PHOTO/SQUAD N0.	GOALKEEPERS
23	Richard ACTON (d.o.b. 16 October 1979, height 6ft, weight 14st. 2lbs) Richard rejoined Altrincham on 7 November 2008, having left at the end of the 2007-08 campaign. A self-employed car salesman Richard combines his business career with his football. As a youngster, he was at Manchester City (released 1998) before moving to Hyde United and Runcorn. Alty signed him in early September 2002 and he made his league debut against Marine that month. He remained first-choice keeper till he badly injured his shoulder at Harrogate (31/8/03) and he did not return to action till 6 January 2004 because, in the interim, Stuart Coburn had returned to the club to re-claim the no.1 jersey. Richard is an excellent shot-stopper and gained League of Wales experience with TNS in March 2004 but returned to Altrincham for most of the 2004-05 season. He signed UniBond forms with Woodley Sports in August 2004 before joining Bangor City but returned to Alty once more in February 2005. Even so, he was on the bench for another Welsh club, TNS, against Liverpool in European competition (7/05) but he also re-signed for Alty for 2005-06. A broken metatarsal suffered in the Cheshire Senior Cup at Woodley sidelined Richard from 13 September 2005 till mid-November when he returned to play against Crewe but he made no Conference appearances that season. However, he made his Conference debut and started only his second league game in three years in September 2006, but he kept three clean sheets in his first five matches. However, after eight Conference games (including just one defeat) and one match in the FA Cup, he could count himself unlucky to be dropped in favour of Stuart Coburn in early November 2006. In 2007-08 he made 10 starts for Altrincham. Appearances to June 2008: 71(+1).
1	Stuart COBURN (d.o.b. 5 May 1976, height 6ft 1in, weight 14st.) Stuart is Altrincham's senior professional, having passed the 400 appearances mark at Stevenage in September 2008. He first joined Altrincham from Trafford in 1997/98 season, having been at Trafford since 1994/95 after spells at Irlam Town and Maine Road. Injury meant that Stuart played only nine games in his first Conference season (99/00) and his absence probably cost the club survival at that level in that campaign. In May 2002, the lure of Conference football took him from Alty (then in the UniBond Premier) to Leigh RMI on a 2-year contract. Leigh surprisingly released him in October 2003 after he had been their player of the year. He rejoined Alty on 17 October 2003 and made his (second) Alty debut at Hyde on 21 October 2003. Stuart underwent a hernia operation in May 2004 but was fit to star in season 2004-05 when, once again, he enhanced his reputation. A groin injury sidelined him after 9 games of the 2006/07 season but he returned in early November 2006. However, injury struck again and sidelined him in September 2007 but he recovered to play most of the season as first-choice keeper. Appearances to June 2008: 391, 1 goal.
13	Andy RALPH (d.o.b. 28 May 1983, height 6ft 1in) Altrincham took on Andy Ralph as their second goalkeeper in the last week of July, 2008, after he had played in some of the pre-season games. Manchester-born Andy started out as a trainee with Tranmere Rovers before being released in 2002. After trials with Chester City he joined Vauxhall Motors, where he broke his arm early in the campaign of 2002-03. However, Andy was the Motormen's keeper in their FA Cup win over QPR in November 2002 when his save in a penalty shoot-out was a vital factor in the outcome. He later joined Northwich Vics, from where he went on loan to Witton Albion in March 2005. After being briefly at Bangor City (summer 2005), Andy was with Marine for a couple of years or so until the summer of 2008. Though still relatively young, Andy has the experience and ability to compete with Stuart Coburn for the first-choice jersey. He made his league debut for Altrincham as a half-time substitute for the injured Stuart Coburn against Histon on 1 November 2008, having previously started two cup matches for the Robins and then made his BSP debut for Alty on 15 November 2008 at Forest Green.
	DEFENDERS
Formerly no. 17	Richard BATTERSBY Richard was released on 26 September 2008. His details can be found on the Departed Players page.
