It was a "Meet the Players & Management" event at Moss Lane on Saturday evening like no other before it. The club's official caterer had raw eggs smashed on his head, the captain of the English Schools XI gave a solo rendition of the National Anthem and one of the club's new strikers lay down flat on the top table. But the event was in the middle of the squad's residential "bonding weekend" and the master of ceremonies was the Club chef, Richie Bentley, so it was always going to be an eventful evening

Right: Richie Bentley sees the yolk as Sally Heslop cracks an egg over his head; the Alty players and the manager look on.

After an intensive day of pre-season training, involving plenty of running, manager Lee Sinnott and assistant manager Neil Tolson, brought the players to meet supporters in the Noel White Suite. The new players, Danny Boshell, Kyle Perry, Mike Williams, James Walshaw and Rob Gilroy sat at the top table, along with Neil. The evening comprised a mixture of questions from the floor and games devised by Richie, who compered the evening like a professional.

The games included "Pictionary", in which players and supporters had to draw a squad member whose identity was guessed by the audience and "Roulette" in which the new players took on six supporters, with the spin of the wheel dictating whether the contestants got a shot of vodka or of water. The final game, the "Penalty Shoot Out" saw Richie sparing the players' coiffures by being the seated victim as supporters and players took turns in smashing a random selection of hard-boiled and raw eggs over his head!

Between the games the players talked about their previous craeers, their experiences since arriving at Altrincham and their views on next season. Kyle Perry emerged as the main joker of the evening and, after a serenade from James Walshaw, his fellow striker Kyle was prompted to display his own musical talents for which, he told us, he normally commands a high fee as a member of Stubblemelt.

After the event, the players moved off for a night out in nearby Hale before they report back to their Altrincham hotel for another hard day of training on Sunday. One thing was clear, there is certainly a great spirit amongst the squad for next season - and it is mostly vodka!

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

For the first time in many a year, possibly ever, City will play all their pre-season friendlies away as they have been unable to arrange any at their new temporary home. It means their first venture on to the Aggborough pitch will be the Conference North opener against Altrincham on Saturday, August 17.

Although Worcester, who visit Nuneaton Town in a warm-up match today (3pm), will be up to speed in terms of fitness, they will need to adapt to their new surroundings quickly. Striker Danny Glover reckons it will take a while for City to settle in at Aggborough but doesn’t necessarily think it will be a disadvantage for Carl Heeley’s side.

'It will be new surroundings and a new pitch and things like the width of a pitch make a difference because you have got to get used to playing on it', Glover said. 'I think we will take our time getting used to it but it’s the same for both teams. It won’t be much of an advantage but the opposition won’t have played on it either'.

Glover, one of several of last season’s squad to be retained, took part in last Saturday’s 4-0 friendly defeat at Birmingham City and is relishing the chance to face his former employers today. 'I think it will be a good challenge so I am looking forward to it', he said. 'It’s close to a month until the new season so it’s getting to the time when you need to start pushing on'.

The Boston Standard said yesterday that "Ashley Timms is expected to pull on a Boston United shirt for the first time today. Boston United host a Leeds United XI at York Street. And manager Dennis Greene is confident that he can give his stopper, who has been sidelined due to an operation, some minutes on the pitch.

'We’re hopeful we can get some kind of game time out of him', Greene said of the ex-Manchester City stopper. 'Maybe 25 minutes or so?... But we don’t want to rush it'. Teenager Sam Vince has deputised for Timms in the pre-season friendlies... Greene added, ;Sam’s done great in pre-season and he doesn’t look like he’s a 17-year-old goalkeeper'...

After recording two 2-1 victories against lower-league opposition, the Pilgrims know Leeds - who will have former United midfielder Neil Redfearn in their dug-out - will prove their sternest test to date.

Greene added, [referring to the game with Leeds], 'We’ve got 18 players. Hopefully, we’ll be competitive and hopefully we’ll do all right in the final 25 when, through no fault of our own, we’ll be tired'".

MEET THE PLAYERS AND MANAGEMENT

Right: Richie with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

CONFERENCE SUPPORTS MADDOG

£1000 has been donated to the Level Playing Field Association, who do so much good work for disabled supporters throughout the game.

Five individual walkers tramped the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal receiving from sponsors a very creditable £1145. Added to that sum, donations from functions at the AGM from member clubs generously raised a further £3,400. This allowed a total of £4545 to be presented to the MND Association to support the sterling efforts of Mark Maddox, who suffers from motor neurone disease and was a player with Altrincham.

In addition, the Board of Directors have made an award of £250 to help with the launch of the Georgia Williams Appeal Fund. Georgia was a member of the match day staff of AFC Telford United and sadly met an untimely death...

Chairman of the Board, Brian Lee stated, 'It is right we as a competition remember we are in a privileged position and, individually and collectively, we have responded once again to help those in need. May we wish all three organisations the very best with their aims and objectives."

UNDER-15s WANTED!

FRIENDLY OPPONENTS' NEW DEPUTY

After an amateur playing career which saw him play for Chadderton, Maine Road and Mid Cheshire League side Styal, Morrison became player-manager at Styal, winning the League title in his second season in charge and also the Cheshire Amateur Cup. He then stepped up to the North West Counties League with Flixton and with little or no budget took the club from adrift at the bottom of the NWCFL when he took over to avoiding relegation. They then finished 15th in his first full season and 8th place in 2011/12 before he took over at Winsford last summer...

Band said, 'I've known Lloyd for a long time, we work close by each other in our day jobs and he is someone who has impressed me both as a person and as a manager. He has great contacts in the game and he will attract some quality players to the club'" reports Mossleyweb.

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

Asensi is no stranger to Bridge Road having graduated through the Scholarship Programme at the end of the 2011-12 season before moving on to join Soham Town Rangers where he was a regular starter last year. The 20 year old is primarily a left sided or central midfielder but is also comfortable in the left back role and Page is pleased to have re-signed the versatile youngster stating, 'He can play anywhere across the midfield and is comfortable at left back as well'...

Also joining the Stutes' squad is another versatile youngster, 18 year old Charlie Binns. Operating in midfield Binns has impressed in both recent pre-season games.... but can also play at right back. He started his career in the youth ranks at York City before moving on to Tadcaster Albion in the summer of 2012, then to Biggleswade Town before joining Eynesbury Rovers in March, where he finished the season".

"Netan Sansara has committed his future to Boston United by signing a one-year contract", confirms NL Daily. "The left-back originally penned non-contract forms upon his arrival from Danish club FC Vestsjaelland earlier this month. The former Walsall trainee, who played in the Football League for the Saddlers between 2008 and 2010, has also played for Dundee in Scotland and PAEEK in Cyprus".

In Cumbria, the News and Star reports that "Workington Reds’ main transfer objective is replacing the goals lost by Gareth Arnison’s departure, insisted coach Gavin Skelton. Arnison, who scored 100 goals during a prolific spell with his home-town club, quit to join Barrow after moving to Manchester.

Skelton knows it won’t be easy, and said, 'Every club in the division is looking at the same players. It’s even more competitive when you’re searching for a striker... We need to find someone who can help Jonny Wright in attack'. Wright has scored four times in thee pre-season games, netting twice against Annan Athletic and Penrith.

Skelton, who is loving life at Reds following his arrival on a player/coach role,'.

Skelton, 32, has been impressed with the standard of the trialists and reserve players the club has introduced to the first team during pre-season... Skelton said, 'I’m getting fitter with every training session and match we play, and I will be 100 per cent when the season kicks off... The Workington dressing room is a great place to be with the established players making everyone feel welcome and part of the squad. It makes for a nice atmosphere, which is why lads like David Lynch want to come here next season'".

ALTY ON-LINE SHOP GOES LIVE

"After many months of work, a new online shop has been put together for the forthcoming season.

The shop has been built to collate as many things 'Alty' as possible in one place so you can buy a team shirt at the same place as donating to Radio Robins, for example. There are still some additional amendments to be made, including some more merchandise, the updating of the current squad, and a few more photos to go on, but the site is now functioning and can be ordered from.

As it is a brand new site, developed from scratch, please do accept that there may be some errors around the site so we ask that you would kindly make us aware of anything you see by emailing me, Gavin Rathbone. In the meantime we hope that all fans find the site useful and we look forward to feedback".

PUT YOUR SHIRT ON ALTY

Home and away shirts are available so there are plenty of opportunities to secure a memento of what, hopefully, will be a successful campaign. So far the following players have secured sponsors...

• Stuart Coburn (h) Chris Rowley
• Shaun Densmore (h) Jack, Eliot and Lara Shaw
• Matt Doughty (h) Eddie Bishop - (a) Sarah Rowley
• Scott Leather (h) Hugh Purchas
• Danny Boshell (h) Neil Shackleton
• Damian Reeves (h) Tom Murray - (a) Andy Mein
• James Lawrie (h) Ian Wilkinson
• Simon Richman (h) Paul Daine
• James Walshaw (h) Neil Shackleton - (a) Dan Eadie
• Damian Reeves (h) Tom Murray - (a) Andy Mein
• Nicky Clee (h) - (a)Josh
• Carl Rodgers
• Jake Moult (h) Robinsons Preservation
• Adam Reid
• Gianluca Havern
• Kyle Perry (h) The Fosters
• Mike Williams (h) Mark Embury
• Rob Gilroy
• Lee Sinnott - Hugh Purchas
• Neil Tolson - Andrew Shaw
• Alan Ainsley - The Rowley Family
• Matt Doughty (h) Eddie Bishop - (a) Sarah Rowley

OLD BOY

They quickly filled the gap by appointing coach Paul Phillips as joint first-team manager alongside Steve Halford, who was lured from Mossley. For their part, the Lilywhites didn’t hang around in appointing a replacement with Peter Band the new man in charge at Seel Park...

Band, 39, joined Mossley as a player in August 2011 and made 42 appearances for the Lilywhites in the 2011/12 season. Last season, he was more often than not an unused substitute while working alongside Halford. An announcement on the appointment of a new assistant manager is expected to be made shortly".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

Noon was with Liverpool as a youngster and went on to play for Prescot Cables, Southport, Bangor City... as well as Marine and Colwyn Bay before joining Motors in 2008. He had two successful years in his first spell at the club, which led to international recognition as he was called up for the England C squad, before re-joining Colwyn Bay in 2010".

An Altrincham player from last season is now trialing with Stockport County. Their report on the recent friendly, which ended Cheadle Town 1 Stockport County 2, says, "The margin of victory could have been greater but for three first-half goal line clearances and a number of other missed chances.

As with Saturday's game against Northwich, Ian Bogie fielded several trialists as he looks for late additions to his squad and also played striker Brandon Windsor at centre half for the whole game with trialist Paris Bateman given another chance to impress. Ryan Brooke partnered Dennis up front... Brooke was the third player denied by a goal line clearance as half-time approached...

County made 10 changes at the break with keeper Lewis King the only senior player to join Windsor".

Huddersfield Town report that "A Town side consisting of youth and experience drew an entertaining game at Guiseley as the build-up to the season continued. The hosts twice took the lead in the game through Phil Marsh, but the Terriers were well worth at least the draw and levelled through Matt Crooks and Captain Jordan Sinnott, a former Guiseley youngster" and son of Alty boss Lee. Supporters will recall that Jordan enjoyed a loan spell at Moss Lane last season.

Tranmere Rovers have a photo gallery from their game with Alty last week, whilst Michael Ripley likewise has images from that game.

ROB IS AIMING HIGH

Right: Rob Gilroy, behind Premiership referee Anthony Taylor, on his Altrincham first-team debut last Saturday. Also seen are James Lawrie (9), James Walshaw and Jake Moult.

Forwards Kyle Perry and James Walshaw, defender Mike Williams and midfielder Danny Boshell, who has turned last season’s loan into a permanent move, all impressed in Saturday’s unlucky 3-2 defeat by Accrington Stanley and Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss to Tranmere Rovers.

So, too, did England Schools under-18s skipper Rob Gilroy, who found himself pitched into an unexpected first-team debut after only 17 minutes on Saturday and responded with an assured performance against League Two opposition.

The 17-year old from Crosby began to take Alty manager Lee Sinnott’s eye before leading England to the Lloyds TSB Trophy with a 3-1 win over Scotland last season, and he has no qualms about setting his sights high and aiming to follow in Watmore’s illustrious footsteps.

Released by Chester last year, he has responded positively to the promptings of youth team boss George Heslop and is now pressing hard for a place in Sinnott’s squad for the forthcoming campaign.

‘I owe George (left) a lot,’ he said. ‘He took a chance on me, after Chester, and he has been brilliant. When I had a meeting with the Chester manager Neil Young, and he said he didn't think there would be first-team opportunities for me there, I rang Alty and asked whether I could come down and let them have a look at me, with a view to playing at under-18 level. I suppose a lot of it is down to having a willingness to go that extra mile and not give up on your dream, and it does help bring your game on when you are playing alongside Football League Academy lads in the national schools' team.

