OLD BOYS

Left-sided midfielder Nicky Clee and striker Adam Boyes have already been drafted in, from Altrincham and Guiseley respectively, while forward Oli Johnson, centre back Shane Killock and midfielder Nicky Wroe, who all ended last season at Horsfall Stadium, have penned new deals".

Alty travel to the Horsfall Stadium for one of those friendly games on 29 July.

Elsewhere, Graham Barrow, who managed relegated Wigan Athletic for the latter part of last season, has been relieved of his post.

PRAISE FOR ANTHONY

Taylor’s final decision to give Chelsea’s Victor Moses a second booking for simulation was also a brilliant call.

So many officials do not give themselves the best viewing angle to make these decisions, but Taylor’s fitness and mobility meant he was perfectly placed.

This is a feature of his performances, and is why I rate him as one of this country’s most promising referees. Moses clearly tried to deceive him, and let us hope this decision will send a clear message that cheating will not be tolerated.

Overall, Taylor should be bursting with pride about his outstanding performance. There was a lot of talk when he was given the final about his history with Arsène Wenger and that this would put him under unnecessary pressure, but he rubbished such concerns on Saturday.

As a referee, you might only get one shot at the FA Cup final, and you have to nail it. The last thing you want is to get your medal out of the drawer and be reminded of a glaring mistake.

Meanwhile Anthony is photographed in the local Independent newspaper, visiting his old primary school at Heyes Lane, Altrincham. "I like to get back every year to help staff encoiurage and inspire the children to follow their dreams", he said.

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

He said, 'It’s a part of football losing players, even if perhaps you don’t expect them all to go to the same club! It’s my job to make sure the ones we have lost are all replaced properly. That’s what I have been trying to do since the season ended. We are getting close to being in a position to confirm the players who have agreed to play for the club so it’s a case of watch this space.

'They are position for position for the boys who have moved on and, hopefully, when we are able to make an announcement the fans will be happy and welcome them to to the club.'

Filling the scoring boots of Benbow is clearly top priority. 'I’m sure he will do well at Solihull as he has been brilliant for us,' Hackett added. 'But we need to look to the future. There are a lot of good strikers out there'".

At Farsley Celtic "Versatile midfielder Peter Davidson has left the Celts to join Tadcaster Albion... During last season, Peter made 28 league and cup starts for the Celts, with a further 12 appearances off the bench, scoring 2 goals during the campaign...

On his time at the Club, the midfielder said, 'Last season was a memorable one. Our aim at the beginning of the campaign was promotion, which was achieved in beating Ossett Town in the Play-Off Final. We had great runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, with the victory at Tamworth simply superb. We also managed to win the County Cup which was an added bonus. All the boys at Farsley are spot-on and I see no reason why they can’t challenge at the top of the league next season.'

He continued, 'I spoke to the new manager a few times and he offered me a deal. I just thought with the amount of extra travelling etc. that I just couldn’t commit. I wish Farsley all the success in the future. It’s a great Club with excellent staff behind the scenes.'

Celts' manager Adam Lakeland responded, 'I sat down with Peter last week about what I’m looking to do here moving forwards. I made it clear that I think he is a very good player, someone who played a lot of games in the success the team experienced last season and that we wanted him to stay with the Club for the coming campaign. We made him an offer which both the Club and myself agreed was fair, which was the same deal as last season but with the requirement for Peter to train with the squad more than was expected under the previous management team. Peter asked for more money if he was to do this and I didn’t feel it was feasible.

'The agreement Peter had in place last season was by no means Peter’s fault, I must stress that, but equally it isn’t mine and I have to do what I think is best for the Club going forwards. I wish him well for the future'".

FRIENDLY FOES

2017/18 will be their third season in the North West Counties Division One 2016/2017. They play at Yockings Park, Black Park Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 1PG. Ground capacity is 1,000".

Another pre-season venue for Alty will be Rhyl.

"Rhyl Football Club are delighted to announce they have confirmed all of their pre-season friendly fixtures.

The variety of fixtures planned confirms the determination of Niall McGuinness’ squad to go into the 2017/18 season with the intent to push for promotion, much like the last time they were in the Huws Gray Alliance, nearly five years ago."

Meanwhile, another Welsh club travels to Alty for a friendly as Wrexham confirm that on 25 July they visit the J Davidson Stadium (7.45pm).

Over at Bradford Park Avenue the club has "added [a] visit to Ossett Town and [a visit from] Altrincham to their pre-season schedule...

Meanwhile the [match with] recently relegated Altrincham is likely to be the final friendly before the start of the new season, taking place on Saturday 29 July.

Avenue claimed their only league double of last season over the team who finished bottom of the National League North, as the Robins slipped to a second successive relegation".

Our customary pre-season visit to our neighbours Trafford will include an encounter with a former Robins' trialist as "Local midfielder Tom Schofield has returned to Shawe View after a couple of seasons away. Between Season 2012-13 and 2014-15 Tom made 89 league and cup appearances scoring 2 goals for Trafford.

He is Manager Tom Baker’s second close season signing has he prepares his squad for next season in the First Division North".

Earlier, "Trafford Manager Tom Baker made his first summer signing, 32 year old former Chorley and Halifax Town striker James Dean", an ex-Alty loanee.

BPA FRIENDLY REINSTATED - AWAY

OLD BOYS

The 30-year-old played mostly with Port Vale... has also had... non-league stints with Halifax Town, Altrincham, Stafford Rangers and Glossop".

Also at Llanelian Road, Colwyn Bay "report that Astley Mulholland has signed on again for next season".

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

Having played for Curzon Ashton, FC United, Nantwich Town, Hyde United and most recently Glossop since originally leaving Celtic, Adam provides a wealth of experience at this level.

Jones, 31, said, "13 years ago Stalybridge Celtic gave me the chance as an 18-year-old to enter into the Non-League game so they have always been a team close to my heart. As soon as I heard of the interest it was a no brainer for me and agreed immediately.

Obviously a massive pull was Steve Burr. His reputation is up there with the best in non-league. To play under him and learn from him will be a privilege'...

Celtic manager Steve Burr... said, 'He's a player with a real aerial presence and someone who wanted to come to the club for the right reasons'"

MORE NEW FACES AT ALTY

After making winger John Johnston his first signing as Alty boss and quickly following up with moves for striker James Poole and centre-back Ben Harrison, Parkinson further bolstered what he hopes will prove a promotion-chasing squad by recruiting Sam Sheridan, Sefton Gonzales, Josh Hancock, Joe Mwasile (right), Lewis Short and John Disney, as well as securing the experience and know-how of Densmore for another campaign.

Sheridan, aged 27, nephew of John and Darren Sheridan, had a brief spell with Alty eight years ago and brings a wealth of experience with him after playing for Bolton Wanderers, Stockport County, Southport, Barrow and most recently FC United of Manchester.

s He arrived at The J.Davidson Stadium at the same time as powerfully-built striker Gonzales, who finished last season at Stockport County after joining them from his home-town club Chorley.

Hancock, an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, has joined from Parkinson's old club Nantwich, as has Mwasile, whose signing may come as a surprise to many Alty followers.

The winger had a lean time of it in his previous spell with Alty but Parkinson is confident of an upturn in his fortunes after he impressed during the second half of last season at Nantwich.

As well as reinforcing the centre of Alty's defence with the capture of Harrison, Parkinson has strengthened on the flanks by snapping up two full-backs from Connah's Quay Nomads, in the form of Short and Disney.

Short, aged 26, an attacking left-back with a trademark long throw, started his career at Crewe Alexandra and is another with experience of Parkinson's managerial style after playing under him at Nantwich.

In joining Altrincham, Short and Disney have turned their backs on Connah's Quay Nomads' 2017/18 UEFA Europa League adventure, which begins at the end of next month, choosing instead to become part of a planned promotion push back to National League North."

OLD BOYS

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

On Thursday he saw Chris Lait leave for Moors and Benbow will [be] following, probably on Saturday. Hackett said, 'That’s football. A part of the game is dealing with departures and reacting to it so we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure whoever leaves is replaced'...

Lait’s deal has alright [already] been signed and he posted a message to the club’s fans, 'Unfortunately my time at the club has come to an end. I’m gutted that we couldn’t secure promotion at the end of what has been a tough season for me with injuries, but the club is on the right path'".

Sutton Coldfield Town "are delighted to announce that Josh Craddock and Tom Weale have joined the club for the new season. After a very busy couple of weeks of discussion and negotiation for Richard Sneekes and Steve Hinks, the first deals have been done in readiness for the new season.

Josh, 26, is an accomplished midfield player who spent his youth years with Walsall before having spells with Stourbridge, Stafford, Rushall and Chasetown.

Tom is a talented 25 year old who has played for Atherstone, Barwell and Coleshill. He is a very versatile player who is comfortable to play in a number of positions as required on the day."

Elsewhere in the Midlands, Coalville Town "are delighted to announce midfielder Lee Cox as the first signing of the summer. Cox joins from Brackley Town and has signed a season-long contract with the Ravens.

The 26 year old started his career with Leicester City before moving on to Inverness Caledonian Thistle where he made 67 appearances for the Scottish Championship side. Cox also lists Swindon Town, Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle and Stevenage amongst his former clubs".

TWO MORE JOIN ALTY!

Alty's recently-appointed manager made a statement of intent, after taking over from Matt Doughty, by signing highly-regarded Salford winger John Johnston and following up with the prized capture of talented forward James Poole and in-demand Nantwich centre-back Ben Harrison.

Now he has put the finishing touches to a new-look Alty squad with the addition of experienced winger Wright, one of the most accomplished left-sided attackers in the Vanarama National League North last season, and forceful frontrunner Peers.

Wright's pace and trickery, allied to a keen eye for goal, made him the scourge of defenders throughout his FC United career, and it comes as little surprise that his game is based entirely on a lifetime admiration for former Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.

'I used to idolise him when I was a kid,' he said, in an interview during his FC United days. 'I would get the same boots as him every time he got new ones, and I even copied all his haircuts. Watching him was the reason I wanted to play out wide. Ryan has always had flair and skill, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.'

The same capacity for taking the ball up to a full-back before jinking past him made him a firm favourite with FC United fans and helped him become the club's record appearance-maker. He played over 400 games for them, scored more than 80 goals and was skipper for the past two seasons.

Parkinson has once more returned to his old club to capture a player he knows and trusts, in 21-year old centre-forward Peers.

The Warrington-born target man had spells with Chester, Hednesford and Telford before answering a call from Parkinson to bolster Nantwich's push for promption from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, a campaign that only faltered late on, with a defeat in the play-offs.

Speaking at the time, Parkinson said: 'Tom is someone I have had my eye on for a while now. He is someone we feel can help our promotion ambitions. He is a proven scorer at this level, and we are confident he will be an excellent addition up front for us.'"

EARLIER ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

• Josh Hancock

  Signed from Nantwich Town, Josh (dob 5 Sep, 1990) is a midfielder who came through The Dabbers' youth set-up before moving on to Winsford United (2009-10). Next, he joined Witton Albion and made more than 150 appearances and scored some fifty times.

  He next joined AFC Telford United before a return to Witton which preceded a move to Salford City and then a return to Nantwich Town in January 2016.

• Sam Sheridan

  Midfielder Sam had a one-month loan at Moss Lane from Bolton Wanderers in 2009-10 before he joined Alty in May 2017 from FC United of Manchester. Born on 30 November, 1989, he had joined FCUM in October 2015.

  Prior to that he had a brief spells at Chorley and Southport whilst on loan from Stockport County, where he was a player from 2011 to 2015.

• Sefton Gonzales

  Sefton, a forward, joined Alty from Stockport County and he has also had brief spells with Chorley and Stalybridge Celtic.

• James Lawrie

  James (26) was signed from AFC Telford United on 31 August 2011, initially on loan, before he signed for Altrincham in early December, 2011. His footballing career began in Port Vale's youth system. He went on to make 27(+2) appearances for the club.

  Having played at various age-levels for Northern Ireland, he gained his first senior international cap against Italy in June 2009 and made two further international appearances. In all, James made 231(+43) appearances for Altrincham and netted 51 times.

• Andy Owens

  The son of former Alty player John Owens, Andy had a brief spell at Moss Lane in 2009-10, as a centre-half, but rejoined Altrincham on 30 December 2016 as a striker, from Stalybridge Celtic. He made 10(+8) appearances and scored four times.

• Stuart Tomlinson

  Stuart (32) joined Alty on 3 March 2017, following injury to Tim Deasy, and he made his debut the following day away at AFC Telford United. He made six appearances for the club.

• Craig Hobson

  Craig (29) joined Altrincham on June 2016 from Chester FC, whom he had joined in March 2014 from Guiseley two years previously. He made his Altrincham debut on 6 August 2016 at home to Darlington but subsequently missed much of the season through a broken foot. He made 9(+8) appearances and scored once.

• Micah Evans

  24 year-old Micah Evans was signed from Worcester City on 10 February 2017. Originally a winger, Micah's role for Altrincham was primarily as a striker. He made 9(+8) appearances and scored once.

Sam Sheridan

Sefton Gonzales

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

UEFA A coach Thomas kicked off his career at Torquay United before playing in Non-League at a number of clubs including Worcester City and Tamworth after making more than 400 appearances in the Football League. As a coach the 38-year-old has worked for the academy at the New York Red Bulls and currently coaches the U19s at another of his former clubs, Kidderminster Harriers, a role he will combine with his position at Dales Lane.

Thomas, who moved to Southampton in a £1 million deal and also played in Greece, will be assisted by Will Ryder, another UEFA A coach with vast experience in the professional game with the likes of Wigan Athletic, Stoke City and Manchester City. Currently the U21 development squad manager at Morecambe, the former assistant manager at Wakefield and Newcastle Town also works as a coaching educator for the Welsh Football Trust and as a coaching mentor for The Football Association... The new touchline team at the Pics for the 2017-18 campaign is completed by Trevor Burroughs who brought his vast managerial experience to the club last summer."

The EvoStik League reports that "Former Alsager Town, Norton United, Witton Albion and Newcastle Town boss Scott Dundas is the new manager of Northern Premier League Chasetown. Dundas, who stood down at Newcastle Town two weeks ago after guiding the club to a seventh placed finish in EVO-STIK NPL First Division South, was named as the successor to Dave Stringer at The Scholars on Tuesday night".

Over at Whitby Town "The following players will remain with the club for the new season: Shane Bland, Adam Gell. Dale Hopson, Matty Tymon, Steven Snaith, Daniel McWilliams, Andrew May, Callum Martin, Mikey Roberts, Kieran Weledji, Luke Bythway, David Carson".

At Stafford Rangers, "Neil Kitching has unveiled his first signing of the Summer, after agreeing terms with attacker, Louis Briscoe who has most recently been with Tamworth"

In Derbyshire, Mickleover Sports "have secured the signing of Evan Garnett, a highly-rated striker from Belper Town. Garnett began his career with Burton Albion, spending two and a half years on their books before joining Worksop Town.

He has also played for Ilkeston and Hucknall before linking up for a spell with Belper Town, for whom he scored 19 goals in the first half of the 2015/16 season. Conference side Kidderminster Harriers came calling and signed him in January 2016 but opportunities were few and far between for Evan, both there and at Alfreton Town who he later joined and in November 2016 he returned to Belper for the rest of that season scoring 5 goals. Also "We are delighted that striker Bradley Grayson has signed for Sports amid heavy competition for his signature. Bradley is a strong, pacy 24 year-old striker who hails from Doncaster and made four appearances for Doncaster Rovers which preceded spells with Frickley Athletic, Matlock Town, Stocksbridge Steels and Buxton FC. He has also plied his trade abroad with Ange IF in Sweden where he scored an impressive 24 goals in 22 games, Cumberland FC in South Australia and Loyola Mercalo Sparks in the Phillipines.