21	Shaun DENSMORE (d.o.b. 11 November 1988) Signed on 12 September 2008, Shaun is a former Everton Academy Player of the Year, who was released by the Toffees in summer 2008. After trials with Bradford City he joined Altrincham, following in the footsteps of his father Peter, an Altrincham favourite in the 1980s. Shaun, a right-sided defender/midfielder, made his Alty debut in the Cheshire Senior Cup on 16th September 2008. After completing his initial month's contract at Altrincham, on 13 October 2008 Shaun signed on for the rest of 2008-09 season, having impressed in a run of seven unbeaten games in the side.
3	Matthew DOUGHTY (d.o.b. 2 November 1981, height 5ft 8ins) Former Halifax Town left-sided defender/midfielder Matt Doughty signed for Alty in mid-June 2008. Matt had joined the Shaymen in July 2004 from Rochdale. He had previously also played for Chester City for whom he signed professionally when just 16. Born in Warrington, Matt was a regular for Chester for two seasons (1999-2001) making 53(+17) League/Conference appearances for them. In 2001 he moved to Rochdale as a left back and had a trial with Southampton, but a broken leg halted the prospects of a move to Hampshire. At Rochdale he made 93(+12) appearances in the League. Another broken leg hampered the 5ft 8inch defender's career at The Shay but he still managed 119(+12) league appearances for the club. Matt made his Alty league debut on 9 August 2008. Appearances to June 2008: 0.
15	Chris LANE (d.o.b. 24.5.1979) Altrincham signed Southport right-back Chris Lane on non-contract terms in late June 2007. Chris was born in Liverpool on 24th May 1979 and began his career, under the YTS Scheme, at Everton. In three years with the Toffees, he made 17 appearances for the reserve team. From Everton he moved, in 1998, to Hereford United in summer 1998 and made 57(+8) appearances for them. Southport's Mark Wright then acquired him for a fee of £12,000 in January 2001. After Southport had been relegated from the Conference in 2003, he moved up the coast to Morecambe in May, making his debut at Christie Park in August, 2003. The Shrimps released him in January 2004 and he next joined Leigh RMI, for two appearances, before moving on to Chester City in February 2004 as they went on to win the Conference title that season. He then went back to Leigh RMI in June 2004, making 40 appearances in 2004-05 before returning to Haig Avenue in May 2005, where he made 67(+4) appearances and was voted Port's Player of the Year last season. Chris started the 2008-09 season against Exeter City on 11 August 2007 having already made 338 Conference appearances, the most of any current player at that time in the Blue Square Premier. After being an ever-present for Alty he moved to the bench for much of the second half of the 07-08 season but made important appearances playing in the hole in front of the back four. Chris is a very reliable defender with a strong will to win and he can also play at centre-back. Appearances to June 2008: 39(+7), 1 goal.
4	Mark McGREGOR (d.o.b. 16.2.77 height 5ft 10ins) Centre-back Mark McGregor signed for Altrincham on 27 July 2008. Mark played for Port Vale last season and has more than 400 League appearances to his credit. It was for his first club, Wrexham, that he made the majority of those appearances (244), between 1995 and 2001. He then went on a free transfer in 2001 to Turf Moor but after 54 games for Burnley (2001-04), he moved to Blackpool (59 games between 2004 and 2006). Next, he played 66 times for Port Vale (2006-08). He joined Altrincham after a trial at Mansfield Town during the summer. Mark was born at Chester on February 16, 1977. He made his debut for Altrincham in a friendly at Stalybridge on 25 July 2008 and his league debut on 9 August 2008 and soon established himself as a regular.
22	James SMITH (d.o.b. 17 October 1985) James, a former Stockport County defender, joined Altrincham on 7 November, 2008 after a brief spell with Vauxhall Motors. He had previously played a trial match for Altrincham in the abandoned friendly against Wrexham in September 2008. He made his full debut against Stalybridge Celtic in the Cheshire Senior Cup on 11 November 2008. James started his career at Liverpool. After an assured debut against Stalybridge in the Cheshire Senior Cup (11 November 2008), James made his BSP debut in the win at Forest Green Rovers, four days later.
