30 June 2022

ALTY, TOP OF THE LEAGUE!

Cumulative Seniority in the Top-Flight of Non-League of Current National League Clubs.

1. ALTRINCHAM NL 30 years: 1979-97 (18); 1999-2000 (1), 2005-11 (6), 2014-16 (2), 2019-22 (3)
2. BARNET NL 22 years: 1979-91 (12), 2001-05 (4), 2013-15 (2), 2018-22 (4)
3. YEOVIL TOWN NL 22 years: 1979-85 (6), 1988-95 (7), 1997-2003 (6), 2019-22 (3)
4. WOKING NL 19 years: 1992-2009 (10), 2012-18 (6), 2019-22 (3)
5. DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE NL 17 years: 1992-96 (4), 2000-07 (7), 2016-22 (6)
6. ALDERSHOT TOWN NL 14 years: 2003-08 (5), 2013-22 (9)
7. WREXHAM NL 14 years: 2008-22 (14)
8. TORQUAY UNITED NL 13 years: 2007-09 (2), 2009-14 (5), 2015-18 (3), 2019-22 (3)
9. GATESHEAD NL 12 years: 1986-87 (1), 1990-98 (8), 2012-15 (3)
10. WEALDSTONE NL 10 years: 1979-81 (2), 1982-88 (6), 2020-22 (2)
11. YORK CITY NL 9 years: 2004-12 (8), 2016-17 (1)
12. BOREHAM WOOD NL 7 years: 2015-22
13. BROMLEY NL 7 years: 2015-22
14. EASTLEIGH NL 7 years: 2015-22 (7)
15. FC HALIFAX TOWN NL 7 years: 2015-22 (7) [Previous defunct Halifax Town FC NL 11 years: 1993-98 (5), 2002-08 (6)]
16. SOLIHULL MOORS NL 6 years: 2016-22 (6)
17. MAIDENHEAD UNITED NL 5 years: 2017-22 (5)
18. CHESTERFIELD NL 4 years: 2018-22 (4); EFL 97 years: 1921-2018 (97)
19. MAIDSTONE UNITED NL 3 years: 2016-19 (3) [Previous defunct club Maidstone United NL 10 years 1979-89 (10)]
20. NOTTS COUNTY NL 3 years: 2019-22 (3)
21. SOUTHEND UNITED NL 1 season: 2021-22 (1)
22. DORKING WANDERERS NL 0 years
23. OLDHAM ATHLETIC NL 0 years
24. SCUNTHORPE UNITED NL 0 years

Cumulative Seniority in the Football League of Current National League Clubs.

The following list, arranged by seniority, excludes the records of foreunners of those clubs which are now in the NL but of which an earlier incarnation, which had played in the EFL, went bust e.g. Gateshead or were a different entity e.g Dagenham FC.

1. NOTTS COUNTY EFL 131 years: 1888-2019 (131)
2. OLDHAM ATHLETIC EFL 115 years: 1907-2022 (115)
3. SOUTHEND UNITED EFL 101 years: 1920-2021 (101)
4. CHESTERFIELD EFL 97 years: 1921-2018 (97)
5. WREXHAM EFL 87 years: 1921-2008 (87)
6. TORQUAY UNITED EFL 80 years: 1927-2007 (80)
7. YORK CITY EFL 79 years: 1929-2004 (75), 2012-16 (4)
8. SCUNTHORPE UNITED EFL 64 years: 1958-2022 (64)
9. BARNET EFL 21 years: 1991-2001 (10), 2005-13 (8), 2015-18 (3)
10. YEOVIL TOWN EFL 16 years: 2003-19 (16)
11. DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE EFL 9 years: 2007-16 (9)

MANAGER PARKINSON "BUILDING A POWERHOUSE"

Speaking of the start of pre-season, the manager said, 'I woke up this morning with a spring in my step... It feels absolutely amazing... heading into the training ground this morning, you are walking into something you have built and developed and grown. I think that is THE most special thing for me...

'Everyone is very excited about full-time football at the moment, and rightly so, but why we have done this is to survive in this division to start with and then build year-on-year as a full-time operation. That way, we will go from little old Alty, surviving in the National League, to Alty the powerhouse, like we were years and years ago.

Left: Alty's management duo of Neil Sorvel and Phil Parkinson.

'The biggest thing for me, going full-time, is that the planning is going to be much deeper and more thorough than when we were part-time... Last season, we worked exceptionally hard, but there were times when I felt absolutely helpless on the sideline, knowing that we maybe had a Wrexham on Saturday and a Stockport on Tuesday and we won’t have seen our lads in between, yet they are expected to go out and perform against that calibre of opposition...

'I truly believe this squad has got levels in it. That doesn’t mean we are going to get promoted this season, but what it does mean is the future of Altrincham is very bright... we have got a young, hungry, talented squad who I feel can really make a few waves this season...

'Liam Brockbank is my starting left-back... We have got Ross Barrows on the right, and Ross will be our starting right-back. Aidy [Roxburgh] is one we really like, after seeing him last season. He has bags of potential. He is a late bloomer... but he could be that dark horse who comes out of nowhere and gets himself into the team...

'There will be a number of trialists coming in... They will get a week or two and then decisions will have to be made. There are only a couple of slots left...

'It’s not going to be a big squad next season. It’s going to be 18, with the addition of the young lads we have brought up from the Academy... So, 18 vying for places.

'We’ve had to do that for budgetary reasons, more than anything'...

'[Remaining gaps in the squad include] obviously one of the front positions, either a winger or forward. Unless something screams out at me in midfield or defence, I would say we are there or thereabouts in those areas. If I had to start the season now without any further additions, I would be happy'".

Footnote: Apart from the six Academy players, the squad announced to date appears to comprise seventeen players:

• Goalkeepers: Oliver BYRNE, Matthew GOULD
• Defenders: Ross BARROWS, Lewis BAINES, Liam BROCKBANK, Jake COOPER, Toby MULLARKEY, Aidan ROXBURGH
• Midfielders: Josh LUNDSTRAM, Isaac MARRIOTT, Elliot OSBORNE, Ben PRINGLE
• Forwards: Ryan COLCLOUGH, Marcus DINANGA, Jordan HULME, Brad JACKSON, Matty KOSYLO

ALTY LEGENDS: FREDDIE MORRIS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 20 year-old was part of the team which won promotion to the Conference via the play-offs last season, and it made enough of an impression for him to sign a two-year contract.

'The fans here are unbelievable, you see the attendance week in, week out and in the play-offs you are breaking records'... said Sanders.

'It’s a no brainer (to sign) in the National League with (the chance of) first-team football'".

And Nottingham Forest News report that "Sam Sanders has rejected a new deal with Nottingham Forest to sign for York City...

Sanders spent some time on loan at York last season. He checked in at the club in February and made 13 appearances... Sanders proved an instrumental member of the team under John Askey. York were beaten just three times when the centre-back played and he grew as a player under the City boss...

He was offered the chance to stay at Forest and pen a new deal with the Premier League outfit this summer...

The former Forest man struck up a brilliant partnership with Maxim Kouogun last season. The pair conceded just once in three play-off matches as York delighted their fans with promotion.

It’s rare for a youngster to prioritise playing football over his wallet these days but that is what Sanders has done... It’s an admirable trait. He could have stayed at Forest and played under-23 football but in truth, he’d have been a million miles away from the first team".

The Derbyshire Times claims that "Ollie Banks is expected to be confirmed as a Chesterfield player later this week.

The 29 year-old midfielder, who has recently left League Two Barrow, will return to the Spireites six years after leaving...

We spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria’s Barrow commentator, Adam Johnson... 'Towards the end of last season a lot of fans kind of turned opinion on him due to the precarious position the club found itself in and the fact that the ‘up turn’ in form came around the time that he was left out of the side by Phil Brown. Some, however, still looked at the fact he was the club’s top scorer so therefore contributed in them staying up.

In the first-half of the season he was exceptional; a massive part of some of the results the club achieved. In the second-half he lost his way slightly. I think having picked up 14 yellows and being one away from a three-match ban he may have ‘held back’ slightly as to not get that booking and many supporters may have seen that as a player not trying as opposed to thinking of the bigger picture...

'He played in many roles for the side, even as a makeshift centre-half... But, overall, he very much played as a deep lying central midfielder... As a captain I think the players certainly respected him. He tried to get involved on the community side of things with the club; he was made an ambassador of the club’s disabled supporters association. It’s a shame that the season tailed off the way it did really'".

And the Derbyshire Times also tells us that "Curtis Weston has become the second player to link-up with former Chesterfield manager James Rowe at AFC Fylde. By Liam Norcliffe

The experienced midfielder, 35, was released by the Spireites in the summer after four years at the club".

According to the Nottingham Post, "Notts County are fighting to keep hold of Ruben Rodrigues after turning down a number of bids for the Portuguese forward from England and abroad.

And the Magpies are also understood to have received a number of serious enquiries from Football League sides for winger Callum Roberts. The duo were standout performers for Notts last season with Rodrigues scoring more than 20 goals while Roberts also hit double figures.

Notts are understood to have rejected the offers for Rodrigues because they have not met their expectations with the former Den Bosch attacker considered one of the best talents outside the EFL. Sources have told NottinghamshireLive that neither player will be allowed to join another National League club...

Should either player depart, if their valuations are met, it would not be too problematic for Notts who have completed several exciting additions this summer.

Macaulay Langstaff, Cedwyn Scott and Sam Austin have already arrived".

Boreham Wood FC "announce that the Club have teamed up with PlayerData to become the Club’s official Performance Partner.

PlayerData provides industry leading GPS technology with the aim to take team analysis to a new level, transforming the way athletes train by providing live performance data at the management’s fingertips on all devices; desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile...

Wood’s CEO Charlie Hunter commented... 'With the introduction of two full-time sports science personnel within the Club’s football structure this off-season, it was vitally important for the Club to invest within the department to give them the tools required to make a difference... The data provided to us through PlayerData’s technology exceeds what we have previously had to our disposal, whilst also providing live training and in-game data to support the management team’s decision making every step of the way'".

In< the Southend Echo, we learn that "Southend have made it a hat-trick after announcing the arrival of Louis Lomas.

Lomas is the third signing of the day and he has put pen to paper on a two-year dea... The 21-year-old centre-half was a key target for Southend after being identified by head coach Kevin Maher... after an impressive season for Brackley Town...

Lomas told Blues TV 'Last season was great for me personally, it was the season that I really kicked on. I felt I was very consistent, and we were unfortunate not to be promoted in the end...

'I felt I was very consistent, and we were unfortunate not to be promoted in the end... I always back myself [to make the step up] but I’m still young and still learning... When I spoke to the gaffer he said he’s getting a team of hungry young players and he thinks I’m one of them. I believe I am too...

'I learnt a hell of a lot at Norwich since being there at U14s. Having to take a step back to then take a step forward is what you’ve got to do sometimes'...

Head coach Kevin Maher said... 'For a centre half he’s a good size, he has bags of potential and he adds competition to that area of the pitch... He does everything right. Trains properly, works his socks off and I think coming back into full time football, having stepped away after leaving Norwich City, to get another bite at the cherry will give him all the motivation he needs'">

And the Echo also reports that "Southend have completed the signing of former Barnet player Harry Taylor on a free transfer.

The 25 year-old has completed his move... signing a two-year deal... Taylor made over 185 appearances for the north London club [Barnet] and has become boss Kevin Maher’s third summer signing.

Taylor is able to play in both the midfield...

Blues boss Maher said... 'He’s someone that knows the level very well. He’s a very good footballer and works his socks off for the team. He’s played a few different positions for Barnet and I know we beat off a few clubs to get him... 25 years of age for a centre midfielder primarily, but can cover a number of different positions, is a good age and he still has loads of potential'...

Taylor said...'I just like to be in the centre of the pitch so if it’s centre back or centre midfield then I’m happy, but I’m thinking more centre-mid if I’m honest. I’m a very versatile player, I can play in a number of positions, I’m a hard worker and I’d say I do the simple stuff quite well'".

Hampshire's Daily Echo informs us that "New Eastleigh signing Ousseynou Cisse admitted he was unsure about joining the club at first, but knew 'straight away' it was right after researching.

The 31 year-old Mali international became the Spitfires' fourth summer signing... following his departure from Oldham.

Cisse has a wealth of Football League having featured over 100 times across spells with MK Dons, Gillingham, and Leyton Orient since his arrival in the UK in 2017.

Current Eastleigh midfielder Jake Hesketh, who joined the club after his departure from Saints [Southampton] last summer, played a role in bringing Cisse to Hampshire...

[Cisse added] 'My agent rang me two weeks ago, and said to me "we’ve got a club for you". At first, I was thinking "I dunno2 because I didn’t know about the club. But then obviously I did the research and I spoke to Jake Hesketh, because I played with him at MK Dons... He told me good things about the club. Talking with the manager, I had a good feeling and when I’ve got a good feeling, I’m going with it straight away... I was a bit impressed by the squad and am excited to start'".

The Halifax Courier confirms that "FC Halifax Town have completed the signing of defender Jamie Stott from Stockport County.

The 24 year-old left-sided centre-back started his career at Oldham Athletic, and after loan spells at Curzon, Fylde and Stockport, joined the latter permanently after three separate loan spells at Edgeley Park... He spent last season on loan at National League North side AFC Fylde, helping them reach the play-offs.

Stott is Town's third summer signing after Jack Hunter and Sam Smart".

Woking "announce that Dan Moss has agreed to sign for the Club once his existing contract with Millwall ends on 30th June.

The defender will join the Cards on a two-year deal...

Moss, 21, began his career with Burnley in their youth system before moving to Millwall in 2019. There, he became captain of the Under 23s side before joining Darren Sarll’s Yeovil Town on loan at the beginning of the 2021/22 season. He went on to make 26 appearances under the current Woking manager... In January 2022 he moved onto another loan spell, with Leyton Orient...

'Daniel has been a very important target from day one. When a team concedes 61 goals in a season it is simple to recognise that improving the defensive unit of the squad is fundamental to any plan moving forward,' said Woking Manager Darren Sarll. 'Daniel is fiercely competitive, and he is exactly the type of player that the supporters will connect with through his determination and aggressio'...

He becomes Woking’s second new signing under Sarll following Luke Wilkinson’s arrival last week".

JOHN ROOKE R.I.P.

Our condolences go to John's family and friends.

John's funeral will be at Telford Crematorium on Wednesday next week at 2.30pm with a wake afterwards at the Taj Mahal restaurant in Wellington. Alty supporters are welcome and will be welcomed in the Altrincham team colours.

SENIORITY OF NATIONAL LEAGUE CLUBS

The abbreviations NL and EFL (below) are used as shorthand for all the time spent, respectively, in the national level of non-League football and in the Football League.

Altrincham has spent more seasons (30) at NL level than any other club whilst Notts County is the longest-serving EFL club (131 years) to be currently in the National League. More on this tomorrow...