Last season in the NPL with Buxton he scored 20 goals, and 28 goals in all competitions. Grayson is the second striker secured by first team manager, John McGrath, who has promised there will be plenty more transfer activity before the season restarts in August, and further demonstrates the club’s ambitious outlook. "

Not far away, Matlock Town "can confirm that captain Adam Yates has signed a new deal to remain with the club for the 2017/2018 season. Yates joined Matlock from Shirebrook Town in March 2009 and has grown in stature season upon season to become one of the best defenders in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division. He was made club captain last season and if all goes well, Yates will pass through the 400 game mark for the Gladiators during 2017/18...

Joint boss Glenn Kirkwood. “He loves playing for Matlock Town and the fans think the world of him and rightly so, we’re delighted to have him on board again.” Yates was a trialist at Altrincham in 2006.

Marine "are pleased to announce that former club Captain and 2011 Player of the Season John Shaw has agreed to rejoin the club. John, 30, made his debut on 15th August 2009 at North Ferriby United and went on to make 221 appearances, scoring 9 goals. He left the club in October 2014 and has had spells at Witton Albion and Stalybridge Celtic, before spending most of last season at Warrington Town".

At the Giant Axe, Lancaster City "manager Phil Brown has wasted little time in adding to his title-winning squad for the new campaign in the Northern Premier League. Midfield duo Sam Bailey and Scott Harries have both signed for the Dolly Blues...

Sam Bailey, a fan-favourite well known to City fans, signs after a successful spell at Kendal Town where he netted 17 league goals in their 2016/17 campaign. The versatile player graduated from Bolton Wanderers' academy has played in a number of positions across the pitch, predominantly in central midfield and the right wing.

Scott Harries signs from Warrington Town. The winger is quoted as being a long-term target for City boss Phil Brown and has had previous spells at AFC Fylde, Clitheroe and Northwich Victoria.

Lancaster City can also officially confirm that both Jordan Connerton and Mike Hale have left the club for personal reasons. Connerton, one of the most prolific strikers in our clubs' history, has moved to Australia. Hale sadly could not commit to the increased time and travelling required in our new division."

However, "Phil Brown continues his active offseason by quickly re-signing three of last season's squad for the upcoming season. We are happy to announce that defender Ben Hudson and midfielders Billy Akrigg and Ryan Winder have all put pen to paper and agreed to stay at Giant Axe for next season in the NPL Premier Division."

We also learn that "Club captain Ricky Mercer, defender Josh Westwood, and strikers Hannu Tam and Tom Kilifin, have committed to Lancaster City for the upcoming season in the NPL Premier Division."

And that "Lancaster City can confirm we have secured the signature of highly rated striker Oliver Wood from last season's promotion rivals Colne FC... as Phil Brown continues his relentless recruitment drive early in the off-season campaign. The highly rated forward, who scored no less than 20 times last season for fellow promotion rivals Colne in the NPL First Division North, moves in to shore up the Dollies' front-line after the departure of Jordan Connerton to Australia."

In the Midlands, Hednesford Town state that "Following the announcement of Tom Thorley signing a new deal, we can now confirm the Hednesford Town playing squad retained list.

The following players, alongside Thorley, have agreed terms for next season; Joe Ballinger, Danny Glover, Darren Campion, Jordan Nadat, George Cater, Desean Martin and Ryan Nesbitt. These players also join Kris Taylor in next season’s squad.

Leaving the club are Dan Crane, Lloyd Ransome, David McDermott, Jordan Fitzpatrick, George Washbourne and Stuart McNaught.

Manager Neil Tooth said, 'The last two weeks have been manic and we have been working hard meeting last season’s squad... Obviously Kris is coming in as one of my assistants but he will also have a massive role to play on the pitch and pairing him with Tom is something I’m really excited about'. Lewis Wright and Tony Clarke are still to make a decision on their futures."

Also "In what has turned out to be a busy day for Hednesford Town Football Club we can now confirm the signing of defender Jimmy Mutton... for a second spell after previously signing in May 2016 before leaving at the start of 2017."

And "Hednesford Town can confirm the arrival of goalkeeper James Wren to Keys Park. The former Sutton Coldfield Town shot stopper agreed terms with the Pitmen... as he links up with his former boss in Neil Tooth. The Hednesford manager said... 'I’ve been blessed during my time in football to have worked with some fantastic goalkeepers but James is by far and away the most talented I have worked with. As he is only 23 he will grow with the club and be a huge part of what we are aiming to achieve. We have beaten off some big clubs to get the deal done'...

The manager also praised departing goalkeepers Dan Crane and Lloyd Ransome. He added; “I am disappointed to lose Dan Crane and Lloyd Ransome but totally respect and understand their decisions."

Over the Pennines, Farsley Celtic "have received a massive boost with the news that last season's top scorer and division player of the season, James Walshaw has agreed a deal with the club for 2017/18. Walshaw bagged an impressive 50 goals in all competitions in the promotion season from just 44 starts for the club... and also grabbed five match balls throughout the season with hat-tricks against Congleton, Tadcaster, Radcliffe, Tamworth and Ramsbottom.

New Manager Adam Lakeland is thrilled to have Walshaw on board for the upcoming campaign, [said] 'To weigh in with that amount of goals is some achievement'...

On signing Walshaw commented, 'I'm delighted to be staying at Farsley Celtic for another season after a successful season last year. Credit and thanks must go to John and Neil for the faith they showed in me... After the appointment of Adam it didn't take long for us to sit down and have a chat. His enthusiasm for the game and his professionalism shone through immediately...The dressing room last year was a great place to be and was a major factor in my decision to re-sign for the club and I'm hoping most of the players will follow suit'".

At Coalville Town, "The club are delighted to bring you the list of players who have agreed new contracts until the end of the 17/18 season. The players include managers player Steve Towers, top scorer Nathan Watson and Awards Night hero, Lee Torr.

Full List: Danny Jenno, Dean Freeman, Lee Torr, Steve Towers, Daniel Creaney, Nathan Watson.

A number of other deals have also been concluded with last year's playing squad but on a non-contract basis. These will be announced in the build up to pre season when the registration date for non contracted players opens with the NPL.

Two players who will definitely be leaving the club are midfielders Liam Walshe and Anton Brown. Liam's departure has been well documented... whilst Anton is taking a break from football to spend time travelling".

ALTY INVESTMENT MOVE

Subject to approval at the EGM, the club will buyback 117,000 shares, roughly 51%, in order to create a means to generate finance. Altrincham will then be in a position to sell these shares to a suitable investor(s).

To progress on the field Alty has already made exciting signings for next season, and is moving forward with ambitious plans, despite the disappointment of recent relegation to the Evo-Stik Premier Division. To help with progression, the Board has appointed The Sport Business to help and support communications and commercial activities at the J Davidson Stadium.

The Sport Business has worked with the football club on previous projects and helped raise more than £550,000 for the Community Sports Hall at Moss Lane.

Chairman Grahame Rowley said, 'We’re determined to get Altrincham back to where the club belongs, at the pinnacle of non-league football. We’ve been working hard to get things in place on and off the pitch and we’re delighted to partner with The Sport Business, a local company we know and trust and who have Alty’s best interests at heart.

'We believe that with their contacts in business, sport and the media, they can help in many ways – bringing in investment, raising our profile and helping us to develop as an ambitious football club.'

Alty, a club with a proud ‘giant-killing’ history, currently delivers organised football and coaching for more than 1,000 children each week, and has received awards for its community, charity, and junior football activities.

Altrincham FC wants to be seen as representative of the exciting and dynamic developments within Altrincham Town Centre.

For more information regarding Altrincham’s plans and investment opportunities,contact The Sport Business: Dominic McGuinness by e-mail or by phone on 07968 326541.

MORE FRIENDLIES ANNOUNCED

• Tuesday 11th July: Stockport County (H)
• Saturday 22nd July: Rhyl (A)
• Saturday 29th July: Bradford Park Avenue (H)
• Tuesday 1st August: Winsford United (A)

There is the possibility we may schedule another fixture or two. We will keep you advised".

As previously announced, admission to the home friendlies, at the J Davidson Stadium will be free to holders of 2017-18 Altrincham FC season tickets.

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

The Dabbers received applications from a number of high-calibre candidates after Phil Parkinson left to join Evo-Stik Premier rivals Altrincham at the end of the season.

But the former Northwich Vics' boss and Shrewsbury assistant came out on top after a series of interviews at the Weaver Stadium last week.

Cooke, who has been Dabbers' boss twice before but has been focused on his property development business in recent years, said it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

'I thought about it a lot and it’s a case of now or never for me,' he said. 'I never thought I’d get the chance to come back and it’s great for me at this time, I just love football and it’s exciting. It’s my third time at the club but it’s completely different to what it was back then. Nantwich is a proper football club now.

'Football is the same as business; you live and die by your own decisions. I’m happy with that, I’ll give it my best shot. I’m more than confident we’ll be okay. I’m not going to make predictions about what we will or won’t do, but I will say there will be no stone left unturned and I will put together the best team I possibly can.'

Cooke, who lives at Hatherton just outside Nantwich, has experience of management at various levels of non-league football, and has close contacts with both league and non-league clubs. Both veteran striker Steve Jones and former Town star Danny Griggs will fulfil the roles of assistant manager and first team coach. Nigel Deeley has been given the dual role of coach and coach mentor.

Cooke is the father of Sean Cooke, the free-scoring Nantwich midfielder who was named 2017 Management Player of the Season recently, and has been watching the Dabbers a lot over the past couple of seasons. While he confirmed that Sean will stay, he accepts ‘four or five’ players will follow Parkinson, ex-assistant Neil Sorvel and physios Tommy Uda and Ryan Murray to Altrincham.

But with the same budget at his disposal as last term, he is adamant that doesn’t have to mean a downturn for the Dabbers in 2017-18. Cooke added, 'I’ve watched the team for the past couple of years, and Phil has deserved his chance. He’s done a decent job and I hope we can carry on the good work. There’s a lot to do, Phil will take four or five players with him, no doubt, because he’s got a much bigger budget there'".

Over at Farsley Celtic, the club is "delighted to announce that Adam Lakeland has been appointed as first team manager... Adam will be assisted by former Farsley Celtic player Mark Bett.

Adam has a proven history at the level of football that we are currently playing at, and all at the club are pleased to welcome Adam to Farsley Celtic. Adam is a UEFA 'A' listed coach who will bring great values to the football club.

Adam commented upon his appointment, 'I was at Curzon Ashton for a couple of years and I had a really good time there. We got promoted from the Evo-Stik League and up to the National League North in just two seasons. Following that I went and worked for Blackburn Academy for a year'

'I decided to take my first step as a manager and went to Northwich in the January and we got them into the play-offs. Unfortunately, we lost out to Spennymoor that season, but we had a good year. The following season wasn't great as I decided to leave due to stuff that was going on at the time... I got the chance... to come to Farsley and, in fairness, it was a no brainer. This is a historic non-league football club and I cannot wait to get started. This is a great football club....

'I can't see a massive change within the current squad. It is strange coming into a situation where you have a team that has just won promotion and you have to take them on, but it will be a great challenge. I want to keep the basis of this great squad together. I know that there will be a few that want to move on, and we will want to bring a couple in, but that's it'...

New Assistant Manager Mark Bett is no stranger to the club having played for Farsley in two spells. Upon his appointment he commented... 'I have been here in so many good times. I was here aged twenty and here I am back at 35! I've had some great times at Farsley and I worked with Adam at Northwich'".

Unsurprisingly, there are no Altrincham players in the Vanarama National League North team of the year! However, two of our former players, David Lynch and Jordan Sinnott of FC Halifax Town will be celebrating promotion to the National League's national division. News of a former rival player and manager in the Vanarama National League North comes from the Scarborough News, to the effect that "Logistical issues have forced defender Dom Roma to leave Scarborough Athletic, but he hasn't ruled out returning to the club in the future. The 31-year-old played a huge part in Boro's outstanding finish to the Evo-Stik North season after arriving from Gainsborough Trinity.

But Roma has since taken redundancy from his job in education and he is keen to play football much closer to his home on the southern side of Sheffield. He said, 'It is mainly down to my work situation. I've had to take redundancy, so I need to be playing nearer to Sheffield. If my job had been sorted I'd have stayed, but with things up in the air I had to make the tough decision. I also have two little lads, aged two and seven months. When you are travelling around two-and-a-half hours for a home game, it can take its toll'...

Roma has signed for an unnamed Evo-Stik South club because he didn't want to play against his former employers next season. 'I have decided to play in the Evo-Stik South. I had a few offers from Evo-Stik North clubs, but it would have been weird to play against the lads,' Roma said... He added... 'I won't be surprised to see the club [Scarborough] pushing through the divisions over the next few seasons... If things change then I'd obviously love to come back to Scarborough in a year or so because I really enjoyed my time there'".

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

The Dabbers received applications from a number of high-calibre candidates after Phil Parkinson left to join Evo-Stik Premier rivals Altrincham at the end of the season.

But the former Northwich Vics' boss and Shrewsbury assistant came out on top after a series of interviews at the Weaver Stadium last week.

Cooke, who has been Dabbers' boss twice before but has been focused on his property development business in recent years, said it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

'I thought about it a lot and it’s a case of now or never for me,' he said. 'I never thought I’d get the chance to come back and it’s great for me at this time, I just love football and it’s exciting. It’s my third time at the club but it’s completely different to what it was back then. Nantwich is a proper football club now.

'Football is the same as business; you live and die by your own decisions. I’m happy with that, I’ll give it my best shot. I’m more than confident we’ll be okay. I’m not going to make predictions about what we will or won’t do, but I will say there will be no stone left unturned and I will put together the best team I possibly can.'

Cooke, who lives at Hatherton just outside Nantwich, has experience of management at various levels of non-league football, and has close contacts with both league and non-league clubs. Both veteran striker Steve Jones and former Town star Danny Griggs will fulfil the roles of assistant manager and first team coach. Nigel Deeley has been given the dual role of coach and coach mentor.

Cooke is the father of Sean Cooke, the free-scoring Nantwich midfielder who was named 2017 Management Player of the Season recently, and has been watching the Dabbers a lot over the past couple of seasons. While he confirmed that Sean will stay, he accepts ‘four or five’ players will follow Parkinson, ex-assistant Neil Sorvel and physios Tommy Uda and Ryan Murray to Altrincham.

But with the same budget at his disposal as last term, he is adamant that doesn’t have to mean a downturn for the Dabbers in 2017-18. Cooke added, 'I’ve watched the team for the past couple of years, and Phil has deserved his chance. He’s done a decent job and I hope we can carry on the good work. There’s a lot to do, Phil will take four or five players with him, no doubt, because he’s got a much bigger budget there'".

Over at Farsley Celtic, the club is "delighted to announce that Adam Lakeland has been appointed as first team manager... Adam will be assisted by former Farsley Celtic player Mark Bett.

Adam has a proven history at the level of football that we are currently playing at, and all at the club are pleased to welcome Adam to Farsley Celtic. Adam is a UEFA 'A' listed coach who will bring great values to the football club.

Adam commented upon his appointment, 'I was at Curzon Ashton for a couple of years and I had a really good time there. We got promoted from the Evo-Stik League and up to the National League North in just two seasons. Following that I went and worked for Blackburn Academy for a year'

'I decided to take my first step as a manager and went to Northwich in the January and we got them into the play-offs. Unfortunately, we lost out to Spennymoor that season, but we had a good year. The following season wasn't great as I decided to leave due to stuff that was going on at the time... I got the chance... to come to Farsley and, in fairness, it was a no brainer. This is a historic non-league football club and I cannot wait to get started. This is a great football club....