‘You have to stay focused on your dream, if you want to make it to the professional ranks but, even so, there’s no getting away from the role George has played in helping me reach this stage. He is quality, and I wouldn’t be here today without him. He knows how to get the best out of players, so much so that the gaffer (Sinnott) said, towards the end of last season, that he was going to take a look at me during the summer, with a view to the coming campaign.

‘I just want to learn and progress under him and Neil Tolson as much as I can and make the most of this invaluable experience of playing with the seniors. My goal is to make it into the professional ranks and, when I look at what Duncan has done, it inspires me. I would like to model myself on him and not only develop along the same lines but try and add some of his qualities to my game. I think I put plenty of desire and energy into games, and I try and keep calm in tight situations, but the way he takes players on is an element I want to work on.’

Gilroy is unlikely to be daunted by the prospect of 1,000-plus crowds, should he feature in Alty’s Conference North line-up.

‘I remember being at the training camp before the Scotland game, and the coach took me to one side and said he was making me captain,’ he said. ‘It was an unbelievable feeling, difficult to describe really. When you first start kicking a ball around, at four or five, you never ever dare dream that one day you will walk out as captain of your country, in front of thousands of people.

‘It really is hard to put into words. You probably have to experience it to know exactly how it feels to realise a dream like that. I have done it now at 17 and am still young enough to have another crack at it next time, and it is something I am very proud of.

‘All my family were there, at St Johnstone’s ground in Perth, and it was a special moment. The game was filmed, and I will be keeping the dvd as a lasting memory of an unforgettable occasion. We played Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as Scotland, and the squad changed a bit as we went along, because some of the lads found they couldn’t deal with playing in front of crowds of two or three thousand or more.

‘Others coped better, and I can honestly say it never affected me one bit. I found I could ignore any pressure from that and focus on doing my best to try and make sure the game went our way. I scored the third goal against Scotland, and that just rounded off one of the best days of my life.

‘It has been a brilliant year for me so far, because, for the last couple of months of last season, I was involved in training with the first-team squad at Alty and was warming up before games. The gaffer said he wanted to see what I’m like in game situations, and I’m just so eager to learn the ropes and get more experience.

‘The gaffer and Neil Tolson have a wealth of experience, and lads like Shaun Densmore and, before he left at the end of last season, Paddy Lacey have gone out of their way to help me along and offer words of advice and encouragement. I’ve already learned a lot from them, and I really appreciate it.

‘I’ve a lot of people to be thankful to. To be fair, being released by Chester might not have looked the best on my CV, so for George to take a risk on me was great. I’ll always be grateful for that. He is used to dealing with different players, with different characteristics, and is very good at man-managing each and every individual. I have certainly responded to what he has told me and done with me.

‘My aim now is to try and keep learning and developing here as much as possible. Long-term, I want to show people I can make the leap into the professional game but, first, I’ve got to make the most of this fantastic opportunity. Duncan has shown what can be done. If you’ve got ambitions about becoming a professional, this is a great place to learn your trade. There’s no substitute for hard work and grafting for opportunities, and I’m confident it will pay off for me one day.’

Alty have a Meet The Players and Management evening at the J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday (7.30pm) and continue their pre-season programme at Trafford on Tuesday (7.45)".

DUNCAN MAKES HIS MARK

Sunderland’s development squad drew 0-0 in their opening pre-season fixture against Southampton at the Academy of Light.

Duncan Watmore was given his first run out as a second-half substitute... Nine half-time changes were made by Ball as he looked to get the majority of his squad time on the pitch. Two of the changes, Watmore and Andrew Cartwright, linked up well down the right before the latter’s dangerous cross was headed behind..

Watmore nearly grabbed a late winner to mark his first appearance but his shot from the edge of the area was deflected over by the Southampton defence".

ROVERS' PERSPECTIVE

Altrincham pulled a goal back through Damian Reeves... while Owain Fon Williams kept the lead at two goals on 84 minutes with a dive to his left to keep out a shot from the edge of the area".

SIMON'S GB SILVER MEDAL

It was France who made the breakthrough, capitalising on a rare lapse in the GBR defence. Sotoca was allowed a free header at the near post and he made no mistake. On the half hour, however, Sotoca gave away a penalty for clouting James Baldwin with a high foot. Malin, who scored the winner against Ukraine from the spot, stepped up but this time his penalty was saved...

GBR’s task doubled in difficulty five minutes into the second half... France attacked with pace down the right and Maverick Barsotti’s low cross hit Jack Winter and found the net.

GBR made changes, bringing on Jake Parrott, [Boston United's] Marc Newsham and Craig Moses, and with just over 20 minutes left they pulled one back... An equaliser remained a possibility, and GBR scored it in the very last minute of added time... Substitute [ex-Alty midfielder] Tom McCready played the ball into Rae’s feet, he turned his man, wrong-footed Baque and slotted in.

That goal meant extra time, which was an edgy affair between two tired teams desperate for a knock-out blow. The balance shifted back in France’s favour when Parrott was sent off for a second yellow card, Maxime Brandy’s rolling about on the floor making the most of a fairly innocuous challenge.

The sides remained in something of a stalemate until 23 minutes into extra time, when France scored the killer third, Weyders meeting a cross from the right to volley in.

GBR could not quite muster another equaliser, and so had to accept silver at the end of a thrilling match between two very good sides. This was their best performance in Kazan, losing out on the narrowest of margins, and their medals indicate just how well they have done to get to the final match...

Head Coach James Ellis said, 'It’s a huge achievement, and I hope the players will reflect on that later. They’ve done their country and themselves proud'".

GBR line-up: James Belshaw; George Williams (Craig Moses, 64’), Kieran Murphy (c), Luke Graham, James Baldwin; Nicky Platt (Jake Parrott, 53’), Alex Dyer (Tom McCready, 85’); Jack Winter, Gavin Malin (Marc Newsham, 54’), Simon Richman; Micky Rae".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

Sinclair is currently searching for another centre back to fill the void left by Meadowcroft's departure. Meanwhile he has offered contracts to four more players who have been training with the squad, but does not want to name them until they put pen to paper".

Vauxhall Motors report that "The spoils were shared at Bootle's Delta Taxis Stadium in the our opening pre-season friendly as the score finished 1-1. Boss Carl Macauley used the game as an opportunity to give run-outs to no fewer than 24 players including a number of trialists...

Bootle opened the scoring just before half-time from the penalty spot after [former Alty Reserves' keeper] Craig Ellison had brought down the onrushing attacker. A completely new XI turned out in the second half and they got the score back to level terms when a left wing corner was met by a powerful header from Tom Hannigan".

ALTY 1 TRANMERE ROVERS 3

• Match report here.

Right: The Alty defence in action against Tranmere as Shaun Densmore, Gianluca Havern and Scott Leather join forces, watched by Matt Doughty (11)

NEXT FRIENDLY

Altrincham travel to Trafford next Tuesday, where the hosts report on their "First pre-season friendly at Shawe View, Trafford v Altrincham, Tuesday 23rd July 2013, k.o. 7.45pm

Admission: Adults £6.00, O.A.Ps £3.00, U-18s £1.00, U-12s free".

Before then Trafford play an away friendly at Buckley Town on Saturday, where "Trafford who recently won promotion to the Northern Premier League will travel to The Globe for a 2:30 kick off. Entry, £5 adults, £3 OAPs, £1 kids".

SIMON'S SILVER

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

The former Leicester City trainee made his mark in senior football with Ilkeston Town before joining Mansfield Town and Grimsby Town. He also enjoyed a loan spell with Lincoln City last season..

United boss Dennis Greene told bufc.co.uk, 'Signing Scott is a real coup and we have had to be patient to get our man... You have to wait for quality signings on some occasions'".

Confirmation comes from the Wirral Globe to the effect that "Louis Barnes has become the latest player to extend his stay at Vauxhall Motors FC by signing a contract which sees him remain at the club until the end of the 2013/14 season. The left-back arrived at Rivacre Park in November, 2012, from Southport...

Chris Noone, David Kocsis and Steve Wainwright have also put pen to paper to remain at the club for another season... Next week, an unnamed striker will be unveiled as Carl Macauley continues to build his squad for the forthcoming season".

ALTRINCHAM v TRANMERE ROVERS

In advance of tonight's match against Tranmere Rovers, Brian Flynn writes that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Tuesday night's game against Tranmere Rovers at The J.Davidson Stadium. Coverage starts at 7.25pm & you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at http://www.radiorobins.com/

The commentators are Simon Ellis and Ian Wilkinson with match summaries from Mike Reeves.

Social Media Updates: Altrincham v Tranmere Rovers

We are looking to increase our social media coverage during matches this season. Dan Whitelegg will be providing regular updates on Twitter (@altrinchamfc) as well as half-time & full time updates on facebook (Altrincham FC)".

TRANMERE REDUCE NUMBER OF TRIALISTS

Nine players featured on a trial basis in the matches at Rhyl and Marine but the majority are no longer training with the Club. The Manager said, 'We let a few go after the game on Saturday and we’ve kept James Rowe, Shaun Jeffers and Leon McSweeney. We’ll have another look at them this week. Rowe is very similar to Max Power, he has good energy and he sees the pass. We’ll probably make a decision on them after the game at Accrington'.

Moore’s next chance to assess his squad in action is at Altrincham on Tuesday night, a match that could see Ian Goodison and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro make their first appearances of pre-season. 'Goodison will be back later today and should be available for the game tomorrow', Moore continued. 'He’s normally back the day before the season kicks off! I can’t remember him having a pre-season, he’s just a naturally fit guy. He’s 40 years old so you don’t want to run the legs off him up and down hills and hopefully it will benefit him not having to work too hard during pre-season.

Fonners has a hamstring injury and Jean-Louis has had a thigh strain. Jean-Louis is fit to train this morning and will be OK for tomorrow. Fonners still has some tightness in his hamstring so we’ll play that one by ear'. Moore also revealed that Inter Milan striker Bocar Djumo is set to join the Club in training this week.

The Manager added, 'He’s costing us nothing and he’s here for a month for us to look at and, if we fancy him, we can take him until the end of the season or until January. He’s a left-footed striker who can also play wide on the left. We’ve got nothing to lose and maybe an awful lot to gain'.

And, "Striker Akpo Sodje has today signed for Tranmere Rovers on a one–year deal with the option of a further year. The 33-year old... will be available for the pre-season friendlies at Altrincham and Accrington Stanley this week. Sodje has made 290 career appearances and last season he found the net 13 times in 33 matches for Preston North End and Scunthorpe United in League 1. Manager Ronnie Moore said, 'He’s a player I’ve been looking at for some time. He’s a big, powerful centre forward who leads the line well and can score goals. With Akpo joining Ryan Lowe, Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Cole Stockton at the Club we have four good striking options available now and they all offer us something slightly different'".

SIMON HAS GOLD IN SIGHT

Eurosport 2 will be televising the final from 5.30pm on Tuesday night. Eurosport also has brief highlights of the semi-final against Russia.

BUCS reports that "Roared on by a partisan crowd of around 10,000 people, Russia began confidently but GBR ensured that their forward players were given little time on the ball... However, their task became more difficult just before half time, when James Aldred pulled Vladislav Nikiforov back and was shown his second yellow card and thus GBR were down to ten men for the rest of the match.

Half time allowed ten-man GBR time to regroup... Russia did manage to break the deadlock in the 68th minute... GBR heads did not go down.. and then managed to equalise in the 80th minute. The Russian defence failed to clear a GBR free-kick, which allowed Micky Rae to get the crucial touch to divert the ball into the net. After Vitaly Ustinov was sent off for a clash with Horn, Nikita Bocharov almost broke GBR hearts when he hit the post in the last minute of normal time, but with that chance gone, the match went to penalties...

Englishmen Nicky Platt, Alex Dyer, Jack Winter and Simon Richman all scored their spot-kicks with supreme confidence. And Dyadun sending his penalty sailing over the bar presented Welshman Craig Moses with the opportunity to win the match. Moses made no mistake...

GBR will play France, who defeated Japan (also on penalties), in the final on Tuesday".

GBR Head Coach James Ellis said, 'I'd rather play France than Japan, as this is their first time in the final, our second, and we have a bit of experience in the side. So we're going out there to win the game and the gold'". GBR captain Kieran Murphy said, 'I can't believe it. Most of us play in the seventh or eighth tier of English football... We don't know when we're beaten. We're quietly confident about the final'".

Russia had 22 shots on goal to GB's 4, with the Russians also having 62% of possession.

ASHLEY STUMPED BY ALTY

Unfortunately, Brian suffered a blow near his eye whilst keeping wicket but, thankfully, prompt hospital attention has saved the TASC chairman's boyish good looks!

OLD BOYS

Elsewhere, Southport have signed former Alty defender Matty Flynn, who was with Barrow last season.

STANLEY GAME

Right: It was three new signings who got Altrincham's pre-season games started on Saturday. As we see, Kyle Perry (7) and Danny Boshell (8) kicked off the game, whilst James Walshaw (10) waited for a pass.

ROVERS' STRONG SQUAD

The pair have not yet played in pre-season due to injury but could feature next Saturday at Accrington Stanley where the Manager hopes they could have a new team mate. He said, 'Jean-Louis and Fonners are still a little bit short so Tuesday might come too early for them. We're hoping to do a bit of business with a striker on Monday, we're a long way down the line with that one.