Historical Records in NL and EFL of Current National League Clubs (in A/Z order):

• ALDERSHOT TOWN National League (NL) 14 years: 2003-08 (5 years), 2013-22 (9 years); Football League (EFL) 5 years 2008-13. [Defunct forerunner club, Aldershot, were in the EFL 59 years: 1932-91 (59); they started but did not complete their 60th year]
• ALTRINCHAM NL 30 years: 1979-97 (18); 1999-2000 (1), 2005-11 (6), 2014-16 (2), 2019-22 (3)
• BARNET NL 22 years: 1979-91 (12), 2001-05 (4), 2013-15 (2), 2018-22 (4); EFL 21 years: 1991-2001 (10), 2005-13 (8), 2015-18 (3)
• BOREHAM WOOD NL 7 years: 2015-22 (7)
• BROMLEY NL 7 years: 2015-22 (7)
• CHESTERFIELD NL 4 years: 2018-22 (4); EFL 97 years: 1921-2018 (97)
• DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE NL 17 years: 1992-96 (4), 2000-07 (7), 2016-22 (6); EFL 9 years: 2007-16 (9). [As Dagenham FC, before a merger with Redbridge Forest, NL 1986-88 (2)]
• DORKING WANDERERS NL 0 years
• EASTLEIGH NL 7 years: 2015-22 (7)
• GATESHEAD NL 12 years: 1986-87 (1), 1990-98 (8), 2012-15 (3) [Previous defunct Gateshead club: EFL 1930-60 (30)]
• FC HALIFAX TOWN NL 7 years: 2015-22 (7) [Previous defunct Halifax Town FC: NL 1993-98 (5), 2002-08 (6); EFL 72 years 1921-93 (72)]
• MAIDENHEAD UNITED NL 5 years: 2017-22 (5)
• MAIDSTONE UNITED NL 3 years: 2016-19 (3) [Previous defunct club Maidstone United: NL 1979-89 (10) EFL 3 years: 1989-92 (3)]
• NOTTS COUNTY NL 3 years: 2019-22 (3); EFL 131 years: 1888-2019 (131)
• OLDHAM ATHLETIC NL 0 years; EFL 115 years: 1907-2022 (115)
• SCUNTHORPE UNITED NL 0 years; EFL 64 years: 1958-2022 (64)
• SOLIHULL MOORS NL 6 years: 2016-22 (6)
• SOUTHEND UNITED NL 1 season: 2021-22 (1); EFL 101 years: 1920-2021 (101)
• TORQUAY UNITED NL 13 years: 2007-09 (2), 2009-14 (5), 2015-18 (3), 2019-22 (3); EFL 80 years: 1927-2007 (80)
• WEALDSTONE NL 10 years: 1979-81 (2), 1982-88 (6), 2020-22 (2)
• WOKING NL 19 years: 1992-2009 (10), 2012-18 (6), 2019-22 (3)
• WREXHAM NL 14 years: 2008-22 (14); EFL 87 years: 1921-2008 (87)
• YEOVIL TOWN NL 22 years: 1979-85 (6), 1988-95 (7), 1997-2003 (6), 2019-22 (3); EFL 16 years: 2003-19 (16)
• YORK CITY NL 9 years: 2004-12 (8), 2016-17 (1); EFL 79 years: 1929-2004 (75), 2012-16 (4)

ALTY LEGENDS: JOHN DOHERTY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Williams was brought in to replace Ian Burchnall, who left for Forest Green Rovers, last month. Ryan Harley arrived as Williams' assistant manager at Meadow Lane... Williams left his position as Russell Martin's assistant at Championship side Swansea City to join Notts while Harley was most recently playing for Frome Town in Somerset. Notts have already signed six players...

'We need to train twice a day throughout the pre-season at least so there is a lot of planning around timings', Williams [said]... 'We try and maximise the time we have efficiently and all of that takes careful planning'...

The aforementioned double sessions will be on the agenda to condition players for a gruelling National League campaign. 'We have got really good staff here with experience '...Williams added, 'They know what they are talking about and we are not going to allow me and Ryan to run riot... We do not want injured players and those who are burnt out by the time the League season starts...

'Hard work is not always just physical, it is often going through stuff on the training pitch that might not be physically challenging but you have to be present and concentrate'".

According to Football in Berkshire, "Maidenhead United have re-signed forward Adrian Clifton for a third spell at York Road.

The Montserratian international returns to the Magpies after three seasons away with Boreham Wood, Bromley and Dagenham & Redbridge.

The striker, whose youth career took in spells with Norwich City, Arsenal and West Ham United, played 42 times for Boreham Wood last season...

During his previous spell with Maidenhead, Clifton played 40 times in the 2018/19 season scoring 19 goals".

The Maidenhead Advertiser adds that "In this first spell, he helped the Magpies lift their first Berks & Bucks Senior Cup in four years... After two seasons at York Road, Clifton signed for Havant & Waterlooville".

Aldershot Town "confirm that forward Mikael Ndjoli has left Aldershot Town and has joined National Premier Soccer League side Virginia Beach City FC this summer.

Mikael arrived at the club after a successful trial period ahead of the 2021-22 season... before signing a permanent deal with The Shots in October 2021.

He went on to make 23 Vanarama National League appearances for the Shots, scoring six times in the league,...

The 23 year-old has decided to move onto pastures new, with a move to the USA... resulting in him scoring twice against Alexandria Reds on his debut a few days ago".

In the Derbyshire Times, "Paul Cook gives his verdict on Chesterfield's transfer business so far ... The Spireites have brought in seven new faces so far and they are in talks with more players.

The latest arrivals are striker Michael Gyasi, 22, from King’s Lynn Town, and former Plymouth Argyle midfielder, George Cooper, 25.

On Gyasi, who joined for an undisclosed fee, Cook told 1866 Sport 'He will bring a really good energy at the top end of the pitch and a desire to work hard and score goals... We have got in (Danny) Rowe, (Kabongo) Tshimanga and (Joe) Quigley... four lads at the top end of the pitch that we feel are exciting value and great for our supporters to watch'

Cooper was a free transfer after leaving the League One Pilgrims by mutual consent... 'I think it is a real coup for the club,' Cook explained... 'He had other suitors, certainly in League One and League Two. He feels coming to us will give him a platform to play more football regularly after probably an injury-interrupted season...

Midfielder Darren Oldaker, 23, played a big part in helping Dorking Wanderers win the National League South title last season...

Cook said 'He is a lad I have followed for quite a period of time, he first came to my attention through Wigan’s recruitment room when he was a young lad breaking into the team at Gillingham. He is a player I have followed since then and watched his career probably go in the wrong way... He has done ever so well at Dorking in a successful team.'

As well as the forward and midfield areas, Cook has also brought in four defenders in left-backs Bailey Clements and Branden Horton, both 21, centre-back Joe Cook, 22 and right-back Ryheem Sheckleford, 25... Cook continued 'Great profiles for young players, great energy on the outside of the pitch. I think our supporters know how I like the game to be played with full-backs overlapping and the ability to go up and down for 90 minutes is what all those lads will bring.'...

He added... 'We want to have a team that is exciting, full of energy, creating chances and scoring a lot of goals'".

JOHN ROOKE R.I.P.

Our condolences go to John's family and friends.

John's funeral will be at Telford Crematorium on Wednesday next week at 2.30pm with a wake afterwards at the Taj Mahal restaurant in Market Drayton.

ALTY KEEPERS

Right: Steven Drench and Tony Thompson

Two custodians, Tony Thompson and Tim Deasy, are well ahead of the other eight in number of appearances.

1. Tony THOMPSON 185
2. Tim DEASY 69(+1)
3. Steven DRENCH 12
4. Andrew DAWBER 10(+1)
5. Elliot WYNNE 7 (pictured, right)
6. Stuart TOMLINSON 6
7. Matt GOULD 5
8. Andrew JONES 1(+1)
9. Callum PRESTON 1
10. Callum WILLIAMS 0(+1)

The above statistics also reveal that significant injuries to an Alty keeper during a league match have occurred at least half a dozen times in six seasons. Starting with Coburn's injury in 2015 which occurred in the 90th minute at Dover when it was to late to use a sub, the next goalkeeper substitution saw Deasy replace Thompson at Hednesford 2018, though this was not due to injury but because Deasy was retiring.

However, the other keepers to make sub appearances did so because of injury to the incumbent; these were Dawber for Deasy at Gloucester 2016, Jones for Deasy at Darlington 2017, and Williams for Deasy against Welling 2016. And, of course, at least two outfield players have also had to go in goal since 2015, namely John Johnson and, last season at Yeovil, Connor Hampson.

ALTY START PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Phil Parkinson sat them down in front of a wall-mounted television and began acquainting the newcomers in the club’s first-ever fully-professional squad with Alty’s proud history as famed Cup fighters.

For an hour, Phil recounted one stirring deed after another...

Phil turned to an audience that included his summer signings and the six Academy graduates now on professional forms, and said, 'I wanted to... give you an idea of what this club is all about. Strive to emulate some of the achievements you have just seen and heard about, and you can be heroes.

‘That is the opportunity you have given yourselves by becoming Altrincham players. Grab it with both hands, and you will be remembered here in the same way that great Alty names from the past are to this day.

‘This is the start of a new era, and you are part of it. Don’t forget that; you are all history-makers, boys!’...

Phil surveyed the new surroundings on the edge of Knutsford town centre and said, ‘If I’m a player walking into this building, I can’t not feel inspired and motivated to go out and train to the best of my ability... You wouldn’t describe it as state-of-the-art, but it’s got everything we need under one roof, and you can’t ask for better than that.

‘There are multiple grass pitches, as well as a brand new 4G one, a garage that we’ve converted into a gym, a catering area and meeting room and changing facilities. The lot, really. We are very lucky that the club were able to source this for us and back us in this way.’"

Altrincham FC also has an interview by Brian Flynn with Matty Kosylo (above, right] after the first day of pre-season training.

ALTY OLD BOYS

And the NL Paper has an "Alternative National League Team of the Year", which includes Dan Mooney. It describes Mooney as "Electric for Altrincham who were till part-time last season and managed to survive comfortably. Mooney was a big reason for that, with his 13 goals and eight assists".

RYAN NEEDS "TO SPREAD HIS GOALS"

After two promotions in three years back to the National League, Altrincham have spent the last two years stabilising their existence in this competitive league.

While comfortably avoiding relegation, the Robins, who have now gone full-time, will also have one eye on pushing for the illustrious play-off spots, that saw Grimsby Town gain promotion last season.

One to Watch: Ryan Colclough [right]... the impressive winger will be hoping to extend his form into the upcoming season. All of Colclough’s goals, including three braces, came against bottom half sides, and albeit important, he will be keen to spread his goals across the entirety of the table this time around".

ALTY LEGENDS: BILLY MARSHALL

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The defender will join the Cards on a two-year deal until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Wilkinson, 31, started his career in the youth system at Bristol City in 2007, before moving onto then-Premier League Portsmouth on trial in 2009. He earned a professional contract and headed out on loan to Northampton Town and Eastleigh. He signed for League One Dagenham & Redbridge in the summer of 2010 and was loaned to Dartford in 2012...

He moved to fellow League Two club Luton Town in the summer of 2014 and, following 62 appearances, Teddy Sheringham's Stevenage signed the defender in 2016. He first worked with Darren Sarll at Boro and was signed by the manager at Yeovil Town in 2019.

With more than 230 EFL appearances, Luke brings a wealth of experience to the Club and marks Darren Sarll's first new signing as Woking boss".

There is a curious fixture in Derbyshire as Chesterfield announce that "European clubs Real Betis and Marseille will face each other at the Technique Stadium on Wednesday, July 27, in a pre-season friendly...

And the Derbyshire Times adds that "George Cooper has become Chesterfield’s seventh summer signing.

The 25 year-old midfielder, who can play on the left and centrally, joins after leaving League One side Plymouth Argyle by mutual consent earlier today.

Cooper’s move follows the arrival of attacker Michal Gyasi...

Cooper said after signing 'I’ve not had the best last couple of years so I’m excited to get going in pre-season'... Cooper has had a tough couple of years with two knee injuries, making just three appearances in all competitions last season... Cooper came through the academy at Crewe, making more than 140 appearances and scoring 15 goals, which led to Peterborough United paying a fee for him in January 2018.

After joining Plymouth on loan... His form persuaded the Pilgrims to turn his loan into a permanent deal, signing a three-year contract.

He departs the Greens after making 51 appearances in total, scoring five goals.

Cooper follows Branden Horton, Bailey Clements, Ryheem Sheckleford, Joe Cook, Darren Oldaker and Michael Gyasi in penning deals with the Spireites this summer".

At Torquay United, "Dan Martin is now looking ahead to the 2022/23 campaign. After arriving at Plainmoor last summer, the former Fulham and Cardiff youngster went from strength to strength as last season went on, leaving him eager to hit the ground running this time around.

'It was a slow start from me and from the others,' begins Dan. 'I think it took a little while for the squad and myself to come together and understand how we were playing, and how we played off each other. I think that was down to the players and not the coaching staff, and I think we just didn’t gel like we should have...

'We ended up on a really good run, we got a bit of consistency, getting good results, and I think to be honest if we had found that form and cohesion from the start of the season we would’ve been firmly in the play-offs at the end, considering we just missed out anyway'...

As pre-season preparations begin in earnest. “If I’m honest, I dread the running, and even though I’m good at it I still dread it,” admits Martin...

The Gulls left-back [added]... 'Winning the league is our ultimate goal, we want to be promoted and to be back in the Football League as a Club'".

At Scunthorpe United chairman Lee Turnbull writes that "After being in position for three months, and experiencing the pain of relegation, our focus now must be on moving forward and meeting the challenges of National League football head on.

I'd like to thank all the club staff and volunteers for the hard work this summer in restoring and refreshing Glanford Park....

Supporters may have noticed the work undertaken on the land the club owns near Costa recently. This was on-site refurbishment work to flatten the area in preparation for a potential Fan Zone and also to prepare an area for building the proposed apartments.

On Thursday, we welcomed Keith Hill, his coaching staff and the players back into the building, including five trialists... We’re mixing the training schedule up too by working on 3G surfaces at times to prepare for those sides in the National League.

We have five friendlies that fans are able to attend confirmed, and will also face Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town and Leeds United's Under-23s sides before those. Those clubs prefer to keep these matches behind-closed-doors so we have to respect that and keep advance details confidential...

Card is the preferred method of payment around Glanford Park, but if this isn't available there is the alternative to pay cash".

Barnet "announce that academy graduates James Callan and Sam Granville have signed their first professional deals with the club.

Callan worked his way through the under 18s before being handed the opportunity to work with the first-team on a regular basis in 2020... He became the youngest ever goalkeeper to make an appearance in the Vanarama National League – coming on as a substitute at Sutton United in 2021...

Granville has been at The Hive London since the age of 12 and progressed through the youth teams before stepping up to the first-team at the start of the 2020/21 season.

The midfielder made his Bees debut on the opening day of last season against Notts County and made his full debut a week later at Solihull Moors".

Maidstone United "have completed the summer signing of Henry Woods.

The midfielder joins from Gillingham after spending last season with National League side Dover".

West London Sport confirms that "Wealdstone have signed winger Tarryn Allarakhia following his departure from fellow National League side Woking.

The 24-year-old spent time on loan at Wealdstone during the 2018/19 season, scoring four goals in 18 appearances...

'He’s a player that we’ve long admired and we’ve had to fight off competition to secure his signature,' manager Stuart Maynard said.

'Tarryn is someone who fits our recruitment model'...

Midfielder Alex Dyer has also penned a new one-year deal with the Stones, having made almost 200 appearances for the club across two separate spells".

Eastleigh "announce the signing of defensive midfielder, Ousseynou Cissè, on a permanent deal.

The 31 year-old Mali international becomes the Spitfires’ fourth summer signing following his departure from Oldham Athletic

Cissè brings a wealth of Football League experience to the Silverlake Stadium, having featured over 100 times across spells with MK Dons, Gillingham, and Leyton Orient since his arrival in the UK in 2017.

He rose through the youth ranks at PSG and Amiens... He has also played for the likes of Dijon and Rayo Vallecano on the continent...

Ousseynou Cissè said... 'I’ve been in League One and League Two, I’ve been promoted and relegated while in England, so I know what you need to do to have a good season'".

