argued with'".
Activity closer to home is reported by NL Daily which says that "Northwich Victoria have confirmed that midfielder Michael Carr has agreed terms with Morecambe... Meanwhile, Maamria has also released half a dozen players in a bid to free up some transfer funds. Keith Barker, Michael Bowler, Cayne Hanley, Jake Speight, Luke Horrocks and Josh Wilson have all been shown the door". According to NL Daily, "Kettering Town have lost the battle to keep striker Craig Westcarr... after the striker agreed to sign for new league rivals Stevenage Borough. The Poppies claimed that Boro had made an illegal approach for Westcarr earlier this week. However, Stevenage felt they were well within their rights to offer Westcarr a deal as he had previously turned down a new deal at Kettering. Kettering chairman Imraan Ladak said: 'Craig phoned me a couple of days ago to let us know he had accepted an offer from Stevenage. Of course, we already knew this following Stevenage's illegal approach last week but we wish Craig well for the rest of his career. Of course, we will be entitled to compensation for Craig. For the record, I can confirm that the player had not rejected our offer when Stevenage were speaking to him and so both parties were in breach of FA rules. Unfortunately, we are at a huge disadvantage to other Conference Premier clubs. As of today, the Conference are yet to confirm our budget for next season which as you can imagine is very frustrating. We cannot risk signing the big players we want and then find we do not have enough left in the budget to have a full squad. We have already lost David Bridges because we could not match his salary expectations until our budget was confirmed, whilst we can't make an offer to either of the two proven Conference strikers that are currently available".
Fellow newcomers "Eastbourne Borough intend to remain part-time next season to give the players who won promotion to Blue Square Premier a chance to perform at a higher level... Chairman Len Smith admits Borough's attendances are not big enough for them to follow suit. Smith is due to meet with manager Garry Wilson and assistant Nick Greenwood today to discuss their plans for next season and has confirmed that going full-time is not on the agenda. Smith said: 'It is almost certain we won't be going full-time. Other clubs have managed as part-time or a mix of part and full-time and we hope to do the same'", reports the The Argus.
The other promoted side from East Sussex, Lewes report that "New boss Kevin Keehan is expected to make his first signings as manager " says According to NL Daily. "Keehan is expected to finalise a deal with Bognor Regis Town midfielder Chris Breach. The former Brighton man signed for the Rocks in the summer of 2007. Keehan has also agreed terms with fellow Bognor player Seb Wallis-Tayler and is expected to confirm his signing in the next day or so. Wallis-Taylor once spent a year on loan with Havant & Waterlooville and signed for the Rocks in September 2006". The Argus confirms that "Lewes have made their third new signing with the capture of striker Chamal Fenelon. Fenelon finished last season on loan at County League side Chichester from Havant and Waterlooville. He also had a spell at Horsham last season, having made his name with Pease Pottage the year before. His capture follows the arrival of Bognor defenders Chris Breach and Seb Wallis-Tayler".
Meanwhile, "Kidderminster Harriers want to make Dean Bennett and Darryl Knights permanent additions to their squad for next season. The pair enjoyed successful loan spells at Aggborough during the last campaign... Bennett and Knightshave since been released by Chester City and Yeovil Town resepctively and are looking for new clubs. Midfielder Bennett made thirty-three starts for Mark Yates' side in two seperate loan spells, while striker Knights scored four goals in seventeen appearances... Meanwhile, midfielder Andy Ferrell is also set to give the club a boost by signing a new contract in the next few days. Howarth added: 'We are quietly confident we will be able to keep the players we have made offers to'" says NL Daily.
From the Worcester News we learn that "Grays Athletic have continued to re-shape their squad for next season by signing Mark Haines from Northampton Town. Defender Haines has joined the Essex outfit on a one-year deal. The 18-year-old initially joined Grays on `work experience` in April and will now step up to the full squad for next year's campaign. Haines is manager Mick Woodward's latest addition to the side, following on from the acquisition of Stuart Elliott [ex-Vics and York] and Ishmael Welsh last week".