I'd rather have too many strikers than too few like we had last year. It might be that we end up with five. We want to make sure we don't get caught like we did last season'.

Moore says he will use the next two games to make final decisions over some of the trialists at the Club. Nine players were involved in Friday's 5-0 win at Rhyl and Saturday's 2-0 victory over Marine and some will stay at Prenton Park for another week.

He said, 'We're at the stage now where we're looking for 90 minutes from the players and that will start on Tuesday. We've got to dismiss one or two of the trialists who we don't think will make it with us and keep one or two and see how the next two games go [for them] next week. It's not cut and dried for two or three of them. The two or three who stay, it's basically down to them and how they do in the next two games.

We want to move the ball quicker, we gave it away in one or two daft areas... We've got a night game on Tuesday which will help us'".

Mike Garnett advises us that Alty's historical record against Tranmere Rovers is:

• Played 12, Alty won 5, Drawn 2, Rovers won 5, Alty goals 14, Rovers goals 19.
• Last pre-season meeting – July 23rd 2011: Alty 2 Tranmere 0

We have played Rovers off and on in pre-season on this ground for over 40 years; the first such game of which I have a record was on August 2nd 1972, the Robins winning 1-0. Our last meeting was of course Mark ‘MadDog’ Maddox’s testimonial game. There was also one ‘in-season’ friendly, which Alty also won by the only goal, on November 10th 1995".

Admission prices for the game (and all pre-season friendlies at home) are:

• Adults £7
• Under 5s free
• All others £3

Altrincham FC season ticket holders for 2013-14 can gain free admission to this and all of the other pre-season games at the J. Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane.

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

Hungarian-born Kocsis joined Motors in September 2012 after spending time in the youth ranks at Manchester United and Stoke City. The centre-back made 11 appearances in the Conference North last season.

Wainwright arrived at Motors after his release by Tranmere Rovers last summer and signed in August 2012... The full-back made a positive impression during his 27 league appearances last season, playing in both left and right back positions"./

The NL Paper reports on how North Ferriby United are benefitting from close links with Hull City.. "Hull chairman Assem Allam invested a near six-figure sum into North Ferriby late last year to wipe out their debt and help fuel a promotion charge...He also lent them some of the KC Stadium's finest groundsmen, a move that [NFU Chairman] Hare saw as vital.

'There were times last season when all our rivals had games postponed but we didn't because Hull were kind enough to put excellent people working on our pitch' he told the NLP.... 'We will go into every game [in 2013-14] with a smile on our face. There's no pressure', he said... 'While we want to survive, we must realise we will be one of the smallest sides in the league'".

HOVERING

The result is that the menus do not function properly on the iPhone and iPad. Although iPad and iPhone users of this website are not yet the majority, they are a steadily increasing and substantial minority. Whilst reverting to a simple one for one (direct click) menu system is the last resort to get round this problem, doing that would mean that non iPhone or non iPad users would need to click twice in many instances where they currently need only click once. In a sense it is the Apple tail waging the non-Apple dog but it is an increasingly large tail, which needs to be accommodated.

Currently I am testing out a couple of possible solutions which would retain the drop-down menus whilst making them function on the i-devices. If these measures do not work, I'll revert to the direct click menu system, which works in a more straightforward but less helpful manner than the drop-downs.

In the meantime I am sorry for any inconvenience caused.

ALTRINCHAM 2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 3

Above: James Walshaw converts his penalty against Accrington Stanley

A combination of the hot weather and the much more extensive use of substitutes by Accrington led to Alty fading in the closing stages as Stanley came back from 2-1 down to snatch an 89th minute winner. Before that Altrincham had been good value for their lead in an open and surprisingly active game, given the sweltering heat.

• Match report

Accrington Stanley report that "Stanley produced a late comeback to maintain their 100% pre-season record with a 3-2 win at Conference North side Altrincham.

Peter Murphy’s late header gave James Beattie’s side the victory against a Robins side that had led 2-1.

Nine first team players started the game at Moss Lane but it was the home side making the early running with James Walshaw and Kyle Perry both off target with early efforts.

In sweltering conditions it was hard for the players but neither side were found wanting for effort and it was Stanley who made the breakthrough in the 16th minute of the game. George Miller broke the deadlock in some style, picking up the ball, breaking goalwards and unleashing an unstoppable shot from distance that found the net thanks to the inside of the left hand post.

But the non-league side didn’t fold... Shaun Densmore equalised with a free kick. The full back curled an effort around the Stanley wall...

After the break all of the Stanley players returned to the field except Dunbavin, who was replaced by Andrew Dawber, and the young keeper was soon called into action. Dawber initially made a good save with the half just three minutes old but immediately afterwards saw himself facing a penalty after Walshaw went down under challenge in the box. Walshaw himself stepped up to score and put Lee Sinnott’s men in front...

Beattie shook things up with eight changes just after the hour mark that saw his side switch to three at the back...

Scottish forward Naismith swept Carver’s left wing cross into the net with 14 minutes left to restore parity... With a minute left the Reds did have a winner; when Carole crossed from the right Murphy rose highest just as he had at Nelson a week earlier to head home".

NEXT GAME

After Andy Fowler had fired inches past Jason Mooney's goal on seven minutes, Rovers responded well. Andy Robinson gained possession deep in the Marine half, played a through ball into the penalty area for Ryan Lowe to run on to and the striker side footed a shot along the ground and past Callum Williams into the goal...

On 34 minutes Tranmere doubled their lead. Robinson released James Lowe into the area and he picked out Lowe with a cross and though the striker's shot was blocked, Jake Kirby was on hand to volley in the rebound.

Danny Holmes replaced Ash Taylor for the second half after the centre back picked up a knock minutes before half time, while a further eight substitutions were made on the hour mark...

Tranmere: Mooney, Roberts* (Jackson* 60), Foster (Morris* 60), Taylor (Holmes 45 HT), Horwood (McSweeney* 60), Kirby (Baggie 60), Power (Donnelly* 60), Rowe* (Watson* 60), Robinson (Thompson 60), Lowe (Stockton 60), Jeffers* (Davies 81). Unused substitutes: Ramsbottom, Shackleton, Shaw. * Denotes trialist".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

The centre-half, captain of the club last season, has an increasing number of business commitments, as well as a young family, and is not certain he can devote 100 per cent to football. Whitehead, who turns 37 next week, is set to be registered by City for the 2013-14 campaign but used sparingly.

'I don’t want to go into it and not fully commit', he said. 'I think what I am going to do is sign forms so I can play at Worcester and if they are in desperate need then I will do. It’s nothing to do with money and I don’t want to play for someone else. Hopefully, I will still have a part to play this season but we will see how it pans out'.

The former Kidderminster Harriers and Telford United defender made 33 starts for Carl Heeley’s team last term... With Jacob Rowe and Lee Ayres having left, Worcester face a defensive rebuild.

Sam Smith has joined from Stourbridge but City could be in the market for at least one more central defender.

Manager Heeley currently has 12 players on board for the new campaign, which kicks off against Altrincham on August 17. But he is expected to wait until City's pre-season friendlies are under way before making any more additions.

Training began at Kidderminster Harriers’ Chainwire Sports Ground base last Tuesday where around 20 hopefuls joined the existing squad in a bid to earn deals... with the finished squad likely to feature around 18 players... [On Saturday, they had a] behind-closed-doors friendly against Birmingham City... After that, they have practice games scheduled at Malvern Town on Wednesday, July 24, and Stourport Swifts 24 hours later, although the squad is likely to be split between the two matches."

Vauxhall Motors report that "Full-back Louis Barnes has become the latest player to extend his stay at the club by signing a contract... The left-back arrived at Rivacre Park in November 2012 from Southport and he quickly established himself in the team, going on to make 16 appearances... His former clubs include Marine, Northwich Victoria and Chorley".

Meanwhile, Stockport County "were beaten at Valley Road as Northwich Victoria came back from a goal down to win 2-1. Kristian Dennis had given the Hatters a half time lead with a smart left foot finish following a good move down the left involving trialist Ross Fisher and Stephen O'Halloran, the striker smashing the ball over the home keeper...

With Ian Bogie ringing the changes in the second half, to allow him to run the rule over several trialists, the home side looked more likely to get back into the game. Sam Hibbert, who played in several development games last season, brought down Scott Harries in the area with Alex Taylor smacking home the resultant spot kick... The Vics weren't to be denied and Tony Evans rose highest at a corner kick to head home the winner late on".

GB INTO SEMI-FINALS

Gavin Malin’s second-minute penalty was enough for a 1-0 win... GBR had a brilliant start, Ihor Kurylo tripping Jack Winter and conceding a penalty. GBR’s sole Scotsman Gavin Malin stepped up and scored confidently.

From there, though, it was virtually one-way traffic. Ukraine piled on the pressure, dominating possession and hurling balls into the GBR box.

GBR line-up: Horn; Baldwin, Murphy (c), Graham, Aldred; Platt, Dyer; Winter, Newsham (Williams), Malin (McCready); Macvicar (Rae).

ALTRINCHAM v ACCRINGTON STANLEY

This website will be providing matchday updates throughout the 90 minutes of Saturday's game against Accrington Stanley and, as detailed below, Radio Robins will also be covering the game. Quick links to both options are below.

Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins is planning to cover all Altrincham's pre-season games at The J.Davidson Stadium, starting with today's game against Accrington Stanley. We are delighted to announce that Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery have renewed their sponsorship and will be the main sponsor of Radio Robins for the 2013/14 season.

You can find out all about Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery at their website.

Coverage of the Accrington Stanley game starts at 2.55pm and you can listen to Radio Robins on the internet.

The commentators are Paul Salt and Tim Ainsworth, with match summaries from John Edwards.

We are looking to increase our social media coverage during matches this season and Dan Whitelegg will be providing regular updates on Twitter (@altrinchamfc) as well as half-time and full time updates on Facebook (Altrincham FC)".

Accrington Stanley report that they and Alty "have met nine times since 2001 in the Northern Premier League, Conference and FA Trophy. Stanley have won four of those meetings, with Alty notching up two victories and three matches ending in draws...

Stanley have won both of their pre-season friendlies so far, beating Nelson 4-2 last Saturday before overcoming fellow Northwest Counties side AFC Darwen 4-0 in midweek.

[Manager] James Beattie still has a number of players training with the first team who are hoping to earn a contract with the club, though a large number of first team players are expected to make the trip. With the players still at what the manager calls 'the conditioning' stage, many members of the squad are expected to feature as they work on their match fitness".

The game gives Alty fans their first chance to see new signings Mike Williams, Kyle Perry and James Walshaw, as well as former loanee Danny Boshell who joined the Robins over the summer.

SIMON STARTS

While Malaysia recorded that shock win, GBR were impatiently waiting for their tournament to begin, as their first scheduled opponents, Algeria, did not show up to the Games. When they did eventually get going, they recorded an emphatic win over Malaysia, with the performance to match. After an even enough start, James Aldred scored GBR’s opener on 20 minutes, running onto a square ball from Sam Macvicar and blasting home.

Malaysia’s already difficult task became near impossible when Wan Zakaria was sent off for kicking out at Simon Richman, and from there GBR strolled to an easy victory.

They would have things much tougher against Italy, who needed to win by two to progress. GBR started brighter, Marc Newsham and Richman forcing saves from the Italian keeper... Despite Italy’s efforts and their late shoot-on-sight policy, GBR survived to top the group on goal difference and eliminate the Italians. It was a solid defensive performance against a side featuring several Serie B players, and one that sets the team up nicely for the quarter-final match with Ukraine".

GBR line-ups: GBR 2-0 Malaysia:

Belshaw; Winter (Baldwin), Graham, Murphy (c), Aldred; Platt (Nash), Dyer; Richman (McCready), Newsham, Macvicar (Moses).

GBR 0-1 Italy:

Belshaw (Horn); Baldwin, Graham, Murphy (c), Aldred; Nash, Dyer (Lolley); Richman, McCready (Parrott), Malin (Winter); Newsham"

BANDY BECOMES MANAGER

Right: Damian Reeves gets to grips with Peter Band, then playing for Woodley, in a pre-season game at Moss Lane on 10 July 2010.

Halford has accepted an offer from Ashton United to become joint manager along with goalkeeper Paul Phillips, following Craig Robinson's surprise resignation from the Hurst Cross club. Band, 39, joined Mossley as a player in August 2011 and made 42 appearances for the Lilywhites in the 2011/12 season. Last season, as Band winds down his playing career, he made just six appearances and was more often than not named as an unused substitute while honing his management skills as Steve Halford's right hand man.

Band now gets the chance to cut his teeth as a team manager at Mossley, having previously been assistant manager to Chris Willcock at the former Woodley Sports and then to Halford at Mossley, following Gareth MClelland's departure in January of last year.

As a player, Band was late into the semi-pro game having played for Cheshire amateurs Bollington Athletic for several years before joining Hyde United in 1998 at 25 years old. He started out as a striker but reverted to midfield and was often used as a centre back as well, a position he eventually featured in regularly for his later clubs.