26 June 2022

BYRNE JOINS ALTY FOR "UNDISCLOSED FEE"

Byrne will join the National League outfit on July 1st for an undisclosed fee following two and a half successful years at Deeside Stadium as the Manchester-based team recently announced their transition to full time football for the first time in their history...

Byrne was recently named joint Player's Player of the season having kept 24 clean sheets in 41 games in the 2021/22 season".

ALTY'S NEW KEEPER

‘Ollie is a real coup,’ said Phil Parkinson ‘He is a player who has forged a name for himself at Connah’s Quay and is widely regarded as the best keeper in the League of Wales.

‘He amassed 41 starts last season, keeping 24 clean sheets as well as winning the Players’ Player of the season award. We have fought off EFL attention to get him to decide to commit his future to Altrincham FC.

‘He’s an Alty lad, and I’m sure he’ll be a huge hit here next season; we needed a top keeper to replace Tommo and I truly believe we have that man.’

Alty's need for a keeper follows the departure of Tony Thompson (right) which was prompted by the club's move next season to a full-time playing staff. On the books for 2022-23 already, the club does have Matt Gould but he has started just five league games over two seasons at Alty, with his playing time in that period mainly spent on loan at Nantwich Town.

From 2014-16 Oliver Byrne was in the Manchester United youth structure and was in their under-18s' cohort with Marcus Rashford.

In November 2017 Byrne arrived at Chorley on loan from Cardiff City's under-23 set-up. He had joined the Welsh club in 2016 after completing his scholarship at Manchester United.

He was recommended to the Magpies by former Alty keeper Andy Dibble.

From Cardiff's Academy Byrne joined Blackburn Rovers under-23s early in 2018. In September 2018, he spent a month's loan period from the Welsh club at Bamber Bridge in the Northern Premier League.

In January 2019 he joined Stevenage in EFL2 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers, though he did not make a League appearance for the Borough.

After he had been released by Stevenage in July 2019, he spent two months at Atherton Collieries, where he played ten games.

He then went on trial at Connah's Quay in November 2019 and in January 2020 he signed for the Nomads. In February 2020 he went on loan to Airbus UK till the end of MAy 2020.

According to Blackburn sources he also had spells with Crewe Alexandra and Liverpool.

ALTY LEGENDS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Places in the Fans XI have been auctioned off in an effort to raise money for the 1895 Fund, and contribute to the £6 million target set in order to make an offer to buy Boundary Park from landlord Simon Blitz.

The highest bidders, as well as those who were successful in the raffle for a place on the substitutes’ bench, will come up against Latics legends including David Eyres, Andy Ritchie, Clyde Wijnhard and Richie Wellens at Avro FC on Sunday, kick-off 3pm, while it has been announced that former Oldham captain David Wheater will manage the fans' team".

26 June 2022

ALTY LEGENDS: BOBBY JEFFREY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 21 year-old moves to the South West side on a free transfer following his release from the Chairboys this summer.

Joining the Adams Park club in 2020 from Lowestoft Town, he made one first team appearance for Wanderers...

He also had two loan spells... which were at Slough Town and King’s Lynn Town respectively. The latter spell at the Norfolk side saw him score eight goals in 21 matches for the Linnets during the 2021/22 campaign, as they were relegated to the National League South.

However, his season ended prematurely in April after he picked up a serious leg injury...

He told the club’s website, 'Yeovil is a big club with a good core of players and staff. I’m looking forward to coming in and adding to that. The manager [Chris Hargreaves] has been a big pulling factor... We share similar traits, but the main one being ambition.

'I’ve played here before, I’ve seen what it’s like, I simply couldn’t refuse'".

At Wrexham, the club announces "the signing of Aidan Davison as goalkeeping coach following Lee Butler’s retirement.

Former Northern Irish international Davison, 54, arrives having most recently been coaching in the USA and reunites with Phil Parkinson, the manager under whom he won promotion with Colchester United in 2006.

Davison was a regular under Parkinson at Colchester...

Born in County Durham, Davison was a Newcastle United youth graduate and... he joined Millwall and then Bolton Wanderers.He earned three Northern Ireland caps and played in the Premier League with both Bolton and Bradford City.

In between, he also enjoyed a play-off and Football League Trophy double with Grimsby Town in 1998... Parkinson signed Davison for Colchester in 2004, where he remained for four years...

As a coach, he has been Hull City’s reserve-team manager, coached extensively in America...– and served as goalkeeping coach under Phil Brown at Indian Super League teams Pune City and Hyderabad".

According to the Oldham Times "Mike Fondop is fighting fit and ready for the new season with Oldham Athletic.

The 28 year-old made an immediate impact after becoming John Sheridan's first January signing following the head coach's return to the club, scoring twice in a 3-3 draw at Newport County in mid-February.

But Fondop's impressive start was curtailed when injury ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the season after just two games.

The injury was so bad that the former Chesterfield and Hartlepool forward required groin surgery, which he underwent in early March...

Fondop has taken some time out over the closed season, visiting Senegal, before returning to his birthplace of Yaounde in Cameroon... Fondop... worked with Sheridan at Chesterfield in the 2019/20 season.

Sheridan had high hopes for the forward... 'He's a big lad and can handle himself against defenders which is something that we've been in need of. Mike did well for me at Chesterfield, so I believe that I can get the best out of him and I know that he has the ability to score goals'...

He was injured 25 minutes into his Latics debut at Scunthorpe. He had been forced off by a head injury at Glanford Park but, in the process of suffering a clash of heads, he also sustained a groin strain".

25 June 2022

CURZON CANCEL ALTY FRIENDLY

"The club informed us that the pitch at the Tameside Stadium will not be match ready" states Altrincham FC.

The remaining friendlies are as follows...

• Sat.9.7.22 12pm A West Didsbury & Chorlton
• Sat.9.7.22 3.30pm A Wythenshawe Town
• Tue.12.7.22 7.45pm A Trafford
• Sat.16.7.22 3pm A Isle of Man
• Sat.23.7.22 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY
• Tue.26.7.22 7.45pm H STOKE CITY U-23
• Sat.30.7.22 3pm H MANCHESTER UNITED XI

ALTT LEGENDS: HAROLD KELLY

Terry Rowley's frofile of Harold Kelly is the latest addition to his Alty Legends series.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Kiddy captain Austin, 25, leaves Aggborough as a club legend having made more than 200 appearances for the National League North side, while Bajrami, 22, was one of their outstanding performers having arrived from Birmingham City ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Attacking midfielder Austin joins on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, while compensation and a two-year contract have been agreed for versatile defender Bajrami.

Austin is a much-loved figure at Aggborough having plied his trade there for six years... 'I don’t see how, as a fan, you couldn’t get behind this boy,' said Williams. 'He has incredible energy, unbelievable quality and plays without fear.

'Sam’s a scorer of spectacular goals... He’s another player the club have been monitoring for a long time and, since Ryan Harley and I have arrived, we’ve watched a lot of him... I believe the best use of his skillset will be from central areas...

'Our aim is to take him into the EFL with us, and we know he shares that ambition. When you consider the signings of Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott and the fact we have Cal Roberts and Ruben Rodrigues, who are quite clearly two of the biggest attacking threats in the division, it’s very exciting to know we have such strong competition in attacking areas'..

Bajrami, meanwhile, becomes the second central defender to join us this summer following the arrival of Aden Baldwin earlier this week...

'Geraldo wants to get on the ball and is comfortable stepping forward in possession,' said Williams. 'We also want our defenders to be really aggressive in their attempts to win the ball as high up the pitch and as early as possible, and we’ve seen those qualities in his game as well... Defenders like Geraldo and Aden may not be your stereotypical ‘giants’ compared to some of the other centre backs you see, but they have more than enough physicality, dynamism, desire and know-how to go pound-for-pound with anyone...

'He can also play in midfield, which is a possibility for him here as well...

'We’re signing captains all over the place, so we should be developing a dressing room who know how to manage themselves and each other,' said Williams.. 'If you look at the greatest sports teams in the world they all have captains throughout. If you have that mentality running through your squad, you’re very difficult to beat.... Sam, Geraldo and Aden’s captaincy experience tells you a lot about them...

Bajrami was born in Birmingham to Albanian parents... He skippered Birmingham’s Under 18s to the semi-finals of the 2017-18 FA Youth Cup.. and was handed back-to-back Championship starts against West Brom and Hull City.

His development continued with a loan move to Solihull which was frustratingly curtailed by Covid and the following season he ended his stay at St Andrew’s with silverware in the... 2020-21 Professional Development League.

He was snapped up by Kiddy last summer... making 42 appearances and establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league".

Scunthorpe United "confirm Tyrone O'Neill has left the club by mutual consent.

The former Middlesbrough striker made one start and three substitute appearances while with the Iron, before joining Darlington on loan for the second half of the season".

According to the Weston Mercury, "Reuben Reid has signed for Weston AFC following his departure from Yeovil Town and becomes the Seagulls second summer signing...

The 33-year-old spent two years with the Glovers before leaving this summer.

Before that Reid has had an extensive career in the Football League, accumulating 434 games, scoring 118 goals, including [time at] south-west clubs Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City, Forest Green Rovers, and Cheltenham Town.

And It was at at Forest Green where manager Scott Bartlett first came across Reid, while player-assistant manager Scott Laird played with the forward at Argyle...

'It’s a real compliment to our club because he had some fantastic offers to stay full time or go into a hybrid system that some clubs are adopting now but he committed to us' [said Bartlett]...

Reid added 'I’m grateful and humbled by the manager’s pursuit, approach and eventual opportunity he has given me for myself and family. At this stage in my career, I want to be a part of something exciting and progressive'".

The Sunderland Echo states that "Gateshead have completed the signing of Notts County striker Lewis Knight.

The move comes just hours after Heed forward Cedwyn Scott moved in the opposite direction after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee ...

Knight became Gateshead’s third summer signing after putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal... and brought a successful conclusion to a long-standing interest from his new club.

The 23-year-old forward scored nine goals in 14 games for National League North club Bradford Park Avenue during the 2020/21 season before stepping up to the National League with Notts County and making eight appearances before the end of the campaign.

Knight agreed a loan move back to Park Avenue in January ...

He told the club website: 'I think the way they play suits me really well... They play with a lot of attacking intent and I think I can add to that... They want runners in behind and if people have watched me before, that’s what I want to do'...

Knight followed fellow new signings Kenton Richardson and Tom Allan in joining the club. A loan deal for a young goalkeeper from a Premier League club should be completed over the coming days and talks with another forward are ongoing".

Wrexham AFC "have received confirmation from Wrexham County Borough Council that demolition of the Kop and clearance of the site can be undertaken.

The required works will be put out to tender in the coming weeks, so no commencement date is known at this stage.

This is a significant step towards bringing the new Kop Development to fruition.

The crush barriers have already being removed with the consent of both Wrexham Glyndwr University and the Club by the Wrexham Supporters' Trust, who have raised £20,205 to date from the sale of these with further barriers still available".

PRINGLE BRINGS EXPERIENCE

Right: Next season, Ben Pringle (back to camera) will again be plotting tactics with Ryan Colclough at Altrincham.

The Alty boss had already equipped his midfield with youthful drive and energy for the transition to full-time professional status after retaining Isaac Marriott and Elliot Osborne from last season and recruiting highly-rated Josh Lundstram from Crewe Alexandra.

Now he has added a veteran of over 200 Football League games for the likes of Derby County, Fulham, Ipswich Town and Preston North End after 33-year old Pringle, signed from Morecambe last summer, agreed a new deal...

The agreement with Pringle represents the completion of negotiations with players from last season’s squad. It means A-J Leitch-Smith, Ritchie Sutton and Kennedy Digie are leaving, along with full-back Jamie Morgan, who has rejoined Chester after being unable to commit to full-time football".

ALTY LEGEND: LEN WHITE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Young, who first joined Wrexham AFC in 2018, is now under contract until the end of the 2023/24 season. The 29 year-old made 49 appearances for Phil Parkinson’s side last season... A back-to-back Player of the Season winner in 2019/20 and 2020/21... Young was delighted... saying 'I’m thankful for the Club for offering me an extra year until the 2023/24 season".

According to the Derbyshire Times, "Chesterfield midfielder Manny Oyeleke looks set for a spell on the sidelines.

The 29-year-old has posted a picture on his Instagram account of his left knee bandaged up and captioned it ‘comeback season begins.’

Oyeleke experienced a stop-start season due to a niggling calf injury, making 27 appearances in total. He played no part in the final three games of the season due to a knee injury...

. Speaking back in May, manager Paul Cook said 'He has got a knee problem... and he is likely not to play again this season'...

Although the full nature of the injury is not yet known, it seems likely that Oyeleke will be a doubt for at least the beginning of the new season which starts on August 6.

The central midfielder joined the Spireites in April 2021, making 40 appearances so far".

ACADEMY PLAYERS HONOURED

In addition Joe Cooney (right) collected the H Division shield".

The Academy team won the National League U19 Alliance Division H title in its first competitive season.

Whilst Morton made a substitute appearance for the first team in the penultimate match of the 2021-22 season at Bromley, goalkeeper Forde did not actually make any first-team appearances. However, he was apparently issued with squad number 31.

ALTY LEGENDS: PETER HIGHAM

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Reds' boss Phil Parkinson will take his players and staff to Alicante, Spain for two fixtures on Tuesday July 19 and Thursday July 23...

Two domestic friendlies have also been confirmed.

The first will take place on Saturday, July 16 against Nantwich Town, with kick-off at the Swansway Stadium scheduled for 3pm.

Wrexham are committed to this friendly as a thank you to the Northern Premier League side outfit for hosting last season’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay against Marine because work was being carried out on The Racecourse pitch...

Wrexham have also lined-up a game against Macclesfield FC at The Racecourse on Saturday July 30".

According to Somerset Live, "Former Bristol Rovers academy striker Olli Hulbert has linked up with Chris Hargeaves once again, with the 19 year-old becoming the Yeovil Town manager’s first signing since taking charge of the Glovers earlier in the summer.

Hulbert has signed a one-year contract, with the option of a further year, at Huish Park and is the first new face through the door in Somerset after a number of contract renewals...

It reunites Hulbert with Hargreaves, having worked under the 50-year-old when he served as academy manager and youth coach at Rovers until his departure earlier this year.

Hulbert was released by Rovers this summer after spending 12 years with the club... without making the first-team breakthrough".

In the Halifax Courier, we read that "It's that time of year again when all Gareth McClelland's hard work comes to fruition... FC Halifax Town are hoping head of recruitment McClelland's extensive knowledge and insight into hundreds of players will give them an edge.

Jack Hunter and Sam Smart have both joined The Shaymen so far this summer, but Town are in negotiations for several other new faces... Said McClelland, who is in his second spell at Halifax having previously worked under Neil Aspin, 'We've got to look at their demands of course, but we try and limit it to people within commuting distance... We do have accommodation available if we need to bring players in from further afield...

'You've got agents putting players forward every day at this time of year and you have to follow up on each player...

'In my role I am always looking for the next player, and it can be difficult to switch off... We like signing players we've seen with our own eyes...

'We have to stick within our current structure because the dressing room is key'...

From September to Christmas, McClelland is generally looking at potential loan signings... 'We're also looking at any players who stand out at Evo-Stik level or below because they start showing early in the season,' he said.

'"Once we start the New Year it's about looking at players for next season because it's more difficult once they've signed contracts...

'The likes of Wrexham and Stockport, they're looking at different players, more proven, Football League players, offering them a lot of money and giving them two or three year deals,' he said. 'It is difficult but we've proven before that we can compete on the field with the way we recruit... We've shown in recent seasons we do get real value, whereas that's not always the case at other clubs'...

'Ideally, like most clubs, we would like a forward with a physical presence up front at times when we may not able to play as much away from home. When the home team is pressing us it can be more difficult to play the brand of football we play at home, so we need to have a different style away from home... We haven't had a physical focal point up top who has played regular games for a number of seasons'...