'I can't see a massive change within the current squad. It is strange coming into a situation where you have a team that has just won promotion and you have to take them on, but it will be a great challenge. I want to keep the basis of this great squad together. I know that there will be a few that want to move on, and we will want to bring a couple in, but that's it'...

New Assistant Manager Mark Bett is no stranger to the club having played for Farsley in two spells. Upon his appointment he commented... 'I have been here in so many good times. I was here aged twenty and here I am back at 35! I've had some great times at Farsley and I worked with Adam at Northwich'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

News of a former rival player and manager in the Vanarama National League North comes from the Scarborough News, to the effect that "Logistical issues have forced defender Dom Roma to leave Scarborough Athletic, but he hasn't ruled out returning to the club in the future. The 31-year-old played a huge part in Boro's outstanding finish to the Evo-Stik North season after arriving from Gainsborough Trinity.

But Roma has since taken redundancy from his job in education and he is keen to play football much closer to his home on the southern side of Sheffield. He said, 'It is mainly down to my work situation. I've had to take redundancy, so I need to be playing nearer to Sheffield. If my job had been sorted I'd have stayed, but with things up in the air I had to make the tough decision. I also have two little lads, aged two and seven months. When you are travelling around two-and-a-half hours for a home game, it can take its toll'...

Roma has signed for an unnamed Evo-Stik South club because he didn't want to play against his former employers next season. 'I have decided to play in the Evo-Stik South. I had a few offers from Evo-Stik North clubs, but it would have been weird to play against the lads,' Roma said... He added... 'I won't be surprised to see the club [Scarborough] pushing through the divisions over the next few seasons... If things change then I'd obviously love to come back to Scarborough in a year or so because I really enjoyed my time there'".

THANK YOU TO 'FADDIES'!

Faddies have kindly washed and prepared all the kit, tracksuits and towels for the Football Club throughout the season ensuring that the players have turned out in pristine condition.

Their service has been first class and we would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality dry cleaning company".

Faddies can be found at 20A Victoria Road, Hale, WA15 9AD (tel: 0161 928 7660) or via their website.

SAM AND KYLE SIGN UP

There has been widespread approval among Alty followers for the way Parkinson has significantly strengthened key areas of a new-look team for next season with the capture of Salford City pair John Johnston and James Poole and centre-back Ben Harrison from Nantwich.

Experienced campaigners Jake Moult and Simon Richman have also been signed up, and now Parkinson has turned his sights to the younger element of last season's squad by securing the services of central defender Heathcote and the versatile Brownhill for the new campaign.

Heathcote, 19, graduated through the youth and reserve sides, where he was converted into a centre-back after initially making his mark as a striker in the junior ranks at Manchester United. The son of Alty legend Graham, he made a remarkable debut for the first team on September 5, 2015, exactly one month after his 18th birthday, as he went on as an injury-time substitute against Cheltenham Town and scored the winning goal 90 seconds later.

After a loan spell at Hyde United, he became a regular in the first-team squad last season.

Locally-born Brownhill, who turned 22 just over a month ago, signed from Hyde last December and made a favourable impression in a defensive midfield role after starting out at left-back".

NEW SIGNINGS

Ben Harrison

James Poole

Altrincham's Press and Media Officer John Edwards writes, "Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson has pulled off a major coup for next season by beating a host of clubs to the signature of James Poole and making the Salford City frontrunner one of three new arrivals in as many days.

The recently-appointed Alty boss has wasted no time stamping his mark on the club's fortunes by snapping up winger John Johnston from Salford and following up with the capture of Poole and Nantwich's cultured centre-back Ben Harrison.

Johnston has already outlined his eagerness to team up again with Parkinson, following a loan spell at Nantwich, while Harrison has been backed to become a firm favourite with Alty followers for his commanding presence and ability to bring the ball out of defence.

But it is the acquisition of Poole that is most likely to take the eye after the 27-year old one-time Manchester City Academy prospect spearheaded Salford's rise into the Vanarama National League North just over 12 months ago.

Describing how decisive action from Parkinson pointed him towards The J.Davidson Stadium, Poole told Alty's club website, 'The manager got in touch with me as soon as it was announced I was leaving Salford and made me feel really, really wanted here, and that went a long way towards making my mind up.

'He told me his plans for the club, what his expectations were, what he thought of me as a player and where I would fit into the overall team pattern, and to hear him say all that was really nice. It played a huge part in me becoming an Altrincham player.

'He seemed to know my game inside out, which a lot of managers at this level wouldn't have at their fingertips. He knew all my strengths and what formation would best suit my game, and he told me exactly how I would fit in and what he would expect of me.

'It wasn't a difficult decision, because his football philosophy is completely in line with mine. The confidence he has in himself as a manager, and in the way he sets his team up, was just as impressive. It was great to hear someone backing himself like he clearly does.

'It's fair to say my phone has been busy since the announcement about leaving Salford. Quite a few people have made enquiries, and there have been offers, but absolutely no-one showed the level of interest or desire to get me to their club as the Altrincham manager did.

'His vision for the club and the team and stressing how much he wanted me to be part of it was the reason I'm here now. It means the world to me to have that level of faith placed in me.

'I like to see myself as a proper footballer. Technique is probably a strength in my game. That and being creative, getting the best out of other players around me, particularly within the framework of a style of play that suits me. I had one season in the Evo-Stik with Salford, and we got promoted and had an FA Cup run, so the same again next season would do nicely.

'I'll be aiming for goals and assists, and I'm confident I can do that and contribute to a successful season for Altrincham.'

Poole was part of the City side that beat Chelsea to win the 2007-08 FA Youth Cup, and he went on to make nearly 100 appearances for Hartlepool before having a brief spell at Bury and joining Salford in September, 2015.

Warrington-born 26-year old Harrison underlined his growing reputation as a ball-playing centre-back with a remarkable solo goal in the FA Cup against Stourbridge last season, sidestepping two challenges before rifling a shot into the top corner. It was voted Nantwich's goal of the season and can be viewed on here

'Ben is a sought-after footballing centre-half, and we have fought off stiff opposition to bring him to Altrincham,' said Parkinson. 'I'm delighted he has chosen to join us, and I'm confident he will become a firm favourite with the fans. That goal against Stourbridge was something special, well worth a look. Our fans will love it, and I'm confident they will take to him in a big way.'"

EVO-STIK LEAGUE NEWS

The EVO-STIK League Southern was chosen on Thursday to manage and run the new Step 3 division which is being created for the start of the 2018-19 season. This follows a long-awaited review of Steps 3 and 4 of the National League System to iron out geographical anomalies, cut down on travelling costs and time for fans, players and officials and encourage more Step 5 clubs to climb the pyramid. The first major restructuring of the game since 2004 will also see the creation of a new Step 4 division which will be run by the Isthmian League.

In total, the 276 clubs currently playing in Steps 1 to 4 [including Altrincham] will increase by 20 to 296 when the two new divisions kick-off in August 2018. Across the board, the reshuffle will see the three current Step 3 divisions of 24 clubs increase to four divisions of 22 clubs while the six Step 4 divisions currently run by the Northern Premier League, Isthmian League and Southern League will rise from 136 clubs playing in six divisions to seven 20 club divisions.

To achieve its aim, the FA also confirmed that only the bottom clubs in the current Step 3 divisions will be relegated at the end of season 2017-2018. In addition, only the clubs finishing last in the six divisions currently operating at Step 4 will be relegated next season with 26 clubs coming up from Step 5".

For 2017-18 the constitution of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division has been confirmed as Altrincham, Ashton United, Barwell, Buxton, Coalville Town, Farsley Celtic, Grantham Town, Halesowen Town, Hednesford Town,P) Lancaster City, Marine, Matlock Town, Mickleover Sports, Nantwich Town, Rushall Olympic, Shaw Lane AFC, Stafford Rangers, Stalybridge Celtic, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield Town, Warrington Town, Witton Albion, Whitby Town, Workington.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North will comprise, Atherton Collieries, Bamber Bridge, Brighouse Town, Clitheroe, Colne, Colwyn Bay, Droylsden, Frickley Athletic, Glossop North End, Hyde United, Kendal Town, Mossley, Ossett Albion, Ossett Town, Prescot Cables, Radcliffe Borough, Ramsbottom United, Scarborough Athletic, Skelmersdale United, South Shields, Tadcaster Albion, Trafford.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South consists of Alvechurch, Basford United, Bedworth United, Belper Town, Carlton Town, Chasetown, Cleethorpes Town, Corby Town, Gresley, Ilkeston, Kidsgrove Athletic, Leek Town Lincoln United, Loughborough Dynamo, Market Drayton Town, Newcastle Town, Peterborough Sports, Romulus, Sheffield Spalding United, Stamford and Stocksbridge Park Steels.

The constitution of these league will be formally ratified at the EvoSTik NPL AGM, to be held in Blackpool in June.

It was announced yesterday that John Deacey, one of the joint managers, had left at Farsley Celtic but now it has been confirmed that so, too, has the other manager, Neil Parsley. The announcement came in a "Further statement from club Chairman John Palmer. Following the decision by John and Neil to leave the club over the last couple of days, I would like to personally put on record my thanks to both of our departing managers... ohn has been fantastic over his two spells at the club, which culminated with a fantastic promotion campaign last year'

'I cannot thank Neil enough for his time here at Farsley Celtic. He came back as manager when we had to reform the club and he has been brilliant over these last seven seasons'".

NEW AWAY SHIRT

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

The announcement has come after a recent meeting of the Board and subsequent discussion with the management duo... Chairman John Eeles said, 'The decision has not been taken lightly, and has been done with a heavy heart as both Ant and Paul are such popular figures at the club, Ant particularly so, with over 400 appearances and a key figure in Lee Casswell’s play-off teams'...

The club will conduct a very short recruitment process and will make an announcement in due course".

And another managerial departure is reported at Farsley Celtic where the "Board regret to announce that Joint-Manager John Deacey has parted company with the Club with immediate effect. We would like to place on record our thanks to John for all his help over the last two seasons and wish him all the best for the future. Further information will follow over the next few days."

Last season the joint-manager at Farsley was former Alty player Neil Parsley. Celtic report that Parsley, after a 12-year playing spell, went into management with Guiseley... The club decided to dispense of [sic] his services in November 2006 despite the club holding top spot in the league. He then moved onto North Ferriby United where he guided the East Yorkshire side away from the threat of relegation... After a difficult start to the 2007/08 campaign, the club parted company with Neil and he then moved to Farsley, as assistant manager to John Deacey.

Farsley and Deacey parted company in October 2008 following relegation and following a successful spell as caretaker manager, [Neil] was given the role full-time. Following the demise of the old club in March 2010, Parsley agreed to manage the new side for the 2010/11 season and guided Farsley to NCEL Premier Division and League Cup double in the club's inaugural season."

At the end of 2016-17 season "Farsley Celtic defeated local rivals Ossett Town 4-2 to win promotion to the Evo-Stik Premier Division. Farsley Celtic won promotion in dramatic style as a late Richard Marshall equaliser sent the game to extra time before terrific strikes from Ryan Watson and [ex-Alty striker] James Walshaw, with his fiftieth strike of the season, sent Farsley into the Evo-Stik Premier Division...

Victorious Manager Neil Parsley said, 'I think we’ve played great football this season, we’ve scored 108 league goals, playing a brand of football we like to play. Today’s a reward for the players who’ve dug in when we seemed to be down and out and it’s a great feeling".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

O’Neill, who took over the reins from long-serving manager Nicky Law towards the end of the campaign, has not been offered a new deal, with fans’ favourite Clayton, who remained a player as well as O’Neill’s assistant and scored over 100 goals in two spells with the club, also having been released.

Other players to have been released include Adam Priestley, Paul Marshall, Ryan Wilson and captain Andy Monkhouse, while it is believed midfielder Mark Shelton has turned down the offer of a new deal. No official announcement has yet been made by the club on any of the departures, but Clayton posted a message on social media on Monday confirming he had left and wishing the club all the best for the future.

Alfreton narrowly avoided relegation from the National League North last season, although Worcester City’s subsequent and voluntary three-division demotion means that the Reds may well have survived even if they’d finished third from bottom in the league."

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

In addition Tommy Uda, (BSc.Hons Sports Therapy), the former Crewe Alexandra and Nantwich Town sports therapist, has joined the club along with Ryan Murray (BSc.Hons Sports and Exercise Science, MSc Sports Therapy). Both are pictured, right.

RESERVES' REPORT

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wood are pushing the boat out and chairman Danny Hunter explained why such investment is being made in the club’s facilities. He said, 'These exciting summer facility builds, include a new main pitch irrigation system, a new main pitch drainage system, a new full-size, two-star, UEFA-approved training pitch, that sits alongside the car park and comes complete with a new concourse walkway and an interior/exterior fencing system set within the club grounds.

'We’re also having a new 500 lux LED floodlight system installed, a new set of Premier League standard dugouts constructed and the prep work is now well underway. As such we are confident and expect to have a completed facility handed to us as of the 15th July...

A strong Arsenal XI will officially open the new million pound DESSO pitch and our new floodlight system on the evening of Thursday, 27th July. Arsenal have been incredibly supportive'".

Footnote: Last season Boreham Wood had the lowest average gate in the National League National division, with just 477 spectators per game.

The FA has issued its list of clubs in the non-League divisions. One change of note is that Gloucester City have been moved from the Vanarama National North to the South division. The beneficiaries of Worcester City's voluntary demotion are Harrow Borough and Ware, who are both reprieved from relegation.

Any club wishing to appeal against its allocation has 14 days to do so.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PROMOTION PLAY-OFF FINAL

• Forest Green Rovers 3-1 Tranmere Rovers

JOHN JOHNSTON

John, (d.o.b. 28 September 1994), is a right-winger, who had joined Salford City in 2016. His career started at Kidsgrove Athletic, before he moved to Leek Town in July 2013.

His good performances at Harrison Park led to a move to Crewe Alexandra in January 2014 but they immediately loaned him back to Leek till the end of the 2013-14 season. John's form was rewarded when he was named as the Evo-Stik League First Division South Young Player of the Year for 2013-14. In that same season he actually played against Alty when Leek won at Moss Lane in the FA Trophy.

At the end of November 2014, Crewe then loaned John to Alfreton Town who, in January 2015, signed him on themselves. A month's loan to Salford City came in January 2016 and he signed for the Ammies later in 2016. A loan spell under Phil Parkinson at Nantwich followed before he was recalled to Salford and John was in the Salford City side which beat Alty 2-1 at Moor Lane on 1 April 2017.

RESERVES FINISH SIXTH

Above: Alty defend a second-half long throw by Crewe.

A win would have secured fourth place for Altrincham Reserves in their final match of the season, at the J Davidson Stadium, which was watched by the new first-team management duo of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel. But, after Altrincham had taken a deserved 33rd minute lead through Faux, they conceded a second half equalizer when goalkeeper Jones did well to stop a close-range header from the visitors' centre-back but the same opponent netted the loose ball. As a result, Alty finished a very commendable sixth.

Report to follow...

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES

• Saturday July 8th: Whitchurch Alport (A)
• Saturday 15th July: Kidsgrove Athletic (A)
• Tuesday 18th July: Chester FC (H)
• Tuesday 25th July: Wrexham (H)
• Saturday 5th August: Trafford (A)

ALTY GIRLS IN THE NEWS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS

• FC Halifax Town 2 (Roberts 46, Garner 100) Chorley 1 (Blakeman 60), a.e.t. Attendance 7,920

North Promotion Play-Off Final

• Ebbsfleet United 2 Chelmsford City 1. Att: 3134

NW NEWS

PHIL'S FIRST SIGNING

The 22 year-old admitted he took little persuading to link up again with Parkinson soon after Salford's season finished in dramatic fashion, with a penalty-shoot-out defeat in last Sunday's Vanarama National League North play-off semi-final against FC Halifax Town at The Shay.