He left a struggling Hyde team to join Altrincham and then stepped up to the Conference with Northwich Victoria. On Altrincham's promotion to the Conference he switched back to Moss Lane in the summer of 2006, making his 200th appearance for Altrincham in that season. He re-joined Hyde for his second spell at the club in 2007, quickly making his 200th appearance for them also. He joined New Mills in the summer of 2008 and then on to Woodley Sports from where he joined Mossley.

An announcement on the appointment of a new assistant manager will be made shortly".

Another familiar face now at Seel Park is former Alty left-back Sam Grimshaw.

CN NEWS

With the news, the club will be holding an internal meeting on Sunday to finally agree on the restructure package that was outlined at the open meeting that took place in March. This is positive news as the City squad burst into pre-season action next Monday against Longlevens ahead of the 2013/14 season.

Tigers' chairman Nigel Hughes explained, 'It has been remarkable to get to this point ahead of the new season fast approaching... while we await positive outcomes on the new stadium'...

Pivotal to the work behind this disclosure has been the involvement of club consultant Colin Peake, having brokered many of the deals that see the club debt free... 'I am pleased that we have worked to clear the debt and for any club in the game, let alone [in] the Football Conference, to be able to say that is a proud statement', Peake explained. 'All the new sponsorship and partnership deals which have been concluded is new money and none of it has been used to clear debt. I am talking to a number of other potential investors in the next few weeks'".

KEITH'S IMPRESSIVE SEND-OFF

The chapel at Dunham Massey was packed and it was a further measure of the esteem in which Keith was held that the mourners included former Alty captain Mark Maddox, who had driven over specially from Merseyside, as well as Noel White, who had, with Peter Swales, saved the club from a perilous financial position in the early 1960s. Many other familiar faces from Moss Lane were at the funeral, which was followed by a reception in the Noel White Suite at the newly named J. Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane.

In addition to his unpaid work for Altrincham FC, Keith gave many hours of service, especially over the Christmas period, to helping the homeless and mourners were invited to mark Keith's passing by a donation to the Lifeshare charity which Keith selflessly supported.

Keith will be greatly missed at Moss Lane, a ground to which he was introduced as a child by his father, who was secretary to one of the very early supporters' associations at Altrincham FC.

SIMON NOT RUSSIAN HOME YET

Simon will, therefore, continue his pre-season work in Russia, as his team-mates are put through their paces closer to home this Saturday, with a friendly against Accrington Stanley.

FRIENDLY VISITORS

Nowadays, Stanley are established in League Two and in advance of Saturday's match, Glasgow Rangers "have confirmed that Kal Naismith has gone on trial with Accrington Stanley, and it is with a view to a permanent deal. The striker... is working with James Beattie's side as his opportunities will now be very limited at Rangers...

Left: Colin Little in action against Stanley on the last occasion that the Lancastrians played a league match at Altrincham, in August 2005. Image courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

Speaking to the Official Site about the 21 year old, assistant manager Kenny McDowall said, 'We've allowed Kal to go down to Accrington, where James is the manager. He has gone there on trial with a view to maybe moving on because he's at an age now where he's got to go and get himself playing football. We feel Kal might become frustrated at being in the squad this season but without getting many games'".

It is hoped that Altrincham based Premiership referee, Anthony Taylor, will referee Saturday's game.

Also visiting the J. Davidson Stadium, next Tuesday, are Tranmere Rovers. The Wirral News says that "Tranmere reopened the doors of Prenton Park this week to Jason Koumas, a midfielder whose talent on the field was often set alongside a reputation for being a difficult player to manage.

Koumas, 33, says his desire to play football has been rekindled after two years of self-imposed exile from the professional game... If Koumas demonstrates that his game and his appetite are sharp, then Rovers may have found themselves the option of signing a playmaker of international class who is still young enough to make a mark in the game’s third tier.

Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore insists it is a 'nothing to lose' scenario for both parties... Moore said, 'At the present time he’s here to train and we’ll have a look at him'. Koumas won’t be playing in any pre-season friendlies until those fitness levels are up, Moore said".

Meanwhile, some players who may face Alty are also noted in the Wirral News, which says that "The hopefuls on trial with Tranmere have a final opportunity to press their claims for contracts this weekend. For the majority of more than half a dozen trialists, the games at Rhyl tomorrow (7:30pm) and Marine on Saturday (3pm) represent a final chance to impress the Rovers coaching staff.

Manager Ronnie Moore, looking to add three permanent signings to the 16 players currently under contract at Prenton Park, says he has been encouraged by the form of some of the trialists in the friendly victories at Cammell Laird (9-0) and Heswall (4-1) early in the week.

Rovers gave a 90-minute workout to striker Shaun Jeffers at Heswall while midfielder James Rowe made a mark in the first half at Lairds and the second half at Heswall. Jeffers, 21, a striker from Bedford, graduated to the professional ranks with Coventry City and played a total of eight Championship and cup games for the Sky Blues. He also had spells on loan with Cheltenham Town (25 games), Cambridge United (two games) and Tamworth (six games). He was released by Coventry at the end of last season.

Oxford-born Rowe, 21 spent the last two seasons with Conference club Forest Green Rovers, playing a total of 42 games, 14 of them last season. He began his career in Reading’s youth set-up.

Moore said, 'We have two more games for them. It’s possible we may keep some of them after the weekend or we may make a decision about them and get them boxed off one way or another. We don’t have a lot of money to spend but we can offer players an opportunity'.

Moore plans to give his players 60-minute and 30-minute workouts over the two weekend games. He said, 'Those who play an hour at Rhyl will get 30 minutes at Marine and vice versa'".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

Barring a major upset, both Altrincham and Brackley should be in the promotion mix again as they both have strong squads and, crucially, financial clout to change things around... This season will be a particular struggle money-wise as they are in exile at Kidderminster Harriers...

How they start this campaign will have a big bearing on the mood among fans for the months to come and there would be no better fillip than safely negotiating this tricky start".

Elsewhere, Solihull Moors "have confirmed that striker Ben Haseley has pulled out of his move to join the Moors, and instead signed a new deal with Halesowen Town.

Haseley had joined Solihull for the start of pre-season training last week but, this weekend, informed the management team that he was turning down their offer to play for Solihull this coming season, raising concerns over playing time. Haseley was one of a number of attacking signings made by the club this summer, so there are still plenty of options available in the Moors' forward line".

FAREWELL TO KEITH DAVEY

JUST THE TICKET

CRICKET ON FRIDAY

Not only will the Altrincham FC team will feature several members of the club's voluntary staff, but it will also feature Neil Tolson, the assistant manager, and Grahame Rowley, the chairman. The team will be completed with fans.

It is believed that Neil Tolson has been practising hard to try to get revenge for Alty fan Mike Reeves, (who plays for the Co-Op XI), bowling him out last year!

Details of the Ashley CC beer festival can be found here.

UNDER-15s WANTED!

STANLEY WIN AGAIN

Two different elevens took to the field in each half of the game, with both Reds outfits scoring twice to ease to the win.

The first half was just over a minute old when James Beattie’s side went in front; Shay McCartan, one of six contracted players to start the game, skipped around the AFC Darwen goalkeeper and found the net to open his account for the club. Ten minutes later McCartan’s strike partner Kal Naismith was close to doubling the lead. The Rangers' forward, who has been training with the Reds this week, turned sharply before firing a sharp shot into the side netting.

But it was another potential signing who did grab the second goal when Jacob Gibson emphatically finished from a cross field ball inside the area on the left.

At the break Beattie made eleven alterations to his side, with a big positive from the first half a first 45 minutes of football after injury for Ian Dunbavin... Josh Windass [found] the net from the edge of the box with a right-footed drive that was arguably the pick of the bunch. As proceedings drew to a close there was still time for another player who has been training with the club to make an impression as Ed Savitt netted the fourth goal from inside the penalty area...

Stanley 1st half: Dunbavin, Murphy, Schofield, Watson, Wilson, Gibson, Clark, Miller, Jones, Naismith, Jones

2nd half: Dawber, Carole, Schofield, Watson, Liddle, Travis, Windass, Savitt, Hatfield, Webber, Williams".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

From last season's squad left back Martin Drury has signed forms for the forthcoming campaign however he is not expected to be fit for some time due to injury".

Barrow's Holker Street Newsletter reports that "Barrow's first friendly didn't quite go to plan, with a Furness Select XI winning 1-0 at Holker Street, the goal coming from Jordan Chubb...

Barrow side (names in brackets are who replaced preceding player) was: McMillan (Jarik Bitner - local keeper), Cliff Moyo, Paul Edwards (Rob Williams), Ben Cartwright - ex Fleetwood, Matt McGivern, Paddy Lacey - ex-Altrincham (Ashley Dunn), Rob Henry, Davies (Liam Winn), Meeks, Bowen (Dan Parkinson), Brian Johnstone - ex Wigan Academy...

Dave Bayliss has issued a challenge to Cliff Moyo and the other trialists who took part in the pre-season defeat against the Furness Select XI... 'Cliff rang me and with us going back to being part-time, it suits him better, but Cliff is obviously one of the trialists and we've got another couple of right-backs coming in tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see who wants to earn a contract the most.

There are no guarantees for Paul Edwards, or anyone, apart from those players who are contracted... Left-back Edwards, another former Bluebird, is one of the strong favourites to earn a contract...

The Mail adds, 'Bayliss is also set to hand a trial to former Forest Green centre-back Callum Henry'.

Cliff Moyo said, 'I was here two years ago... Since I left I think my career kind of went downhill because I went back to uni to study. But now I'm trying to balance it out and get back to playing at a high standard".

From Leamington there is a "Club Statement re MyFootballClub. It has come to our notice that fans have concerns with regard to our discussions with members of MyFootballClub who formerly owned Ebbsfleet United.

Leamington FC were approached by Robert Ward, who is a Brakes' fan from childhood and is also a long standing member of MYFC, who recently sold their stake in Ebbsfleet United. He advised us that MYFC membership were looking for an opportunity to get involved with a football club on a sponsorship basis and that it be a club that could offer good fan interaction for their members such as match-day filmed coverage; an electronic copy of match programmes; team sheet details prior to kick off; team and management and club personnel interviews etc. He also informed us at the outset that board or committee membership for a MYFC representative was one of the considerations being discussed amongst their members, but that it was not necessarily the view of the majority.

He was advised that the club would not consider MYFC representation at board/committee level but was happy to discuss a sponsorship arrangement and development of communication links as outlined above... That voting process within MYFC membership was completed earlier today with Leamington FC coming second to Slough Town in a run-off vote by MYFC membership, as to which club they should enter into full discussions with...

The club recognized the potential benefits of a relationship with MYFC that would have broadened our fan-base, heightened our profile nationally and gained a partner who had considerable expertise in the field of social media communication and marketing that would have benefited all our fans. Although ultimately it didn't work out, the work with Robert Ward has clearly widened the Brakes name within the wider football community and MYFC in particular".

At another promoted club, North Ferriby United, the club "begin their pre-season programme with the short journey across the Humber to NCEL side Barton Town OB. Villagers' manager Billy Heath has made a number of new signings during the close-season...

Heath comments, "'Pre-season training is going well. It has been really intense. We are all looking forward to playing again'. Heath is likely to give a game to all his players at some stag... Jonathan D'Laryea is not yet back in full training following surgery for a knee problem so will not play on Thursday. Danny Hone turned his ankle last Saturday during a training session but is expected to be fit.

NFU's probable squad is: Adam Nicklin, Antoni Pecora, Dean Lisles, Paul Robson, Nathan Peat, Gregg Anderson, Sam Belcher, Matt Wilson, Liam King, Russell Fry, Danny Clarke, Ben Hunter, Jamie Yates, Ryan Kendall, Louis Kirk, Danny Hone, Nathan Jarman, Anthony Wilson, Louis Bruce, Tim Taylor".

Reports from Stockport County confirm that "Jamie Hand has officially signed. The 29 year-old former England U-19 international will add to the ever expanding County midfield. Fans got the chance to see their new man in action last night against Sheffield Wednesday in the second half.

Jamie started his career as a trainee at Watford where he was loaned out to Oxford United, Livingston and Peterborough United before playing for a number of clubs including Chester City, Lincoln City, Ebbsfleet, Hayes and Yeading and last season he was on loan with Margate while contracted to Mansfield Town."

One player who won't be in the BSBN next season is the subject of reports from Nuneaton Town that "Kevin Wilkin, manager of Nuneaton Town, has continued to strengthen his 2013/14 squad with the signing of Phil Trainer from AFC Telford United... Trainer left Telford after they were relegated from the Conference Premier last season".

THE J. DAVIDSON STADIUM

"Altrincham have struck a ground-breaking, historic sponsorship deal to change the name of their famous home from Moss Lane to the J.Davidson Stadium.

In a landmark announcement, the club have released details of a three-year shirt and stadium-naming package with Altrincham scrap metal processors J.Davidson that puts them on the firmest of financial footings.

