ALTRINCHAM FC PLAYERS OF 1998-99

From Lancaster City v Altrincham programme, 16 March 1999.

Bernard Taylor: Bernard was appointed manager in April '98 following the departure of John King and enjoyed an immediate and tremendous impact, guiding the Robins to success in the Unibond League Challenge Cup. Bernard has had managerial experience at Barrow and Winsford where he was number two to Graham Heathcote at both clubs.

Danny Adams: Local defender who first played under John King as a junior at Bury and signed from Congleton after spells with various local clubs. Started his playing career at Altrincham as a midfielder but has since made a successful transition to left-back.

Mick Carmody: A midfielder and club captain, Carmo is renowned for his tireless work and attitude. After spells with Tranmere and Huddersfield he signed for Emley in 1992 and was an integral part of the Yorkshire team's rise through the leagues.

Leroy Chambers: Signed from MaccIesfield prior to the start of the season and made his debut at Barrow in the Unibond Shield victory; Also played for Boston and Chester City where he made 21 appearances.

Stuart Coburn: John King's last signing who arrived at Moss Lane from Trafford where he played a major part in their NW Counties success. This goalie has also played for Maine Road and Irlam.

Nathan Comley-Excell: Forward who has emerged from an extremely successful spell in the reserves last season after beginning his career in local football. A prolific goalscorer throughout his career and is hoping this season will be the same.

Andy Dibble: Played last season for Middlesbrough and has vast experience in English football after spells with Cardiff, Luton, Sunderland and Huddersfield before, most notably, joining Manchester City in 1986. In '97 he joined Glasgow Rangers. Holder of three Welsh international caps.

Jason Donnelly:: A solid and reliable midfielder who signed in the close season. He previously played for Trafford, Maine Road, Winsford United and Hyde United,playing under Mike McKenzie at the latter two clubs

Paul Ellender: One of two players to have joined from Gainsborough Trinity in the summer of 1998. Able to play in both defence and midlield. Started his career at Scunthorpe and has representative honours in the England semi-professional side.

Jason Gallagher: Signed from Hyde United, this defender can also play in midfield. Previously played for Northwich Victoria and Runcorn. Jason made his debut against Winsford in the President's Cup and started his career at Marine and has also played football in Belgium.

Oliver Goodier: Signed from local football at the end of last season and made his way into the first team reckoning. A pacey, right-sided midfielder who likes to get forward as often as he can.

Ricky Harris: A £3,000 signing from Hyde United and is now in his second season with this club. A popular player with the supporters, 'Bomber' is versatile and has done well to come back from a knee injury three seasons ago that kept him out for a year.

Simeon Hodson: Signed permanently after impressing the management whilst on loan from Telford. Previously played for Rushden & Diamonds and Kidderminster. Vastly experienced full-back with plenty of League experience including spells at Notts County, Charlton, Lincoln and Newport.

Ged Kielty: Signed from Barrow last month and made his debut at Hyde. Ged Kielty started his career at Manchester CIty followed by a short spell at York City and then on to Southport, playing in the FA Trophy final side of last season.

Mark Maddox: Defender, originally signed for Altrincham in August 1996 from Sunday league football. Then went to Barrow before rejoining the Robins in December of last year. Consistent and reliable.

Phil Power: One of the most respected strikers in the semi-pro game, he signed from Macclesfield in July 1998 after helping the Silkmen to a run of unprecedented success with two Conference titles and the FA Trophy. He began his career at Northwich and has played for Chorley and Stalybridge.

Paul Robertson: Made his debut for Altrincham against Lancaster City where he claimed the Man of the Match award. Signed from Barrow but began his career with York and then made ten league appearances for Stockport. Then he moved to Bury, Runcorn and Doncaster Rovers.

Keith Russell: Keith became the club's record signing, from Blackpool for a five-figure sum. Had spells at Tamworth and Atherstone before moving to the Seasiders for £50,000 in 1997. Enjoyed a spectacular debut at Moss Lane, where he averaged a goal a game in his first season.

George Shepherd: Joined after seven years with Macclesfield. Starting at Manchester City, George then moved on to Bolton and Hyde before a £6,000 fee took him to Macclesfield. Recovered from injury and now pushing for a first-team place.

Chris Timons: Signed from Gainsborough along with Paul Ellender in the close season. Enjoyed eight seasons at Mansfield before joining Gainsborough at the start of the 97 season. Brief spell with Leyton Orient.

Mark Ward: Mark has just returned from playing in Iceland after an impressive playing career. Fans will not need reminding that Mark enjoyed two £1 million transfer tags in his time, to Manchester City from West Ham and to Everton, where he had previously played, from the Maine Road men. Mark finished his professional career as a player-coach at Birmingham City.

From Runcorn v Altrincham programme, 26/12/98:

Steve Tobin A 23 year-old midfielder signed this season from Leek Town for whom he has played for the last two seasons, including their promotion season.