Right: John Johnston, with Alty manager Phil Parkinson, signs for next season.

Speaking to Alty's club website, Johnston said, 'That was a tough one to take at Halifax but, to be honest, it probably wouldn't have made any difference if we had got through and gone on to win promotion. Once I got the call from Phil, I really didn't need much persuading at all to become an Alty player.

'For one thing, this is a massive club in non-league circles, and you can really sense the expectation and desire to get back up next season and keep climbing. I want to be part of it and play a role in getting Altrincham back where they belong.

'On top of that, playing for Parky is a big factor, probably the biggest influence of all. I played for him on loan at Nantwich earlier this year, and he was class. He got the best out of me and really got me going, just as he did with all the lads there.

'His man-management skills are second to none. You want to play for him, and the time I spent at Nantwich was one of the most enjoyable I've had in football.'

So what can Alty fans expect from a player who scored three goals in his first three games for Salford and made 24 appearances overall in their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League promotion campaign after starting out at Kidsgrove Athletic and Leek Town and having spells at Crewe Alexandra and Alfreton Town?

'I'm basically an old-fashioned winger who likes taking people on and getting the ball into the danger area,' he said. 'I'd say I'm direct in my style. There's nothing complicated about it really, get past my man and cross the ball for someone who can finish it off. That's what I'll be aiming to do, and hopefully I can increase my goal tally as well; that will be another target next season.

'I was gutted my last game for Salford finished the way it did. It was incredibly tense, and when it went to penalties, I was down for the fourth one. I've always been a good penalty-taker, but I didn't get the chance. We missed our first three, so when they made it 3-0 with their fourth, that was it. I was due to take the next one, but it was all over.

'Our first one was saved, but the next two sailed over the bar, and both lads said they slipped at the last minute. It was very sandy where the spot was. The other penalty area was in much better condition, but Halifax won the toss before kick-off and chose the end where their fans were. It was the same for both teams and just one of those things.

'The main thing now is showing Altrincham fans what I'm about and doing my best for the team and the manager. As I said, I know what Parky is all about, and I can only see good things for us next season.'"

Footnote: John was born on 28 September 1994.

RESERVES AT JDS TODAY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PLAY-OFF

• FC Halifax Town v Chorley

VANARAMA BIG DAY OUT

Ticket information for the Vanarama National League Promotion Final to be played at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, on Sunday 14th May with a 3.00pm kick off.

TICKETS CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED VIA THE WEMBLEY TICKET PORTAL

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET SALE – Opens on-line Monday 8th May from 10am

Level 1 - Category 1: £41 (no concessions)

These ticket sales will be subject to a booking fee of £3 per ticket.

Level 1 – Category 2: £36 and £18 (Under 16s) These ticket sales will be subject to a booking fee of £3 per ticket for those priced at £36 and £1.50 for those priced at £18.

Postage, if requested, will be charged at: £2.50 per order

Print at Home, if requested will be charged at: £1.00 per order

Collection at Wembley, if requested will be charged at: £1.95 per order

WEMBLEY TICKET PORTAL: here. Disabled seated allocation is available directly through Wembley Stadium and details are also available on-line with a dedicated telephone number to discuss personal needs. 0800 169 2007 option 7.

Note: The purchaser is required to nominate which Finalist club they align themselves to or they may indicate a ‘Neutral’ option.

For those supporters of the two clubs reaching the Promotion Final who have already taken advantage of the Early Bird Offer, your tickets for the correct area of the stadium allotted to each finalist will be made accordingly. You do not have to do anything extra.

EVO-STIK LEAGUE NEWS

The Football Club wishes to advise Supporters and Shareholders that due to the excessive costs attached to retaining National League North (Step 2) status, and despite a battle to the end of the season, a decision was made to resign from the National League. This decision was made collectively by the Board of Directors, with input from the management team, to ensure the future survival of the Football Club.

This season, in particular, has seen significant playing budgets being available to many other clubs at Step 2, making it an elite tier of non-League football with over-inflated player wages, and impossible for the Club to remain competitive whilst operating within its means.

The identification of a ground that is affordable and deliverable in the City of Worcester has been of the highest priority for the Directors of the Club over the past 3 years and a number of sites reviewed through the Council Working Party. With the continuing delays of the Perdiswell Project, both for Planning but, more importantly, confirmation of a Land Transfer from the Council, the Board of Directors concluded that there was no alternative but to resign from the National League in order to give the Club the best possible chance of survival for forthcoming seasons.

The reason for the Club having sought to hold onto its Step 2 status had been to ensure that maximum available grants were available to support the building of a new ground in Worcester. However with the doubtful nature surrounding any Council land transfer at Perdiswell and the need to safeguard remaining funds towards a new ground, the Directors had no option other than to advise the FA and the League, in accordance with the rules, at the beginning of March of our intention to play at a lower level of football with a more sustainable playing budget. At this point immediate savings were made by moving on a number of the playing squad.

The Club made an application to the FA to cease being a member of the National League and be placed in a lower league for next season. The FA League Management Committee (LMC) has absolute discretion in terms of the Step at which it places a Club. Despite speculation, the Club were required to remain silent until the outcome was known. The LMC has now confirmed it has decided to place the Club at Step 5 of the National League System for season 2017/18, which is the Midland Football League Premier Division.

Playing at a lower level of football will enable the Club to operate a reduced playing budget to ensure that the Club’s remaining funds are protected to help support its return to Worcester at the earliest opportunity. It will also provide locally developed players with more chance of progressing and representing Worcester City Football Club. Regardless of the Step at which we were to be placed the new Management Team was set a playing budget for next season and it is intended to announce player news shortly.

We have sympathy with supporters who will be disappointed with this news, however this action is aimed at being a pragmatic and sensible approach to ensure the Club is given the best possible chance of survival until the goal of bringing the Football Club back to a new home in Worcester has been achieved.

The Board of Directors, Worcester City Football Club".

NL Pitchero tells us that "David Hewson, joint-manager of Workington AFC, couldn’t hide his delight when three key members of the squad agreed terms for next season.

Aaran Taylor, Scott Allison and Josh Calvert, all of whom have attracted interest from other clubs in recent months, signed contracts which will keep them at Borough Park for the next twelve months at least.

It follows the signing of Conor Tinnion earlier in the week...

Taylor, an ever-present in last season’s league campaign, kept a clean sheet in six consecutive games during April, nineteen in total, and skippered the side on several occasions. Allison will start his fifth season with the club... Calvert has enjoyed three excellent seasons with the club, quickly racking-up a century of league appearances and collecting the young player of the year award twice during that period.

Further talks with other members of the squad are planned but early indications suggest the majority are happy to stay".

OLD FOES

SUMMER ACTION

J. DAVIDSON LTD EXTEND SPONSORSHIP

Jamie Davidson’s Broadheath-based company have sponsored the shirts for the past six years and the stadium for the past four, and their ongoing financial backing is hugely appreciated for the significant part it can play in helping us achieve our goal of regaining National League status at the first time of asking.

The support of local companies indicates they see the club as the hub of the local community and is recognition of the effort put in to promote our sponsors to everyone who visits the J Davidson Stadium.

In announcing the boost to Alty's finances for next season, chairman Grahame Rowley said, 'Although Jamie is rarely able to attend games, due to his business commitments, the company are well represented whenever we play, not least by his senior work colleague Harry Gibson, who has been well and truly bitten by the Alty bug!

'When you consider J.Davidson have also sponsored our beer festival every year since its inception in 2011, you begin to realise the club could not wish for more committed or generous commercial partners. We are truly grateful for the magnificent support that J Davidson provide and look forward to many more years working together.'

*On the subject of a possible announcement about potential investment in the club, initially scheduled for the end of this week, the matter has not progressed as rapidly as expected, and it is estimated a further update should now be available by the end of next week. The cause of the delay is out of the club's hands, but, nevertheless, the board wish to apologise for it".

NICKY CLEE LEAVES

The 33-year old winger (left) rejoined Alty last December from Harrogate Town after signing a contract that was due to run until the end of next season. But his second spell at The J.Davidson Stadium has been cut short after he approached the club and asked to leave.

Though bitterly disappointed by his stance, club officials concluded there was little point keeping a player whose focus was not on helping an Alty promotion push next season and reluctantly granted his request.

A release form has been signed and sent to the FA, leaving Huddersfield-born Clee, who was not retained by then-manager Neil Young last May and had spells at Guiseley and Harrogate before rejoining Alty, free to play for another club.

Alty chairman Grahame Rowley commented, 'I have to say I am extremely disappointed in Nicky's actions. He was very keen to return to the club midway through last season, and willingly signed an 18-month contract. To now renege on that saddens me, but we only want players who are 100% committed to the cause for next season. If Nicky's commitment is away from Altrincham FC, then so be it.

I must also say I am extremely disappointed that another club has approached a contracted player, offered him terms and thus encouraged Nicky to take this course of action. It's not how things should be done, but good luck to him for the future.'"

Footnote: Nicky Clee (33) made 239 starts and 53 substitute appearances for Altrincham, and scored 37 goals after originally joining the club in 2009.

ALTY GIRLS' BIG WEEKEND

Saturday 13th May: Both under 11s' teams are in cup finals

• 'Europa League': Timperley Villa v Alty Phoenix k.o. 13.00
• 'Champions League': Urmston Meds Athena v Alty Griffins k.o. 14.30

The above matches are to played at the former Flixton FC at Valley Road, Flixton M41 8RQ.

**Note** To parents there is normally an admission charge for the above games; ask your daughter's coach.

Sunday 14th May: Manchester County Cup Under-14s' Final

• Curzon Ashton v Alty Skylarks k.o. 15.00

Good luck to all involved and spectators are welcome".

JOIN THE ALTY "BONUS BALL" GAME

The numbers available are 11,16,17,20,24,35,40 and 49. It’s just £1 a week to join, which is payable via cash to the Club offices or by standing order.

OLD BOYS

Cox believes the youngster can make a breakthrough into the first-team squad on a regular basis next season, and said, 'I do feel that Elliot Newby has matured as a player. I think his time in Conference North has done him the world of good, enough for us to offer him fresh terms on a new contract. I'm looking for Elliot to really hit the ground running when he comes back, in order to establish himself not just in the 16, but to push for a place in the 11'.

As well a offering Newby a deal, the club have activated an option to extend Moussa Diarra's stay for another season, while both Alex-Ray Harvey and [ex-Alty loanee] Paul Turnbull triggered their contract extensions when they made their 25th appearances of the campaign. Both [ex-Alty loanee] Andy Parry and Joel Dixon, who missed the majority of the season after knee injuries which required surgery, have been invited back in pre-season with the goal of earning new contracts".

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

Conor Tinnion was the first to commit for the new season, which kicks-off on 12th August, when he extended his contract for a further twelve months. The double Player of the Year winner, acknowledged by players and supporters, originally signed for Reds seven years ago but has matured into a wonderful talent over the last three seasons missing very few games and chipping in with over thirty goals. He skippered the side occasionally last season, and has made 148 starts since Reds returned to the Northern Premier League in 2015."

From the News & Star, we learn that "Ex-Reds chairman Dale Brotherton has hit out at the Workington board of directors, saying they have 'failed to welcome his interest in the club'. Mr Brotherton, who is bidding to buy the ground and grant a 100-year lease to Reds for a nominal fee, says they are not willing to engage in further talks with him.

The Workington board has released a statement saying that it is looking into all possibilities with regards to the future of Borough Park. But in a statement, Mr Brotherton said, 'To date, I have received no meaningful response from John Mackay, joint acting chairman of Workington Reds, despite two separate invites to meet with Allerdale Council to outline the club’s vision for Borough Park. On each and every occasion the board have frustrated the negotiation process agreed between myself and Allerdale. Having acted with, what I feel, is great transparency, I was surprised that no board members attended the public meeting held at Borough Park on Tuesday, May 2 to discuss my proposal. This was despite all members having been invited to attend.

'At the meeting, a vote was taken of those present to see whether they supported or otherwise the proposal to give Borough Park a 100-year lease. 113 voted in favour along with two abstentions with nobody in opposition to the plan in principal.'

He concluded, 'The board have categorically failed to welcome my interest in the club and no mention is made of engaging in further talks with myself regarding this matter. I retain legitimate concerns that the Board of Directors are failing in their duty to protect the interests of the shareholders. All supporters and interested parties can rest assured, despite the above, that I will continue to fight for the future of Borough Park.'

The Reds' board declined to comment on Mr Brotherton’s statement. Earlier they confirmed that they were still in talks with Allerdale Council over Borough Park.

They released a statement which read 'The board can confirm that talks with Allerdale Council regarding the future of Workington AFC, including the possible option presented by Mr Brotherton, are ongoing'".

Matlock Town "joint bosses Glenn Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins have not let the grass grow under their feet as work has already started on preparing for the 2017/18 campaign.

The 2016/17 season saw Matlock narrowly miss out on a play- off spot by finishing ninth in the NPL Premier Division table, but outstanding results in the knock-out competitions saw the Gladiators earn £30.000 in prize money from the FA competitions. They made it through to the final qualifying round of the FA Cup before bowing out at Altrincham while superb away victories came at FC Halifax and Solihull Moors in a thrilling FA Trophy run which ended with a narrow 3-2 defeat at Conference National high fliers Barrow in a match where Matlock led 2-0 with half an hour to go.

Hopkins and Kirkwood remarked at last Friday night’s Presentation Night that their squad of players from 2016/17 is 'The best set of lads they have ever managed', so they are obviously keen to keep them at the DCJ Group Arena next term. 'We’ve spoken to the players and we’ve had a positive reaction with regard to next season', said Hopkins. 'Obviously Marcus Dinanga will go back to Burton Albion... but we’ve also got cracking with player recruitment and have already spoken to twelve or so for next year so we’re prepared in the event that we do lose anyone. When pre-season gets under way on the last Saturday in June we looking to have about twenty players at that point.'

The joint bosses have also been busy trying to formulate their pre season friendly schedule. 'We’re hoping we’ve got fixed up with matches against three League clubs and we’re hoping that games follow against two more', Hopkins added".

Asked about other teams in the NPL, Hopkins said...

BEST TEAM FACED: "In the league again it had to be Spennymoor...

LEAGUE’S OVERACHIEVERS: "Without doubt Adam Stevens did a magnificent job at Grantham as did Chris Hardy with Whitby.”

LEAGUE’S UNDERACHIEVERS: “I’d have to go for Corby Town who would be really disappointed at going down given the resources available to them and the crowds they have been able to attract. They’ve now got two good lads in charge who me and Kirky know really well and I’d expect them to bounce back next season.”

It’s a busy time off the pitch also as the DCJ Group Arena pitch has had dead grass and thatch removed before fertilising and re-seeding work got under way. The six floodlight pylons which had been in place since 1970 before one was demolished by Storm Doris in February have been removed ahead of four new pylons being installed in time for the new campaign. Working parties are now at the ground every Tuesday evening as supporters help out with maintenance work on the ground during the summer break."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

'That could have been the easiest stock transaction of my life. We turned it down. He's a big part of my plans,' MacAnthony said. He told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, 'I want Ricky to win the golden boot possibly this year, in competition with any other strikers we bring in.' Peterborough-born Miller, who Posh also tried to sign in January, will link up with his new team-mates for pre-season training at the end of June."

ELVIS COMES TO ALTY!