"York City have signed Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Michael Ingham, who has had a loan spell at the KitKat Crescent, following his release from Hereford United. Ingham, 27, made seventeen appearances for the Minstermen during a previous loan spell from Sunderland five years ago. He started his career at Cliftonville before moving on to Sunderland in a £30,000 deal in July 1999. Inghamwas subsequently sent out on loan to a number of clubs, including Carlisle United, Coleraine, Stoke City, Stockport County, Darlington and Doncaster Rovers. The 6' 4" Preston-born stopper, who also has two full international caps to his credit, finally signed a permanent deal with Wrexham in July 2005... before joining Hereford two years later. Ingham becomes the second new recruit at KitKat Crescent following the capture of experienced former Hull City and Burton Albion defender or midfielder Mark Greaves".
In Blue Square North "AFC Telford United have signed 30-year-old prolific striker Terry Fearns on a free transfer from relegated Blue Square Premier side Droylsden. 'When he saw the facilities and what we have at the Bucks Head, it didn't take much to sign him', said Telford boss Rob Smith. 'He's what we want, an out-and-out scorer. He's renowned as a 30 or 40-goals-a-season man. What's more, his contract was up at Droylsden, so it's a free transfer'. Fearns, wanted by Blue Square North champions Kettering Town last season, is Telford's second early post-season signing, following the arrival of Southport midfielder Liam Blakeman".
"Salisbury City chairman Neville Beal is confident the club will not suffer financially despite the departure of major backer Peter Yeldon. Yeldon's money has played a large part in helping the Whites to gain two promotions in the last three seasons. Beal told BBC Radio Wiltshire: 'Peter put a great deal into the football club and we wouldn't be here without him. I don't think we'll find anybody as generous as Peter so we're hoping to bring in more people to be directors'".
The BBC says that "Torquay boss Paul Buckle has released experienced midfielder Tony Bedeau and three other players. Bedeau, 29, originally joined the Gulls in 1995 and has played over 400 times in two spells for the club. He was loaned to Weymouth earlier this season. Also leaving are midfielders Matt Hockley and Darren Mullings and defender Paul Hinshelwood. Buckle is still in discussions with Kevin Hill, who broke the club's appearance record on Saturday. Defender Chris Robertson is also set to have talks with the club. Meanwhile loan players Chris Zebroski, Mark Ellis and Jody Banim have all gone back to their parent clubs. After returning to Droylsden, Banim has subsequently joined Torquay's Blue Square Premier rivals Burton".
Further up the south coast, "Weymouth have secured Scott Doe, Anton Robinson, Marcus Browning and Stuart Beavon on new deals. Defender Doe, midfielders Robinson and Browning as well as striker Beavon have signed after Ryan Williams joined as the club's first summer signing", claims the BBC.
"Crawley manager Steve Evans has been given a four match touchline ban for his behaviour in their 1-1 draw at Woking... The Reds' boss will also have to pay a £1000 fine. Evans has admitted three more charges from March and has asked the Football Association for a personal hearing", states the BBC.
Interesting news of two BSP clubs comes from the Crawley Observer which says that "London's High Court lifted the winding up order made against Crawley Town FC today after it heard the club had paid its debts off. The Reds had their future reassured along with other Blue Sqaure Premier club Northwich Victoria who had the same order. Winding up moves had been launched in each case by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. During two brief hearings, Mr Registrar Nicholls was told that Crawley Town had paid its debts, and agreement had been reached to pay-off Northwich Victoria's debts. The judge ordered each club to pay legal costs to HMRC after formally dismissing the winding up moves. If Crawley had been wound up, its affairs would effectively have been handed over to an Official Receiver. Crawley will now unveil the new owners of the club at a press conference on Monday afternoon".