Underpinning all of McClelland's work is a strong working relationship with chairman David Bosomworth and manager Chris Millington...

'I've got the utmost respect for David, I can only say good things about him... He gives everything to the club... He's taken the club a long way'".

Woking "announce the signing of Padraig Amond.

The forward will join the Cards from Newport County on... deal through to the end of the 2023/24 season.

Amond, 34, came through the Shamrock Rovers academy, featuring 75 times for the Hoops before a move to Sligo Rovers in 2010... His form earned a move to Pacos de Ferreira in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Padraig’s first move to England was Accrington Stanley in 2011. Morecambe came calling in 2013 and across four seasons he featured 160 times in League Two.

Grimsby Town signed the forward ahead of the 2015/16 National League season, as Amond scored 30 goals in 40 league appearances for the Mariners... After a spell at Hartlepool United, Padraig signed for League Two Newport County in 2017. He scored 41 goals in 161 League Two appearances...

'When you look at the centre-forward market now and previously, and what was open and available to this football club, we never had what I would consider a serial goal-scorer', said Woking Manager Darren Sarll. 'Padraig is exactly that... This is one I have held out for for a long time, stretching back to before I was at Woking'... Sarll added".

ALTY LEGENDS: NORMAN SYKES

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Scott joined the Heed after a spell at Brunton Park... The striker came to the Blues' attention following a goal-laden spell with Hebburn Town, and had also spent time on trial with Newcastle United.

He had previously represented Dunston UTS and Dundee after coming through the ranks at Huddersfield Town...

'When... I arrived at the club, Cedwyn was one of the first players presented to us by the recruitment team,' said [manager, Luke] Williams. 'Of course, we weren’t at the club when the process of analysing Cedwyn had begun so it was amazing to walk in and hear experienced staff telling us "we’ve been monitoring this player; let us show you some of his qualities."

'Ryan and I were both taken aback. To know that all that work had been done over a long period of time was a really nice feeling to walk into and we were fully behind the club getting this deal done... Clearly, Cedwyn has the quality to remain calm and find the finish'".

The Nottingham Post adds that "Scott... will be reunited with prolific strike partner Macaulay Langstaff at Meadow Lane following his recent move to the East Midlands. The duo combined to fire Gateshead to the National League North title last season.

Langstaff scored 32 goals in all competitions, including 28 in the league [for York City], while Scott bagged 26 in total, with 24 of them coming in the league. That's 58 between the two of them in a single campaign. Perhaps not surprisingly, both players were named in the division's team of the season...

Scott's arrival comes after Notts' top scorer last term, Kyle Wootton, left to sign for Stockport County...

'It’s important we all recognise it’s a step up for both players; it’s not a given that they can immediately recreate what they achieved last season' Luke Williams added... 'They will be given the support they need to help with their adaptation to a new club and division.'”

Meanwhile at York, the Telegraph & Argus reports thst "A former Bradford (Park Avenue) starlet has agreed to drop down two divisions and return to Yorkshire.

The exciting winger started his career in the youth system at Crewe Alexandra before impressing in non-league for the likes of Matlock Town and Bradford... He broke into the Valiants team, making 20 appearances, in the behind-closed-doors season before struggling to regain his place as promotion was gained last term.

The new York signing said... 'I’ve worked with the gaffer before; he gave me my debut in the football league. I can play on the left or the right wing, like a wide forward... I like to run at players, attack players and get crosses into the box.

'I’d like to get my stats up and to get some more goals and assists to my name is my main goal this season'.

Hurst links up again with manager John Askey who originally brought him to Vale".

And York Press adds that "John Askey believes that York City owe a 'duty of care' to out-of-contract Scott Barrow, who is set miss the entirety of next season.

Barrow suffered a cruciate ligament injury in York’s 2-0 Vanarama National League North play-off final win over Boston United last month.

The left-back will now likely miss the whole of the 2022/23 campaign. The news comes after Barrow missed four months at the beginning of the campaign with an Achilles injury.

The 33-year-old was offered a new contract by City at the end of last term although it has not been renewed as things stand.

.. Despite that, Askey was insistent that the club have an obligation to assist Barrow, who is due an operation next week, during his lengthy spell on the sidelines...

'I think the club has a duty of care and I think that’s why players come and sign for York, they do try and look after people. Scott’s been a servant to the club for the past two or three years, so it’s only right that we try and look after him' added Askey of the defender who joined York in 2020 from Gateshead...

Starting right-back Michael Duckworth missed the final eight games of the season with a calf injury... Askey though is hopeful that the 30-year-old, who was invited back to the club for pre-season, will be fit for the first of six planned friendly matches, which begin on Friday, July 8... The Minstermen relied mainly on Olly Dyson and loanee Sam Sanders as cover in the full-back positions last term.

Dyson has since signed a two-year extension with the club, which was announced on Monday, whereas Sanders has been offered a contract by York after his release from Nottingham Forest".

Confirmation comes from West London Sport that "Wealdstone have signed goalkeeper Sam Howes following his exit from Isthmian Premier League side Horsham earlier this week.

The former West Ham youngster is boss Stuart Maynard’s first new signing of the summer and spent time with the Stones on an emergency loan deal last season, keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Yeovil Town.

He also featured for the club in 2015 during a loan spell from West Ham and has played for Hampton & Richmond Borough, Eastbourne Borough and Woking, among others.

Howes was named Horsham’s Players’ Player of the Season for the last campaign and joins on a one-year deal with the option of a further year.".

Oldham Athletic "confirm that Jack Stobbs has agreed a new one-year contract...

The 25 year-old, who started 17 times, in addition to a further 13 substitute appearances last campaign, has signed a new deal after concluding negotiations with manager John Sheridan.

Born in Leeds, the wide player progressed through the youth ranks and into the first team at Sheffield Wednesday before time on loan at Port Vale. He also played briefly in Scotland for Livingston.

[He operated]... in either wide midfield or at full-back throughout the last campaign...

Striker Mike Fondop has also agreed a one-year extension... after initially arriving from Hartepool United in January.

The club has been unable to agree new terms with Nicky Adams, who was out of contact at the end of last season...

Sheridan said 'I’m pleased that Jack [Stobbs] has agreed to stay... Jack gives us options that will be important in terms of creating and scoring goals'".

In the Southend Echo, "Southend have been rumoured to be interested in signing Bermuda international Justin Donawa.

Donawa is currently a Solihull Moors player and has been offered a new deal at the club... He has not played for the club since December due to a fractured distal fibula...

The winger has made 40 appearances for Solihull since joining the club, scoring six goals... Last season he made 16 appearances in all competitions and managed to score twice.

Internationally, Donawa has made 21 appearances for Bermuda, scoring three goals...

Blues boss Kevin Maher... after completing deals to sign Cav Miley and Dan Mooney, said 'There's a lot going on and we're talking to our targets... I'd like to think we're getting closer with two or three'".

And the Birmingham Mail tells us that "Joe Sbarra's future at Solihull Moors became a little more certain yesterday after he extended his contract for another two years. The star midfielder played a vital role in getting the Moors to the play-off finals earlier this month...

By extending Sbarra's contract, Neil Ardley has pledged to retain talent so the Moors can triumph next season.

The 23-year-old has agreed a new and improved two-year deal at the ARMCO Arena, with the option of a further year... His 18 league goals and performances went a long way to helping the Moors record a third-place finish...

Sbarra was named Sportsbeat Young Player of the Year at the National Game Awards just last week".

The Nottingham Post confirms that "Notts County have signed defender Aden Baldwin.

The 25 year-old centre-back moves to Meadow Lane from MK Dons on a two-year deal...

'Aden is going to fit into what Ryan and I are trying to build really quickly and he’s going to be an asset to the club,' said head coach Luke Williams. 'In an ideal scenario, we’re going to be on the front foot and having huge territory in games next season which means there will be space behind us. Aden’s pace and excellent defensive instincts will be crucial...

'He wouldn’t look out of place in the opposition’s 18-yard box and he can take a fantastic dead-ball'"

Maidstone United report that "After two loan spells last season, Hady Ghandour has agreed a deal to join Maidstone United.

The 22 year-old made his Stones debut last October, while on-loan from Charlton Athletic. That initial spell was cut short when he was called up by Lebanon for two World Cup qualifiers that November.

He returned to the Gallagher in March, making nine appearances as Hakan Hayrettin’s side claimed the Vanarama National League South title."

The Northampton Chronicle alerts us to the fact that "Striker Nicke Kabamba has joined National League side Barnet following his exit from the Cobblers.

The two parties agreed to part ways after a frustrating first season at Sixfields which yielded only six league starts and just one goal in all competitions.

Kabamba tweeted 'Things didn't work out but I wish nothing but the best for the club'".

21 June 2022

ALTY LEGENDS: DICK IDDON

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Following the expiry of his contract at Dorking Wanderers, the midfielder is set to join the Spireites on July 1.

Oldaker said 'I’m absolutely delighted to sign for such a big club. I literally just want to get going now. It was a tough moving away and moving everything up here, but I’m more than happy to do it. I can’t wait.

'[Paul Cook] was massive [in the decision to join Chesterfield]. He’s had interest in me for a couple of years back when I was at Gillingham. He’s clear of what he wants from me as a player at this club and I’m ready to do it for him.'

Oldaker started his career in Queens Park Rangers’ academy before spending four years with Gillingham... He had spells at Billericay Town and Westfield. He also spent some time with Welling United, sandwiched in between spells at Hythe Town.

The 23-year-old moved to Dorking in November 2021... Oldaker played 25 times for Wanderers during the 2021/22 season, scoring four times2.

Checkout this quirky story from the Mirror, which states that "Chesterfield won plenty of admirers on social media after releasing pictures of Bailey Clements with club scarf aloft, in a local branch of Tesco...

When quizzed on why the photo was taken in the supermarket, one user suggested 'For the last 12 years everyone has seen rumoured players in Tesco. So they decided to make it true.'"

Meanwhile, Dorking Wanderers "have confirmed that fan favourite Matt Briggs has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

'Briggsy' joined Wanderers at just 18 years old and is one the longest serving players, having spent seven seasons with the club. In this period he has also played an instrumental part in three promotions.

Having suffered an ACL rupture last season during the key home match versus Maidstone, he had a successful operation and is on course to return before Christmas.

Manager Marc White said... 'We cannot wait to get him back fit. He will I'm sure continue to terrorise every left back even in the league above. He is simply unplayable on his day and pretty soon teams in the National League will realise this'...

White continued 'Matt and his family have shown the Wanderers great loyalty since their arrival from the North East, and I really appreciate tha'.

In addition to Matt Briggs, the below key players have all signed new deals with the club: Slav Huk, Jimmy Muitt, Isaac Philpot, Niall McManus, Dan Gallagher, Jordan Cheadle, Sami El-Abd, Luke Moore, Harry Ottaway

At Dagenham & Redbridge "Callum Reynolds has decided to depart the Daggers upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.

The defender joined the Daggers in August 2020 after spending the previous two years at Barnet... Reynolds went on to make a total of 64 appearances for the Daggers, with 37 of those coming from this season".

Subsequently, rivals Bromley announced "the signing of defender Callum Reynolds, who will join the club at the conclusion of his Dagenham & Redbridge contract on 30th June".

At Scunthorpe United "First team manager Keith Hill... [has been] ttalking about the players' pre-season schedule...

'It’s going to be testing, it’ll be an introduction to the demands of which we’re going to play with in and out of possession. We’ve got to talk through the discipline, we want self-discipline, we want team discipline, we want respect, we want good players to perform with moral values.

'There's also an emphasis on the way we want the players to act in and around the public, on the training pitch, showing respect to our opposition, the officials and all... We’ll start the training on the Friday'.

Three home friendlies have been announced against Sheffield United, Rochdale and Peterborough United, with two further tests away at Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC and Farsley Celtic...

Hill said... 'We... got a good variation of opposition that’s going to test us in different ways, but from day one there will be an introduction of the style in which we want to play... The six weeks is an integral part of the plan for the upcoming season of 46 games plus cup games'".

"Two Wealdstone players featured in international duty this week with both Ashley Charles and Alex Dyer featuring for Grenada and Montserrat in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Charles earned his first three caps for Grenada in their 3-1 defeat to El Salvador before then featuring once more in the reverse fixture, where the Spice Boys earned a memorable 2-2 draw with the Latin American side.

The 23-year old midfielder who had just signed a new deal with the Stones before flying out for international duty, then played in a 5-0 defeat to the USA in front of a 20,000 plus crowd in Austin, Texas.

Dyer made his 19th, 20th and 21st appearances for the Emerald Boys. He played in marginal defeats to Guyana and Haiti which ended 2-1 and 3-2 before featuring in a 3-2 win over Bermuda.

Former Stones defender Dean Mason also played in all-three games meaning the two players hold the joint-record for caps with the Montserrat national team".

Meanwhile, West London Sport tells us that "Defender Nikola Tavares has left Wealdstone to join fellow National League side Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 23 year-old, whose contract expires this month, turned down the offer of a new deal with the Stones. He has signed a two-year contract with Dagenham & Redbridge, who say they will pay Wealdstone a compensation fee.

'We have been in negotiations with Nik since October and the board did all it could to keep a player we know is so popular with the fans and in the dressing room,' Wealdstone chairman Rory Fitzgerald said. 'Nik turned down the new deal on significantly improved terms and has instead chosen to take up the offer of full-time football elsewhere'".

We learn from the Blackpool Gazette that "AFC Fylde have announced defender Jordan Cranston as their third new signing of the summer.

The 28 year-old will join the Coasters when his contract with National League club Solihull Moors expires.

The Welshman has signed a one-year deal with the option of a second and the Coasters claim to have beaten several clubs in non-league's top tier to his signature.

Having started his professional career with Wolverhampton Wanderers, left-back Cranston made his EFL debut with Notts County in 2014... Cranston made 60 League Two appearances during his two-and-a-half years with the Robins (2016-18) before adding almost the same number over two seasons at Morecambe...

Cranston has spent the past two seasons at Solihull Moors, making 62 National League appearances. He was released after last season's play-off final defeat by Grimsby Town".

FC Halifax Town "announce Andy Cooper as the club’s new assistant manager.

Cooper... spent two years abroad working with the Bobby Charlton Soccer School before joining Qatar’s national football academy, ASPIRE, where Cooper spent 10 years, leaving in 2017....

Following his decade in Qatar, Cooper joined Leeds United where he oversaw multiple age groups within the academy whilst stepping up to under 23s coach. After two years with Leeds, he took the role of Assistant Director of Football during the launch and development of Punjab FC which competes in the I-League...

Over the last 12 months, Cooper has been working as a performance and coaching consultant to various professional clubs and academies both in the UK and overseas".

20 June 2022

ALTY OLD BOYS

Right: Jamie Morgan is pictured during his last start for the club which was also his last appearance at Moss Lane. That was in the match against Woking in February 2022. Subsequently, he made just one more appearance, as a substitute in the match at Notts County near the end of the campaign.

The 24-year-old has penned a one-year deal, returning to the Deva Stadium for a second spell in blue and white.

Morgan first linked up with the Blues back in the summer of 2019 from Nantwich Town... Jamie made 36 appearances in two covid-curtailed seasons with Chester, scoring four goals. His stunning volley in January 2021 at Bradford (PA) was voted our Goal of the Season for the 2020/21 campaign.

The full-back moved up a division to sign for Alty earlier this year but has opted to return to the Blues to join up with new Manager Calum McIntyre...

Jamie said 'I feel like I’ve got unfinished business here... There’s a good feel about the place and it feels like the energy has come back into the club'...