UNITED IN THE SPORTS HALL

EVO-STIK LEAGUE NEWS

The Management and Coaching Team:

• David Cooke – Manager
• Steve Jones – Assistant Manager and First Team Coach
• Danny Griggs – Assistant Manager and First Team Coach
• Nigel Deeley – Coach & Coach Mentor

Dave Cooke has experience of Management at various levels of non-league football, including the National Conference where he was part of the Management team that kept Northwich Victoria in the league. Dave then went on to become Assistant Manager at Shrewsbury Town after they dropped out of the Football League and gained promotion back to the league at the first attempt. Dave was also instrumental in giving debuts to the likes of Joe Hart (Man City and England) and Dave Edwards (Wolves). Dave is very well known locally and on the non-league scene and he understands the club and its supporters, the NTFC ethos...

Steve Jones... joined Nantwich Town as a player in 2014, after a highly successful career including 29 Northern Ireland full international calls and playing for famous clubs such as Burnley...

Chairman Tony Davison said 'I am pleased Dave has accepted the role of Manager. He has put together a very strong local team which I believe will give us the continuity we were looking for. We were very keen to build on the success of the past two years and I firmly believe that this new team will do just that'".

Our fellow relegation sufferers, Stalybridge Celtic say that "Steve Burr and his management team have already begun planning for next season. The following players have been released...

Rio Ahmadi, [ex-Alty trialist] Aaron Chalmers, Daniel Wilkins, Mathias Bakare, Kristian Platt, Keano Deacon, Kieran Dunbar, Matty Hughes and Darren McKnight... The following players have been invited to pre-season training in early July: Andy Bishop, Gary Gee, Adam Mather, Grant Shenton, Nick Ryan, Daniel Pilkington, [ex-Alty Youth/Reserves] Jude Oyibo and Matthew Regan. An offer of re-engagement has been made to Daniel Wisdom... Danny Morton has been retained by the club for the 2017/18 season".

The NL Paper tells us that "Frickley Athletic have confirmed Spencer Fearn as their new manager while also securing investment from the North of England Football Academy (NEFA).

Frickley will be competing at Step 4 next season after suffering relegation from the Evo-Stik NPL Premier... Fearn, who has worked for East Stirling and Stockport County off the field, has spent the last two years managing Maltby Main...

The new boss joins Frickley alongside Ryan McKnight, the chief executive of North of England Football Academy with both men taking a place on the Athletic board. McKnight, formerly chief executive at Stockport County, has agreed to help Frickley with 'investment and additional assistance'".

From Workington we learn that "The Board can confirm that talks with Allerdale Borough Council regarding the future of Workington AFC... are ongoing.

As part of our Business Plan, we have nurtured the Reds' Development Fund group, increased advertising and sponsorship and are currently in the process of undertaking the major new initiative of Reds in the Community, all in the hope of providing a stable business platform to support a successful Workington Football Club.

It is incumbent upon the Board we consider all options... However, it is important that we have time to bring our discussions with Allerdale to a conclusion and, when we are in a position to do so, will provide the shareholders with the options available to move the club forward."

Hednesford Town Football Club are pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Tooth as their new first-team manager. Following the departure of Gary Birch on Friday evening, Tooth undertook an interview at Keys Park before being handed the role today.

Tooth, who has experience at this level as manager of Sutton Coldfield Town, will be assisted by Phil Male, Andy Ling (first team coach) and former Pitmen favourite Kris Taylor who will take up a player-coach role...

Tooth said, 'I know that we are perhaps a week or so behind other clubs but, in the coming days, I shall be speaking to Hednesford players from last season and also to other players about potentially signing as we look to build a squad. Having got Sutton promoted into this league, and then finishing twelfth in the first season, I know what it is all about'".

Over at Grantham Town, "Manager Adam Stevens has been busy already securing three of last season's squad for next season. Top scorer Lee Shaw, who netted 28 times last season has committed to the club by signing a new one-year contract. Shaw joined the club from Harrowby United in the summer of 2015 and has made over 100 appearances for the club, netting 38 goals in the process.

He is joined by ever-present goalkeeper Kieran Preston, who joined the club in October from Stafford Rangers. Preston... played every game for the rest of the season, keeping 11 clean sheets in 37 appearances.

Captain Stefan Galinski joins the duo as he agreed to a new one-year deal with the Gingerbreads. Galinski missed just 1 game during the 2016/17 season (through suspension). Stefan joined the club in February 2016 from Alfreton Town and scored twice last season.

Manager Adam Stevens stated... 'They all played a major part in our season last time out and I hope to add to those names in the coming days'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Forwards Inih Effiong and Lindon Meikle, goalkeeper Andy Coughlin and defender Shaun Beeley are also leaving. [Ex-Alty loanee] Elliot Newby has been offered a new contract, while Moussa Diarra, Alex Ray-Harvey and [ex-Alty loanee] Paul Turnbull have had contract extensions triggered... Joel Dixon and [ex-Alty loanee] Andy Parry have been invited to pre-season training. "

According to the Northern Echo, "David Hodgson claims Darlington are at a crossroads that could threaten their very existence and has urged the club’s shareholders to support Raj Singh’s attempts to buy his way back into the Quakers. Singh has pledged to invest £40,000 into Darlington, and is hoping to acquire a 15 per cent stake in the club, with the potential for his shareholding to increase further in the future.

The move is a hugely controversial one, with the Teesside-based businessman having overseen Darlington’s plunge into administration in 2012, and requires 75 per cent of the club’s current shareholders to vote for the proposal at an emergency EGM, which is due to be held later this month.

Hodgson is regarded as one of Darlington’s most popular figureheads, and while he understands the reservations about Singh’s sudden re-emergence, he feels the former chairman should be given a clean slate. 'I’ve known about this for a while now, because Martin (Gray) came to see me before the fans’ forum when it was first being mentioned as a possibility,' said Hodgson. 'He explained to me what was on the table, and I said, "Martin, you have to go along with this". To me, it’s the only way to safeguard the future of the club and keep things moving forward....

'Darlington desperately need investment, and at the moment, Raj Singh’s offer is the only one on the table. For that reason, I think the club definitely has to take it... If the money is turned down, things will only go one way. If wrong moves are made now, Darlington could easily become another Scarborough'.

Singh is due to provide clarification about his ambitions and motives before the weekend...

'Sometimes, you just have to accept the football club is bigger than any one person,' Hodgson said... 'I know Raj Singh has a history within the football club, but exactly the same was true of George Reynolds when I agreed to come back. When I left Darlington, George Reynolds moved heaven and earth to try to destroy me, but I still came back to manage the club when he was there... The football club is in a position where it needs someone to support it, and Raj Singh is the only person who has come forward'.

Singh’s £40,000 investment would be used to strengthen the playing squad, with Martin Gray’s side having finished fifth in National League North this season, only to be denied a place in the play-offs because of a failure to meet FA ground regulations... Hodgson fears Gray could be tempted to walk away if his support for Singh is not reciprocated".

Reports from the National League confirm that "Two of Nuneaton’s biggest sporting clubs will be working in co-operation next season after a new groundshare agreement was agreed at Liberty Way... Disagreement between Nuneaton Rugby Club and Vanarama National League North club Nuneaton Town led to a number of skips blocking various access points on Nuneaton RFC’s land this year...

Nuneaton Town chairman Lee Thorn said, 'I am delighted to announce that a new GSA has been reached and it will see Nuneaton Rugby Club back on the stadium pitch for a minimum of ten games in the coming campaign. As part of that agreement the Nuns will provide, and maintain, a total of two pitches on-site for the Football Club to use for their growing academy and first-team training. The agreement will see Nuneaton Town be able to train in-house and will give the Rugby Club the chance to play on the main pitch throughout the season'...

Town chairman and manager Tommy Wright praised the efforts of both parties in coming to a resolution... 'This was a situation that I walked into here and it was not a healthy one for anyone connected to it. To see the agreement in place now, and us to get the two academy pitches from it, is great news'".

ALTY TEAMS: END OF SEASON

With a fixture to play on 13 May at home to Crewe, Altrincham FC Reserves lie eighth in the The Hallmark Security Cheshire Football League Premier Division. If they beat Crewe and Congleton Vale (7th) fail to beat Poynton (2nd) Alty can end up as high as fourth.

Altrincham FC Youth currently lie seventh with their final place depending on the final two matches being played in the NWYA Premier Division on Wednesday.

Altrincham's youth education programme ("BTEC") team ended their season eleventh in the The National League U19 Alliance

OLD BOYS

Danny (right), 27, netted 27 times in 44 appearances for the Mariners last season and is a key part of Manager Tommy Lawson's plans, the club not losing any League game that he scored in during 2016-17. He had a brief loan spell from Altrincham starting in December 2012 (4 games, 2 goals) before joining the Mariners in October 2015 from Skelmersdale United, scoring 19 goals in 42 appearances in 2015-16. His full record to the end of 2016-17 is 48 goals in 90 appearances.

Marine Vice Chairman Dave McMillan said, 'Danny has led by example as Club Captain this season and has a phenomenal goals to games ratio for Marine at better than a goal every other game. He's also not gone more than five games without scoring all season, and is the type of regular goalscorer and team player that every club wants in their side'".

Mitchley made one start in the CSC and ten sub appearances for Alty before going on loan in December 2012 to Marine for a month to gain match experience. In mid-March 2013 Danny started another one-month loan, this time at Kendal Town, before joining the Cumbrians on a permanent basis.

NL Pitchero reports that an Alty loanee, last season, Nyal Bell of Gateshead is going to Chester FC on a six-month loan.

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

The club have struggled financially since leaving their St George’s Lane home in 2013, groundsharing at Kidderminster Harriers before moving to Bromsgrove Sporting last season. Snape says the board are looking at the finacial implications of playing in the Southern League Premier or Northern Premier League next term and will make their decision soon. If City do opt to take a voluntary relegation to Step 4, or below, Harrow Borough of the Ryman Premier could be set for a reprieve as they have the highest points per game total across the Step 3 divisions".

Elsewhere in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, "Chris Hardy and his management team at Whitby Town and their counterparts at three other Northern Premier League clubs are being hailed for the shining example they set on the touchlines over the course of the 2016-17 campaign.

EVO-STIK NPL Referees' Liaison Officer, John Jones, singled out the touchline teams at the Seasiders, Lincoln United, Scarborough Athletic and Lancaster City for special praise on Monday for their 'impeccable' behaviour following the publication of the final 'technical area' marks of the season... Hardy and his staff led the way in the top flight after receiving no less than 39 'excellent' marks and seven 'goods' in their 46 league fixtures.

With match officials awarding minus one point for poor, one for satisfactory, two for good and three for excellent, Jones called the record of the Turnbull Ground staff 'remarkable' after they posted the stand-out average score of 2.85 among the EVO-STIK NPL's 68 clubs. Jones said, 'They were way out in front in the statistics, impeccable, and to not get one poor or even just satisfactory mark all season really is remarkable and should be commended. Like Lincoln United, Scarborough Athletic and Lancaster City, they've set a fantastic example for their players and everyone else to follow. As a league we are very proud of them all because they couldn't have demonstrated more clearly why the the Northern Premier League continues to be recognised by the Football Association for having the best record on sportsmanship and Respect at both league and club level in Non-League football'.

While Sam Wilkinson and his management team at Lincoln United were the only ones in EVO-STIK NPL First Division South to post an average above 2.7 with a score of 2.76, Steve Kittrick and his team at Scarborough Athletic narrowly pipped Phil Brown's champions at Lancaster City to top spot, posting an average of 2.76 to beat the Dolly Blues on 2.74. Brown can console himself with seeing his side collect the President's Cup at June's annual awards night in Blackpool as this season's best behaved side across the entire EVO-STIK NPL."

OLD BOYS

Danny (right), 27, netted 27 times in 44 appearances for the Mariners last season and is a key part of Manager Tommy Lawson's plans, the club not losing any League game that he scored in during 2016-17. He had a brief loan spell from Altrincham starting in December 2012 (4 games, 2 goals) before joining the Mariners in October 2015 from Skelmersdale United, scoring 19 goals in 42 appearances in 2015-16. His full record to the end of 2016-17 is 48 goals in 90 appearances.

Marine Vice Chairman Dave McMillan said, 'Danny has led by example as Club Captain this season and has a phenomenal goals to games ratio for Marine at better than a goal every other game. He's also not gone more than five games without scoring all season, and is the type of regular goalscorer and team player that every club wants in their side'".

Mitchley made one start in the CSC and ten sub appearances for Alty before going on loan in December 2012 to Marine for a month to gain match experience. In mid-March 2013 Danny started another one-month loan, this time at Kendal Town, before joining the Cumbrians on a permanent basis.

NL Pitchero reports that an Alty loanee, last season, Nyal Bell of Gateshead is going to Chester FC on a six-month loan.

"STICK WITH US" SAYS SHAUN

"Dear Supporters

Firstly, I would like to apologise to you, as a season-ticket holder, on behalf of myself and all the players for what has been a bitterly disappointing last 12 – 18 months for the football club. Having been at the club for approaching nine years now, and counting myself as a fan as well as a player, I fully understand the sense of anger and disappointment at our performances over the last couple of seasons. Throughout it all, our supporters have continued to turn out in numbers, following us both home and away, so I want to take this opportunity to thank you, and every other Alty fan, for a remarkable level of loyalty that is hugely appreciated by every one of us.

Believe me, that sort of backing can help us massively next season when, it goes without saying, our number one aim will be an immediate return to the Conference North, followed by a return to the Conference National. We need to enter the campaign with the mindset that we are the “top dog” in the league. This isn't arrogance, merely a realistic appraisal of the division we find ourselves in and the club we are playing for.

Given Altrincham's history and tradition, we will be seen as a major scalp for the majority of teams we face. We need to be ready for this and mentally tuned in to handling the responsibility and tackling the challenge head-on.

After a difficult 18 months for me personally, I am keen to be part of the rebuilding process of the club, in terms of getting back to where we belong. The process starts now, and with a hard-working summer break and fully-focused pre-season under our belts, we will be looking to hit the ground running at the start of the new season.

Hopefully this is the beginning of a new era for the club, one which will bring a change of fortunes for everyone associated with it and put a smile back on fans' faces. It's going to require a team effort in every sense of the word, which is why I'm writing to you now, in the hope you will stick with us and keep offering the sort of support I'm confident will help make 2017-18 a season to remember for all the right reasons.

Best wishes, Shaun".

Details of the 2017-18 season tickets are below...

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

After going 1-0 down early on, in front of their first 3,000-plus crowd of the season, Harriers' fate was sealed by a 92nd-minute injury-time winner from Chorley's Adam Roscoe... Harriers did not get the breaks against a Chorley side who actually finished outside the play-off zone but replaced Darlington, who were unable to participate.

'Two mistakes have cost us,' Kidderminster manager John Eustace told BBC Hereford & Worcester... Harriers opted to stay full-time after their 33-year stay in English football's top five divisions came to an end... Harriers' captain Keith Lowe said... 'We must take everything that's happened into next year. We have to remember how low we feel now going into every game... I've learnt a lot going to places that don't really inspire you,' added the ex-Wolves, Cheltenham, Port Vale, Hereford and York defender...

'You can't quite find the words what to say to the lads to get their heads up'".

Afterwards, Kidderminster Harriers confirmed that "Kennedy Digie will remain at Aggborough after the club opted to exercise the option period in his contract for 2017/18. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jono Brown has also signed a new contract for next season.