Confirmation of the Vics' financial state comes from the Northwich Guardian which states that "Northwich Victoria could have gone out of business as recently as last month. The Guardian understands that the club's new owners reached agreement with one outstanding creditor, claiming to be owed thousands of pounds, to remove the threat of closure. As a result a winding up petition against the Blue Square Premier outfit was finally withdrawn yesterday, Wednesday, 10 months after it was first laid. HM Revenue and Customs petitioned to wind up Northwich Victoria Football Club (2004) Limited last July, claiming it was owed more than £500,000 in unpaid taxes. The UK's tax department agreed a deal with a consortium led by Jim Rushe and Nick Bone in the last week of November and the duo bought the club the following week. They pledged to make an initial down payment, followed by monthly instalments over the next three years to settle Vics' debt. However, while satisfying the taxman, that appears not to have permitted the pair to focus fully on the club's future. Until now, that is. During a brief hearing at London's High Court of Justice yesterday morning, Mr Registrar Nicholls was told an accord to pay off all the club's debts was now in place. He then dismissed the winding up petition, along with another laid against Vics' Blue Square Premier rivals Crawley Town. While assuring the club's future in non league football's top tier, it means a legal line can finally be drawn under Mike Connett's three year tenure as owner".
Sunday 18 May (4pm)
BSP North Play-Offs
Wednesday 30 April:
Sunday 4 May
Friday 9 May
BSP South Play-Offs
Tuesday 29 April:
Saturday 3 May
Thursday 8 May
UniBond Premier Play-Off SF
Final: Sat. 3 May: Gateshead 2 Buxton 0 - Gateshead promoted to the BS North.
If you are planning to attend on Saturday but aren't able to pick up a ticket, please phone the club and let them know you are coming for catering purposes on 0161 928 1045.
Please contact the club or email altrinchamprog@yahoo.co.uk for further details.
"FC United are pleased to announce that we have reached agreement to play our home FA Cup and FA Trophy matches at Moss Lane, home of Altrincham FC, next season 2008-09. FC United have one more year remaining on the current licence agreement to play league matches at Gigg Lane. The agreement with Altrincham FC is for one season and extends to FA Cup and FA Trophy matches only".
"The Board confirmed their plans to continue to develop Altrincham FC as a community club, aiming to play in the highest league that we can afford, and will continue to work and develop the Altrincham FC Juniors link.
The Board paid tribute to the work carried out by Graham Heathcote in putting out a team which has overachieved against clubs with more significant financial resources.
Geoff Goodwin (Chairman), and Graham Heathcote have been a very successful team in developing and stabilising the Club over the last 5 years and are committed to continuing to work together for the foreseeable future."
Meanwhile, "Farsley Celtic's hope for a reprieve looks over, though, after Lee explained that as the club only had a 'B' grade for their Throstle Nest ground, and were not looking to move, they would fail the necessary criteria [to stay in the BSP] should a second [BSP] club be offered a reprieve... Question marks also remain over two BS North clubs, Boston United and Nuneaton Borough". Regarding the Pilgrims, Lee said, "We will need to see in writing that they [the criteria] are satisfied".
The NL Paper has a an article on Alty midfielder Jake Sedgemore and his brother Ben, who has won two championship medals this season as he played both for Chelmsford City (Ryman champions) and King's Lynn (BGB Premier winners). Ben said of Alty "They got relegated so I've been giving him plenty of stick". The article adds that "Jake, 29, is out of contract at Moss Lane. He said, 'I've had a fair bit of success in recent years, thankfully, so Ben's had to keep quiet for a while. I got promoted with Shrewsbury, had the Cup run with Burton and got to the Trophy Final with Kidderminster, while he was struggling at places like Canvey Island.. I'll let him have his moment of glory and then, hopefully next season I'll see if I can reverse it again, wherever I may be".
Alty defender Greg Young's partner, Kerry-Ann Booth is again pictured in the NL Today Paper as she has been chosen for the finals of the "Miss Non-League" competition.
New Stevenage boss Graham Westley told the NL Paper, "The most important thing to the Stevenage public is that the team plays entertaining, attacking football, in the Corinthian fashion".