Formerly no. 17	Luke WATERFALL Luke returned to his parent club Tranmere Rovers on completion of a one-month loan in mid-November 2008. His details can be found on the Departed Players page.
5	Greg YOUNG (d.o.b. 25 April 1983, height 6ft 3ins) Altrincham signed 6ft 3inch central defender Greg Young from Halifax Town on 4 January 2008. He joined till the end of the season after being released by the Shaymen. On arrival at Moss Lane he had made 13 starts (and a sub appearance) for Halifax this season, his last appearance being as recently as Boxing Day, 2007. Greg has previously been with Grimsby Town, Northwich Victoria and Alfreton Town. After a substsitute appearance at left-back at Oxford on 5 January 2008, Greg made his full debut at centre-back three days later at home to Kidderminster and played impressively for the rest of the season. Greg signed a two-year contract in summer 2008. As well as having good defensive capabilities, Greg has also been deployed successfully as an auxiliary striker. Appearances to June 2008: 23(+1), 2 goals.
	MIDFIELDERS
	Joel BROWNHILL (d.o.b. 1992) Joel Brownhill was brought into the first-team squad for the FA Cup tie at Newcastle Blue Star on 26 October 2008, but did not get onto the pitch. Joel, a left-winger, had established himself in the Altrincham FC Youth team this season. he is the cousin of Droylsden defender, Liam Brownhill.
16	Anthony DANYLYK (d.o.b. c1983) Anthony, the captain of Leek Town, joined Altricnham on 8 June 2008. He started his career at Stoke City before being released and signing for Stone Dominoes. He joined Leek Town in March 2002. Anthony made his Alty league debut as a used substitute on 9 August 2008 and soon made a good impression as a ball-winning central midfielder. Despite stepping up two rungs in the Pyramid, Anthony has made himself at home at Blue Square Premier level. Appearances to June 2008: 0.
18	Lee ELAM (d.o.b. 24 September 1976) Winger, Lee Elam, joined Altrincham on 24 July 2008. He turned down a full-time deal at York City but opted, instead, to join Altrincham on a part-time basis to develop a career in coaching youngsters. He ended 2007-08 season at Exeter City. Bradford-born Lee started his career with Guiseley before moving to Southport in November 1998, then Morecambe (August 2002) and Halifax (May 2003). After a move to Yeovil he had a loan spell at Chester before heading south to join Hornchurch in Essex. Next, a brief spell at Morecambe led to his joining Morecambe in November 2004. He then went to Crawley and Weymouth before joining Exeter. In all, he made 240 starts and 43 sub appearances for the above-mentioned clubs, scoring 40 goals in the process. Lee made his Alty league debut as a used substitute on 9 August 2008 and, as he regained fitness, his performances earned him a starting position.
7	Robbie LAWTON (d.o.b. 14 June 1979) Robbie is a tall, powerful and hardworking midfielder, signed in June 2006 from Vauxhall Motors, where he was the captain. He was previously with Marine and Caernarfon Town and can play on either flank as well as in central midfield. He impressed in pre-season friendlies and was a regular first-team starter on the right flank from the start of the 2006-07 season before moving to centre-midfield when Colin Potts returned on the right wing. With former captains Hussin, Band, Bushell, Thornley and Little all injured or sidelined, Robbie played as captain from mid-September 2006. By profession he is a PT and psychology teacher and one of the physically fittest players in the squad. Robbie completed a full century of starts in under two seasons with Alty. He was named team captain for the 2008-09 campaign in which he has featured in central midfield. Appearances to June 2008: 101(+1), 7 goals.