Blues' boss Calum had this to say 'Jamie is as good an attacking full-back as you will get in this league and I am pleased to get him on board... And he has a genuine desire to play a part in the success we all want to bring to this football club'".

As with Morgan, the departure of Kennedy Digie was also announced by Altrincham at the weekend. Gloucester City report that "Kennedy Digie has joined the club on a one-year deal, becoming City’s first new signing of the summer.

The centre-back spent the second-half of last season on loan at fellow National League North side Farsley Celtic, making 17 appearances and scoring once for The Celt Army.

The 25-year-old also played ten times for National League outfit Altrincham last campaign, having begun his career with Kidderminster Harriers and also having spells with Guiseley and Hereford.

A strong and powerful defender, who’s also very comfortable on the ball.

City manager, Lee Mansell, added 'Kennedy is a player we were monitoring last season when he was at Farsley. He‘s an aggressive, athletic defender who can also play with the ball. He’s a good age and he’s relatively local, with the attributes he’s got he’ll be a very good player for us'”.

ALTY LEGENDS: GORDON "BIFFER" SMITH

"Biffer" spent five seasons at Altrincham in the 1950s and returned in the 1960s as the club's Reserve team manager.

Above: Altrincham FC pictured at Moss Lane in 1951/52 with the players identified by the late Keith Davey, who also pointed out that "The building in the background is the old changing rooms which later became the supporters' building and social club at Moss Lane. It was demolished in the 1960s by Ken Robinson (groundsman), John Broughton (assistant groundsman) and Keith Davey to make way for the new turnstiles adjacent to the Red Robin Club". The players in the above photograph are:

Back row: Brian Parkinson, Alf Rawding, - Wasilski (a Polish player), Bob Barrie, Brian Phillips, Gordon "Biffer" Smith, Charles Le-Massure (trainer, from Guernsey). Front row: Konrad Kapler (Polish player), Bobby Dale, Alf Morris, Cyril Barclay, Walter Jones.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The front man had been on Danny Cowley’s radar since November, with both parties keen to strike a deal this summer.

However, following Stockport’s advances and their willingess to splash the cash on the non-league forward’s wages, the Fratton outfit pulled out of negotiations and refused to go head to head with the League Two new boys.

As a result, the Hatters were able to gazump the remainder of the competition for Wootton’s signature... Championship play-off finalists Huddersfield and newly-relegated Barnsley were reportedly keen.

It’s understood Dave Challinor’s side are paying the ex-Scunthorpe man in the region of £5,000 s a week, in the hope he can fire them to a second consecutive promotion.

Although the Blues, understandably, weren’t willing to match the National League champions’ offer, it’s understood the lure of playing in the third tier and at Fratton Park may have been a useful bargaining tool, even with a lower wage offer Despite this, the hierarchy decided against chancing their arm with a proposal.

Pompey remain without any senior strikers heading into pre-season training on Monday".

Meanwhile, Working "announce the signing of Scott Cuthbert.

The defender will join the Cards from Stevenage on 1st July on a deal through to the end of the 2022/23 season.

Cuthbert, 35, came through the Celtic academy and featured 29 times for St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League on loan. 213 League One appearances for Swindon Town and Leyton Orient followed, before 236 League Two appearances for Luton Town and Stevenage.

Scott captained Luton Town to League One promotion in 2017/18. He moved to Stevenage ahead of the 2018/19 season... He leaves the EFL with 449 appearances and a wealth of experience for the Cards.

'Scott is the balance that we need in terms of having lots of athleticism'... said Manager Darren Sarll...

'I was quoted last year saying that I felt the squad lacked some toughness and resilience, some robustness and character. Scott is exactly that. He is an experienced and older player and, to me, the dressing room is only as good as the senior players.

'He will be a huge influence both on and off the pitch, whether fit or injured. He has a huge role to play in the character and feel of the group. He still has so many qualities as a player to give: a very good defender, organiser of a

'I’m delighted, after a very long pursuit and with him turning down many other clubs, that Scott Cuthbert will be a Woking player,' Sarll added.

Promoted Dorking Wanderers have recently signed four players.

"Skilful left winger Adam Mekki has joined Wanderers following his release from Ebbsfleet United.

After coming through the youth ranks at Reading FC, Adam signed professionally with Aldershot Town in 2009. He would remain with 'The Shots' for four years, including during the club's time in League Two. He moved on to have brief spells with Barnet and Dover Athletic, before switching to Tranmere Rovers in 2015...

Adam then signed for Bromley the following year, featuring regularly for the National League side in a campaign which concluded with him being awarded the man of the match in the 2018 FA Trophy Final. Released by Bromley in the summer of 2020, Ebbsfleet secured his signature... The 30-year old winger will bring plenty of National League experience and an exciting style of play".

And Dorking Wanderers also confirm "the signing of central midfielder Jack Jebb, who joins Wanderers from Dartford FC.

A product of the Arsenal youth academy, Jack has represented England at U15 and U16 level. He signed a professional deal with Arsenal in 2012, and played regularly for their U18 side. Departing the club in 2015, Jack went on to play for Stevenage and Newport County in the Football League, before going on to feature at Sutton United, Welling United and Wealdstone. He moved to Dartford in February 2020...

Also arriving at Dorking Wanderers is "striker Ryan Seager from Hungerford Town.

Having risen through the ranks at the Southampton academy, Ryan made an appearance for the first team in January 2015 as a second half substitute in the FA Cup... After loan spells with clubs including Crewe Alexandra and MK Dons... Ryan signed permanently for his home town side, Yeovil Town, in 2019. The following summer he made the switch to Hungerford Town, where he has been in prolific form. Ryan scored 14 goals in 19 games before the 2020/21 season was brought to an early conclusion, going on to then score 27 league goals this past campaign...

'Ryan is one of the most inform strikers in Non-League football, he has a serious pedigree & is potent in front of goal, he is a big signing for Dorking Wanderers'" said manager Marc White, the founder, owner, chairman and manager of Dorking.

At Scunthorpe United, "The first signing of the summer was confirmed with Andrew Boyce signing after departing National League rivals Eastleigh after five years, and [manager Keith] Hill said 'He was a key component of the recruitment. He’s got the experience, he’s got an affiliation with the football club, he’s a good person, he’s going to be a leader in the changing room, he’s going to be a leader on the pitch, he’s going to promote the standard on the training pitch, and he’s going to help the young players we’ve got...

'I think it’s important with my recruitment that I do recruit good people. He’s still very ambitious, he’s a winner, he’s got a determination and desire, he still wants to improve, we had a great chat about the way I want to play, and he’s going to be flexible, he’s going to be adaptable. He’s going to try and improve his opportunities to help Scunthorpe United next season."

Talking about Boyce's past spell with the Iron, between 2013 and 2016, Hill continued... 'I think he’s got unfinished business, he wants to help, and he certainly will be a big impact for me if he does exactly what I need him to do, which is on the training pitch to promote a higher standard. We have to be competitive on the training pitch so we are ultra-competitive against our opposition...

'Over the course of the last two or three weeks I've had players who’ve inferred to me they’ll turn up and sign contracts offered and, the next day, they've sent a text message and I've seen through the football world that they've signed for other football clubs'...

Hill added... 'We have to get rid of the scar tissue of the last two or three years that some of the players will have gained. It’s a new beginning... We’re not just hoping, but we’re planning for a really successful future. Part of the process saw us go through a lot of pain last season... The likes of Jai, Youngy (Ethan Young), Fozzy (Owen Foster), Gally (Daniel Gallimore) will have learnt a lot'...

Hill concluded with speaking about Ross Millen’s departure to Raith Rovers, saying, 'It was a difficult season for him to come down from Scotland, he’s given it a go and he’s decided he wants to return back to Scotland'".

At Torquay United manager Gary Johnson says of the close season, "Things are going well. We’ll announce people at the right time, like we’ve always said... We’ve got a lot of spinning plates, as in players that are waiting and waiting. We’ll give it a spin again before it falls down, and then some fall down, and you lose them, but we’re also a spinning plate for some players. That goes on to almost the start of pre-season.'

One player who won’t be returning to Plainmoor next term is Joe Lewis, who has turned down a new deal with Torquay in order to sign for a new club... 'Sometimes players go to clubs that they feel can help them reach their potential... It is what it is, and we tried everything we could to keep them.

'The Club made big offers for all three (Joe, Armani Little & Connor Evans) in January, but they decided to not take up the offer, so from the Club’s point of view... we did everything we could to keep them but they wanted to be available, should anyone be interested, at the end of the season.

'The other two were free agents because they were over 24, but Joe was compensation and we managed to get a fair deal... We’re trying to get in as many as we can quickly, so that we’ve got our squad early, so that we can have a good five or six weeks with them before the league season starts.

'I’m happy with our recruitment so far'".

Oldham Athletic last month announced that "A 'during performance inspection' was carried out on Saturday 18 January 2020 by Oldham Council Safety Advisory Group and outside agencies. The chair of SAG notified the Club in writing of the decision by Oldham Council to close the North Stand with immediate effect...

Regrettably this has practical implications for season ticket holders and other matchday fans in that stand".

And Oldham Athletic have now added "It was pointed out in the statement that counterclaims would be made against the Club’s decision and it has been noted that those with an agenda to put financial interests before safety and security have indeed made false and misleading statements which they have relied upon to demean Club Officials.

It is important that our fans fully understand the situation with regard to the North Stand and we apologise for repeating the reasons for not using the stand.

The Club has a duty of care towards its supporters and whilst it is acknowledged that the North Stand is the more modern facility, first and foremost the Club has to be satisfied that those running the facility are doing so in accordance with the Safety Certificate and other football related legislation and regulations...

Whilst the physical features required by the Safety Certificate are important, procedural matters are equally significant. Therefore fans entering all parts of the stadium need to be aware that security and entry provisions decreed by legislation are practised accordingly.

Those operating the North Stand do not accept that such provisions apply to them whilst also suggesting that the building is outside the control of the football club on matchdays.

This can never be the position on a matchday when the North Stand is also covered by legislation

Therefore, during certificate hours this must involve fans producing their ticket with the ability for stewards or police to search them. This is widely accepted throughout the stadium and indeed in football generally, but not by the North Stand management.

There is little point having the use of a new facility if fans are compromised by a failure of management to acknowledge these legal requirements. Until those charged with the responsibility of running the North Stand accept the need to conform with legislation the club’s hands are tied and therefore we have no option but to not use the facility...

A number of fans have reported the lack of facilities in the remaining stands and we will work towards rectifying these faults".

Last December, the Oldham Times explained that "Oldham Athletic are hoping to claim ownership of the North Stand at Boundary Park, after starting legal proceedings against landlords Brass Bank.

There has been a long-standing dispute between the club’s former owner, Simon Blitz, who owns Brass Bank, and current owner Abdallah Lemsagam over rental arrangements and usage.

Now Lemsagam, who completed his takeover of Latics in 2018, is aiming to wrestle control of the stand so that matchday and all other income goes to the club".

The Halifax Courier reports that "FC Halifax Town have made winger Sam Smart their second signing of the summer.

Smart, 23, joins from fellow National League side Eastleigh, where he made more than 100 appearances after signing for them in the summer of 2019.

He joined Eastleigh from Basingstoke Town, scoring 20 goals in 41 games during the 2017-18 season and two in 11 appearances in the 2018-19 campaign.

Before that Smart made 32 appearances and scored 12 goals for hometown club Horndean between 2015 and 2017...

Last season he scored twice in 26 games for The Spitfires, playing against Halifax home and away, but also had a loan spell at Havant and Waterlooville.

Smart is Town's second signing of the summer after the capture of midfielder Jack Hunter from Gateshead".

On Twitter, FC Halifax Town has reported two departures.

"FC Halifax Town can confirm Tyrell Warren has left the Club after the expiration of his contract. Warren played a pivotal part in Town’s 2021/22 campaign" and "The Club can confirm Javid Swaby-Neavin has joined Hyde United at the expiration of his Town contract".

ALTY'S FOUR DEPARTURES

The longest-serving player of the four is Ritchie Sutton (left) who spent two seasons on the Club's books but made just 16 starts and two more appearances from the bench in that time. He netted twice for the Robins.

The now 36 year-old's signing was announced on 12 August 2020, his previous club being Morecambe, and his Alty debut came at Eastleigh on 10 October 2020.

Having started his career at Crewe Alexandra, he had a loan from Gresty Road at Stafford Rangers before signing for the Marston Road club. He later joined Northwich Victoria and Halifax Town before a spell at Nantwich Town.

Ritchie next played for Port Vale in the Football League (2010-11) before spending four years at Mansfield Town (2011-15). Four more years followed at Tranmere Rovers, during which he had a loan spell with Barrow (2016). He was at Morecambe in 2019/20 before The Shrimps released him in summer 2020. His first season at Alty included a number of injury absences and, after a brief substitute appearance in the opening game of 2021-22, he went on loan for a month to Alfreton Town.

He briefly returned to Altrincham in late October 2021 but his loan to Alfreton was then extended to the end of the season.

Next in Alty seniority is centre-back Kennedy Digie (right), now aged 25. His arrival was announced on 29 June 2021, having previously been with Hereford FC. Before that, his clubs included Guiseley and Kidderminster Harriers, where he had emerged from the youth system. From Kiddy he had loans at York City and Midlands clubs Hednesford Town, Halesowen Town, Worcester City, Stourbridge and Nuneaton Town.

After his time at Aggborough, which included twelve first-team starts, he signed for Guiseley and went on to play 22 league games before moving to Hereford.

His first appearance in an Alty shirt was a pre-season game at West Didsbury but a cartilage injury curtailed his pre-season and he underwent an operation in early September 2021. He finally made his debut in early November 2021 at Gateshead in the FA Cup. After 8(+2) appearances his departure, on a month's loan to Farsley Celtic, was announced on 21 February 2022.

His release by the club was announced on 18 June 2022 after just 8(+2) appearances for the club.

The third player now reported to be leacing is experienced striker A-Jay Leitch-Smith (left). The 32 year-old first appeared for the club in a pre-season game on 27 July 2021 but his signing was not announced until 7 August.

His career started at Crewe Alexandra where, during a six-year stay, he enjoyed loans to Halifax Town, Newcastle Town, ÍBV (Iceland), and Curzon Ashton. In summer 2014 he joined Gary Johnson's Yeovil Town for a season and then signed in at Port Vale for 2015-16. The next season saw him playing for Shrewsbury Town before a loan-move in 2017-18 to Dundee.

The pattern of changing clubs every summer continued in 2018 as he joined Morecambe. He made made 23 appearances in EFL2 in 2019-20 but in only eight of those matches did he start and that was followed by just five league appearances for Morecambe in 2020-21 season before he was released.

His Alty games were likewise mainly from the bench but he was proved to be an adept finisher when given the opportunity. He made just four starts but acccumulated fifteen further appearances from the bench and he scored four goals.

The fourth man being released is defender Jamie Morgan (right), aged 24, who arrived from Chester FC, a move announced on 3 January 2022. He had started out with Manchester United and Crewe Alexandra but, after his release by the Railwaymen, he joined Sandbach United. From there he signed for Nantwich Town in 2017. After 97 appearances and six goals, he moved on to Chester FC in 2019.

Following injury he had a second spell with Nantwich, before returning to Chester in December 2021.

He settled in at Altrincham, seemingly as a regular right-back, across Christmas and New Year but lost his place after six successive starts. It was then announced that from 1 March 2022 he would rejoin Nantwich Town on a "two-month loan deal" with manager Parkinson insisting that he had been signed with an eye to the 2022-23 season and that being loaned out was always part of the plan.

He has now immediately rejoined Chester FC.