While the shirt deal is an extension of an existing agreement, the stadium initiative represents a bold step into hitherto unchartered sponsorship territory.

The new name will be prominently displayed inside the ground, in an area between the Popular Side and the away end, while, outside, a plaque saying ‘Welcome to the J.Davidson Stadium’ will be fitted above the main entrance.

Above: To celebrate the naming of the stadium, one of the strikingly liveried Davidson fleet of vehicles is welcomed by Grahame Rowley. Pictured with the Altrincham chairman are (left) Luke and (right) Lee Davidson.

Crucially, club bosses took the utmost care over vetting prospective partners and hope that, should there be any public misgivings, they will be allayed by one of non-League football’s most famous names being given over to a company widely acknowledged as an outstanding Altrincham success story.

‘That was extremely important, and there is no doubt J.Davidson are a perfect fit for us,’ said Alty chairman Grahame Rowley (left). ‘They are a vibrant, expanding, progressive company, and they are local, with local people at the helm.

‘We first considered stadium sponsorship as an additional revenue stream last year, but they had other things on and felt it might be one commitment too many. When we looked at it again at the end of last year, they were keen to progress it, and we have now reached the stage where everything has been agreed.

‘The original shirt contract was about to enter its final 12 months, so we extended that by two years and negotiated a three-year stadium deal. It means that, for the next three seasons, we will be playing at the J.Davidson Stadium in shirts bearing their name on the front. It is a double breakthrough that I hope supporters will see as a forward-thinking, innovative development.

‘It is great news for the club. It gives us continuity, and it is nice to be associated with backers who are hugely successful in their field and proud to be Altrincham-based. It is lovely that, as a club, we seem able to form a bond with our sponsors. When Carole Nash left her company, she kept her ties with the club. Her old company still sponsor the main stand and she and her husband have not only continued to help out the club but are on the community board. Companies and sponsors want to be associated with us, and it shows the kind of club we are.

‘The name Moss Lane is not going to disappear completely. It is still our postal address, and I imagine people who have been coming here for years may still say they are going to Moss Lane. That’s fine, but, in this increasingly competitive environment, I hope our supporters realise and accept we have to generate as much income as possible to progress as a club.

‘We said from the outset we would never spend money we haven’t got, and we will never go back on that. We won’t risk this club’s future, but, equally, we want the best for it, and that means exploring – and exploiting, if it is right – every revenue opportunity. I hope people will embrace that and see this as a significant step forward for a very progressive football club.

‘We are looking to make the most of whatever openings are out there, and we will continue to use any income for advancing the club on and off the field. The plan for a new community sports hall speaks volumes for what we are doing away from the pitch, while reaching the play-offs last season and adding quality signings to the squad shows we are heading in the right direction on it.’

The prudent approach that has safeguarded Alty from the sort of fate that has befallen other clubs will remain in force, though Rowley insists there is already evidence of the club having greater financial clout.

‘You can’t go boom and bust, and we won’t be going down that path,’ he said. ‘If you go out and sign two £1,000-a-week strikers, what happens the following season when the money has gone and you can’t afford to pay them. Whatever money we raise is there for the good of the club, but it has to be spent carefully and wisely.

‘I believe that is what we are doing. When we went on a lucrative FA Cup run last season, we didn’t just throw the cash at the first player who came along. We kept it in reserve, so that when injuries threatened to derail our push for the play-offs, we were able to bring in Danny Boshell, who proved such a positive influence at a critical stage.

‘Now we have turned Danny’s loan into a permanent move and added quality signings like James Walshaw, Kyle Perry and Mike Williams. The more revenue we bring in, the better the signings. We do management accounts every month, making sure we stay within the framework of our means but also looking to plough money back into the team whenever possible.

‘I hope people will see this latest development as a progression of a valuable partnership that gives added security to the club and also more options, as the new season unfolds. If we need to add to the squad, or bring in a new face on loan or permanently, we will be better placed to do it. Deals like this enable us to have an emergency fund that could be needed, should we be in the midst of another promotion push and lose one or two key players to injury.

‘Success on the pitch is paramount, but I’m also immensely proud of the work we are doing in the community, reaching out to schools and youth organisations and encouraging youngsters to come along to games.

‘I’ll never forget the final game of last season, at home to Droylsden, and seeing a plethora of young faces everywhere I looked, when I stepped out of the Manchester Glass sponsors’ lounge. It was a wonderful sight. The family stand was packed with schoolkids, but it went beyond that. It was a great crowd that day, and there were beaming young faces all round the ground. I just thought it epitomised this club and why I’m involved with it.’

J.Davidson boss Jamie Davidson, a fervent Manchester United fan who also keenly follows Alty’s fortunes, said: ‘I am delighted we have been able to enhance our existing sponsorship arrangement with the club. As a business, we are expanding all the time, but I would never lose sight of my roots. I am Altrincham born and bred, and we already provide sponsorship for other local sports. To have taken that a stage further by adding our name to the football club’s ground is something I am very proud of.’"

FRIENDLY OPPONENTS WARM UP

Rovers' squad against Cammell Laird comprised:

• First half: Mooney, Maher, Foster, Morris*, Horwood, Lafferty*, Power, Rowe*, Thompson, Davies, Lowe.
• Second half: Mooney, Jackson*, Taylor, Holmes, Phillips, Baggie, Aspas*, Watson*, Riley, Robinson, Kirby.
• Asterisk denotes a trialist.

OLD BOY

Livewire [ex-Alty Youth] striker Madeley returns to Hurst Cross having been a fans' favourite in his first spell a couple of seasons ago".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

Page commented, 'I’m really pleased to have been able to work something out with Remy. He has been an outstanding player for us since he arrived but he has other things going on in his life now that he wants to pursue, so we have had a long talk and worked out a deal that gives him the flexibility he wants. It may mean that he’s not available for every game but I can live with that and the squad want him here so we’ve worked out a compromise that we’re all happy with'".

Clerima's other job is as a male model.

Stalybridge Celtic report "the signings of Conal Platt and Sean McConville. Platt (26) is an attacking midfielder who has Conference Premier experience with Rushden & Diamonds, Forest Green and Cambridge United. He finished last season at Gainsborough where he netted four times in 14 appearances.

McConville (24) is a midfielder who joins us from rivals Barrow. His previous clubs include Accrington Stanley and Stockport County... That brings to ten the number of signed up players for the 2013-14 campaign and more are expected to follow in the next few days so keep your eyes on the website for further news as and when it breaks".

SIMON IN KAZAN

Courtesy of Irene Richman come the accompanying photos of Altrincham FC midfielder Simon Richman at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia, where he is currently representing the British Universities' and Colleges' side. Simon is seen (above) at the opening ceremony, which took place in front of 50,000 spectators at the impressive stadium in Kazan (above, right).

Right: Simon is seen in the British team line-up for the game with Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Bulls' News tells us that "Luke Graham started for GB Universities as they beat Malaysia 2-0 in their second World University Games match in Kazan. The GB side had a reasonably comfortable ride against the Malaysians. Loughborough's James Aldred fired home a Sammy MacVicar cross after 19 minutes, before keeper James Belshaw had to tip a free kick round the post to preserve the lead.

GB doubled their lead early in the second half through Alex Dyer before Malaysia were reduced to ten men for violent conduct and a thunderstorm briefly threatened to halt proceedings. GB will now take on Italy in their final group game, with the Italians having previously lost 2-0 to Malaysia".

FRIENDLY FOES

Koumas has been a free agent since being released by Wigan in 2011, his last senior appearance coming for Cardiff City in May of that year. He began his career at Tranmere, playing 150 times in four seasons.

West Bromwich Albion spent more than £2m to buy Koumas in 2002, and Wigan paid £5.3m to make him a Latics' player five years later. Koumas, capped 34 times by Wales before retiring from international football in 2009, also had two season-long loan spells with Cardiff".

Also visiting Moss Lane in pre-season are Burnley who report that their "Development Squad has announced [its] pre-season friendlies. All games with the exception of Padiham, Altrincham and Rhyl are being played behind closed doors... Their current player profiles are here.

DAVIDSONS LIFT CHESHIRE SHOW PRIZE

Altrincham FC's major sponsors were the subject of news in the Sale & Altrincham Messenger to the effect that "An Altrincham scrap metal processing firm came away from last week’s Cheshire Show with a top prize. J Davidson was awarded first place for the best non-agricultural stand over 10m, beating the Cheshire Fire Service into second place at the scrap merchant’s first outing at the annual show.

J Davidson and its marketing agency, K2L, created a carnival themed stand, showcasing the importance of recycling metal and providing an interactive and educational insight into everything metal.

Jamie Davidson, managing director, said, 'We had a great time at the Cheshire Show and we were delighted to be awarded a prize on our first time there. Our stand was extremely busy throughout the two days'.

The Judges commented, 'Scrap metal is a difficult product to exhibit but the inviting nature of the stall with the carnival games, educational elements and stand-out James Bond truck made it an easy choice for first place'".

Davidsons' striking and immaculately turned-out vehicles are a common site around Manchester and, above, we see several of their fleet lining up in the Altrincham Festival parade last weekend.

PITCH PERFECT

Courtesy of Grahame Rowley, we see (right), two photos of the Moss Lane pitch taken over the weekend. As can be seen, once again, groundsman Neil Brown has done a great job over the close season to produce an excellent playing surface.

The first game on the pitch is this Saturday (13 July, 3pm) when Accrington Stanley are the guests for a pre-season game. Don't forget that if you have a season ticket for Moss Lane for 2013-14, you get free entry to the pre-season matches there. Otherwise, admission is £7 at the turnstiles, (£3 for concessionaries and free for under-5s).

MEET THE PLAYERS AND MANAGEMENT

PUT YOUR SHIRT ON ALTY

Home and away shirts are available so there are plenty of opportunities to secure a memento of what, hopefully, will be a successful campaign. So far the following players have secured sponsors...

• Stuart Coburn (h) Chris Rowley
• Shaun Densmore (h) Jack, Eliot and Lara Shaw
• Scott Leather (h) Hugh Purchas
• Danny Boshell (h) Neil Shackleton
• Damian Reeves (h) Tom Murray - (a) Andy Mein
• Lee Sinnott - Hugh Purchas
• Neil Tolson - Andrew Shaw
• Alan Ainsley - The Rowley Family
• Matt Doughty (h) Would the gentleman who came in to the offices to sponsor Matt's home shirt, please make contact with Grahame Rowley or the offices?

YOUTH TEAM FRIENDLY

Manager George Heslop has kindly provided a brief report on the game, which can be found on the Youth page.

George will be assisted in running the Youth team this season by former Alty player Paul Jones, who first played under George's managership some twenty five years ago in the Altrincham Sunday leagues.

YOUTH TEAM AWARDS

The James Black Trophy for the Manager's Player of the Season went to central defender Alex Weatherby. Many Alty fans will recall that James was a popular supporter of the club who died at a young age. His parents kindly commissioned a Trophy, which they present each season to the Youth team's player of the season, as selected by the manager.

The Players' Player of the Season was also won by Alex Weatherby, with striker Derryn Ofori the runner-up and left-midfielder Michael King, third.

There were special awards for midfielder and captain Oliver Riley and for striker, Adam Bezzina, who netted 27 goals.

Alty Youth player Rob Gilroy presented Club Secretary Derek Wilshaw with a framed England Schools' shirt from the game this year against Scotland, in which Rob was the captain. Derek noted that this was the first time Altrincham had had a player who was already at Moss Lane named as the national Schools' captain.

There is more youth team news in the Youth section, including an exclusive on the manager's new headgear!

WAYS TO HELP YOUR CLUB

Pub Page in the matchday programme, the "Robins' Review". We would like to recruit eleven local pubs to advertise themselves on our Pub Page which will appear in every home-match programme. Please ask at your "local" if they would like to be part of the "Select 11". The cost is just £50 per pub and each can choose its own kit colours and a few words underneath.

Pictured, right, is the page as it appeared last season.

Stewards and Gate People Required. If you would like to become a matchday steward at Moss Lane, please to contact Allison or Peter Lewis via the club on 0161 928-1045 or by e-mail. Prospective turnstile operators should contact George Heslop likewise.

Fundraising Schemes

• Saturday Yankee - you give yourself the chance to win a four-figure prize for just a £1 stake with this scheme. You can pay weekly or by standing order, details here.
• Bonus Ball - There are four unallocated numbers spare for the Bonus Ball Scheme which has now been running for over seven years and raised over £8000 for club funds. For just £1 per week you can win £25 when your lottery bonus ball number is drawn.
• Monthly Draw - £5 per month - 4 prizes each month £100, £50, £35 and £15. Again contact me or Fozzy if you wish to join.

Further details of these and other important ways to help the Club raise funds are to be found here.

ALTRINCHAM FESTIVAL

Altrincham FC was represented at the Altrincham Festival on Saturday by an impressive float, kindly loaned by Pad Logistics. Above we see (left) Kenny Palin seated on the vehicle and (right) the vehicle itself. Below, left to right, we see TASC chairman Brian Flynn going up in the world and the front and rear of the Alty vehicle. The Club would like to thank everyone who gave their time to help raise the profile of the Club by taking part or attending the Festival. This year the Club emphasized its Ladies and Juniors' teams with representatives of both being present on the float.