According to NL Today, Woking have had 31 applications for their managerial vacancy. As well as Justin Edinburgh, a late applicant was ex-Lewes boss Steve King who left the club in strange circumstances just as they were promoted to the BSP. Ex-Spurs player Graham Roberts is another applicant. New Lewes boss Kevin Keehan told the NL Paper, "The board of directors at Lewes are not fools. They've put a lot of money into the club and are not going to throw it away... I'm untried but Steve King was as well". In the BS Premier, Keehan has a lower budget than King had in BS South.
Alty gained promotion back to the Conference National in 2005 by beating Eastbourne Borough in a play-off. The Sussex team has now reached the BS South play-off final on 8 May, which will now be held at Ebbsfleet. Their opponents are Hampton & Richmond, nicknamed The Beavers, whose manager is former West Ham midfielder Alan Devonshire.
Former Eastbourne Borough striker Yemi Odubade has been taken off the transfer list at Oxford United.
Jim Vince resigned last week as manager of Witton as, for the second successive year, they narrowly failed to win promotion. He told NL Today, "Losing in the play-offs did not make me quit. I was offered a lucrative contract at the club but I was never in it for the money... We finished as runners up for two years running on a minimal budget... But even the size of the budget did not force me to leave. I left because there were issues at the club".
Our Edgeley Park correspondent informs us that Paul Turnbull, a recent loanee at Moss Lane, played 80 minutes for Stockport County's first team on Saturday.
"FC United of Manchester became the first lower tier runners-up to gain promotion [to the UniBond Premier] via the play-offs when they came from behind to beat Skelmersdale United 4-1 with “Skem” playing all the second half with ten men and the last twenty minutes with nine. The First Division South play-off final went to extra-time and penalties with Nantwich Town, who had come from behind to beat Grantham Town on Tuesday evening, overcoming Sheffield FC [Steve Hawes's club] 4-1 from the spot after the sides had finished all square at 2-2. Just over six thousand fans watched the three play-off games". .
Right: Alan Ainsley holds the trophy, as Gavin Rathbone (left) and Steve Foster (right) look on.
On Friday night, for the first time in four years the Altrincham FC Staff side emerged victorious against the Supporters to cast serious doubts over the managerial future of the Supporters' genial boss Mark Eckersall who, until now, has known only success. Meanwhile, the Staff manager and vice-chairman of the Club, Grahame Rowley, declared that he would now be emulating the Grays Athletic model established by chairman Micky Woodward and would be managing the Alty first-team next season. Dave Mitten, the Alty kitman, aided Grahame on the touchline whilst Alan Ainsley from the club's physiotherapy team captained the Staff on the pitch . Fraser Thorley, last season's victorious captain, again wore the armband for the Supporters. On the pitch the Staff were without their dynamic duo of chairman Geoff Goodwin and vice-chairman Grahame Rowley whilst the Supporters had lost the services of defender Neil Faulkner to a training ground injury.
It did not start well for the Staff as referee Phil Taylor pointed to the spot with just four minutes on the clock, following a tackle inside the box, and the Supporter's striker Wayne Thorley beat goalkeeper Steve Downes from the spot. But the Staff side were soon enjoying the better of the game and they levelled in the 14th minute when former Alty left-back Chris Adams advanced impressively up the middle and struck an excellent left-footed shot into the top corner of Martin Jordan's net to make it 1-1.
With Alty goalkeeper Stuart Coburn bossing the midfield the Staff continued to set the pace but when Charles Heathcote went down in the box, referee Taylor turned aside the Staff side's strong appeals for a penalty. A sequence of regular, rolling substitutions started with Brian Flynn, who just before the transfer deadline had moved on a Bosman transfer from the Supporters to the Staff, being replaced by Adam Martell (25 mins). Soon afterwards Charles Heathcote had a goal ruled out for offside but it was not long before the Staff took the lead with a snap shot from Alty official photographer Gavin Rathbone, a developing talent, whose profession lens itself to awful puns such as the ones above. Gavin expertly converted a fine cross from the right by Martell.