PRINGLE SIGNS ON BUT FOUR DEPART

The Alty boss... has made a point of injecting energy and dynamism into the centre of midfield after retaining Isaac Marriott and Elliot Osborne from last season and adding the imposing presence of Josh Lundstram from Crewe Alexandra.

All three have their best years ahead of them... It just needed a wise old head to complement youthful exuberance and make it the perfect blend, and Phil always felt the ideal candidate was close at hand.

‘Prings [left] has become a big fans’ favourite during his time here last season,’ he said. ‘His left foot could open a tin of beans and certainly any defence at this level of football. His experience around the group day to day will be invaluable to myself. He’s a player that still has the drive to play and wants to grow with the club off the pitch as well. Very glad he’s decided to stay.’

The 33 year old has a wealth of Football League experience with clubs like Derby County, Fulham, Ipswich Town and Preston North End, and it frequently shone through for Alty during a total of 38 appearances last season... 24 of his appearances were as substitute... He came off the bench and transformed games with his powerful, direct running style.

The agreement with Ben represents the completion of negotiations with players from last season’s squad. It means A-J Leitch-Smith, Ritchie Sutton and Kennedy Digie are leaving, and the club can announce that full-back Jamie Morgan is also departing after joining Alty from Chester at the start of the year.

‘We’d like to thank Jamie for his commitment to the club during his short spell with us,’ said Phil. ‘With the transition on to full time, both parties mutually agreed to terminate the current contract. We wish him every success moving forward at his next club.’"

ALTRINCHAM FC WEBSITE

While we're confident it will be a great upgrade, we appreciate that it might not be perfect at first. We'll look forward to your feedback to make it better".

ALTY LEGENDS: DOUGLAS TRENTHAM

JEAN PRINCE R.I.P.

Now Altrincham FC announces that "The funeral for Jean Prince will be held at Altrincham Crematorium on Monday June 27th at 3.15pm.

Jean, hugely admired and respected throughout her many years as an Alty volunteer and held in great affection by everyone who knew her, died on Friday June 3rd.

Fittingly for someone with such a long, close association with the club, the funeral cortege will pass by The J.Davidson Stadium and pause briefly on its way to the crematorium....

She began volunteering way back in the 1970s and soon became known for a warm, welcoming smile that contributed significantly to Altrincham's reputation as a friendly venue to visit...

In more recent times, it was visitors to the Vice-Presidents' Lounge who were greeted by that familiar smile and equally-unmistakeable 'cuppa tea, love?', an always-convivial welcome that made Jean the face of Altrincham FC to so many people".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 21 year-old spent the second half of the season at Dover scoring an impressive five goals including a hat-trick against Wrexham. Gyasi joined the Linnets form St Ives Football Club back in December 2020.

Manager Tommy Widdrington said 'Michael, along with others, had very little or no experience of firsst team football at our level, or even the one below, when I arrived and it was felt a period on loan where he’d be guaranteed game time was the best option for both Michael and the club. This should be viewed as the right decision, as Michael indeed got plenty game time and was assured he would be given a chance to play here on his return in pre-season. Michael made it very clear to me that he feels he is not appreciated here at Kings Lynn.

So, once a deal was made between the two clubs, it was sensible for all parties to move on".

And the Spireites have taken a second player who plied his trade on the south Coast last season as the Derbyshire Times reveals that "Chesterfield have swooped to sign defender Joe Cook from Bognor Regis Town for an undisclosed fee.

The centre-back has been at the Isthmian League Premier side in West Sussex since 2020 after joining from Havant and Waterlooville.

The 22 year-old was previously at Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster and had a spell at Winchester City. Bognor have said in a statement that they have an ‘excellent’ sell-on fee should Cook move on from Chesterfield in the future...

Cook said 'I wasn’t expecting this when I left my old club last season... When this came up, it was case of grasp it with both hands and go for it. I think I owe it to myself to prove to myself that I know I can play at this level... I’m a bit of an old school centre-half. I like to block, I like to head the ball and make tackles. I feel I can play as well, stepping out with the ball'...

He becomes the Spireites’ second summer signing after left-back Branden Horton, 21, joined on a free transfer from Doncaster Rovers earlier this week. His former manager at Bognor, Robbie Blake, said... 'He had a slow start to our season but then just got better and better...

'He will suit the way Chesterfield want to play because he is a ball-playing defender... He is tailor-made for them... Both parties are extremely happy with the deal that has been made."

Rocks general manager, Simon Cook, added'A mutually beneficial fee has been agreed with an excellent sell-on fee in place too'">

Chesterfield FC add that "The 23-year-old started off his career fairly close to North Derbyshire with a stint at Sheffield Wednesday.

Cook joined Winchester after leaving the Owls... playing 57 times and scoring five goals. A loan at Bognor Regis followed, during his spell at Havant & Waterlooville, in a move that became permanent in 2020.

The centre-back has since become a regular with the Rocks... Last season, Cook played 40 times as Bognor Regis finished ninth in the Isthmian League Premier Division".

A third Chesterield signing is confirmed by TWTD which says "Chesterfield have confirmed the signing of released Blues defender Bailey Clements.

News that the 21 year-old was a target of his former Town manager Paul Cook emerged just over a week ago, while we understand a number of other clubs also showed interest.

The academy product, who left the Blues at the end of last season having been with the club since he was seven, will officially join the Spireites on July 1st.

Clements said 'I’m really excited and looking forward to getting going. Linking up with the gaffer again, it was a no-brainer to come here... A couple of loan spells haven’t gone exactly as I would like, but I’m now ready to make an impact.

'[Paul Cook] was a massive factor. He gave me my opportunity at Ipswich, he put his trust in me and I like to think I repaid him. I’m hard-working. I get up and down, defensive duties definitely come first but when I can get forward and into the attacking third, I can get a cross in and hopefully get assists'.

Clements made eight starts and one sub appearance for the Town first team, including four League One games during 2021/22. The left-back or centre-half, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Stevenage, having previously had spells with Hemel Hempstead and Dagenham & Redbridge".

The BBC reports that "Stockport County have signed Torquay United centre-back Joe Lewis on a two-year contract... for an undisclosed fee...

The 22 year-old Welshman made 41 National League appearances last season and can play in a number of positions across the back four...

He is Stockport's fourth signing of the summer, joining Kyle Wootton, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Akil Wright in making the move to Edgeley Park.

'He is a young player with huge potential and really good experience for his age'... manager Dave Challinor told the club website... 'We feel he will fit perfectly into how we want to play both in and out of possession'".

We learn from the Oldham Times that "The Mayor of Greater Manchester is behind a plan which he believes could 'protect the future' of Oldham Athletic 'for the next 100 years and beyond', by giving fans long-term control of the football club.

Andy Burnham is spearheading a new task force... Plans centre around a community share offer, which would allow supporter groups and individuals the opportunity to buy a stake in Oldham Athletic Football Club.

A fund has already been set up by the Oldham Athletic Supporters' Foundation, which has a three per cent shareholding in Latics and a place on the club's board.

In conjunction with independent fans' group Push The Boundary they have set a £6 million fundraising target with a view to putting an offer in for Boundary Park.

But Burnham wants to go beyond that... Burnham said 'Sadly... new owners armed with little more than empty promises can come into clubs at the point of crisis and make matters worse... Fans and local communities can’t be left high and dry again. We are determined not to let this happen with Oldham...

'To protect its future the club should, ideally, be in the hands of the community, not private individuals... If successful, the club’s future should be secured for the next 100 years and beyond.'

The taskforce is made up of the Football Supporters’ Association and Co-operatives UK, supported by The Co-operative Bank through the Hive programme".

18 June 2022

JOSH JOINS NASH

Josh (right) joins an ex-Alty colony at The Nash which already comprises Craig Mahon, Craig Hobson, Tom Peers and Connor Hampson.

In his five years at Altrincham, Josh amassed 188(+26) appearances and netted 80 goals. He was the club's leading scorer in the league for three successive seasons (2018/19 to 2020/21).

ALTY LEGENDS: IAN GREAVES

Terry Rowley has added a profile of the former full-back to his Alty Legends series.

STRIKER LINKED TO ALTY

All Nigeria Scoccer "understands that several National League clubs are monitoring the situation of Nigerian striker Temi Babalola in the summer transfer window.

The 6ft 4in centre-forward had a breakout campaign at Concord Rangers, finishing the season with a goal involvement of eighteen (6 goals, 12 assists) in 33 appearances in the National League South.

Fifth tier clubs Altrincham, Barnet, Woking and Wealdstone have identified Babalola as a potential summer reinforcement.

Babalola has been described a very strong, fast and technically good striker and despite his height he is very good on the ball. The 21-year-old trained with Luton Town last season but nothing came out of it and had attracted interest from Ipswich Town.

He has been on the books of non-league clubs throughout his career, having spent time at Woodford Town, Brentwood FC and Romford FC prior to joining Concord Rangers.

Born in England, Babalola is open to representing the Nigerian national teams".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 24 year-old centre-back completes a long-term move to the Silverlake Stadium following his departure from League Two Gillingham this summer.

Maghoma returns to the Spitfires after impressing on loan for the first half of the 2021-22 campaign, where he made 22 appearances and scored two goals".

In the Daily Post, "Wrexham AFC boss Phil Parkinson talks of 'lowest moment' and resolves to put things right...

Wrexham AFC boss Phil Parkinson revealed that missing out on promotion was probably the lowest point in his career, as the Dragons boss prepares for a second season in the Racecourse hotseat. He also went on to reveal the reasoning behind his decision to let a number of players leave the club as he looks to 'freshen up the building'....

Parkinson told North Wales Live that he and the players have a real 'resolve' to put things right this time around... He said 'After the Grimsby game was one of the lowest moments, both as a player and a manager, I can't ever remember feeling worse than that in my career.

'A lot of it was because of the fantastic support we'd had both home and away, it hurt so much for ourselves and the supporters. But you've got to dust yourself down quickly'...

The Dragons boss is pleased with the club's progress both on and off the field... His side have been made clear favourites by the bookmakers...

He said 'We went close last year, it's going to be as competitive this year, we know that... Rob and Ryan are putting plans in place to take this club forwards in years to come and that's hugely exciting. Equally, we know this league is the hardest one to get out of but once we do, we will push on.

'The stadium development is a great indication to everybody of what the owners want the club to be all about'".

Before his signing by Stockport County was announced, The York Press told us that "York City have confirmed that midfielder Akil Wright will be leaving the club this summer to join a team in the Football League.

Wright was offered a new contract by York after the expiration of his deal last season...

Wright joined City from Wrexham in 2020 and went on to establish himself as a first-team calibre player.

The 26-year-old was ever present for the Minstermen as they sealed promotion to the Vanarama National League last term. He appeared in 40 games across the course of the campaign while also playing all three of York’s play-off matches, finishing the term with six goals.

The former Wrexham and Barrow man... was a physical presence in the City midfield...

Wright said on social media... 'The club took me in during a tough time during COVID and gave me a chance to enjoy my football again and for that I’ll always be truly grateful'".

ALTY LEGEND: HARRY BOYLE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Attacker Michael Gyasi looks set to sign for Chesterfield, according to the Derbyshire Times, who report they have beaten off interest from Halifax, as well as Ayr United of the Scottish Championship and German club Phonix Lübeck, who he has played for before.

The 22 year-old was loaned out by King's Lynn to Dover Athletic in January, scoring five goals in 19 appearances, including a hat-trick at Wrexham.

King’s Lynn signed him in December 2020 from St Ives Town after scoring five goals in 10 appearances for the Cambridgeshire club".

The Sunderland Echo reports that "Former Newcastle United forward Tom Allan has joined National League club Gateshead... on a two-year deal.

The move means Allan has become Mike Williamson’s second signing of the summer after the former Magpies defender completed the addition of Sunderland defender Kenton Richardson last week.

After joining Newcastle as a schoolboy, Allan earned a two-year scholarship in 2016 and made his first-team debut in an FA Cup tie against Rochdale in January 2020".

Bromley "confirm that defender Joe Partington has left Bromley and will be joining Aldershot Town this summer.

Parts arrived at Hayes Lane ahead of the 2021-22 season, penning a deal after leaving Eastleigh.

He went on to make 28 league appearances for the Ravens on top of playing a vital role in our FA Trophy run and even netted against his current side during that road to Wembley".

Partington is one of six signings announced in one day by Aldershot Town who "announce that forward Inih Effiong has signed for the club, signing a two-year deal ahead of the 2022/23 season... having had successful spells within the National League with St Albans City, Dover Athletic and on two occasions with Woking FC even as recently as last season, where he scored 13 times in the National League.

The 31 year-old joins Aldershot Town after several seasons’ experience at both Vanarama National League level but also EFL League Two level as well, having played for Stevenage in the 2020-21 season".

Other new arrivals include "defender Tyler Cordner [who] has signed for the club on a two-year deal... 23 year-old Cordner will be looking to build on previous Vanarama National League experience from the last three seasons, representing Havant & Waterlooville, Ebbsfleet United and most recently Weymouth FC".

Also arriving at The Rec is "defender Archie Davies [who] has signed for the club on a one-year deal... 23 year-old Davies will be looking to build on previous experience playing almost 70 times in EFL League Two for Crawley Town... The full-back... has spent time within the National League pyramid after a brief loan spell with Whitehawk FC before moving to Crawley Town on a permanent deal".

Also "forward Justin Amaluzor has signed for the club on a two-year deal subject to international clearance! 25 year-old Amaluzor['s]... most successful spell coming for recently-promoted side Maidstone United from 2018-2020, before earning himself a move to the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell last season...

Amaluzor also has experience in the league too, having played for Barnet FC in League Two just under 20 times".

And a sixth arrival is that of "Josh McQuoid [who] has returned to the club and signed a one-year deal with us ahead of the 2022/23 season... He first joined the club for the 2018-19 season.

The former AFC Bournemouth man re-joins Aldershot Town after several seasons’ experience in the Vanarama National League, where he has played around 100 times in the fifth tier... most recently representing Weymouth FC at their captain, (scoring 21 times in 67 games)".

Luton Today confirms that "Former Luton youngster Sam Beckwith has joined Maidenhead United on a permanent basis.

The midfielder from Lower Stondon, who made one first team appearance for Town after coming through the academy was named Young Player of the Year for the 2019-20 campaign, and had spent last term on loan with the Magpies.

He played 31 times in what was a successful time for Alan Devonshire’s side and after being released from Kenilworth Road in the summer, has returned to York Road to complete the move".

According to York Press "Scott Boden is excitedly looking forward to the upcoming season with York City.

Boden was announced as the first signing of the summer for York last week, joining from fellow National League side Boreham Wood.

The striker netted 13 goals in all competitions for the Wood, with 11 of those coming in the league for a team that struggled in attack and scored just 49 times.

Though York are newly promoted and will start the new season with a team very different to the one fans came to know last campaign, Boden is hopeful for the challenge...

He said 'You have to aim high. There’s no point starting a campaign to avoid relegation... Aim for the most positive season we can have and come next May, we’ll see where we sit...

'A long time ago I was close to coming (to York), when I was a bit younger, and then fairly recently I was very close to coming... The club went down different routes and I ended up elsewhere. It all naturally fell into place this time'...

Boden will offer City a threat up top... The 32-year-old is well versed on the matter of fifth-tier football, having formerly played for Chesterfield, FC Halifax Town and most recently, Boreham Wood....

'I’ve played predominantly at this level or League Two and had a little dabble in Scotland... It’s a tough league, a very tough league, especially now'...

The forward has garnered a reputation as a target-man, a player that utilises his physicality and can create for his attacking teammates...

'Towards the back end of my Chesterfield career I had to start changing my game a little bit, obviously age creeps up on you, so you have to adjust. Primarily, I’d say I’m quite a clever forward in and around the box, sniffing chances out'".