It was good to see the founder of the original Altrincham FC website, Dr Alan Johnson, watching the parade. Alan has not enjoyed good health of late but looked in good form today and was looking forward to watching the team in action at Moss Lane this season.

Also present was Jo Ryan, sister of former Alty player Steve Lunt. Jo was active for several years in fundraising for the Football Club but was at the Festival in her guise as leader of a contingent of the local Air Training Cadets.

YOUTH CUP

BARRY APPOINTED TO THE BOARD

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

He is representing Great Britain at the student showpiece in Kazan, Russia... Williams will link up with the City squad after the Games, which end on Wednesday, July 17, and is relishing the prospect. He said, 'It’s been a busy few days but I am delighted to be playing for Worcester next season. I have heard a lot of good things about the club. It’s definitely a team on the up and I can’t wait to get started. The trip to Russia will allow me to train regularly and get my match sharpness up before I join my new team-mates following my return'.

Former Milton Keynes Dons player Williams, who has also represented England at university level, captained Loughborough to the Midland Alliance League Cup and British Universities and Colleges Sport Championship earlier this year...

He said 'It’s an honour to represent your country at any level and this will be a great experience for me'... Williams is the second City player to be selected by GB following reigning player-of-the-year Tom Thorley’s involvement... Defender Shabir Khan also has also been capped by Pakistan.

City’s academy, in conjunction with Worcester College of Technology, are holding open trials... They offer the opportunity to play football while studying for further or higher education courses... Nine members of the City academy joined Heeley’s squad for pre-season training this week".

ALTRINCHAM FESTIVAL TODAY

Altrincham F.C, Altrincham Juniors, Altrincham F.C. Ladies and Girls and Altrincham F.C. Community Sports are all set for the Altrincham Festival tomorrow! The parade starts at 11am from St.Margaret's Road, Bowdon and supporters are welcome to walk with us in the parade. Altrincham's most famous supporter, Kenny Palin, will be joining us!

Kids - All children are welcome on the parade, either on the float or walking alongside - ideally in an Alty kit!

Festival Stall - We will have a stall on the field during the afternoon and there will be a skill shootout game with a goal which has a few targets to get the ball through. There will also be a tombola.

Tombola Prizes can still be brought to the festival ground before 11:30am.

See You There!"

KEITH'S FUNERAL

The funeral dress code is informal and Alty supporters are welcome to turn up in their club replica kits.

OLD BOYS

FA COMPETITION DATES

• Preliminary Round - Saturday 5 October 2013
• First Round Qualifying - Saturday 19 October 2013
• Second Round Qualifying - Saturday 2 November 2013
• Third Round Qualifying - Saturday 16 November 2013
• First Round Proper - Saturday 30 November 2013
• Second Round Proper - Saturday 14 December 2013
• Third Round Proper - Saturday 11 January 2014
• Fourth Round Proper - Saturday 1 February 2014
• Semi Final 1 - Saturday 15 February 2014
• Semi Final 2 - Saturday 22 February 2014
• Final - Sunday 23 March 2014

And if you think that is difficult; just try finding the FA Cup round dates! They are here

• Second Round Qualifying - Saturday 28 September 2013
• Third Round Qualifying - Saturday 12 October 2013
• Fourth Round Qualifying - Saturday 26 October 2013
• First Round Proper - Saturday 9 November 2013
• Second Round Proper - Saturday 7 December 2013
• Third Round Proper - Saturday 4 January 2014

FA YOUTH CUP DATES

Dates and the week in which they must be played are:

• First Round Qualifying - Monday 23 September 2013
• Second Round Qualifying - Monday 7 October 2013
• Third Round Qualifying - Monday 21 October 2013

Competition Proper – Ties to be played by the closing date:

• First Round Proper - Saturday 9 November 2013
• Second Round Proper - Saturday 23 November 2013
• Third Round Proper - Saturday 21 December 2013

CN NEWS

Experienced winger Elam also starts his second spell with club after his previous stint with Avenue at the end of the 2009-10 season. He arrives from Harrogate Town and over a career that spans 15 years has played for numerous Conference clubs and in League Two for Yeovil Town.

Striker Chilaka is another arrival from Harrogate Town... He has previously played for Bradford City and Braintree. In addition Adam Clayton, John Lamb, Ross Daly, Paul Walker and Tom Corner have all signed for the new season".

According to NL Daily, "North Ferriby United duo Mark Gray and Steve Gardner have both left the Conference North newcomers to move to Frickley Athletic. Central defender Gray, 21, returns to Westfield Lane after spending the latter half of the 2011/12 season with the Blues before moving to Ferriby last summer. He is joined by 22-year-old full-back Steve Gardner, who had a month on loan at Frickley from Ferriby last season after returning from injury."

Pitchero Non-League says that "Dennis Greene, manager of Boston United, has ended his long pursuit of a recognised left-back by signing Netan Sansara from Danish club FC Vestsjaelland. The former Walsall trainee, who played in the Football League for the Saddlers between 2008 and 2010, has linked up with the Pilgrims during pre-season training and will be eligible to play once international clearance has been obtained.

The 23-year-old has also played for Dundee in Scotland and PAEEK in Cyprus... Greene said, 'Netan is a quality addition and it has been well worth waiting to fill the left-back slot with somebody of his calibre becoming available. There is no point rushing in to get every position filled early in the summer. Quality players remain available and it is all about biding your time to get them signed'. Sansara is the sixth summer arrival at The Jakemans Stadium."

The EvoStik League confirms a couple of moves from Conference North Hednesford as Alexander Morris and Asa Wright have joined Chasetown.

DAMIAN ON THE SEASON AHEAD

Overall, we were happy with how we played last season. The play offs were disappointing. We didn't really perform and we didn't get to the final but, hopefully, we've taken a step in the right direction and we can build on that even further this season".

Asked about his future, Damian responded, "Until anybody tells me otherwise, I am an Altrincham player."

The striker continued, "We've got the same aims as last season. We reached the play offs last year and so we want to do the same this season and get promotion".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

He is a former England Schoolboy international and his previous clubs include Northwich Victoria, Witton Albion and Radcliffe Borough. He enjoyed a successful season in a Motors shirt in 2012/13, scoring thirteen goals in forty-two appearances, making him the joint top goalscorer at the club.

Stott shared the honour of being joint top scorer with Rutter, bagging an impressive thirteen goals from just twenty-seven appearances following his arrival in November 2012 from Witton. Stott began his career with Preston North End. His previous clubs include Hyde United, Halifax Town and Altrincham.

Stott told of his delight at staying with the Motormen, 'My confidence in the gaffer made the decision easy. It's a good club with great people working at the club and around it'.

Elsewhere, "Winger Greg Mills will not be a Boston United player in 2013/14. Former Derby County trainee Mills joined Boston in March 2013 from rivals Worcester City... Mills joined AFC Telford United in 2010/11 and... he eventually moved on and joined Worcester...

After reaching a mutual agreement to cancel his contract at St George's Lane, he became one of Dennis Greene's first signings as United boss. The 22-year-old, who scored one goal during seven appearances, has joined new league rivals Barrow AFC ahead of an impending move to the Manchester area due to work commitments.

Penning a one-year deal, Mills told Barrow football secretary Russell Dodd, 'I am looking forward to a settled season to get my career back on track. I need a good season and it was the trust in Alex Meechan and Dave Bayliss that made me turn down more money elsewhere'".

The Conference adds that "Harrogate Town AFC have confirmed that midfielder/forward Danny Forrest has left and joined rivals Bradford Park Avenue. Forrest joined Harrogate in September 2012...

A striker with a tremendous shot, he started his career at Bradford City making his first-team debut in 2002. He went on to play for the Bantams for a further three seasons before joining Halifax Town. After over 100 appearances for the Shaymen he went on a brief loan spell at Hucknall Town... Crawley Town would be the next port of call for Forrest in 2008 before a move to Barrow AFC transpired in 2010.

Following a brief loan spell at Guiseley, he made the move permanent in June 2011".

Elsewhere, "Twenty-one-year-old central defender Omar Beckles is the latest new recruit to Brian Page’s squad at Histon. Beckles began his career at Millwall before moving to the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain. He returned to England with Boreham Wood before joining Kettering Town and a second spell with Wood followed before a February move to Billericay Town...

Said Page, 'Omar is a strong defender, he’s big and powerful and in this league you have to have that strength at the heart of your side otherwise you don’t have a chance. Danny Fitzsimons was immense for us there last season so it was obviously a position that we needed to recruit in, after he moved on to Luton Town'. On the squad returning to training, Page said, 'It’s great to get the players back and to start working with them again. I’ve had a number of other lads in as well that I’ve invited here to show me what they can do and everyone is hungry and eager to impress so it’s been a good first few sessions'.

Of the players from last year’s squad yet to sign for this season Page went on to say, 'Claudiu Hoban had a major operation on his knee in the summer and the initial prognosis wasn’t good but he’s an unbelievable lad and has been here with us, wanting to be a part of everything. His recovery so far from an injury like this has been remarkable but we will be very careful with him as we don’t want to risk any further problems. With sports therapist Nick Whitehouse's support and careful management I’m hopeful he can get back to fitness in the not too distant future and, when he does, he will be a fantastic player for us.”

Skipper Remy Clerima was a notable absentee this week however and Page said, 'Remy has been abroad most of the summer as he is in demand as a model and has been earning himself some good money in front of the cameras! I’m expecting him back for training soon and we will sit down and discuss how he wants to progress his career now and what’s best for him and the club. Of course I want to keep him here, if I can, as he’s a fantastic player but time is moving on and I need to know what he wants to do sooner rather than later'.

Lewis Taaffe's Histon future is also still to be resolved. 'Lewis has a couple of weeks lined up at a Football League club so we will wait and see what happens there. He knows the deal if he stays with us but he also knows that we can’t wait forever so hopefully we can sort something out in the next week or so'".

The Cambridge News tells us that "Brian Page has told Lewis Taaffe Histon may not be in a position to re-sign him after he decided to go on trial at Dagenham & Redbridge...

'Taaffey knows that if there’s a player we really like then we might have to sign him and, then, there might not be any more money', said Page... 'But if it doesn’t work out for him at Dagenham and we’ve still got the money, then we’d want him here because he’s a great person and a real asset to the football club'...

Page is also hoping to find out more about captain Remy Clerima’s future... 'I’m trying to put a package together which is right for the football club and hopefully that will fit around what he’s doing elsewhere', said Page, who will also offer Claudiu Hoban a deal once he proves his fitness following a knee operation".

BSBN says that "Workington manager Darren Edmondson has taken another big knock with the news that Gari Rowntree has also left for Celtic Nation. The 26-year-old left-back becomes the eighth player to depart Borough Park this summer and the third to sign for the Northern League Division One club in the space of a week.

Mark Boyd and Aaran Taylor had already made the switch to Gilford Park Stadium and now Rowntree has followed suit after penning a one-year deal with the Gilly. He told the News & Star, 'A few of my friends have moved to Celtic Nation recently and I'm ready for a new challenge. They are an ambitious club and I'm looking forward to a change. I've never played in that league before but, looking at the players they are signing, they are building up a good squad. And they're looking at moving up the leagues pretty quickly'...

Rowntree, who was voted the Supporters' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year at the club for 2012/13, brings to an end a six-year association with the Cumbrian outfit having joined from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2007.

Reds' general manager Alec Graham admits he is saddened by the player's departure... 'The news of his signing for Celtic Nation is hard to take. But half of me understands why. The player has been offered more money and we don't have a multi-millionaire backer and cannot match it... but I am disappointed they (Celtic Nation) are coming after our players. The club will survive and we will continue to look for players. I'm not the manager but we might have to take a look at the loan market earlier than expected. The basis of the squad will be significantly different from last season'".

We read in the Northampton Chronicle that "Jon Brady says Brackley are still in the hunt for a speedy striker as they continue to plan for a renewed promotion push... Brady has already added former Bath City hitman Charlie Griffin to his squad... but Brackley remain in the marke...

'We’re still after a pacy striker' he said. 'We’ve got leads on a couple'.

The boss has also acquired the services of former Nuneaton right-back Neil Cartwright and ex-Corby and Worksop midfielder Steve Towers... He said, 'Neil has had a very good non-league career and at 31 he’s got high energy, great quality and great delivery. He will be the best right-back we’ve had at the club. Steve is similar to (former Brackley midfielder) Carl Palmer in that he’s hard working and gives you at least seven out of 10 each week. He added goals to his game while he was at Worksop and he is a wholehearted player with an extremely high work rate.

Overall we’ve done well to get those players in and keep many of the players from last season. Profiles were lifted after we got to the play-offs and the players wanted to be rewarded. We’ve kept the players who really wanted to stay, not because of money but because they’re hungry to play for us, and we’ve got rid of a couple who didn’t want to stay and fight for their places'.