Like the players, the match officials were rotating their roles as Phil Taylor now moved to a linesman's position. After Adams had shot narrowly wide at one end, Alan Ainsley got in an excellent covering tackle at the other, where centre-back James Dawson, son of Neil from the club's hospitality team, was also impressing. Downes then made a save from a fine shot by the Supporters' number 17 - apologies for not knowing all of the supporters' names but as manager Eckersall explained that he had simply dished out the team numbers according to which shirt fitted whom, his team-sheet was of limited use! Half time arrived just after Stuart Coburn had won a corner for the Staff.
Changes were made at the break with Ian Senior taking over in the Staff goal and Steve Downes becoming an outfield player instead. At the other end, Youth team defender Tom Cosgrave took over in goal from Martin Jordan. Tom was underlining his versatility having played part of a recent youth game as a striker. There was more controversy in the 49th minute when Youth team joint-coach Gareth Thomas went down in the box but again no penalty resulted for the Staff. The Supporters almost levelled the score when Ollie Needham's shot from left of goal came down off the cross bar but Russian linesman Taylorovski was adamant that the ball had not crossed the line. Almost immediately the Staff went close, too, when Rathbone's cross from the left found Heathcote whose shot came out off the inside of the post (53 mins).
Next, fine play from Stuart Coburn almost set up a goal for Heathcote but Cosgrave saved. The game was now decided by two well-taken Staff goals in as many minutes by Charles Heathcote. His first came from Steve Foster's feed from the left and ended with a fine strike from 20 yards (56 mins), His second came direct from a freekick to make it 4-1 (58 mins). Many of the first team, who had been watching the game would have been proud of these strikes!
The Supporters responded well and almost immediately made it 2-4 when Wayne Thorley scored another good goal direct from a freekick, from 23 yards, on the hour mark. The Supporters then made it 3-4 four minutes later as Needham's cross from the right was headed home at the back post by Nick Roberts. But goalkeeper Stuart Coburn was to net the decisive goal in the 67th minute, finishing well from left of goal to complete the scoring at 5-3 to the Staff. At this point Alan Ainsley was subbed and Steve Foster took on the armband.
The Supporters went close to a goal from their number six before Ian Senior had to make a fine save from Ollie Needham in the 80th minute. The Supporters continued to press but time ran out and they had to concede the game to the Staff team. The Trophies were presented by Alty chairman Geoff Goodwin with Brian Flynn picking up yet another winner's award after his timely transfer to the Staff side. If you are having a bet on the outcome of the game next season, just check which side the astute Brian elects to join!
STAFF: 1. Steve Downes, 2. Alan Ainsley (capt), 3. Steve Foster, 4. Chris Adams, 5. James Dawson, 6. Charles Heathcote, 7. Brian Flynn, 8. Stuart Coburn, 6. Chris Rowley, 14. Gareth Rathbone, 11. Gareth Thomas. Subs: 12. Adam Martell, 24. Ian Senior. Manager: Grahame Rowley. Coach: Dave Mitten.
SUPPORTERS: Martin Jordan, Tom Cosgrave, Noel Shield, Glyn Dutton, Nick Wright, Wayne Thorley, Eddie Owen, Sam Atkinson, Jamie Taylor, Ollie Needham, Fraser Thorley (capt). Subs: Allan Simper, Dave Johnson, Matt Day, James Harwood, Nick Roberts. Manager: Mark Eckersall.