Therefore, the following players are all already contracted to the club for the new season:

• James McQuilkin
• Ryan Croasdale
• Keith Lowe
• Liam Truslove
• Sam Austin
• Dan Nti
• Kennedy Digie
• Jono Brown
• Andre Brown
• Ben Clarke
• Joe Ironside

The following players have all been offered revised terms for the new season:

• Ashley Carter
• Zaine Francis-Angol
• Arthur Gnahoua
• Darryl Knights
• Elton Ngwatala
• Tom Palmer
• Jordan Tunnicliffe
• Tyrell Waite
• Tyrone Williams

From the other side Chorley add that "Following a collision of head between Roscoe and Jordan Tunnicliffe, the referee awarded eight additional minutes of play - Roscoe time! Back in 2011 Adam netted the winner in the Evo-Stik North play-off semi-final verses Curzon Ashton, then two years ago there was of course that 96th minute overhead kick. Today the finish wasn’t a spectacular but just as important as in 93rd minute he raced into a Jarvis through ball to hold off Lowe before arrowing beyond Hornby to send the travelling supporters delirious".

From the other semi, Salford City report on a "Crying Shayme For Gallant Ammies" as "Salford City's campaign came to... the cruelest of possible ends at The Shay after a pulsating second leg had failed to separate the two sides. Having finished level on aggregate after 210 minutes of football the tie was decided on penalty kicks and The Ammies lost that shoot-out by three kicks to nil. Not a fitting way for such an uplifting campaign to end but the players can hold their heads up high and fully deserved the ovation they received from over 500 travelling supporters...

Two penalties each and Halifax were one up. It was Sinnott’s turn next and he made no mistake, planting a low shot to Lynch’s left. Salford’s keeper went the right way but there was no stopping this one and Ammie hopes of contesting Saturday’s final were now hanging by a thread.

With wicked irony it was Walker’s turn next and in front of the fans who were cheering his part in Town’s FA Trophy success last May he produced a carbon copy of Allen’s effort, hitting a shot that flew high over the bar. Unrestrained glee in the South Stand and Brown stepped up knowing that if he scored there would be no way back for Salford. The only sound inside The Shay was the whistling of Salford’s supporters, but it was to no avail as Lynch committed himself to the right and Brown smashed a rising effort down the middle...

Back-to-back promotions have catapulted The Ammies from the Northern Premier League’s First Division North to the National League North – that represents a huge jump in standard. The spine of the side remains from Bernard and Jonno’s early days at Moor Lane yet those players have managed the step up in class and have given their all in pursuit of further glory".

According to the Halifax Courier, "There was little between the two teams over both legs, although Halifax probably deserved to go through on the balance of the 180 minutes.

But, when it came to penalties, it was no contest as Salford missed all three of their spot-kicks, and Matty Brown, fittingly after his plethora of injuries, scored the winning spot-kick to send The Shay into convulsions of joy.

Both teams had spells on top in a gripping second-leg, with Richard Peniket giving Town what looked like a decisive lead in extra-time after a goalless ninety minutes, before Michael Nottingham equalised with just over 10 minutes left...

A game of such magnitude, tension and drama is sure to feature heavily in the third season of Salford’s BBC TV documentary, which won’t have the same fairytale ending as the first two series.

After kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes due to the number of fans still outside, Town started at a frenetic pace... If there were any nerves about, they appeared to come from Salford, with Halifax the more assured side. Salford’s attacking threat was negligible, with too many aimless passes forward in the general direction of top-scorer Mike Phenix, who subsequently struggled to get into the game".

NW NEWS

With the 'Port now relegated from the National League and major uncertainty hanging over the future running of the club, Watson was told by email on Friday that his services were no longer required. His departure follows that of Allen, who resigned as interim chairman after less than two weeks when he was informed that he, along with Watson and Barron, would not be allowed to attend a scheduled board meeting.

Allen had taken the role following the immediate resignation of chairman Charlie Clapham and vice-chairman Sam Shrouder in April but was last week informed that the club’s lawyers had discovered the trio's appointments took the number of directors beyond the allowed amount. Barron, along with Commercial and Community Director Haydn Preece, had already announced he would leave the board at the end of the financial year on June 30.

Speaking to Visiter, Watson said, 'I wish them all the best. I hope it works out at the club and I’d like to wish Charlie, Sam and Haydn a long and happy retirement on their resignations'".

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

A former Welsh youth and U21 international, the experienced Duffy, pictured below during his recovery, has played for a host of clubs led by Rushden & Diamonds, Oxford United, Wrexham, Newport County and Mansfield Town... Carruthers, whose side just missed out on the play-offs after their sixth-placed finish in April, said, 'Rob is an up and coming coach and will bring a huge amount of experience to Basford United... He will still be playing a key role as a member of the playing squad and his experience and goals will be huge for us in our quest for success. Once we get Rob fully fit we will have one hell of a player on our hands who will further boost our promotion push for the coming season'".

ALTY'S RE-ELECTION ROBBERY

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

The Wood, relegated from the Midland League's Premier Division in April, confirmed Birch's appointment in a statement on their website 24 hours after he left Keys Park for work and personal reasons. The Pitmen confirmed Birch's departure in a statement on Friday confirming the hunt was on to install a new manager to improve on their 15th placed finish when the 2017-18 EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division season kicks off in August.

The club said, 'Following talks with the football club late tonight we can now confirm that manager Gary Birch has resigned from his position at Hednesford Town Football Club. Birch has decided to step down from his role as manager due to work commitments'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Allen released a 'tell-all' statement after a board meeting and said he just could not continue, all this after manager Andy Preece was told he must reapply for his job if he wants to continue to take charge of the team next season...

It read, 'On Weds 3rd May I, along with the two other directors appointed to the board in September, were scheduled to not only attend but I was to chair a Board meeting at the Football Club. At 8:50am I, along with the other directors of the club, received an email communication from the former chairman advising that myself as interim chair, Dave Barron and Liam Watson could not attend the scheduled meeting because the club's lawyers had allegedly brought to the attention of the former chairman that the Companies [Company's] articles limited the board of Pinewise Ltd (T[rading] A[s] Southport FC) to 7 Directors. Our appointments taking the number of registered directors to 10 [being] an oversight on appointment.

'It’s the first time since our appointment in September that 3 of the Directors have been invited to attend and a 4th to the best of my knowledge has resided in the United States for a number of years. The silent majority have finally stepped forward it would appear. The main item on the agenda was any expressions of interest from any potential third party investors...

After consulting with my lawyer I was advised to step down with immediate effect and notified the board of my intention on Wednesday afternoon... Primarily there is little point being part of a board that has no credible function and is merely paying lip service in terms of decision-making'..

Allen is saddened by the situation with an offer seemingly on the table to take Southport forward. 'Having supported the club over the last decade, Wednesday was a sad conclusion, to what can only be described as a bizarre month and now is the time more than ever that the long term future and structure of Southport Football club should be resolved in an open and transparent manner,' he added".

Meanwhile, "The Vanarama National League North play-off final next Saturday will be between FC Halifax Town and Chorley following today`s semi-final second legs. FC Halifax beat Salford City on penalties after a second 1-1 draw between the teams. In front of a crowd of 3,655 at The Shay, as in the first leg, there was little to choose between the sides...

But when it came to penalties, it was no contest as Salford missed all three of their spot-kicks, and Matty Brown, fittingly after his plethora of injuries, scored the winning spot-kick to send The Shay into convulsions of joy. In a thrilling second leg, it ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, but the drama was still to come. Just 6 minutes into extra-time, Richard Peniket gave the Shaymen Town the breakthrough [this goal is elsewhere credited to former Alty midfielder David Lynch] with a powerful header into the far corner.

But Salford fought back and, just 2 minutes into the second period of overtime, they pulled level in the game and the tie when Michael Nottingham headed in Dave Norris’ cross at the far post... Salford suffered a bout of nerves in the shoot-out, missing three...

Kidderminster Harriers entered the second leg of their semi-final against Chorley in confident mood, having won the away leg 1-0 last Wednesday. The Magpies had only qualified in sixth place... But if the majority in the 3,407 crowd thought it was job done, they were in for a massive shock as Matt Jansen's side triumphed 2-0 at Aggborough to go through 2-1 on aggregate.

Harriers' first leg lead was wiped out after 19 minutes when a ball over the top caught the home side out and Marcus Carver nipped to net past Sam Hornby... With extra-time looming, Harriers' fans and players were stunned when the Magpies hit them 2 minutes into stoppage time with a ball over the top for Adam Roscoe, who fired past the on-rushing Hornby".

So, as the National League confirms, "The Vanarama National League North play-off final next Saturday will be between FC Halifax Town and Chorley.. The Vanarama National League South play-off final will be between Chelmsford City and Ebbsfleet United following Sunday`s semi-final second legs. Next Sunday`s Vanarama National League Promotion Final will be between Tranmere Rovers and Forest Green Rovers after the latter booked their place with a 2-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH PLAY-OFF SEMIS

Wed. 3 May, 7.45pm

• Chorley 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers
• Salford City 1-1 FC Halifax Town

Sun. 7 May, 3pm

• FC Halifax Town 1-1 Salford City (a.e.t., Halifax win 3-0 on pens)
• Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 Chorley

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF SEMIS

Wed. 3 May, 7pm

• Aldershot Town 0-3 Tranmere Rovers

Thu. 4 May, 7pm

• Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Forest Green Rovers

Saturday, 6 May, 12.15pm

• Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Aldershot Town

Sunday, 6 May, 3pm

• Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Dagenham & Redbridge

DAMIAN'S REMARKABLE RECORD

DAMIAN REEVES Altrincham FC 2010-17	2010/11	2011/12	2012/13
2013/14	2014/15	2015/16	2016/17

As reported yesterday, Damian Reeves is moving on from Altrincham after seven seasons at the club. His goal tally of 166 places him second in the all-time goalscoring annals of Altrincham FC, outscored only by the legendary Jack Swindells who netted 265 times.

Courtesy of Mike Garnett, we have Damian's record season by season...

ON THE ROAD

So, in 2017-18 the average return mileage per trip will be 125 miles.

Our shortest trip will be to Witton Albion (24 miles return) and our longest will be to Workington (294 miles), with Whitby Town the next most distatnt (268 miles return).

By way of comparison with recent seasons, in 2016/17 the number of away games was 21 and the return mileage was 2,890, with the average return mileage being 138 miles.

There were four trips in 2016/17 which involved a round trip of more than 200 miles; they were to Boston (264) Brackley (262) Darlington (Bishop Auckland) (264) and Gloucester (Cheltenham) (240).

In 2015/16 Altrincham had 23 away league games and, to play those, they (and their supporters) covered 6,188 miles in terms of the return mileage. On average, each return journey was 269 miles.

NEW OPPONENTS

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

The evening to recognise the club's incredible season was presented by Chairman Tony Davison and the night was attended by... the departing management duo of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel, who announced their move to Altrincham last week.

Tony then highlighted the league wide achievement of Andy White and Sean Cooke, who made the 2016/17 Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division Team of the Year. It marked the 2nd year in a row that White had been named to the team...

Phil Parkinson stepped forward and gave an emotional speech, talking about what he, the management and players had managed to achieve this season and how hard it was for him to leave the club he had played for and managed to great success. He now leaves to take up his new role as manager of league rivals Altrincham. We wish him all the best once again and look forward to welcoming him back to the Weaver Stadium next season.

• NTISA Player of the Month Overall winner – Matt Bell
• Top Goalscorer – Sean Cooke
• Management Team Player of the Year – Sean Cooke
• Players' Player of the Year – Matt Bell
• Supporters' Young Player of the Year – Ibou Touray
• Supporters Player of the Year – Andy White

The Evo-Stik League reports that "Rugby Town are looking for a manager to take them back up into the Northern Premier League after parting company with Gary Moran... He stood down following the club's relegation from EVO-STIK NPL First Division South.

The 34-year-old took charge as player-manager in September 2016... After being unable to save the strugglers from the drop to Step 5 of the Non-League pyramid for the first time in more than three decades, Moran's successor will be tasked with winning from promotion from the Midland League".

JAKE STAYS WITH ALTRINCHAM

The 28-year old from Stoke, signed by then-Alty boss Lee Sinnott from Alfreton in August, 2012, discussed his future with club officials shortly after an eminently forgettable campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat at Tamworth last Saturday.

To everyone's relief, he quickly made it clear he was wholly committed to the Alty cause and eager to help spearhead a swift return to the Vanarama National League North under Parkinson and his assistant Neil Sorvel.

It was just the news Parkinson, also from the Potteries, was hoping for after he made no secret of his admiration for the long-serving former Port Vale youth team graduate as a positive influence in the changing room and powerful presence on the pitch.

Despite Alty's woes in the season that has just drawn to a close, Moult underlined his worth by frequently filling in at centre-back and looking every bit as assured as in his more natural position at the heart of midfield. Prior to that, he was voted Players' Player of the Season two years ago (pictured with Brian Flynn after receiving his award, above right), as well as often acting as stand-in captain and briefly taking the reins as joint caretaker-manager, following the departure of Neil Young.

Moult's decision to remain at The J.Davidson Stadium follows hard on the heels of Damian Reeves's disclosure that he is leaving, and there will be more announcements on the club's website in the next few days, as next season's squad continues to take shape".

DAMIAN LEAVES ALTY

Message from Damian Reeves:

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the people connected to Altrincham FC from the board right through to the supporters, to thank each and every one of you for the amazing support given to me throughout my time with the football club.

There have been some great memories for myself and my family along the way, as well as some not so nice ones in recent times.

I'd like to concentrate on the positives and thank each and every one of you for the amazing support you have shown me even in tough circumstances like this season, It doesn’t go unnoticed.

I'd also like to thank the board for everything they have done for me through my time at the club.

I have a fond memory of a bet I made with Neil Faulkner the first season after being relegated. The wager was to see if I could score 30 goals or not. (I ended up with 44). I then asked if he would donate the money to Mark (Maddox) charity, which he duly did and I will never forget people like Mark as they are hard to find within football.

The club has been like home for me for the last 7 years and I’ve met and made some great friends as well.

It’s sad that it has come to an end in a season where not much has gone right on the field. But, after careful consideration by myself and family, I made the decision that it was time for me to leave and continue my football elsewhere.

I’d like to place on record that both the new manager and the board tried their hardest to keep me at the club. But I had already made up my mind that I wouldn’t be returning next season.

To the supporters:

You cannot imagine how much affection and appreciation I have for you. It has been an honour and a privilege to have played in front of such amazing and passionate supporters for the past 7 years.

You are a credit to the football club and I’m sure that even in difficult circumstances like relegation this season you will continue to give your support to the club and give your backing to the new manager.

Hopefully the club will make an immediate return next season.

On a personal note it is just a massive THANK YOU! From myself, Lauren, Grace and my mum for making the place a second home and somewhere that we all really enjoyed coming to every week!

A special mention to John Skelhorn who has put up with my constant moaning about insisting on having a long sleeve home shirt every week.

Damian

Message from the Chairman:

On behalf of Altrincham Football Club I'd like to thank Damian for all the wonderful memories that he has given us over the 7 years he has been with us. His goal scoring record - 166 goals in 332 appearances - will be hard to equal.

We wish him all the very best in his future career and thank him for his dedication and loyalty to the Football Club whilst travelling weekly from Doncaster to don the red and white stripes. We also wish him, Lauren and Grace all the very best with their new addition due later this summer.

Don't be a stranger Damian - you're always welcome at Altrincham FC.

Grahame Rowley, on behalf of Altrincham FC".

ALTY HEROES ON SKY TV ON SATURDAY

Intrigued by the antiquated system that enabled the League's bottom clubs to apply for re-election, Sky Soccer Saturday's Russ Taylor decided to seek out those on the receiving end of one of football's great injustices and, naturally enough, made a beeline for The J.Davidson Stadium.

After hearing how one Alty campaign for election to the League fell agonisingly short due to two promised votes failing to materialise for varying reasons, Russ invited four luminaries from that era to share their memories for a Soccer Saturday special that is scheduled to air on Saturday afternoon.