Those players, Brady says, are Tom Winters and James Clifton, who have both decided to join Brackley’s rivals Oxford City. Striker Jefferson Louis has also left the club this summer".

ACcording to the Shropshie Star, "AFC Telford chairman Lee Carter believes the club’s efforts to extend midfielder Phil Trainer’s stay at the New Bucks Head have failed. A new deal was tabled for the popular out-of-contract player in late May but Carter claimed they have still not had a response.

Carter, manager Liam Watson and his assistant Dominic Morley have all tried to contact Trainer, one of only four players from last season’s squad to be offered new terms, but to no avail so far. Carter said, 'I know he was on holiday around the start of June, but I have heard absolutely nothing from him. We are not in the business of falling out with Phil Traine... but we can’t go any further, I’m afraid.... It is looking increasingly likely that that deal has probably not come off.

Chances are we have probably moved on but that isn’t to say it would never happen... The facts are we made him an offer which wasn’t a million miles from where we were in the Conference Premier. Don’t forget our income is projected to fall by 20 percent this year. The fact that we offer a player almost the same as he was getting last year in the face of that shows how much we rate him'...

Speculation that he had signed for Conference National outfit Nuneaton Town surfaced early last month, but the Bucks insisted, at the time, that he was still mulling over his options. Carter has since added that he knows of a Conference National club who have had talks with the player and made him a lesser offer".

Reports from This is Lincs say that "Gainsborough Trinity boss Steve Housham admitted to being disappointed following the release of the new Conference North fixtures. The Blues boss was left frustrated that the key festive double header will be against North Ferriby United, a club he describes as a ‘village team’...

'North Ferriby have some good players and a very strong squad', he said. 'But, compared to past seasons, when we have been handed games against Halifax or Boston United, Ferriby is a village team... With all respect to North Ferriby, they probably won’t bring a big following and that will be disappointing'...

A new era at Trinity sees the club embark on their first season following the departure of former chairman Peter Swann to Scunthorpe United. With a reduction to their playing budget, Trinity have lost some of last season’s playing squad, with many being picked up by North Ferriby. Danny Hone, Jonathan D’Laryea, Jamie Yates, Ryan Kendall and Jason Stokes are all now members of the Ferriby squad after spending time at Gainsborough.

'There will be a bit of added spice because they have signed quite a few of the Trinity squad from last season', said Housham... 'With the players they have, I expect them to do well next season... It’s very important to get off to a good start', added Housham. 'If you do, confidence starts flowing and attendances are up and everything is positive'".

Trinity's Humberside opponents are the subject of a story in This is Hull which says that "North Ferriby manager Billy Heath believes his side have a great chance to post early points on the board in their first ever season in Conference North. Ferriby have been handed a home game against Gloucester City on August 17 to start life in the sixth tier of the football pyramid. Their next two matches are on the road to Bradford PA and Harrogate Town before entertaining Boston United in their fourth game in 15 days.

Heath, who guided the Villagers to the Evo-Stik Premier League title last season, is grateful his players won't have much travelling to do early on, but insists the opening matches are tough... Heath told the Mail, 'It gives us a chance to get some points early. But they are a tough set of opening fixtures... The opening game is a chance for football supporters to come and watch North Ferriby for the first time and hopefully we'll get a good crowd cheering us on'.

Ferriby asked the Football Conference to consider clashes with the Tigers when putting together their fixtures. It has been a bone of contention with Ferriby in the past as it has a bearing on the number of fans coming through their turnstiles'".

From This is Glos, we learn that "Gloucester City's tough start to the new season can give the Tigers a chance to steal a march on their rivals, according to bullish boss Dave Mehew. City face three of their longest trips north in their first four away trips of the season, with testing home matches against local rivals Worcester City and newly-relegated AFC Telford United also in store.

Add in the visit of last season's title-chasers Guiseley and a testing trip to promoted Leamington and Mehew's men have been dealt a testing start... 'It's a tough start but it's a tough league that is getting stronger every year, so you have to expect that'," Mehew said. 'We won up at Workington last year, both Telford and Worcester have got completely new teams this season compared to last and we have two newly-promoted teams who will be finding their feet. A lot of those early games are against teams who will be rebuilding or re-establishing themselves at this level, whereas we are pretty settled.

We've got our strongest-ever squad at this level and have brought in two or three really good recruits so I am pretty confident we can start well... The 450-mile round trip to Barrow on September 7 will be followed by the even longer 525-mile haul to Workington and back on September 14. Add in the opening-day 375 slog to Humberside and back for North Ferriby and the Tigers will have pounded out more than 1,300 miles in a month, not [that] their boss is unduly worried.

'To be honest, I am more than happy to get them out of the way nice and early', he said. 'Going up there in August and September you know that the game is going to be on. If you were to have them in January or February then you are worrying about the weather and getting the game on'".

JACK CROMPTON

Jack is seen, right, at Moss Lane in 2009 in the company of Australian cricket captain, Ricky Ponting, former Manchester United player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and former Alty chairman, Geoff Goodwin. The Football Conference has released the Conference North fixtures for 2013-14 and Altrincham's games can be found here.

PRE-SEASON

• Adults - £7
• Concessionaries - £3
• Under-5s - Free

Anyone looking for pre-season action on Saturday (6 July) might be interested to see EvoStik Premier club Trafford, our newly promoted neighbours, who will be away to Sandbach United this Saturday (6 July, 3pm). Trafford entertain Altrincham in another pre-season game on Tuesday 23 July (7.45pm).

ALTRINCHAM FESTIVAL - CAN YOU HELP, PLEASE?

• Altrincham F.C.
• Altrincham Juniors
• Altrincham F.C. Ladies & Girls
• Altrincham F.C. Community Sports Ltd

The parade starts at 11am from St.Margaret's Road, Bowdon and supporters are welcome to walk with us in the parade.

Kids: All children are welcome on the parade, either on the float or walking alongside - ideally in an Alty kit!

Festival Stall: We will have a stall on the field and we could do with some volunteers to 'staff the stall'. If we had people on shifts between 11.30 and 17.30 to cover the main festival ground times of 12.00 to 17.00, with some help to setup and set down, it would be helpful. There will be a skill shootout game with a goal which has a few targets to get the ball through. There will also be a tombola.

Tombola Prizes: If anyone could donate any items, either beforehand or on the day, they would be most welcome. These can be dropped off at Altrincham FC during working hours, brought to the festival ground before 11:30am, or by contacting one of the following people:-

• Stuart Buchan 07792 203360 or by e-mail
• Rick Brennan 07903 458692 or by e-mail
• Graham Houghton 07812 519939 or by e-mail
• Chris Bullock by e-mail
• Brian Flynn 07860 561011 or by e-mail

PATRONS - HELP BREAK THE RECORD!

"For the cost of £50, your name will appear throughout the coming season in the matchday programme as a Patron of Altrincham Football Club. At the beginning of the season, every member will be entered into a prize draw, with the winner being match sponsor for an appointed game along with nine guests. Second prize will be hospitality for five people and third prize will be hospitality for 3 people in the Sponsors' Lounge.

If you are interested in becoming a Patron for next season, please forward a cheque for £50, payable to Altrincham Football Club, for my attention. If you require any further information please speak to me (Grahame Rowley) on 07720-606897 or e-mail me. Thank you for your support.

So far, 93 have signed up - click here for full details... This is a great effort to date but we are looking to beat last season's 124 so, if anyone else would like to join/re-join for this season, please contact me".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

But the physical presence of the former Stockport County and Corby Town man impressed Greene. 'Judging by the training session we had, we won’t need any more defenders', said Greene, who then compared Piergianni to the Terminator, Commando and Predator star. 'He’s like Arnold Schwarzenegger back there, so maybe we won’t have anyone else there'.

Piergianni is one of five summer signings who trained with United at RAF Cranwell at the weekend. Meanwhile, [ex-Alty] keeper Ashley Timms, utility man Peter Bore, midfielder Gary Mills and forward Ricky Miller, back at the club for his second stint, also came in for praise from the manager. Piergianni is the club’s only recognised central defender after Nathan Stainfield and Tom Ward both opted to move on. And with left back target Josh Wilde staying with Gainsborough Trinity, they appear to be the three positions Greene is keen to bolster",

The Worcester News tells us that "Worcester City will begin their 2013-14 Conference North campaign at Aggborough with a tough-looking match against Altrincham on Saturday, August 17. Carl Heeley’s side, in their first season sharing at Kidderminster Harriers, will be keen to test themselves against one of last term’s beaten play-off teams... Worcester will also play all their home mid-week matches on Tuesdays".

Barrow's "Holker Street Newsletter" tells us that manager "Dave Bayliss has put his thinking cap on and come up with a cunning plan, which he shared with the Mail. 'It (last season's goals conceded record) killed me, I'd go home and have sleepless nights. Honestly, it was terrible because the goals we conceded were not good goals and it's embarrassing to say that but they weren't. We conceded goals straight from corners. We practised a lot on defending set-plays last year and we were brilliant in training, but then when you come to a game it's about personal pride and being strong and we weren't able to do that. The goals we conceded were embarrassing at times...

We've got to put that right, which we will. Ideally, you want a 6ft 5ins-tall centre-half who is quick, great on the ball, who can play and who can also defend. But we're in the Conference North and we're not paying great money, so we've got to get what we can...

Robin Hulbert is going to train with Barrow in the hope of regaining his place in the Barrow line-up, he told the Mail, 'To be honest I was doing a run, I went past Dave's house, bumped into him and he just said "You are more than welcome to come in and get fit"... I don't know what state my body is going to be in because I've missed loads of football and I'm not getting any younger... I'm going to be 34 during next season and there are not many things that float my boat at the moment. But I think Barrow is one club that could possibly get me going...

If I'm fit, I believe I can do a good job and that I can play an important part... I wear my heart on my sleeve and that will never change'.

Southport have signed former Barrow player, Paul Rutherford".

Following their promotion from the Conference North, FC Halifax Town have raised their admission prices to £17 for adults, £13 for concessionaries, £8 for under-16s, £6 for under-12s and £3 for under-7s.

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson is delighted that midfielder Nathan Rooney has accepted the challenge to fight his way into his plans for next season. And he believes that the former Wolves reserve team captain can play a significant part in the forthcoming Conference North promotion push provided he can rediscover his best form.

Watson has brought in 14 new signings since arriving at the New Buck's Head in May... He made it clear that players from last season’s squad who are out of contract would be welcome to come back in pre-season to try to earn a new deal. And Rooney was among a small cluster of familiar faces joining a largely new-look team for the first day of pre-season training at Wrekin College.

The 21-year-old former Thomas Telford School pupil was a regular starter for the Bucks last season, making 36 appearances and scoring five goals... Watson said, 'Nathan Rooney took me up on my offer to come and do pre-season, which is great. There is definitely a good player in there. The important thing is bringing it out, but it is going to be a two way thing. We have got to try to help him, but he has also got to try to help himself. If we can get him back and performing at the level he has done in the past then we might have a player on our hands'...

Other familiar faces at training included youngsters Jake Bennett, Tom Bradley and James O’Neill. All three made the step up to the first team towards the end of last season. Watson hopes to supplement his small squad with a couple of the club’s promising home-grown youngsters should they impress in pre-season".

FIXTURES

BT SPORT WILL SHOW LIVE FOOTBALL CONFERENCE MATCHES

"The Football Conference and BT Sport have agreed a two-year deal for the new channels to show 30 live matches a season from the Conference Premier. BT Sport will host live broadcasts from the grounds for 25 league matches, plus both legs of the play-off semis and the Promotion Final at Wembley, from the start of the 2013-14 season in August.

The deal will bring live football from the 5th tier, immediately below League Two, to a much wider audience than ever before, which will enable greater opportunities for marketing and sponsorship deals.

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said, 'We are delighted that we’ve been able to invest in the Non-League game and play our part in helping community clubs to flourish. We are not just interested in the glamour of the Premier League; we’d like to bring the excitement and grit of the Conference Premier to a new audience, as well as its existing strong fan base. There are some terrific clubs in the Conference Premier and some fantastic stories and characters, which we aim to develop in our coverage'.

Brian Lee, chairman of The Football Conference, said, 'We welcome the opportunity to be joining the revolutionary BT Sport, which we are sure will be a "game changer" for ourselves and BT Sport. We feel that the prospect of showcasing our wonderful brand of live football to a potentially mind-blowing number of viewers can only enhance our product. We hope sponsors of clubs and competition alike recognise the huge step that we are now undertaking. We sincerely hope this is the start of a long and fruitful partnership for both parties."

The new season promises to be a classic battle for promotion to the Football League. FA Cup giant killers of last season Luton Town will be out to end their exile from the Football League alongside the Mariners from Grimsby Town, who will feel they have stayed long enough in the Football Conference.

New boys Barnet, with Edgar Davids at the helm, will no doubt be out to make a quick return, starting the new season at their new stadium, “The Hive”. Big spenders Forest Green Rovers will be out to repay their "green millionaire” Dale Vince, who is bankrolling the Gloucestershire village side, with the promised land of the Football League the only objective for manager David Hockaday.