NL Daily says that "Salisbury City has scored an ‘own goal’ after it was fined for using excessive amounts of water at its Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Local magistrates took a dim view of the club’s overzealous watering and volleyed a £3,000 fine into the back of the net. The Whites were also ordered to pay £1,392 costs in a case brought by the Environment Agency. The court heard there was a long history of problems at the club over its failure to comply with the conditions of a water abstraction licence originally issued by the Agency in 1997. The licence enabled the club to abstract water from a borehole for pitch irrigation. The club had struggled to adhere to the authorised quantities and regularly exceeded the maximum permitted limits. In March 2006 the Agency issued the club with a formal warning letter. The borehole used by Salisbury Football Club lies within one of the most important chalk river catchments in Britain – the Hampshire Avon... It was discovered that over a seven-day period the club had abstracted more than three times the amount of water to which it was entitled... Despite 2007 being one of the wettest summers on record, the club continued to water the pitch... The club pleaded guilty to two offences under the Water Resources Act 1991".
"Aldershot Town manager Gary Waddock has confirmed the signings of three more members of his championship-winning squad. [Former Alty midfielder] Lewis Chalmers, who was his first signing for the club, has agreed a new two-year deal... Also agreeing deals for next season are Joel Grant and goalkeeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz. Twenty-two-year old Chalmers played a crucial role alongside Ben Harding in the Shots` success and the Manchester-born midfielder has attracted much attention this season" says NL Daily.
The Woking News and Mail says that "Impatient chairman Shahid Azeem is ready to uproot Guildford City and move the club out of the borough. And, we can reveal, a groundshare deal with neighbours Woking is his top target. Azeem and similarly driven Cards chairman David Taylor held talks last Sunday in a bid to thrash out a mutually beneficial way ahead on a variety of topics". Taylor said, “'If he comes with a proposal, I will discuss it with Chris Ingram [owner] and the board. We will do whatever we can to help Guildford City.. Shahid has already helped us by identifying one player who we may be having a look at and there might be other talent at Guildford'. And Taylor, who said he wanted to work closely with Aldershot and Farnborough too, added: 'It would be crazy if we didn’t do as much to help each other, with their managers Scott Steele and Lloyd Wye being ex-Woking players'. Azeem is equally excited about the marriage and has promised Taylor to help the Cards forge closer links with the Asian community and with Surrey University, where he is an honorary fellow".
"As relieved Terras' fans enjoy the thought of Blue Square Premier Football again next season, manager John Hollins and his assistant Alan Lewer have been rewarded for their efforts. Chairman Malcolm Curtis has given the go-ahead for the duo to build a squad for next season, although their contract details have not been revealed... Signing over parts of the land surrounding the Wessex Stadium to his company Wessex Park Ltd and talk of re-branding the club certainly upset many of the Wessex faithful... Curtis says the club is still haemorrhaging money and he and the board have to get on top of that. Proposals are underway to produce plans for a new stadium by the end of the summer and it seems there are two sites in mind... One setback has been the end of Park Engineering's tenure as main sponsor. Partner Dave Higson, a long-time saviour of the club, has sold the company. A new backer needs to be found quickly to help the club build for the new season" reports This is Weymouth.
Above: The victorious Altrincham FC Staff side. Back row: Chris Rowley, Ian Senior, Adam Martell, Gavin Rathbone, Dave Mitten (coach), Steve Downes, Stuart Coburn, Chris Adams, Gareth Thomas, James Dawson. Front row: Grahame Rowley (manager), Charles Heathcote, A Spectator, Alan Ainsley (capt), Steve Foster, Brian Flynn.
Right: Stuart Coburn and Brian Flynn are the Staff players seen here, with (l to r) Ollie Needham, Jamie Taylor and Nick Wright of the Supporters' team.
In Friday night's match at Moss Lane the Altrincham FC Staff side overcame the Supporters' team 5-3 in an entertaining game which put an end to a run of three defeats for the Staff. The Staff fell behind to an early penalty which Wayne Thorley despatched in the 4th minute. A superb freekick by Chris Adams levelled the score in the 14th minute before Alty official photographer Gavin Rathbone snapped up a chance to put the staff ahead in the 29th minute. Two well taken goals in as many minutes by Charles Heathcote made it 4-1 to the staff after 58 minutes but a well-struck freekick from Wayne Thorley reduced the arrears on the hour. When Nick Roberts made it 4-3 with a far post header after 64 minutes a comeback seemed to be on the cards. But a well taken goal by Alty keeper Stuart Coburn, who played in an outfield role made it 5-3 in the 67th minute and that is how it stayed. Report to follow.