Left to right: John Rogers, John King, Tony Sanders and Graham Heathcote in the Altrincham FC Board Room

The interview took place in Alty's board room, with Russ and a Sky camerman on one side and Tony Sanders, currently recovering from heart surgery, John King, Graham Heathcote and John Rogers sitting opposite. Once Russ got the ball rolling with a couple of questions, it became a riveting trip down memory lane, with the four Alty greats warming to the theme and recounting one story after another of how they took on all-comers, only to have their League dreams dashed by what seemed tantamount to a closed shop.

With Sky Soccer Saturday hosted by Hartlepool fanatic Jeff Stelling, whose team are in danger of dropping out of the league, it seemed the ideal setting for Russ's film, which should appear on the programme before games get underway on Saturday afternoon.

'It's pencilled in for 1.30pm on Jeff's Soccer Saturday programme,' said Russ. 'As ever with these things, it is subject to last-minute change, but that's the slot it has got at the moment and, having viewed the final product, I'm really pleased with it and so grateful to everyone at Alty for their help and co-operation.

'I just feel it's a story that needs telling. I spoke to a couple of people in our office, and they don't remember the days of re-election. There is a lot of argument now about whether two up from the National League is enough, yet it's not so long ago that none went up.

'It seems incredible to think of it now but, year after year, non-league's top teams found themselves thwarted by the system. It seems counter-productive to have a process where you could win every single game and still not be promoted.

That just seems grossly unfair, and when you look at what happened to Altrincham, the year they lost out by one vote, it's almost a tragicomedy. It's terrible, and it must have been very hard to take.

'It needs bringing to the public's attention, and that's what we are aiming to do by interviewing these Alty legends. I enjoy being on Soccer Saturday and doing history pieces like this. It's illuminating listening to these guys, because they are such incredible characters. We seem to have lost people like that in the game, which is such a shame. They really are amazing.

'I knew a bit about re-election because I'm a Lincoln City fan, and my team were first to be relegated when the rules were changed. They finished bottom and were replaced by Scarborough, so I was aware of what was going on and how Alty were a fantastic non-league club and a benchmark for others with their FA Cup exploits.

'As I did a bit of digging, I got to hear about how they came within one vote of becoming a league club and the story about one chairman sitting on the wrong side of the room and another getting his times wrong for when the vote took place.

'I just thought it was a story that needed telling to as wide an audience as possible. We're speaking to Maidstone as well, because they suffered a similar fate. It's a story of what could have been for the club, and when you consider what has happened this season, with relegation from the National League North, it brings it into perspective a bit more.

'You look back at the glory days, being the best team in non-league football and how supporters still talk about that side and revere the players from it, and you can't help thinking about what might have been and how wrong it was they didn't get their just desserts.

'Talking to Tony Sanders, I feel so desperately sorry for him that he produced such an incredibly successful team yet was denied what was his by right. He gave it everything, and wanted to do it with what was clearly his club, but ultimately had to accept he had taken them as far as he could, because the door to the Football League stayed firmly shut. Like the players, he deserved so much more.

'You wonder what might have happened if they had gone up. Where would Alty be today? A lot of teams who have gone up have made a success of it. It's speculation but, looking at the results they were getting at the time, you have to think they would have held their own in the League, at the very least. Perhaps they would have established themselves and kept moving forward.

'It's all ifs, buts and maybes, but the most disappointing thing is they did their bit but were denied by the system, and it will always be a case of what might have been. But I really enjoyed all the anecdotes. I had heard about John King, and what a ferocious player he was, but listening to him at close quarters and hearing how the others spoke about him was something else.

'For instance, when I asked how they stayed motivated when they were winning games but knowing they probably wouldn't be promoted, Graham Heathcote just pointed to Kingy and said, "He kept us motivated, don't worry about that!"'. Brilliant stuff".

UPDATE FROM THE BOARD

VANARAMA BIG DAY OUT

Ticket information for the Vanarama National League Promotion Final to be played at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, on Sunday 14th May with a 3.00pm kick off.

TICKETS CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED VIA THE WEMBLEY TICKET PORTAL

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET SALE – Opens on-line Monday 8th May from 10am

Level 1 - Category 1: £41 (no concessions)

These ticket sales will be subject to a booking fee of £3 per ticket.

Level 1 – Category 2: £36 and £18 (Under 16s) These ticket sales will be subject to a booking fee of £3 per ticket for those priced at £36 and £1.50 for those priced at £18.

Postage, if requested, will be charged at: £2.50 per order

Print at Home, if requested will be charged at: £1.00 per order

Collection at Wembley, if requested will be charged at: £1.95 per order

WEMBLEY TICKET PORTAL: here.

Disabled seated allocation is available directly through Wembley Stadium and details are also available on-line with a dedicated telephone number to discuss personal needs. 0800 169 2007 option 7.

Note: The purchaser is required to nominate which Finalist club they align themselves to or they may indicate a ‘Neutral’ option.

For those supporters of the two clubs reaching the Promotion Final who have already taken advantage of the Early Bird Offer, your tickets for the correct area of the stadium allotted to each finalist will be made accordingly. You do not have to do anything extra.

OLD BOY

The suspension, which followed an Independent Regulatory Commission Hearing, is effective from 15 December 2016 to 14 February 2018. Lacey, who joined Accrington in July 2016, made 17 appearances in 2016-17 but has not played since 10 December having been immediately suspended by the Lancashire club pending the outcome of the disciplinary action".

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

Worcester are due to fall into either the Southern or Northern Premier Division, the seventh tier of English football. But speculation is growing [that] the cash-strapped club may drop one or even two divisions lower in a bid to survive in exile. City’s board have yet to respond to the rumours, but say they need to play at an 'affordable level'.

Snape says he hopes the situation can be resolved soon as he heads into the 'busiest time of the year'. 'I think there will be developments over the next week,' Snape said. 'I don’t know the level we are going to play at. I know we have got a structure in place for several different levels and different scenarios that we have agreed with the board, so we know what we are working with in terms of finances. We have also highlighted players from different levels. But it is a little bit unknown for everybody including the board and the fans. We need to (get it resolved) as the fixtures are coming out and we want to crack on.'

Talks have started with last season’s squad over their futures, but many are likely to leave as the club cuts costs... 'The players have got to fit to that for the good of the team,' Snape continued... Snape says he will be looking to utilise Hughes's contacts within the game... But he insists he wants his team to be largely made up of local players and will be turning to Luca Gabriel, who is City’s head of youth development, for young talent... We can hopefully get the team to play at a high standard using many local lads who really want it'".

In Cumbria, Workington report that "Following the conclusion on Wednesday night of another successful season, reaching the play-offs for a third year in succession and culminating in a successful defense of the Cumberland Cup with the 2-1 victory over Penrith, the board of directors will be meeting with the team management on Monday to begin planning for next season.

During our scheduled meeting we will be continuing to discuss the issue with regards to the future of Borough Park and will issue a statement in due course."

The Evo-Stik League says that "The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League has pencilled in all the key dates for the 2017-18 season...

Confirmed last Sunday by the EVO-STIK NPL's League Management Committee... season 2017-18 kicks off on Saturday 12 August before ending after 38 weeks on Saturday 28 April 2018. The festive period will see fixtures played on Tuesday 26 December, Saturday 30 December and Monday 1 January 2018. The Integro Cup final [will be] on Tuesday 10 April 2018 and [the] end of the regular campaign will be followed by all three play-off semi-finals on Tuesday 1 May 2018 before the season comes to a close with the finals on Saturday 5 May 2018."

Over at Whitby Town the "Football Club has acted fastest to tie highly-rated goalkeeper Shane Bland down to a new two-year contract. Bland, who joined the Seasiders from Middlesbrough in 2013, put pen to paper this morning, after speculation linking him with a move away from the club...

'It’s overwhelming really,' Bland told whitby-town.com. 'I know we had a disappointing end to last season, in terms of how we finished, ending up two points outside of the play-offs, but I decided to give it another crack next season and I’m absolutely delighted to remain a part of it. [Chris Hardy’s plan] was an incentive to sign. Like Chris said, last season was a consolidation season and I think we appeared to overachieve but, like the chairman and the board say, all the foundations are in place to move up and hopefully we’ll go one better this time around.

'Chris... outlined what sort of players we needed, where we’re going to strengthen the squad... He really put an emphasis on wanting to bring players in and really make a go of next season.'

Manager Chris Hardy, who also worked with Bland at Guisborough Town, acted fast to secure the goalkeeper, who he believes is the best outside the Football League... Hardy said... 'I believe, outside the professional ranks, he’s the best that there is... I think it sends out a real statement of intent in terms of what we’re trying to do at the Turnbull Ground... His distribution of the ball is paramount to what we do and what we’re trying to do as a football team'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Goalkeeper Worsnop made 28 appearances in all competitions, claiming five clean sheets from 26 National League North matches since rejoining the club in October... The stopper, affectionately known as ‘Spider’ by supporters, can no longer commit to travelling from his home in Cheshire.

Forward Sharp was the only ever-present for Avenue in league matches last season as he made25 starts and 17 substitute appearances, netting five goals... His five goals put him as the joint second-highest scorer this season.

Joining him on the way out of the Horsfall Stadium are fellow forwards Emile Sinclair and Liam Dickinson. Sinclair scored four goals in 33 appearances across all competitions last season, while Dickinson grabbed three goals in 14 appearances, spending time on loan at Stalybridge Celtic midway through the campaign.

Aidan Chippendale also moves on after just half a season with the club, the Bradford-born winger joining from Stalybridge in January... Central midfielder Sanchez Payne is the final man released by the club having scored once in 12 appearances across all competitions. He also spent time out on loan, playing a handful of games for Goole... More announcements will be made in the coming weeks."

The National League tells us that at Stockport County "The following players have been released: Ryan Ellison, Sefton Gonzales, John Marsden, Courtney Meppen-Walters, Kayode Odejayi and Mark Ross".

ALTRINCHAM FC PATRONS' SCHEME 2017-18

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 9 guests. Second prize will be hospitality for 5 people and third prize hospitality for 3 people in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge.

If you are interested in becoming a Patron for next season, please forward a cheque, payable to Altrincham Football Club, for £50. Alternatively, you can pay by card by phoning the office. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to enquire by e-mail

Thank you once again for your support – it’s very much appreciated.

Thank you to the following people who have already joined the Scheme for the forthcoming season:-

Sheila Crompton, Paul Brady, John Laidlar, Dana Laidlar, Nigel Bunce, Bob Peters, David Meadows, Neil Faulkner, Hazel Faulkner, Anthony Faulkner, Richard Faulkner, Darren Faulkner, Grahame Rowley, Karen Rowley, Chris Rowley, Stacey Rowley, Daisy Rowley, Penny Rowley, Sarah Rowley-Jones, Dan Jones, Chloe Rowley-Jones, Andrew Renton, Mark Steele, Barry Pond, Steve Murray, The Lewis Family, Graham Houghton, Terry Surridge, James Surridge, Mark Alton, Peter Foster, Judy Foster, Alan Murray, Thomas Murray, Katie Murray, David Slack, Libby Swindells, Geoff Swindells, John Skelhorn, Dr Nigel Lord, May Davis, Nigel Davis, Robert Amstutz, The Ashton-On-Mersey-Supporters, Bill Egan, William Egan, Ian Senior, Gary Stubbs, Phil & Gill James, Bryan Ford".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

'Two more pieces of the jig-saw have been put in place,' said manager, Tommy Wright. 'Alex is a highly-rated defender who has attracted the interest of clubs at higher levels throughout the season as well as being chosen by the V9 Academy. The season ahead is going to be a huge one for him and I expect him to improve the number of games that he plays. Meanwhile, I expect Elliott to push Tyrell Belford hard through pre-season and really challenge to be first choice between the posts'...

Yesterday saw skipper, Kelvin Langmead and emerging midfielder Tom Elliott both sign new deals".

Elsewhere, the National League reports that "Following a number of discussions over the past two weeks, the Board at Worcester City, relegated from the Vanarama National League North, have announced the appointment of joint-managers, John Snape and Lee Hughes, for the coming season, supported by Luca Gabriel, head of City youth development.

The new management team are committed to rejuvenating Worcester City Football Club with local players and playing at an affordable level, whilst waiting for developments on a return to the City of Worcester...

Danny Jackman currently wishes to carry on with his playing career only, and going forward, will be offered playing terms".

"Midfielder Shane Clarke has left Boston United after the club decided not to take up their option on the player's contract" reports tha National League. "The 29-year-old re-joined the Pilgrims last summer from Tamworth but did not figure competitively until New Year's Day following a ruptured Achilles".

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

The new Yeltz chairwoman fills a role left vacant since the end of the 2015-16 season when her father became president of the club...

The chairwoman, who can trace her love of the game back to her father taking her to football training as a toddler, said... 'My family’s association with Halesowen Town Football Club spans over 20 years and is a club my Dad feels so passionately about'...

​ Yeltz officials say they are 'delighted' to appoint Brookes along with a new management committee for the 2017-18 season of newly appointed vice-chairman Dave Hawley, club secretary John Cooper, general manager Neil Broughton and events & hospitality manager and club welfare officer Emma Broughton".

Closer to home, the EvoStik League sends its "Congratulations to the fans, players, officials and management of Witton Albion on winning promotion... Runners-up in the regular season under the guidance of manager Carl McCauley's, the club is heading back to the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight alongside champions Shaw Lane AFC next season after beating Spalding United 2-1 on Saturday.

A bumper crowd of 811 at Wincham Park saw Bradley Bauress put the hosts ahead on 66 minutes before Leon Mettam levelled for the Tulips three minutes later, Anthony Gardner firing home the winner with just under a quarter of an hour to go".

And the Yeltz have also picked up an award as the EvoStik League announces that "Halesowen Town, Farsley Celtic and Romulus are the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's final fair play kings of the 2017-16 season!

The sporting trio were named on Tuesday after the weekend's promotion play-offs finals as the league's best behaved sides in April after topping their respective fair tables...

Handed out every month since September, after a totting up of red and yellow cards divided by the number of fixtures played, clubs must play in at least four league fixtures to qualify for the competition which is won by the clubs generating the lowest disciplinary points average. Where tied on points, the winners are chosen after the marks awarded by referees for behaviour in the technical area are taken into account.

The Yeltz under the guidance of manager John Hill were worthy winners of the club's first award of the season after collecting just four cautions in eight games to post a disciplinary points average of 0.50...

Like all winners of the monthly awards, the clubs are in the running for a share of the £5,000 in prize money the EVO-STIK NPL now hands out annually to the season’s best behaved clubs... As in previous seasons, the winners in each division collect £1000 with the runners-up banking £500 and the third placed clubs £250...

The best behaved side across the EVO-STIK NPL’s three divisions will also be presented with the President's Cup at June’s annual awards night at Blackpool’s Hilton Hotel".

On the same topic, the EvoStik League tells us that "Lancaster City are in the running to help the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League carry on dominating the Football Association's annual Respect Awards after being unveiled as the league's best behaved side over the 2016-17 season.

Proud officials at the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North champions are are looking forward to bringing the President's Cup back from June's annual awards night in Blackpool after their disciplinary record was confirmed as the best among all 68 clubs... The Dolly Blues will also collect a glass trophy and share in more than £5,000 in prize money with the five other EVO-STIK NPL clubs who flew the flag for fair play and sportsmanship over the 2016-17 campaign...

Like Stourbridge in the top flight for the second year running and Lincoln United in EVO-STIK NPL First Division South, Phil Brown's side will bank £1,000 as divisional winners".

SIN-BINS FOR RESERVES?

They will only apply to yellow cards shown for dissent, and will see players leave the field for 10 minutes. It will also be tested in Sunday League and male and female youth football. More than 1,000 clubs received emails over the weekend asking if they were willing to be part of the pilot process. Clubs are normally charged a £10 fine for each yellow card but the FA will not be charging this administration fee for those that participate.