8	Val OWEN (d.o.b. 11 February 1971) Val joined Altrincham Reserves during 2004-05 having been out of the game after leaving Halifax Town in April 2004. He had joined the Shaymen, for whom he made 19 appearances and scored 2 goals, from Northwich Victoria on 4 December 2003. Val started his career at Hyde United after moving from local amateur football. In June 1998 he joined Northwich and later moved to Hednesford Town. After a brief loan spell at Southport, he joined the Vics again in October 2001 and was their captain at the start of the 2002-03 campaign. In autumn 2004 Val impressed in the Alty Reserves and made his first-team debut on 23 October 2004. He immediately established himself as a strong-tackling regular in central midfield, where he formed a formidable partnership with Eddie Hussin. Val also scored some crucial goals in the 2004-05 promotion play-offs and has also played impressively in 2005-06 but a foot injury sidelined him in April 2006, though he had recovered for pre-season in summer 2006. Val was suspended for three games in September 2006 and also missed games with injury in the latter part of the season. Likewise, his involvement in 2007-08 was interrupted by injury in October 2007 and he underwent an operation on his knee in February 2008. Val returned to action as a used substitute on 24 March 2008 but was again sidelined by injury for the run-in and the start of 2008-09 season. After a couple of games getting fit at Witton Albion, Val had recovered sufficiently to be named in the squad against Wrexham on 4 November 2008. Appearances to June 2008. 111(+5), 9 goals.
11	Warren PEYTON (d.o.b. 13 December, 1979, Manchester) Warren is a tall left-sided midfielder/defender, signed by Altrincham on 11 November 2005 after a spell out of the game. He had previously been with Leigh RMI and before that he had experience at Rochdale, Bury, Doncaster Rovers and Nuneaton Borough. Whilst at Nuneaton, he was in the England semi-pro team. Warren made his Alty debut in central midfield on 12 November 2005 against Exeter City but was then suspended after a sending off at Forest Green. Warren has a fierce shot and is a useful taker of free-kicks and corners. For much of his Alty career he has played at left-back rather than his preferred position in left midfield. In 2007-08 he occasionally played in central midfield as well as on the left. Warren, a bricklayer by trade, built the 2007 turnstile block at the Golf Road End at Moss Lane. He is one of the fittest players at the club and, despite losing his place as new players arrived for the start of 2008-09, he deservedly regained it early in the campaign. Appearances to June 2007. 121(+5), 7 goals
6	Kevin STREET (d.o.b. 25 November 1977) Altrincham FC have signed experienced midfielder Kevin Street from Stafford Rangers. Kevin was born at Crewe and started his career at Crewe Alexandra, for whom he made 57(+58) league appearances and scored 9 goals. After a loan spell with Luton Town (1+1 league appearances) he joined Northwich Victoria (12+1 league appearances, 6 goals) for three months at thestart of the 2002-03 season before signing for Bristol Rovers (21+12 league appearances, 2 goals, 2002-03) and then Shrewsbury Town (35+13 league appearances, 3 goals, 2003-05) before joining Stafford Rangers for the start of the 2005/06 season. He made more than a century of appearances for the Marston Road club and, with Neil Grayson, was joint caretaker-manager for part of 2007-08 before Steve Bull was appointed. Kevin is 5ft 10 inches tall. Kevin made his Alty league debut on 9 August 2008 but sadly damaged his cruciate ligaments in training in October 2008 and looks to be sidelined for 9 to 12 months. Unusually for a footballer, Kevin "hopes to eventually swap his football strip for a clerical robe and be a priest" reported the Express and Star last year and he is "studying for a degree in theology. He says it was his ‘original aim’ to go into the priesthood. He said: 'I’m not a stereotypical priest - I just love God. I’m as loud as anyone else when I’m on the pitch and enjoy the banter -I’m just also extremely religious'. He says of his team mates: 'They do lay into me about it. I suppose it’s because its unusual. It’s lighthearted banter. Becoming a priest is something I definitely want to end up doing. I have to finish my degree and then do a devotional ministerial course which will take a few years. I imagine it will be about 10 years time before I finally make it. I love football to bits but know eventually the time will come when I will finally become a priest. I would always like to keep a hand in football though'. Kevin, who lives in Nantwich, said he wants to use his football experience to help him. He said: 'The youth of today idolise footballers so it would be a good way in to speak to them about Christ'".