A familar face has returned to Stevenage Borough who "have appointed Graham Westley and John Dreyer on a one year contract to spearhead the club's push for promotion to the Football League next season. 40 year old Westley left Stevenage in 2006 after a 3 year spell which saw them reach the Promotion Final in 2005, narrowly missing out to Carlisle. Westley and Dreyer first teamed up in a short, successful spell at Rushden in season 2006/7 where they suffered 2 defeats in 11 matches towards the end of the season to cast off the threat of relegation. Graham Westley will head up the new look team as manager and former fans' favourite John Dreyer will be assistant manager. A new fitness coach and first team coach will be appointed in the near future from a small list of identified, highly qualified coaches.
Chairman Phil Wallace said “The opinion of the board is that we need a manager who can hit the ground running coming August, so extensive knowledge of the Conference is essential. Graham most certainly has that and is our preferred choice. We also know that we need people around him that are the right types and John Dreyer is most certainly that. The board has no doubt that Graham and John are a formidable partnership and the right people for us, right here, right now. Graham has changed a lot in 2 years but his energy, motivation and desire to succeed are even stronger than before. He’s had a while to gather his thoughts about how to lead a club to success and has learnt over the last few years that Stevenage fans, including myself, want to watch a high tempo passing game played in the right spirit. That is the driver and motivation for everyone employed at Stevenage from now on, irrespective of who the manager is. We’ll be beefing up our coaching staff during the summer with an instruction to deliver winning football with pace and flair and that mindset will determine everything we do from now on”.
He continued 'We have three top names on our list for the coaching position but we’ll wait a bit before making that appointment as there are some great coaches out there and we'll see who else applies'".
From the BBC we learn that "York City striker Craig Farrell has signed a new contract with the club. The 25-year-old has been with the Minstermen for two years after spells with Leeds, Carlisle and Exeter. Farrell scored 14 goals in 30 appearances last season despite missing part of the season with injury. City have 13 full-time professional players under contract for next season and are waiting for decisions from four youth-team players".
The Sports Echo reports that "Boston United manager Tommy Taylor has offered Lincoln City trialist Tom Griffiths a chance to join the Pilgrims for pre-season training... Meanwhile, Taylor, who has targeted Boston Town pair, left winger Laszlo Lovas and right back Liam Parker (brother of Gainsborough's Wes) as potential signings has expressed his delight at being able to keep hold of striker Kieran Leabon... At Wednesday's trial game, players from Barnsley, Ipswich and Wigan were among those lining up, but Taylor is unsure as to whether he would be able to offer any of the hopefuls anything... 'Would they be able to handle challenges flying in every minute from your Tony Cranes and Paul Ellenders of this world?', queried the manager.
Also in Lincolnshire, "Winger Chris Hall has signed a new contract to stay with Gainsborough Trinity next season. The highly-rated left-sided player spent the last month of the season on loan with York City and was expected to sign with them next season. But the move did not work out... Meanwhile, striker Simon Bird has also penned a new deal for next season, but club captain and right-back Danny Wood has been released. Winger Alex Callery has refused to sign a new deal and is expected to join Guiseley".
From the Harrogate Advertiser comes news that "Chairman Bill Fotherby has appealed for a Harrogate Town white knight insisting 'it's all about money'. Town are absent from Sunday’s play-off semi-finals after falling at the final fence and missing out by just two points.... In a town full of millionaires, Fotherby is convinced a saviour is out there and dreams of the day when they knock on his door. 'We’ve had a real go, financially I’ve tried and it’s been the second year in a row we’ve been as close as we have', said Fotherby. 'I wanted to win it. Whether we could have stayed there I don’t know but I just wanted us to get there. But it’s difficult this game and somewhere along the lines there is somebody in Harrogate who likes football and wants to be involved. I just wish they would come and see me as at the end of the day it’s all about money'.. Dreadful home form, lack of funds and no training facilities have all been blamed but Fotherby admits the buck ultimately stops with Neil Aspin and his players... 'We’ve just missed out at crucial times, the FA Cup, the FA Trophy, the Setanta Shield and the league. Thank God we won the County Cup'" he said.