Step seven is the bottom level of English football's National League System, which feeds into the country's professional leagues".

EVO-STIK NPL NEWS

Rangers went down 3-1 to Walsall at the Bank's Stadium on Tuesday night...The Saddlers [held] a 3-0 lead before Kyle Perry pulled one back for Stafford after 73 minutes. However, Rangers created numerous other chances, prompting Kitching to reflect on what could have been.

'We gave it a right good go. In terms of overall play in both halves and chances created I think we deserved something from the game. We had 10 chances, probably six gilt-edged chances to get something from the game. We should have scored before they did, but the difference was they took their chances. It's something I will look to address in the summer. It's not rocket science. Anyone who has watched us know what we need and it's been obvious tonight, you need someone to stick the ball in the net and we have not been doing that this season. I know 100 per cent what we need here, it's not a massive overhaul, but we do need an influx of players...

'What won the game was concentration levels when they had the ball in the final third. We switched off a little bit, especially for the first two goals. We didn't track runners into the box and got punished... I never settle for mid-table and would have liked to have made it into the top six or seven, but if you ask the chairman or any of the directors or committee members, they wanted a season of consolidation and we have done more than that. It's up to me now to improve us as a squad and have a better season next time. That's to finish higher in the table than we did (13th) and win some silverware'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The club says, after a period of negotiaitons, the following players will be leaving when their current contracts expire: Chris Elliott, Danny Ellis, Luke Shiels, JP Pittman, Wayne Brooksby, Tom Platt, Andi Thanoj, Joe Colbeck. It says discussions are ongoing with other members of the squad and further details will be released in due course.

A spokesperson said, 'We are pleased that a number of the current squad have already committed their future to the club for next year, with others expected to do so in the coming days... Making our intentions clear at the turn of the year has enabled every member of the squad to consider their options, and weigh up the feasibility of turning full-time should an offer be presented to them...

Since announcing our intention to move to full-time, there has been a high level of interest from players outside our club who are keen to join us, and we are confident of being able to strengthen the squad with new additions over the summer. Every player who joins us this year will be solely focussed on professional football, fully understand the parameters we are working within, and crucially, share the ambitions of everyone involved with Harrogate Town'".

From the National league we learn that "Tamworth manager Andy Morrell and his assistant Mike Fowler met with the majority of the 2016/17 first-team squad last night to discuss next season. The club can confirm that Paul Green, Joe Clarke, Ross Dyer, Steven Tomassen and Louis Briscoe join James Belshaw in leaving the Lambs.

Offers of re-engagement for 2017/18 have been made to Andrew Burns, Jed Davies, Louis Ezewele, Dan Jezeph, Jack Lane, Reece Styche, and Connor Taylor. Ellis Deeney and Luke Jones are already under contract until the end of the 2017/18 season. Talks with Danny Newton and Stefan Morley are ongoing. As publicised, Newton is involved in the V9 Academy in June, while Morley is currently away on holiday... The loans of Ben Fox, Brandon Fox, and Callum Powell have all ended".

According to the Worcester News, "Former Worcester City striker Lee Hughes is set take his first steps into football management after AFC Telford United confirmed his departure... Bucks' boss Rob Smith said he would be taking a “managerial role at another club”.

The Blue and Whites are understood to be close to announcing a new manager after being relegated from Vanarama National League North. Hughes has previously expressed his interest in the vacancy at City... But [the] ex-West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City star soon left the Blue and Whites to join relegation rivals Telford in February".

SEASON 2016-17 STATISTICS

Below is Alty's league record since 1998-99. The 2009-10 season shows both the full record, including the expunged games against Chester City, and the official league record.

SEASON	LEAGUE	P	W	D	L	F	A	PTS	POS
1998-99	UNIP	42	23	11	8	67	33	80	1
1999-00	CONF	42	9	19	14	51	60	46	21
2000-01	UNIP	44	20	10	14	80	58	70	7
2001-02	UNIP	44	19	9	16	66	58	66	9
2002-03	UNIP	44	17	9	18	58	63	60	14
2003-04	UNIP	44	16	15	13	66	51	63	12
2004-05	CONFN	42	19	12	11	66	46	69	5
inc playoffs	CONFN	45	22	12	11	72	50	[78]	5
2005-06	CONFNAT	42	10	11	21	40	71	41	18*
2006-07	CONFNAT	46	13	12	21	53	67	51	21
2007-08	CONFNAT	46	9	14	23	56	82	41	21
2008-09	CONFNAT	46	15	11	20	49	66	56	15
2009-10**	CONFNAT	46	14	16	16	57	53	58
2009-10	CONFNAT	44	13	15	16	53	52	54	14
2010-11	CONFNAT	44	11	11	24	47	87	44	22
2011-12	CONFN	42	17	10	15	90	71	61	8
2012-13	CONFN	42	24	8	10	100	51	80	4
Playoffs	CONFN	2	1	0	1	2	4	-	-
2013-14	CONFN	42	24	9	9	95	51	81	3
Playoffs	CONFN	3	2	1	0	6	4	-	-
2014-15	CONFNAT	46	16	8	22	54	73	40	17
2015-16	CONFNAT	46	10	14	22	48	73	44	22
2016-17	CONFN	42	4	9	29	39	91	21	22

* 2005-06 Alty's deduction of 18 points reduced their official total to 23 points and sent them to 22nd and bottom place.

MANAGERIAL REGIMES 2016-17

• NEIL YOUNG P6 W0 D3 L3 F8 A18 PTS3
• JIM HARVEY P10 W1 D0 L9 F8 A25 PTS3
• MATT DOUGHTY P22 W3 D5 L14 F18 A40 PTS14
• CARETAKERS P4 W0 D1 L3 F5 A8 PTS1

LEAGUE RECORD 2016-17

• HOME: P21 W1 D5 L15 F19 A46 GD-27 PTS8
• AWAY: P21 W3 D4 L14 F20 A45 GD-25 PTS13
• TOTAL: P42 W4 D9 L29 F38 A91 GD-52 PTS21

The previous poorest seasons were both in the Cheshire County League when a win meant two points:

• 1928-29 P38 W8 D7 L23 F74 A128 GD-54 PTS23 POS19th
• 1960-61 P42 W8 D6 L28 F68 A125 GD-57 PTS22 POS21st

GOALS SCORED 2016-17

• 2015-16 56 i.e. 48 league goals and 8 cup goals scored
• 2016-17 61 i.e. 39 league goals and 22 cup goals scored.

LEAGUE GOAL SCORERS 2016-17

• 2016-17 James Lawrie 8, Jake Moult 5, Damian Reeves, Sean Miller & Elliot Newby 4
• Lowest, 1993-94 Ricky Harris 7

LEAGUE AND CUP GOAL SCORERS 2016-17

• 10: Sean Miller
• 9: James Lawrie
• 8: Damian Reeves
• 7: Jake Moult

PLAYERS USED 2016-17

• In all competitions, players used: 53
• In league only, players used: 50 (Will Foster, Josh Graham and Callum Jones appeared in cup match only)
• In all competitions, players who started a game: 49 (Billy Hasler-Cregg, Josh Graham, Callum Jones and Jamie Menagh did not start a game).
• In league only, players who started a game: 48 (Will Foster, Josh Graham and Callum Jones appeared in cup match only and Jamie Menagh and Billy Hasler-Cregg only appeared as used subs)

MOST APPEARANCES 2016-17

• 51: James Lawrie (47+4)
• 46: Damian Reeves (31+15)
• 45: Jake Moult (43+2)
• 40: Simon Richman (32+8)
• 38: John Cyrus 37(+1)
• 37: Sam Patterson (32+5)

LEAST APPEARANCES 2016-17

• 0(+1): Callum Jones, Joshua Graham, Jamie Menagh
• 0(+3): Billy Hasler-Cregg
• 1: Fabio Bassangue, Will Foster, Khius Metz, Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, Callum Preston
• 1(+1): Andrew Jones
• 1(+2): Simon Garner, Darius Palma
• 1(+3): Tomi Adeloye

GATES 2016-17

The average home gate in league matches in 2016-17 was 1,150.

The highest home league gate was 2,490 (v FCUM on Boxing Day) and the lowest was 646 (v Nuneaton Town on Tuesday, 21 March).

Last season's average league gate, in the national division, was 1,230.

Alty's away games in 2016-17 included a highest gate of 3,991 at Stockport County and a lowest of 406 against Gloucester City.

OLD BOYS

Our neighbours Trafford confirm that "Aaron Burns has been named by the Evo Stik League in the First Division North Team of the Season". Burns scored 28 league & cup goals this season.

Another former Alty striker, James Walshaw of Farsley Celtic, was also in the Team of the Season

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United have said that the latest attempt to raise cash with a share issue has been 'disappointing'. It also said in a statement there is 'no evidence of a consortium'interested in taking a majority stake in the National League North club.

The board will meet to discuss the latest effort to raise money for the club but a short statement addressing the latest share offer has been issued... The response to the share relaunch was disappointing, the club said, adding that all applications have been for 50 shares or fewer. Those applications will all be honoured by the club. Amid reports that The Bucks had also been subject to interest from a consortium of investors who wanted to take a 51 per cent shareholding, the club also said...

'On April 3 we received a request from a person claiming to be representing a consortium, he requested a non-disclosure agreement and told the football club that this would be the first stage in their due diligence process. The club returned the NDA the next day. The club did not receive a signed copy of the NDA and no request for any due diligence information and no further contact has been made by this person.

'The football club have no evidence of an actual consortium. The club did ask this person for more information regarding the members of the consortium, and the person declined. The club have not had any further contact from this person'. A further statement is expected tomorrow."

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2 May 2017

ALTY JUNIORS' TOURNAMENT

The Altrincham FC JUniors' annual six-a-side tournament was held at the J. Davidson Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday and, again, proved a great success. Stuart Buchan and colleagues had the task of overseeing some 600 children who competed in various age groups on the pitch at Moss Lane.

Altrincham FC goalkeeping coach and owner of kit supplier SKkits, Ian Senior (pictured below), was on hand with a wide range of merchandise, available for purchase.

Right: Action from one of the games on Monday morning.

FA GETS IT WRONG!

Yesterday, the FA reported that Altrincham FC Ladies had lost 2-4 at Curzon Ashton on Sunday and that, therefore, they had finished seventh in the league table. In fact, Alty won 4-2, thanks to goals by Laura Dodds (2), Jade Hesketh and Kate Bryan.

The FA has now corrected its error and revised its table to confirm that Alty Ladies actually finished sixth in the North West Women's Regional League Division One South.

PHIL'S TOUGH DECISION

The Crewe Chronicle tells us that "Phil Parkinson says he felt ‘physically sick’ about leaving Nantwich Town but admits he could not turn down the opportunity to take charge of Altrincham...

After just over two years at the helm, Parkinson and assistant Neil Sorvel have switched to the Moss Lane club... Parkinson, a decorated former Dabbers captain who lives in the town, says it was a huge wrench to leave.

'It was a very difficult decision,' he said. 'I changed my mind 100 times and I felt physically sick about it. It still feels foreign. I’ve got nothing but love in my heart for the club and everyone associated with it. I wish everyone there all the success in the world and I’ll miss them dearly. But you have to make big decisions in football.

'I haven’t been spending time away from my family just because I enjoy the game, it has to be going somewhere for me. My family has to see there is a purpose to it, and this is a big opportunity for me. Altrincham are one of the biggest clubs in non-league football. It’s very flattering that they want me to lead them back to where they want to be, which is the National Conference.

'I wouldn’t have gone to any other club at this level, even the others with greater resources than Nantwich. But anyone who knows football knows this is a massive club. Some people have said it is a sideways move because they are in the same league, but I see it as one sideways to go two forward in a short space of time. I don’t want to live in regret.

'It’s about risk and reward, and I know this is a risk. People have said I was in a strong position at Nantwich but no job in football is safe in truth. I have to embrace this new opportunity.'

As a player Parkinson led the Dabbers to FA Vase glory, two successive promotions and a Cheshire Senior Cup triumph, under the charge of Steve Davis. After a short spell as boss at Alsager, he took the reins at the Weaver Stadium in February 2015 with the club in relegation trouble. But he and Sorvel steadied the ship and they finished well clear of danger. The following season they went close to the play-offs, and embarked on a historic run to the semi-final of the FA Trophy.

The campaign just finished was another positive one. They made it to the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, were edged in the Cheshire Senior Cup final in front of a big crowd at Crewe Alex, and finished fifth in the league. But with players tired, due to a fixture pile-up, and injuries taking a toll, they lost the Play-Off semi-final at Spennymoor".

COLLECT YOUR SPONSORED SHIRTS

Altrincham FC thanks everyone who sponsored one or more players' shirts this season. The signed shirts are available for collection from the Club offices.

If you need the shirt(s) posting to you, please contact Karen Rowley at the Club (0161 928-1045), or via e-mail, to arrange this.

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1 May 2017

EVO-STIK LEAGUE NEWS

We get some idea of the gates to be expected on our travels next season from Corby Town. Despite being relegated from the Northern Premier League, "Corby Town ended the campaign with the sixth-best average attendance in the Evo Stik Northern Premier League. This is a marvellous achievement by the supporters who have followed the club through thin and thinner during two successive relegation campaigns. A total of 10,873 people passed through the Steel Park turnstiles to give an average of 473 for our 23 league fixtures.

Our biggest attendance was 785 for the Easter Monday visit of Grantham Town and we also topped five hundred for games against Matlock Town, on the opening day of the season, Blyth Spartans, Ilkeston Town, Skelmersdale United and Marine. The lowest league attendance at Steel Park was 316 for the December visit of Rushall Olympic while the smallest crowd on our travels was 143 at Ashton United on April 1st. Away from Steel Park we were watched by crowds of over six hundred at both Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor United [both of whom are now promoted to National North].

The best supported team, however, were Stourbridge who enjoyed a successful league campaign, finishing third, and an extended run in the F.A Cup. The Glassboys were watched by a total of 19,288 fans at an average of 839. Second place went to champions Blyth Spartans with a total of 14,924 giving them an average of 649 closely followed by Stafford Rangers with 14,735 at an average of 641.

Next came Spennymoor United, promoted via the play-offs in front of a 1,699 crowd against Stourbridge, with their total of 12,967 during the regular season averaging out at 564 per game. In fifth were Halesowen Town although their total of 10,989 and average of 478 owed much to the 2,127 attendance for their home game against Stourbridge in March. This was, not surprisingly, the highest NPL attendance of the season.

The worst supported team were Coalville Town. Their 23 fixtures were watched by a total of just 4,092 and that figure would have been considerably lower had it not been for the Corby supporters who helped give them a season's best attendance of 467 on the final day of the season, far above their average of 178.

Barwell can also thank Steelmen fans for their highest attendance of 327 which was also well above their average of 193. Corby Town Football Club are rightly proud of the supporters who have stuck by the team throughout these trying times and hope that they will continue to turn out in such high numbers next season."

NANTWICH VIEW

The Stoke Sentinel says that "Nantwich Town have been rocked by the departure of manager Phil Parkinson, who has quit the club just a few days after the Dabbers' defeat in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division play-offs.

Parkinson is joining Altrincham... During his two-and-a-half years in charge of the Dabbers, Parkinson guided the club to their highest league finish in eight years, the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, the final of the Cheshire Senior Club final and the semi-finals of the FA Trophy...

The Dabbers' assistant manager, Neil Sorvel, is also leaving to take up the same role under Parkinson at Altrincham... He watched his new side lose 2-1 at Tamworth yesterday in their final game of the season."

NARROW DEFEAT FOR YOUTHS

On Sunday, Altrincham FC Youth lost 2-1, away to Chester FC.

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