Formerly no.20	Paul TIERNEY Paul Tierney was released on 26 September 2008. His details can be found on the Departed Players page.
	FORWARDS
10	Chris DENHAM (d.o.b. 14.9.1982) Pacy and skilful former Droylsden forward Chris Denham (born 14.9.82) signed for Altrincham on 8 June 2008. He started his career at Prestwich Heys before enjoying a prolific season at another North Manchester club, Stand Athletic. During that season he also had a loan period at Bamber Bridge. In August 2002 Chris joined Stalybridge Celtic before signing for Radcliffe Borough in July 2003. By December of that year he had returned to the Bower Fold. He has likewise had two spells at Droylsden, whom he first joined in in June 2005 before rejoining in October 2005 after a brief at Ashton United in between. Chris made his Alty league debut on 9 August 2008 and was soon demonstrating his willingness to run at the opposition to create attacking opportunities for the team.
20	Danny HEFFERNAN Danny was originally signed on first-team forms by Altrincham on 30 August 2006, following impressive displays for the Reserves. However, he did not appear for the first-team before leaving when the Reserves were disbnaded and following manager Neil Brown to Leek Town and then Abbey Hey. He was re-signed for Altrincham by Graham Heathcote in 2008 and made his debut as a substitute striker in a Setanta Shield match against Wrexham on 4th November 2008. A tall, versatile player who can operate on the left and up front, as well as in central defence or midfield, Danny has a strong left-foot shot and is a tall player who is not easily shaken off the ball. Prior to joining Altrincham Reserves, Danny had played in local South Manchester football for Fletcher Moss FC.
14	Dale JOHNSON (d.o.b. 3 May 1985) Dale, who signed for Altrincham on 6 June 2008, finished 2007-08 season in the Blue Square Premier on loan to Droylsden after a prolific spell at Hyde United. He spent three years at Hyde, after joining from Woodley Sports. A tall central striker, Dale is good in the air and holds the ball up well. After making his first start on the opening day of the 2008-09 season, Dale has since been an intermittent rather than regular starter. Appearances to June 2008: 0.
9	Colin LITTLE (d.o.b. 4 November 1972, height 5ft 10, weight 10st. 5lbs) Altrincham FC signed Colin, whose last club was Halifax Town, on 5 July 2004. A skilful, two-footed striker, Colin is a local lad, born in Wythenshawe. He signed for Hyde United in August 1995 but moved to Crewe Alexandra for £50,000 on 6 February 1996. He made 220 appearances for Alex and scored 45 goals before going on loan to Mansfield in October 2002, where he played 5 games. He then went on loan to Macclesfield in December 2002, for whom he signed on a free transfer in May 2003. He made 26+8 appearances and scored 7 goals for Macc. before joining Halifax Town in March 2004, for whom he played 8 games and scored twice. Alty fans may wish to forget that Colin scored two of Crewe's three goals in their Cheshire Senior Cup Final win, 3-0 over Alty at the Drill Field, Northwich in 2002 and that he also got the winner as Alex won 3-2 against Alty in the CSC 1st Round in September, 2002. Colin was previously at Alty as a junior as well as being at Wythenshawe Town, Rossendale United and Hyde United before joining Crewe. He had also had a brief spell at Bury. His Alty career started impressively with 38 goals in the 2004-05 season. After intially playing on the left, he now always starts up front and was once again the club's leading scorer in 2005-06 and 2006-07 with 17 and 12 Conference goals respectively. After a slow start to 2007-08 he recorded a superb tally of 21 BSP goals from just 34(+5) starts to finish the season third in the national scoring charts. Colin has turned down numerous offers to play at a higher level but remains dedicated to his local club. Appearances to June 2008: 179(+8), 92 goals.