This is WCFC claims that "Nick Colley feels let down by Worcester City manager Richard Dryden's decision to release him. Colley has been deemed surplus to requirements for next season and joins George Clegg, Chris Smith and Ryan Clarke on their way out of St George's Lane. But the 33-year-old midfielder, who has made more than 100 appearances for the club, was surprised to be shown the door. He said he was led to believe City would offer him a new deal and had turned down approaches from Chasetown, where he had dual registration, and Halesowen Town for next season. Striker Rory May has been invited back for pre-season training".
"Simon Heslop has almost certainly made his last appearance for Halifax Town" claims the Halifax Courier. "The 20-year-old midfielder has been a big hit at the Shay since arriving on loan from Barnsley in mid October. He started 28 league games scoring five goals, all of which were spectacular and two of which proved to be match winners. But he has returned to Oakwell for the final week of the Championship campaign and when asked whether that was it for his Halifax career answered: 'I would have thought so. I am back training with Barnsley this week', he added. 'I will return to Barnsley for pre-season training and take it from there".
The Northwich Guardian reports that "Vics unveiled their new official website [on] Thursday. Designed by Saul & Company Limited, the firm run by Nick Bone's father-in-law, it offers a range of information pods to bring fans up to date on happenings at the club. It even includes a TV station that includes interviews with Jim Rushe and other members of the consortium... The site takes a live news feed from the Northwich Guardian website and tracks the latest stories from their Vics section, updated daily... 'We want a site that can develop and evolve in response to the needs of the club and its supporters', said Malcolm Saul.
The Daily Post says that a "brief loan spell with Droylsden in the Blue Square Premier has proved to Conall Murtagh that Wrexham should be in prime position to regain their Football League status at the first attempt. And after returning from relegated Droylsden to Wrexham, midfielder Murtagh is desperate to make an impact in tomorrow’s final game of the campaign and prove he warrants a place in next season’s squad. Murtagh was signed at the Racecourse by then manager Brian Carey last summer and had impressed in pre-season, before missing a chunk of the season through injury. After Brian Little took over as manager he was eventually allowed to go out on loan to Droylsden.... 'From what I’ve seen of the league I honestly think Wrexham have got a very good chance next season', said Murtagh [a former Alty trialist], who has one year left on his contract. There are some big sides in the Conference, like Oxford and Exeter, but everyone is full time – with the exception of Droylsden and Northwich Victoria – so it’s not going to be easy... I am confident we should go back up. There’s a bit of mixture in the league with some big clubs like Oxford and Exeter, but there are also a lot of smaller clubs as well, and we are going to be the big fish in a wee pond. But I honestly think looking at the side we have now, and assuming that the manager is looking to bring people in that we are more than capable of going back up... I’ve been back at Wrexham a while now with the gaffer giving some of the younger lads in the side the chance. We already know some of the lads are leaving, and no-one really knows what’s happening for next season, only the manager'".
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All three domains can be searched, separately, using the appropriate Google search box below. Make sure you check the correct button beneath each search box.
I am sorry that this is a bit messy but eventually I will get everything into just one domain. However, the above method does allow you to find everything on the site which has appeared since Spring 2000.
Copyright 1999-2007: ©
Compiled by John
Laidlar
Counter at 1/1/2002: 69,547
At 1/1/2003: 178,589
At 1/1/2004: 296,757
At 1/1/2005: 456,114
At 1/1/2006: 697,566
At 1/1/2007: 1,001,771
At 1/1/2008: 1,385,722