Wembley Promotion Finalists finalist’s Wrexham, will again turn to their experienced players such as Brett Ormerod, Dean Keates and player manager Andy Morrell to achieve their dream whilst Kidderminster Harriers, runners up last season, will be hoping to go one better this time around under the guidance of manager of the year, Steve Burr.

Chester FC and FC Halifax Town return with new identities to the highest tier of the Conference after their trials and tribulations of recent years and it will be a challenge for both alongside established clubs in the Conference Premier.

BT Sport will show 38 exclusively live football matches from the Barclays Premier League, including 18 of the ‘top picks’ from August 2013 for three seasons. The channels will also show live FA Cup, Europa League and Scottish Premier League matches, as well as top tier live football from Germany, Italy, France, Brazil, Australia and the USA, plus action from the FA Women’s Super League".

ALTY'S COMMUNITY AWARD

Right: Courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography, we see the Community Board, with Community Officer Chris Bullock. Left to right, Fred Nash, Pete Foster, Chris Bullock (Community Officer), Neil Faulkner, Carole Nash, and Karen Rowley.

Altrincham's growing emphasis on public relations has brought them a £10,000 cheque as the Blue Square Bet North’s Community Club of the Year.

Twelve months after lifting the Conference North’s Respect Trophy, for best disciplinary record, Alty have shown they are setting the right example off the pitch as well, after having their community work honoured by the Football Conference Trust.

Judges based their decision on levels of commitment to community activities and had no hesitation naming Alty as outright winners after hearing the scale of their involvement with youngsters in the area.

Chairman Grahame Rowley provided an insight into how the club are connecting with boys and girls throughout the area by saying, 'In any typical week, when you take into account coaching in schools and the 40-odd junior teams playing games, there are approaching 1,000 local kids participating in football directly through Altrincham FC.

That is some statistic, and one we are extremely proud of. Reaching out to the community, as well as striving for excellence on the pitch, is what this club is all about, and we will continue to pursue both objectives as best we can'.

As well as a thriving junior set-up, boasting well over 40 teams of all ages, and a ladies’ team and social section, Alty’s community programme is devoting more time and energy to developing a growing presence within local schools. Free tickets to first-team games are regularly distributed, lunchtime clubs are held in several Trafford junior schools and fun weeks and drop-in sessions are staged during holidays, as well as curriculum coaching after school.

A delighted Rowley added, 'Everyone at the club is absolutely thrilled to receive this award. We see it as a tribute to the many volunteers, well over 100, who ensure the boys’, girls’ and ladies’ teams can continue and also to the high standard of coaching delivered by community officer Chris Bullock and the coaching team.

The club decided a few years ago that it had to become more integrated into the community and it is gratifying that our efforts have been recognised externally. The award is also further encouragement for our efforts to provide a focal point for the local community via the Community Sports Hall, for which a planning submission has recently been made'.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the club's community activities should email Altrincham FC or call the club on 0161 928 1045".

FROM ALTY YOUTH TO THE USA

King, 18, from Altrincham, has just finished his final year of A Levels at Altrincham Grammar and will move to America in August to begin a new chapter in his life.

He will combine a sports management course alongside playing for Ulndy Greyhound at a 7,000 seat stadium and says he can’t wait for it to begin. 'I looked up the university and it was just brilliant. It was important that I chose a university which was good academically and in terms of the football. Indianapolis had both'.

He will be spending the next four years in Indiana and will be the only English footballer in a team looking to revolutionise college ‘soccer’ in America.

And, with the influx of footballers from other states, including an import from Antigua, it seems that Michael is heading towards an ambitious team.

After being approached by around 25 other American universities, the left-back insists that Indianapolis is the right step after a successful two years at Altrincham.

He said, 'Altrincham have been brilliant to me, helping me build my confidence and they were a great club to play under. We had a great team and winning the Manchester County Cup against Stockport Vikings was a particular highlight'".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

The former Burscough and Southport midfielder started his career at Everton and made appearances for England at under-18 level. He acted as player-coach at Southport under Liam Watson and will take a similar role with the manager at the New Buck's Head.

Benjamin, 22, is a product of Southport’s youth system. He spent two years at Rochdale and then returned to Southport where he featured regularly last season, but was released at the end of May".

And "Liam Watson, manager of AFC Telford United, has named his captain and vice-captain for the coming season. Defender Simon Grand will be the team captain for season 2013/14. Grand signed in May after his release from Watson's previous club Southport where he also captained the side. Long-serving goalkeeper Ryan Young will be team vice-captain".

Elsewhere, "Defender Tom Ward has, as expected, made the switch to Gainsborough Trinity from rivals Boston United. The 22-year-old arrived at York Street in the summer of 2010 from Sleaford Town ... He finally broke into the first-team during the 2011/12 campaign and... was offered non-contract terms at the end of last season after featuring thirty-seven times for Boston in 2012/13.

Ward was offered non-contract terms at the end of last season... However, after originally accepting the offer, the centre back changed his decision, much to the disappointment of Pilgrims boss Dennis Greene".

However, the Boston Standard reports on potential arrivals at York Street as "Former Leyton Orient midfielder Solomon Shields is among a handful of trialists hoping to earn a deal at Boston United. The 23-year-old has most recently been in action for St Albans City. Shields was among the band of squad players and hopefuls who reported for pre-season training at RAF Cranwell on Saturday.

But one player who won’t be linking up with the club is Josh Wilde. The left back was among manager Dennis Greene’s top targets. But, because he’s under the age of 24, he wouldn’t be able to leave Gainsborough Trinity without compensation being paid. United made Trinity an offer which was refused at the Northolme, with Wilde accepting a second offer to stay with the Blues.

'I hear that we were offering lots more money than Gainsborough', Greene said with a smile. 'Our offer that we agreed was a lot less than both the offers that Gainsborough made, so that shows the lad wanted to come and sign for Boston. Unfortunately, we couldn’t agree a deal (with Trinity)'".

Meanwhile "Stockport County have lost midfielder Alex Kenyon to Morecambe. Kenyon, 20, was County`s player of the year last season and has previously skippered Lancaster City. Shrimps' boss Jim Bentley said, 'I have spoken to a lot of people about Alex and every single one of them has spoken highly of him'".

Stockport County say that manager "Ian Bogie has added highly rated teenage striker Rhys Turner to his squad. Turner, who last season scored an astonishing 63 goals, is another product of Myerscough College and has also represented his country as he has scored 2 goals in his five appearances for the England college team.

Rhys has been closely watched by several clubs but has joined the Hatters after Assistant Manager Alan Lord's recommendation. Lord and Myerscough's Phil Brown have worked closely on developing Turner's game over the last two seasons, during which the College team have swept all before them. He has recently returned from a trip to Valencia as the England College side spent time out in Spain...

Brown told the club website, 'County have signed a superb striker with the potential to surpass any of the students we have provided to the club in the past. He has great pace, is a fantastic finisher and is deceptively strong'".

The Conference also confirms that "Barrow AFC have signed 22-year-old striker Aaron Bowen following his return to England from a short stint in Australia. Bowen returned early from a spell with Shepperton United due to homesickness. The former Skelmersdale United and Cammell Laird hit man has had a host of clubs chasing him and Barrow boss Dave Bayliss was a relieved man when he finally got his man.

Bayliss said, 'Aaron agreed terms three weeks ago but then went to America on holiday. He has had about fifteen clubs chasing him so you are also worried someone is going to offer him more money and we lose him. This lad has the potential to have a great future'".

Over the Pennines, "Goalkeeper Steven Drench has signed a new two-year contract to stay with Guiseley AFC".

Further south, "Lee Moore has become the final member of last season's Southern League Premier Division title-winning squad to commit to Leamington for the new season, giving Paul Holleran a healthy looking group to work with over pre-season. Moore has the benefit of over fifty games for Nuneaton Town and also spent two seasons prior to joining them at AFC Telford United in the Conference North, so his experience of the level at which the Brakes now find themselves will be invaluable to his team-mates in the coming months".

Amongst other player movements or signings recently are those of Obi Anoruo who has joined Stalybridge Celtic from Vauxhall Motors, whilst Brackley have reportedly signed former Nuneaton Town man, Neil Cartwright.

According to Pitchero Non-League, "Kyle May has signed a new contract with Workington after rejecting an offer from Ebac Northern League neighbours Celtic Nation. The experienced defender turned down the emerging Carlisle side’s advances because he doesn’t want to play in the Northern League, according to boss Darren Edmondson.

Celtic Nation have already prised Aaran Taylor, Gari Rowntree and Mark Boyd away from Borough Park, but Edmondson said May was never interested in quitting. He said, 'I’ve seen the rumours about Kyle going, but the truth is he’s already signed a new deal that will keep him at Workington next season... Celtic Nation did offer him something, but Kyle was never interested in playing in the Northern League. To have Kyle signed for another season is great news for us. He’s one of the best defenders in the league, and has been for years'...

Edmondson has also shaken hands on deals with captain Jonny Wright, Anthony Wright, Lee Andrews and Dan Wordsworth... Edmondson said, 'It’s important that we have a core bunch of committed players. They have shown loyalty by agreeing deals'".

At Histon, "Following the squad’s return for pre-season training yesterday Brian Page, manager, confirmed the signing of experienced midfielder Levi Porter. Porter joined the club in December and made eighteen appearances in total last season... Operating out wide, the former Leicester City man brought experience...

'Levi was terrific for us last season. He hadn’t played much football for a while when he came here but everyone could see the quality that he brought to the team. We will get a good pre-season out of him now and as he gets fitter and fitter I’ve no doubt that he will show more and more quality'" said Page.

KEITH DAVEY

UPDATES RESUME

PRE-SEASON

• Sat. 13.7.13, 3pm, Home v ACCRINGTON STANLEY
• Tue. 16.7.13, NB 7.30pm, Home v TRANMERE ROVERS XI
• Tue. 23.7.13, 7.45pm, Away v Trafford
• Sat. 27.7.13, 3pm, Home v FC HALIFAX TOWN
• Tue. 30.7.13, 7.45pm, Away v Mossley
• Fri. 2.8.13, 7.30pm, Home v WREXHAM
• Sat. 10.8.13, 3pm, Home v BURNLEY XI

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

Meanwhile the Boston Standard tells us that "Tom Ward says 'security' is the reason he will not sign a further deal with Boston United. The defender originally agreed to accept boss Dennis Greene’s offer... However, today it was revealed that he had decided not to sign the non-contract offer on the table.

Rivals Gainsborough Trinity appear to be the side who turned Ward’s head. 'I needed the security of a contract as I’m at university with no other income', said Ward, who also has a young daughter to support. With Nathan Stainfield opting to join Spalding United last week, Carl Piergianni is currently the club’s only recognised centre-back. The Pilgrims report back for pre-season training on Saturday, with Greene hoping to bring in two central defenders as soon as possible".

According to the Football Conference, "Striker Ashley Worsfold has become the latest recruit for Harrogate Town when Simon [Grayson] swooped to claim the highly-rated player’s signature from Alfreton Town. Worsfold, 22, was highly regarded by the management at Alfreton and they were hoping that he would sign on for another season. However, Harrogate were able to prise him away.

Described as a player with great movement and a natural touch, Worsfold has been likened to recent Town favourite Dominic Knowles. Worsfold started at Sheffield Wednesday as a youth player before joining Goole AFC".

According to NL Daily, "Brackley Town have announced the signing of Charlie Griffin for the 2013/14 season. The former Wycombe and Stevenage striker joins after recently leaving Bath City. Griffin has also played for Forest Green Rovers in recent years, and has previously had spells at Salisbury City and Newport County. He started his senior career way back in 1998 with Chippenham Town".

Leamington announce that the club "regrettably will not be entering a team in the Midland Youth Football League (MYFL) next season following the departure of of last year's manager Darren Bradley and his management team and a significant proportion of the players. We understand that a key driver for their decision was the belief that their players needed reserve ream football this coming season.

In setting up the Youth Team last season the vast majority of players were under 17 and there was an acceptance by all parties that the team would have two years in the youth league and decisions were to be made this coming season on the best development path for those players.

Brakes' Chairman Jim Scott said, 'We have fully considered all our options but believe there is insufficient time to find a suitable replacement management team and players at such short notice and, very sadly, will have to take a year out from youth team football... and will be entering a Youth Team in the MYFL in Season 2014-15".

INTERNATIONAL PRE-SEASON ACTION

They avoided potentially difficult trips to places such as Azerbeijan or the Faroe Islands, with Airbus UK Broughton and Prestatyn Town both drawn against Latvian opposition. The Wingmakers will face Ventspils...

Prestatyn's first venture into Europe will be against Latvians, Metalurgs. Bala Town will face Levadia Tallinn from Estonia... Both Bala and Prestatyn intend to use Rhyl's Belle Vue for their home legs, both of which are scheduled for July 4, so a change of date will be required for one of the clubs".

And "The New Saints missed out on an all-British glamour tie with SPL giants Celtic as they were drawn to face Polish outfit Legia Warsaw in the second qualifying round of the Champions League... TNS will play the home leg on July 16 or 17 with the away leg a week later".