CURRENT SEASON'S ARCHIVE page |
20 to 26 May, 2004
|
20 to 26 May, 2004 |
Alty manager Graham Heathcote surveys the recently seeded pitch at Moss Lane. This is one of several pictures on Alan Johnson's photosite which show the extensive pitch-works now going on at Moss Lane.
And, Welsh Premier reports that the "Total Network Solutions’ boss Ken McKenna is to remain in charge... There had been speculation about the manager's position following the club's failure to secure a trophy in the last campaign... Since taking over the reins in 2001, former Altrincham and Runcorn striker McKenna has led Saints to three runners-up places. Their season gets under way again on 19 July with a UEFA Cup Preliminary Round tie".
"Meanwhile, Alan Morgan - who was on loan at Altrincham between spells at Tranmere and Doncaster Rovers - is the new manager of another Welsh Premier side, NEWI Cefn Druids. His career took him to Morecambe and Porthmadog, before joining Druids earlier this year as a player", reports Andrew Lincoln the Webmaster of TNS's Saints-Alive! website.
Another Alty old boy, Dave Gardner, had less good news this week when Manchester United announced that they would limit their dealings with the Elite Sports Agency, run by Dave and Sir Alex Ferguson's son, Jason.
Nationwide confirms that "Tamworth wing-back Rob Warner has left the club to join Conference South[???] side Worcester City... Warner made 37 Conference appearances this season, but has now opted to move to St George's Lane".
Manager Graham Heathcote has spoken to the rest of the squad and is hopeful that all of them will remain at Moss Lane. A new signing is expected during the next week after verbal agreement was reached with the player in question.
All nine friendlies arranged, to date, are listed here.
With the demise of Margate and the problems at Telford, no one yet knows for sure which 22 teams will be in Conference North when it kicks off this August but last season we started in the UniBond Premier with an away match at Alfreton Town on 16 August. Above, in that match, Chris Adams clears the ball past an aerial Tony Hemmings, himself a former Alty player - albeit briefly. Mark Maddox, who later in the game fractured his heel and was sent off, looks on.
NL Daily says that "Redditch United manager Rod Brown has "brought in experienced defender Andy Penny from Hinckley United and he has now added highly-rated left-sided player Rob Taylor from Southern League Western Division neighbours Stourport Swifts... Taylor was previously with Travel Factory Midland Alliance side Ludlow Town before switching to Stourport, where he attracted interest from Conference National outfit Hereford United. Reds' assistant-manager Gary Whild said: "We’ve made no secret of the fact we’re looking to bring in three or four new faces. We haven’t released anyone as such, but we find these things have a habit of sorting themselves out".
This is Worcs says that "Worcester City are set to announce their first signing of the summer at St George's Lane tonight [Monday]. Manager John Barton, who has targeted five new faces to boost his squad, is due to complete the deal for the Nationwide Conference player later today".
Other moves:
Also, Radcliffe keeper Danny Hurst has "finally signed a new two-year deal with the club after long talks with the manager [Kevin Glendon] who explained: 'There was no disagreements between Danny and myself, he just wanted to see if any interest was shown from other clubs higher up the Pyramid'". As for signing Phil Denney, Glendon added, "I wanted Phil last season, but Ashton wanted a fee for him, but he has now come to the end of his contract and I am pleased he is joining us."
The Pink reports that Alty captain Ian Craney (right) "has his heart set on becoming a professional footballer" but Graham said, Accrington haven't offered us anywhere near what we'd want for a player of Ian's age (21) and talent and, while I understand his desire to go full-time, he's going to have to exercise a little patience on that score. Tranmere were sufficiently impressed by Ian to want him back there pre-season and there's also another league club waiting in the wings. I'm convinced a league club will eventually take Ian. There must be a lot of exceptional players in the league if one doesn't, because he's absolutely outstanding in my view". The article says that Graham is "aware, too, that several of the players who helped the Robins achieve promotion to Conference North have been approached but he remains 'hopeful' all will stay".
The Bradford PA website says that manager Carl Shutt is employing "his old mate" Ian Roscrow as his assistant. Both were at Sheffield Wednesday but Roscrow added that he had spent "several [seasons] at Boston United before going abroad in New Zealand... [before] spells with Gainsborough Trinity, Grantham and Buxton... I have known Carl from school age, since we were 12-year- olds... There is no need for a major overhaul of the squad because I have been well impressed with what I have seen at Bradford".
Meanwhile, BPA become the latest club to raise its admission prices for 2004-05, with adult (presumably stand) prices up to £9.
A successful Altrincham Youth Team Presentation Night was held last night at Moss Lane. Before the event the lads lined-up for the above photo, to mark their double success in the NWYA Premier league and Cup in 2003-04.
Line up: Back row - George Heslop (manager), Kieran Lugsden, Paul Lewis, Lewis Chalmers, Steve Lunt, Barry George, Tom Read, Joe Connor, Josh Collins, Kelvin Lugsden, Neil Thomason (coach). Front row - Adam Ball, Andy Thorpe, Danny Grimshaw, Alex Frost (capt.), Stuart Cook, Adam Douthwaite, Matt Tooth and Stevie Taylor.
The event was very efficiently organised by Steve Lunt's sister, Jo Ryan, with family and colleagues. Some ninety people attended in the Noel White Suite. These included Alty chairman, Geoff Goodwin, director Grahame Rowley and first-team boss Graham Heathcote. Special thanks and an award were also made to the Stonemason's Arms, the Timperley pub which had raised £1,000 for the youth team over the past year. This was accepted by former Altrincham defender Mal Bailey, who played a large part in the fundraising.