15	Alex MEECHAN (d.o.b. 29 January 1980, height 5ft 8ins) Born in Plymouth, Alex started his professional career at Swindon Town in 1997. He moved to Bristol City for 1998-99 season but City loaned him to Forest Green Rovers in August 2000. He later signed for FGR (1 January 2001) following a month's loan at Yeovil Town. Dagenham & Redbridge bought him in 2003 and later loaned him to FGR whom he joined permanently in February 2004. He had three months with Leigh RMI at the start of 2004-05 and then went to Halifax Town in November 2004, until the end of July 2005 when he returned to FGR. In January 2007 he started a six month stay at Chester City before spending three months with York City (July-October 2007). He made 191 league appearances for FGR and netted 46 times. Alex made his Alty league debut on 9 August 2008 and, when selected, has figured mostly on the right-wing. Appearances to June 2008: 0..
12	Joe O'NEILL (d.o.b. 28 October 1982, height 6ft) Altrincham's Player of the Year for 2006-07, Joe signed for Alty from York City in June 2006, He is a Blackburn-born striker who was at Preston North End from 2001 to 2005, during which time he made two sub appearances for the Deepdale first XI. However, he also gained league experience on loan at Bury (2003/04, 10 starts +13 sub. appearances), Mansfield Town (2004/05, 3+12) and Chester City (2004/05, 5+6). He joined York City for the 2005-06 season and scored for them against Alty in the match at Kit Kat Crescent in 2005-06 season, having earlier hit a hat-trick on his York debut against Southport. In all, Joe netted five goals for York in the Conference that season, making 25(+12) appearances in the Conference and one in the FA Cup for the Minstermen before his release in summer 2006. At Moss Lane he started 2006-07 as Colin Little's regular strike partner and generally played in that position though also occasionally turning out in wide midfield. Though not a prolific goalscorer, Joe is accomplished at holding the ball up and his workrate is excellent. Outside football, Joe is a student. In 2007-08 and 2008-09 Joe has played often from the bench but has still weighed in with some important goals. He had a minor knee operation in late October 2008. Appearances to June 2008: 74(+24), 14 goals.
19	Chris SENIOR (d.o.b. 18 November 1981) Chris signed for Altrincham in July 2007, having previously spent the latter part of 2006-07 season on loan at Moss Lane from Halifax Town, an arrangement which started on 19 January 2007. Halifax released Chris in the summer of 2007. He started his career at Huddersfield Town as a midfielder but, after being released in early 2003 as part of cost-cutting measures, he played briefly for Wakefield-Emley. After a trial with Halifax Town, in summer of 2003 the Huddersfield-born Senior joined Scarborough, where he stayed till summer 2005. He started 31(+36) league games for the Seadogs and netted 18 goals. In 2003-04 he set a Conference record by coming off the bench 36 times. Whilst with Scarborough he was selected for the England non-League squad. Crances for the Shaymen. On returning to Altrincham, Chris re-joined Colin Little, Val Owen and Karl Munroe as ex-Shaymen currently playing at Moss Lane. Chris made his Alty debut, at Woking, on 20 January 2007. After a scoring burst in late 2007, he was suspended for three games and found the going tougher on his return but still maintaned a good scoring ratio per games played. In 2008-09 he has again varied between starting games and being on the bench. Appearances to June 2008: 43(+18), 15 goals.
	DEPARTED PLAYERS 2008 close season and 2008-09
For details of those named (right), visit the Departed Players page	Steve ASPINALL - left summer 2008 Richard BATTERSBY - left 26 September 2008 Pat McFADDEN - left summer 2008 Carlos ROCA - left summer 2008 Gary SCOTT - left summer 2008 Paul TIERNEY - left 26 September 2008 Darren TINSON - left summer 2008 Luke WATERFALL - loan player, returned to parent club Tranmere Rovers, November 2008

Copyright: ©
Compiled by John Laidlar