ALTY SEEK A PHYSIO

The successful applicant will be required to attend all training sessions and match days dependent on fixture locations.

Roles & Responsibilities [include]...

• Provide medical care for all Altrincham FC first-team players
• Maintain an accurate and comprehensive database of treatment and work with all Altrincham FC first-team players, including current medical status, medical notes, and recordings of rehabilitation or gym sessions
• To provide the appropriate examination, assessment, and treatment of first-team players when required, including the referral to internal and external medical professionals
• Where appropriate, assist and liaise with the club's strength and conditioning coach.
• Developing and overseeing the development and implementation of prehab and rehab programmes for all Altrincham FC first-team players
• Work and communicate with other support staff within the club, including doctors/sports scientists and interns to provide an integrated approach to injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement

Above, right: A physio's duties can include helping injured players leave the field, as was the case with Ryan Colclough in the second half of Alty's last match of the 2021-22 season, against Yeovil Town.

The advert adds that "A minimum of two years of previous experience working in the medical department of a professional football club is desirable...

An immediate start is required".

ALTY LEGENDS: ERIC ROBINSON

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 26 year-old centre-back was named in the Vanarama National League Team of the Season...

Beginning his career at Bolton Wanderers... Maher made his professional debut for Bolton in April 2016 in the Championship at the age of 20.... The defender spent a year at Bury in League One... before making the move across to Ireland in 2017. After a short spell at Telford United, Maher made the move to FC Halifax Town in 2018, where he spent the next four years, making over 150 appearances in all competitions.

Maher [said]... 'It’s been four and a half years coming, getting back into the Football League. I have spoken to the manager about his intentions and ambitions for next season and it was a no-brainer, we got it over the line very quickly, quicker than I expected!

'I am a ball-playing centre-half. I am very comfortable in possession, I don’t mind defending because that’s my first and foremost job!... It’s the size of the club. The ambitions and the goals of the club and in myself, it has been a long time coming, I have had opportunities in the past to play in the Football League, but I don’t think it has ever been the right move and after playing against Grimsby last season, the fanbase, the attractive style of play, they always made it a difficult game'...

We also spoke to Paul Hurst... 'It was a relatively easy deal to do once we made contact with each other... He was part of that backline that was the best defence in the League... so I think it’s a good signing for us.

'He had some other options but wanted the opportunity in the League and at the club that he was obviously impressed with from playing against us'" said Hurst.

The Leader Live reports that "Lucas Oil have ended their sponsorship deal with Wrexham AFC after just two weeks.

It was announced on May 30, that the US based company had become the club's official oil sponsor and the new sponsor for the University End Stand...

On the day of the announcement, Wrexham CEO Fleur Robinson said 'We are delighted to be welcoming another big-name international sponsor to the Football Club.'

However, today the American Oil company announced they had withdrawn their sponsorship deal from the club...

Wrexham AFC said there would be no further comment on the decision from the club".

According to the BBC, "New boss Luke Williams says 'It would be madness to try to change everything"' at Notts County in a bid to end their English Football League exile....

Notts have reached the play-offs in each of their three seasons in the National League, with Ian Burchnall in charge of two of those promotion bids.

'I hope to build on top of what Ian has already done,' said Williams. Former Swindon Town boss Williams said 'Ian has done such a good job, it would be madness to try to change everything. I have a very similar view that it is easier to control the game if you have lots of passing options and you try to find people with time and space to make key passes and key actions in a game.

'The club wants to try to build something and to keep changing everything every two seasons or so makes it hard to progress and build'...

He also said that he is encouraged that club owners Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz are convinced that Notts are 'on the right path'...

'We want fans to have that urgency,' Williams said. 'That's what creates the atmosphere and what drives the players on, particularly in home games. Sure it can be tough for players at times, when fans maybe make them anxious, but I can tell you the players and staff would all prefer to have the fans passionate and wanting us to win, so we accept that.'

Chairman Christoffer Reedtz said... his and his brother's commitment as owners is not dependent on returning to the EFL. Williams said... 'We have owners here who have clearly got finances available, but they want to make sure this club is moving forward in a sustainable way while being competitive at the same time'".

ALTY'S FINAL FRIENDLY

"Admission prices for the United fixture are:

• Adults: £10
• Concessions (over-65, students, NHS Workers): £7
• Juniors (12-18): £4
• Children (under-12): £2".

Right: During United's last visit to play Altrincham, in 2016, Tom Hannigan and Alan Goodall got stuck in against the Old Trafford Reserves.

The full list of pre-season games comprises...

• 1 Sat.9.7.22 12pm A West Didsbury & Chorlton
• 2 Sat.9.7.22 3.30pm A Wythenshawe Town
• 3 Tue.12.7.22 7.45pm A Trafford
• 4 Sat.16.7.22 3pm A Isle of Man
• 5 Tue.19.7.22 7.45pm A Curzon Ashton
• 6 Sat.23.7.22 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY
• 7 Tue.26.7.22 7.45pm H STOKE CITY U-23
• 8 Sat.30.7.22 3pm H MANCHESTER UNITED XI

The 2022 visit will be United's first to Moss Lane since Friday, 22 July 2016, when the Reds won 2-1 in a match refereed by Anthony Taylor.

The United squad comprised: 1. Dean HENDERSON, 2. Joe RILEY, 3. Regan POOLE, 4. Donald LOVE, 5. Tyler BLACKETT, 6. Sean GOSS, 7. Sadiq el-FITOURI, 8. Scott McTOMINAY, 9. James WILSON, 10. Tosin KEHINDE, 11. James WEIR (capt). Subs: 12. Demetri MITCHELL, 13. Kieran O'HARA, 14. Josh HARROP, 15. Devonte REDMOND, 16. Charlie SCOTT, 17. Matthew OLOSUNDE, 18. Zac DEARNLEY, 19. Josh DOUGHTY, 20. Callum GRIBBIN, 23. Matthew WILCOCK.

ALTY LEGENDS: STAN ACKERLEY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

And our board of directors feel he is the perfect man to take us forward.

A statement reads... 'Between them they have the right management skills and experience of all EFL divisions, as well as the National League, which we believe will help us achieve our goal of promotion and getting back to where we feel we belong.

'Luke's values and playing principles are aligned with our own and we feel the continuity and consistency this brings will be a huge factor in ensuring a smooth transition to his leadership'...

After a promising youth career was curtailed by injury at 20, Williams turned his hand to coaching. His first major role came in the form of a three-year spell as Brighton and Hove Albion Under 21s' manager, which led to his appointment as Mark Cooper’s assistant at League One side Swindon Town in 2013... [Later,] he was handed a five-year contract as the club’s head coach... Unfortunately, however, Williams’ control over footballing affairs was limited by the club’s deployment of a director of football... and the mutual termination of Williams’ contract.

Williams made an immediate return to work by becoming head coach of Bristol City’s Under 23s... Two years later, Williams teamed up with the newly-appointed Martin as his assistant at MK Dons before... the Swans came calling.

Williams left that role in February due to personal reasons but is now looking forward to the challenge with us... Harley, meanwhile, enjoyed a long playing career which saw him experience life in every division of the EFL".

The Derbyshire Times reports that "Chesterfield midfielder... Jim Kellermann has announced that he will be leaving Chesterfield after he and the club ‘could not agree terms.’

The midfielder, who was one of four players offered new terms at the end of the season... The 26-year-old, who leaves having made more than 30 appearances for the club, was signed last summer by previous manager James Rowe.

Kellermann said...'To my teammates, what a season it has been. We’ve been through the trenches... I’m frustrated with how things have gone, especially in the second half of the season. That has also been highlighted for me since the season has closed'...

As well as Kellermann, Chesterfield offered new contract to Luke Croll, Jak McCourt and Tom Denton. The Spireites made their first signing today in left-back Branden Horton from Doncaster Rovers".

Earlier the Derbyshire Times had informed readers that "Horton, who has sometimes been used at right-back as well, came through the Doncaster academy and has had loan spells at Gainsborough Trinity and Redditch United...

The defender started 20 times for Rovers in League One last season, scoring twice. In total, he has made more than 40 appearances for the South Yorkshire side.

Chesterfield are in the market for a left-back after releasing Alex Whittle and putting Calvin Miller on the transfer market".

In the Halifax Courier, "FC Halifax Town boss Chris Millington says offers have been made to eight potential new signings.

The Shaymen's squad is currently down to 13 confirmed contracted players; Sam Johnson, Jay Benn, Jack Senior, Jesse Debrah, Kian Spence, new signing Jack Hunter, Kieran Green, Jordan Slew, Matty Warburton, Jamie Allen, Harvey Gilmour, Jamie Cooke and Sam McLintock.

Millington said... 'The process of attracting a player starts with the early dance of trying to sell them the benefits of being at Halifax Town, aside from what they might earn on a weekly basis,' Millington said...'Where we're up to now with firm offers and interest, we've got eight players who have expressed an interest in coming to play for us, that has then progressed to us making financial offers to them...

'We want to hit 22 players,' he said. 'We'll have... a large percentage of those, by the beginning of pre-season. But we also want to make sure that we leave ourselves a couple of options available because as the clock starts ticking and getting closer to the beginning of the season, there'll be players who are currently out of our price range who will all of a sudden need a club...

'With losing Niall (Maher), Tom (Bradbury), Billy, Matty and Gez, it's really important we get good recruits in those areas'...

Millington has been either meeting potential signings face-to-face on his own or with goalkeeping coach Paul Oakes. 'He's fantastic, he's absolutely committed to the future of Halifax Town and he gives potential signings a great understanding of what it means to represent Halifax Town and what the experience will be like for them', Millington said...

'Last season could eventually be considered as Kian Spence's breakthrough season, I expect him to be better again, Harvey Gilmour will improve, there'll be more to come from Jack Senior, I think there's a number of players who will improve and push us on and make us better who are already in the squad'...

But Millington said the club wasn't planning on using the loan market, at least initially...

Gateshead's Jack Hunter became Town's first signing of the summer last week, agreeing a one-year deal with the option of an extra year. 'He'll bring a steady, controlled central midfield role' ...

On what his preferred formation will be next season, Millington said: "The system will be an evolution of the 4-3-3 we've played this season...

'So you'll see us probably more often than not at home playing with more traditional wingers, more traditional seven and 11.... The style will remain the same, even if some weeks the formation might be tweaked'...

Millington was asked about several potential new signings, some of whom have been linked with Town or have played for them recently...

On King's Lynn's Michael Gyasi, Millington said 'He's an interesting character, he was somebody who was highlighted through our opposition analysis on a couple of occasions this season, and somebody who would fit into our system in a number of positions. I know there's a number of clubs interested in him, but he is somebody who would fit into the style of play'.

Emmanuel Dieseruvwe... 'He's another player who would fit into the style of play, somebody who we sat down with last pre-season and had a discussion with, but unfortunately missed out on him as he got a League Two offer at Tranmere...

And on Harrogate forward Danilo Orsi-Dadomo, Millington said...'We believe he's happy at Harrogate Town at the moment'...

One issue that seems to be heading towards a resolution is who will work alongside Millington as his assistant manager. 'We've gone right the way through the process with one candidate, we're right in the final stages of seeing if we can make that work,' he said. 'If we do then that should be in place within the next couple of days, if not then there are a number of very strong candidates ready to trigger straight away who are people I know and who have expressed an interest in coming to work for the club'".

The Dorset Echo reports that "Brennan Camp has signed a permanent deal at Eastleigh. Camp, 21, reunites with previous Terras boss and current Eastleigh assistant Brian Stock, who brought the full-back to Weymouth on loan from Bournemouth.

Across two lon spells at Weymouth, the defender played 54 times. Portland-born Camp played 15 times for Eastleigh on loan before rejecting an offer to stay at Bournemouth in the summer.

And Stock, along with Spitfires' manager Lee Bradbury, has moved to secure the highly-rated right-back's services....

'I’m happy to back here now, signed on... I sort of had a few conversations with the manager during the end of last season, and he’s always made it clear that he wanted me for the next season'" he said.

And the Daily Echo adds that "Eastleigh have kicked-off their transfer business this summer with two defensive reinforcements.

Brennan Camp... returns... whilst right-back George Langston arrives from Watford. Langston followed in the footsteps of his father Matthew, who also came through the youth ranks at Watford to sign a professional deal, back in 1998...

Whilst with Watford, George Langston regularly captained the under-23 side. Langston arrives with National League experience, thanks to a loan spell with Wealdstone in the 2020-21 season... 19-year-old Langston told Eastleigh’s website: 'I was keen to do it last season as well but a couple of injuries probably stopped me from doing that, but I’m really looking forward to... getting a chance to try and get this team in the play-offs and maybe even get them promoted.

'I feel like I’m a leader. I’m quite young, I know, but I feel like that’s just me and my personality. I can be quite loud, but also I’m just a defender that just puts his body on the line and is quite passionate...

'I loved my time here last season. I feel like I improved, played a lot of games, and hopefully that continues'.

Camp has also enjoyed a ten-game loan spell at Dorchester in 2018/19 under Steve Thompson and was heavily involved in the Mark Molesley era at Weymouth. He then bravely opted to end his 14-year stay at Cherries in search of regular football.

Camp is a former Scotland under-19 international and is the grandson of Bristol City legend and former Manchester City midfielder Gerry Gow."

West London Sport tells us that "Wealdstone’s "club captain Jerome Okimo has left the club.

He first joined the club in 2013 from Chalfont St Peter, going on to win the 2013/14 Isthmian Premier League title.

The 34-year-old then signed for the club again in 2017 following spells with Stevenage and Braintree Town and made 38 appearances under boss Stuart Maynard last season".

The BBC confirms that "Stockport County have signed midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans on a free transfer from Torquay United.

Lemonheigh-Evans, 25, joined Torquay in 2018 and spent successive seasons on loan at the club before signing a permanent deal in 2020.

The attacking midfielder scored 11 goals in 39 appearances for the National League side last season.

Lemonheigh-Evans began his career with Bristol City's academy...

'He's been a standout player in the National League over the last two to three seasons and was highly sought after this summer,' said Stockport manager Dave Challinor".

From Bromley we learn that the club "welcome striker Adam Marriott to Hayes Lane...

Marriott began his senior career in the fifth tier at Cambridge United. During his time with the 'U's, he enjoyed loan spells at Cambridge City and Bishop’s Stortford before penning a permanent deal with the former.

The striker shone at City, netting 40 goals in 37 league appearances, and was awarded with a move to the EFL, signing for League Two outfit Stevenage.

However, he returned to the National League with Lincoln City in 2016 and played a big part in both their title win and FA Cup run... Royston Town was Marriott’s next destination... before a short stint at Boston United followed.

In 2018, our new signing joined King’s Lynn Town and played a huge part in their back-to-back promotions... A short stint at Eastleigh followed in 2020 before making the move to North London to sign for Barnet. His goal scoring habit returned with the Bees, bagging 17 league goals in 36 last season".

KYLE FERGUSON SIGNS FOR HARROGATE

Now the Harrogate Advertiser reports that "Harrogate Town have completed their second piece of business of the summer, agreeing a deal with promising young centre-half Kyle Ferguson.

The physically-imposing 22-year-old, who is the son of former Glasgow Rangers favourite Barry Ferguson, makes the step up to League Two from National League Altrincham, for whom he made nine appearances last term.

Having starred at the heart of the Alty back-line during the latter months of the 2021/22 campaign, 6ft 5" Ferguson was on the wish-list of a number of Football League sides after rejecting the opportunity to extend his stay at Moss Lane.

But it is the Sulphurites who have managed to capture the signature of the former Rangers youngster, beating off reported interest from the likes of Northampton, Salford City and Barrow.