Left-back Matt Tooth won both the Jackie Swindells Trophy, donated by STAR, the Altrincham supporters' trust and the Players' Player of the Year award. Matt is seen, right, with master of ceremonies and STAR chairperson, Brian Flynn.
More pictures are on the Youth Page.
Kevin, the ex-Alty winger, was involved in Lincoln's failed play-offs from Division 3. The Stockport message board states: "According to Lincoln fans, at the end of their playoff aggregate defeat at Huddersfield the other night, Kevin Ellison lay flat on his back with disappointment after the final whistle. At this point, there was also a Huddersfield pitch invasion and he and another player, Alan Marriott were assaulted by Terriers' fans. Ellison, after being kicked/stamped on whilst laying down, immediately got up, chased the Huddersfield fan to the halfway line and 'tw*tted him'. Nice one Psycho".
After the recent donation to the club of a 1939 Altrincham FC medal by Mr Jim Newton,
Alty programme editor Terry Rowley has now acquired two more historic medals, which belonged to ex-player Herbert Blackshaw (above). Herbert went on to manage Wisbech Town in East Anglia in 1946 and he sadly died there c.1976. The medals are a 1934 Cheshire Senior Cup medal (left) and a 1936 Cheshire County League runners-up medal (right). Pictures courtesy of Terry Rowley.
Alty goalkeeper Stuart Coburn has successfully undergone a hernia operation this week. He should be fit for the start of the season. Stuart is seen above celebrating his Player of the Year award from Altrincham's junior supporters who, along with everyone else at Moss Lane, will wish Stuart a rapid recovery.
At Worksop Town, "Diminutive winger Matty Caudwell is one of five out of contract squad members who have been offered reduced deals. Others who Ludlam is hoping will sign are Joe Taylor, Alex Callery, Steve Hawes and Ryan Ludlam, but Ludlam has released the experienced trio of defender Darren Bradshaw, striker Darren Roberts and goalkeeper Dave McCarthy. And Worksop could also lose captain Mark Haran as an offer from rivals Harrogate Town was considered at a board meeting earlier this week. 'I have spoken to the players concerned and offered them new contracts', said Ludlam. 'For some it is a vast reduction and for others the difference is not so great. Obviously I hope Matty Caudwell and Steve Hawes, who were fantastic for us last season, do sign for us. But they are also talking to other clubs'", the manager told Worksop Today.
Goalkeeper Ben Williams, who played six games on loan to Altrincham last season has been released
by Manchester United. Ben is seen right, saving from Mattie Hughes in a pre-season game for United against Alty last July. He finished last season on loan at Crewe.
NL Daily reports that former Alty player Nigel Gleghorn (41) has left his manager's post at Nantwich Town to take up the vacancy at Newcastle Town in Staffordshire.
The same site says that The Northwich Chronicle "has fielded a series of angry phone calls from Vics' fans as speculation about the future of the club also grew". Stone said "Vics will play between 5 and 10 home matches at Witton, at a cost of up to £7,000 and further damage to their fundraising". But Vics are still hopeful that the possible demise of Margate and Telford will allow them to stay in the Conference National division. "Telford need a massive rescue operation to be completed by the Conference AGM on June 6, but there is none in the offing. Supporters have formed a trust but no backers willing to take on the club's debts and huge wage bill have emerged. The local paper, the Shropshire Star, says: 'It is looking grim'". What is more, if Darlington go bust and Carlisle stay in the League, Northwich Victoria could have another lifeline.
Hinckley United "have signed a stadium sponsorship deal with Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries which will see their new ground called The Marstons Stadium. The Brewery have paid what Regional Sales Manager Bob Leatherland called a "substantial six figure sum" to secure the naming rights with the money spread at £25,000 per year, over a ten year period". The company already sponsors Derby County, Walsall and Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
"Hinckley United said goodbye to Dave Sadler, for the second time, as he joined Cambridge City. Dave has always had trouble with travel due to work, home and university commitments and when Hinckley were confirmed as founder members of the Conference North, this would become increasingly more difficult. As a result Dave has decided to join Cambridge City, who themselves qualified for Conference South... Another long standing player to leave is defender Andy Penny. He has moved to Redditch United after they made him a substantial offer, that Hinckley could not match. [The club] has also released midfielder Shaun Murray after only one season at the club, and although still with the club Brad Piercewright will be abroad in Australia up until November. Gavin Stone, thankfully, has decided to re-sign and will be staying with us, so we do still have one defender! To replace the departed striker DT has signed Nathan Lamey from Halesowen".
Stalybridge Celtic gate prices will be the same as at Moss Lane next season - £9 for seating and £8 to stand. However, season tickets will be dearer at the Bower Fold than Moss Lane at £162 and £144 for sitting and standing respectively. Former Alty centre-back Terry Bowker is one of the retained players at Stalybridge, along with Bonsall, Caldecott, Denham, German, Hayward, Parr and new signing Paul Sykes. Dootson, Eastwood, and Keeling are expected to stay as well.
"Tigers' manager Steve Ludlam has informed the Worksop web-site that he has released Darren Bradshaw, Darren Roberts and Dave McCarthy".
IC Chester says that "Witton Albion have increased the team budget for next season by 25%.Chairman Mike Worthington said: 'It is the budget our manager [ex-Alty man] John Davison asked for, which he believes will enable him to make a positive challenge for promotion to Conference North". Worthington also "praised the efforts of finance director Mark Harris", the former acting chairman of Altrincham.
Copyright: ©
Compiled by John Laidlar