'I’ve watched every minute of Kyle at Altrincham and we’re convinced he can go from strength to strength,' [manager Simon] Weaver said. 'He will add height and presence, but he’s also mobile, which are qualities you rarely see together.

'He has shown great desire in his young career so far to really kick on in the game, he’s been prepared to move out of his comfort zone and play in different countries, we’re confident he’s on an upward trajectory'...

Ferguson was released by the Scottish giants, [Rangers], at the age of 14... February 2021 saw Ferguson join Irish side Waterford, from whom he switched to National League Altrincham a year later.

And he never looked back having eventually earned a starting spot in Phil Parkinson's team, going on to finish the campaign with an 87 per cent success rate in aerial duels, the highest in the division".

Harrogate Town quoted Ferguson as saying, "I spoke to the Gaffer three or four weeks ago and it got moving quickly and [the] deal was done pretty quick. I joined Altrincham late, just after January, so only had three or four months of the season but played about 10 games and really enjoyed my time. I’m thankful as well as they gave me an opportunity to play and move up. Now I’m definitely looking forward to get going here.

“It’s a massive factor (to play in the Football League). That was the aim when I signed for Altrincham. I signed a short contract as it was in the back of my mind. I said I wanted to get into the Football League and I’ve done that in nine games...

"I’m an aggressive defender, I love the physical side of the game and I’ll never shy away from a header or tackle. I also like to think I can play as well and I think I’ll really suit the style of play that the Gaffer wants to implement".

SHAUN LOOKS BACK

Whilst the opening paragraph refers to "Densmore's recent retirement", the concluding quotes from the man himself say, "I haven't totally ruled out coming back but my body needs a rest. Longer term I've always wanted to stay involved in football in some capacity".

Amongst the topics covered by Shaun are his "best team-mate", where his choice is Duncan Watmore "just for what he's done since" leaving Alty. "To have played for Sunderland in the Premier League and Middlesbrough in the Championship, it's just incredible... More recently, Jordan Hulme has been unbelievable. He's the key to everything Phil [Parkinson] wants to do, the focal point that allows the wide men to score so many goals".

And Jordan is also the "Funniest player.. He's off his rocker. He's briliant company on a night out, [and] always up to something in the dressing room".

Shaun reckons his biggest achievement in football was "The Guiseley promotion, because it was the year Lee {Sinnott] made me captain. From a selfish point of view it was really important for my confidence. On top of that are my England C caps".

His lowest point was when he "spent 18 months out with a knee injury and during that same periods we got relegated back to back".

Bootham Crecsent, the old York ground, is great as well, a proper old stadium".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Coincidentally, he succeeeds another ex-Alty man, winger Lee Elam, at Eccleshill, which is near Bradford. Lee "has resigned due to family and work commitments".

ALTY LEGENDS: MATT WOODS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 27 year-old also started and put in a decent performance in the play-off final victory over Solihull Moors, which meant news of his release brought along a surprised reaction from some fans. However, with Paul Hurst beginning to consider how he might improve his squad for the move up to the Football League, it is evident that Sousa did not fit the bill for what is required from a wide player at this level.

Sousa scored just two goals in the league, despite featuring in over half the total minutes played by Town last season. Unfortunately, for all the winger’s brilliance in dribbling and skill came some poor decision-making and finishing when chances arose. End-product is often the issue with young wingers in the modern game; however, Sousa’s goal output at the age of 27 did not do much to help his case when it came to deciding on his future with the club".

Wrexham "confirm that a planning application to replace the existing floodlights at the Racecourse Ground was submitted to Wrexham Council on Friday (June 10).

The current floodlight towers are not able to support a lighting scheme to provide the required lux levels, to meet the ambition of the Racecourse Ground becoming a stadium that regularly hosts international sporting events.

The new floodlights will need to be installed while the current towers remain both in place and in use, to ensure that football can be played during the construction period. There is insufficient time to complete the installation during the close season, particularly with the Kop Development anticipated to be underway this time next year...

The new floodlight scheme will be capable of delivering a consistent 1500 lux to meet UEFA’s category 4 stadium requirements but can be programmed to deliver a lux level of 350, the requirement of the National League and any level between.

The columns are 40m in height with a forward cantilever of 20 degrees from 20m and are taller than the existing floodlight towers by 8m.

The Club has not yet been advised of when the planning application will be determined".

Barnet "are thrilled to announce that Moussa Diarra has signed a permanent deal with the Bees!

The powerful defender was released by Woking following the conclusion of last season and has now put pen to paper on a permanent deal at The Hive London.

Diarra worked with Dean Brennan at Hemel Hempstead Town upon his arrival to England and has since gone on to flourish in the English leagues.

The Frenchman has three promotions to his name after helping Woking, Hemel Hempstead Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough up from the National League South.

The 32-year-old has also excelled himself in the Vanarama National League for the likes of Barrow, Dover Athletic and Woking, where he was a regular in the team.

Brennan said...'He is a top professional. I have worked with him before and he is a big physical presence in both boxes.

'We have followed his progress for a while and he was in the top four for defensive actions in the league last season.'”

Woking Football Club "confirm that Max Kretzschmar will be leaving the Club upon the expiration of his contract on 30th June.

The midfielder, 27, has decided to pursue other ventures after neither party was able to agree terms on a new contract. Max leaves the Club with the highest regard from the staff, his fellow players, and supporters

Kretzschmar first joined the Club in the summer of 2016. He was crucial as the Cards reached the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup and won National League South promotion in 2018/19.

Max won the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards in 2021/22".

13 June 2022

AS ONE JAKE MOVES ON...

Jake has been quoted by the Buxton Twitter feed as saying, “I got a good feel for the club & staff & want to be part of the project moving forward and feel we could surprise a few people.”

... ANOTHER JAKE SIGNS UP

He has now swiftly landed himself a new move on a free transfer ahead of the next campaign.

Rotherham United have made the tough decision to part company with the centre-back this summer following their promotion from League One. The Millers published their retained list last month and announced that the youngster would be leaving ...

Cooper was loaned out to Altrincham to get some more experience under his belt in February and ended up spending the rest of the last campaign with the National League outfit, playing 12 times for the North West club.

He moved to the AESSEAL New York Stadium back in 2015 having previously played for Sheffield United and he went on to play three first-team games for Paul Warne’s side. The Burnley-born man also had loan spells away from the South Yorkshire outfit at Hartlepool United and Darlington to get some game time".

ALTY OLD BOY

The 38 year-old joins from West Yorkshire neighbours Ossett United to bolster the strike force as Sedge prepare for life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

It is a division Walshaw is very familiar with having played for the likes of Farlsey Celtic, Scarborough Athletic, and Buxton. He has played further up the leagues with Darlington AFC in the National League and in National League North with FC Halifax Town, Guiseley, Altrincham, and Harrogate Town.

Walshaw was Ossett United’s top scorer last season with 12 goals, 11 of which came in the NPL East Division, and ended the season in fine form with six goals in nine games.

On what attracted him to sign for Liversedge, Walshaw said 'I thought it was a great opportunity to play in the league above. Having played against Liversedge last season and seeing the project that they’re putting in place and the journey that they’re on, it was pretty much a no-brainer for me really...

'I think I’m a player that brings a good work rate, tenacity, and I have an eye for goal... I’m confident I can score 20 plus goals'".

ALTY LEGENDS:

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

According to a report in the Non-League Paper, the motion failed despite voting being 15-9 in favour because all motions require at least 18 clubs supporting it to pass...

The report on the AGM also says there was 'little appetite for a hard salary cap, but there is for a soft salary cap or tighter financial regulations' from clubs despite a vote 12 months ago for the move and setting up a working group'...

The AGM also voted Sonia Kulkarni, a non-executive advisor to the board at National League North champions Gateshead, on to the board replacing Richard Simkin of Stockport County, who were promoted to the EFL.

Gloucester City co-chairman Alex Petheram was also voted on to the board as representative for the National League North whilst Dagenham & Redbridge managing director Steve Thompson, and Richard Parsons, director at National League South side Hampton & Richmond were re-elected...

The first day of the 2022-23 season was confirmed as Saturday 6th August with the final day on Saturday 29th April. The National League promotion final will be played on Saturday 13th May with the venue to be confirmed".

According to the Oxford Mail, "Zico Asare has left Oxford City for Maidenhead United.

The right-sided defender moves up a division after one season at Court Place Farm, having arrived from Fulham last summer. Asare is aged 21 so City are entitled to compensation, with the club in talks with Maidenhead over the fee...

The former England youth international departs a year to the day after he was signed by David Oldfield... He played at full back and on the right side of a three-man defence during his time at Court Place Farm".

Chesterfield report that "The Spireites will face Dorking Wanderers for the first time next season after the Surrey-based club gained their first promotion to the National League...

The second highest scorers, only behind Fulham, in England’s top six leagues with 101 goals, the Wanderers finished second in the table behind Maidstone United.

Founder, chairman and now manager Marc White has seen his side achieve 12 promotions in 23 years... Only being founded in 1999, White’s side play at Meadowbank in Dorking and have had a remarkable rise during their short existence, starting in the Crawley and District league...

Their promotion was aided largely by the revelation of 23-year-old Alfie Rutherford who, in his second season for the club, managed a total of 30 goals in the league... Wanderers legend Jason Prior, who scored nine this season, has recently announced his retirement.

They also managed to boast three players in the National League South team of the season, with right-back and captain Barry Fuller, central midfielder Matthew Briggs and top scorer Rutherford all appearing.

Fuller boasts vast Football League experience with over 400 games played for AFC Wimbledon and Gillingham... Midfielder Luke Moore is also one to look out for... The 34-year-old also played over 150 games for AFC Wimbledon over five years and has played over 100 games for Dorking over the last five years.

Playing such a high-paced, attacking style of football, similar to the Spireites, Dorking will be an interesting side to watch next season, and even harder to come up against, especially as they only conceded 53 goals while scoring as many as they did".

12 June 2029

COOPER'S RETURN

Counting new team captain Hulme, seven new signings have now been made by Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel, with five of them being defenders (Lewis Baines, Ross Barrows, Jake Cooper, Liam Brockbank, Aidan Roxburgh). The departure of goalkeeper Tony Thompson almost certainly means that at least one more member of the defensive unit will be needed this summer. The other new signings were a striker (Hulme) and a midfielder (Lundstram).

ALTY LEGEND: GEORGE SMITH

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Under Contract for the 2022/23 season:

• John McAtee, Shaun Pearson, Jordan Maguire-Drew, Gavan Holohan, David Longe-King, Max Crocombe (activated additional year)

Offered New Terms with GTFC:

• Oliver Battersby, Luke Waterfall, Michee Efete, Evan Khouri, Daniel Amos, Jordan Cropper, Ben Fox, Harry Clifton, Sean Scannell, Ryan Taylor

Option Taken On Contract:

• Jaz Goundry

Loan Players Returning To Parent Clubs:

• Tristan Abrahams, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, Arjan Raikhy, Joey Jones, Andy Smith

Youth Team Players Signing Professional Terms:

• Aaron Braithwaite, Jamie Bramwell, Edwin Essel, Harvey Tomlinson

Players Not Offered New Terms:

• Luis Adlard, Luke Spokes, Scott Burgess, Giles Coke, Adam Crookes, Erico Sousa, Lenell John-Lewis, James McKeown, Daniel Rose, Max Wright".

At the other end of the teable, Lynn News reports that "New King's Lynn Town chief executive Barrie Pierpoint is seeking to recruit a large number of volunteers to run the football club... Some 11 positions are outlined for the up-and-coming season.

These include a secretary, admin, PA, to work with the CEO... Also sought is a graphic designer, to undertake creative design work for [a] corporate brochure, flyers, posters and so on. An events organiser to develop, plan and manage things such as sporting dinners, local wedding fairs, shows, charity dinners, ladies’ circle lunches, and end-of-season player awards is wanted.

An appeals executive is needed to contact local companies and organisations and form partnerships to the benefit of both parties.

A fans’ liaison officer to liaise and organise supporters’ consultative group meetings is required.

And fundraising organisers to carry out various activities to raise funds for the club projects and development are also on the list.

An organiser for a new Linnets Junior Club is sought as [are] various matchday staff rolls [sic], including programme sellers and car park attendents.

Hostesses for corporate areas and stewards are also sought".

Meanwhile, Gloverscast tells us that "Yeovil Town manager Chris Hargreaves and his Torquay United counterpart Gary Johnson are looking forward to facing each other in the National League next season.

The pair are legends at their respective clubs with Hargreaves having been part of the Torquay side which won promotion back to the Football League in 2009, whilst Johnson guided Yeovil out of non-League and in to League One in his first spell as manager before returning to take us to the Championship.

Speaking to Torbay Weekly, Johnson said 'I’m pleased that Chris has got the job there. I’m sure in his mind he always wanted to get back into it. He’s missed it, but he’s young enough to give it a right go.

'He’s got a bit of work to do there but, when you take over a club, it’s not a bad thing when you’ve almost got to start from scratch. There will be a professional rivalry between me and Chris but there’ll always be a rivalry between the two clubs and everyone enjoys that.'

Hargreaves returned the compliment saying... 'I respect Gary for the fantastic job he did here, and for the way he’s turned things round at Plainmoor, but you’ve got to do things your own way. Both clubs need to be in the Football League. I played for Plymouth and Torquay, coached at Exeter, managed at Plainmoor and now I’m here, so I want all those old West Country rivalries back, and I’m sure the fans do'...

Over the past three seasons since the Glovers dropped out of the League, the two clubs are level after six matches with Darren Sarll’s men getting the better of Johnson’s Gulls twice in 2019-20, each side winning their home match the following campaign, and then Torquay winning home and away last season".

THIRD EX-LOANEE JOINS ALTY

Alty boss Phil Parkinson brought the commanding 21-year old centre-back to The J.Davidson Stadium on loan at the beginning of February... Slotting seamlessly into the back four alongside Toby Mullarkey, Cooper made 12 appearances, including 11 starts, and underlined his threat in the opposition area with a goal in teh 5-0 win over Weymouth on March 8th.

Rock solid at the back and comfortable bringing the ball forward, he proved himself a valuable addition to the defensive ranks...

'"Coops" is one of the brightest up-and-coming prospects we came across last season,' said the Alty manager. 'The experience he has, at 21 years old, makes him a valuable player to us in this [full-time] model. He’s proven at this level and has so much potential, he’ll thrive in the full-time environment and grow into an established first team player at the National League level'" said Phil Parkinson.

Footnote: Jake Cooper (right) has become the third former loan player to have been added to Altrincham's payroll this summer after Jordan Hulme and Josh Lundstram were signed up for 2022-23 following release by their former employers.

ON THE ROAD WITH ALTY

Above: Alty fans will be hoping that their longest trip in 2022-23, to Torquay United's Plainmoor ground, will not be a midweek fixture as it was in 2016, when the above action was recorded as Alty lost 2-0 on a Tuesday night.

Alty have also lost their journeys to the two clubs promoted to the EFL in 2022; the short trip to Stockport and the lengthier journey to Grimsby.

However, the National League is running with 24 teams next season so the five excursions listed above have been replaced by six trips in 2022-23. The increase in number is to rectify the position in 2021-22 whereby the National League ran with 23 teams following the demise of Macclesfield and the non-promotion of any clubs from the North and South Divisions. These six new journeys will be to the relegated former EFL duo of Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic and to the four promoted teams, Gateshead, York City, Maidstone United and Dorking Wanderers.

By a remarkable coincidence the total one-way mileage in 2022-23 is just one mile different (less) from that which was travelled last season when there was one fewer journey. Alty will travel 3,565 miles in total just to get to the games away from home. But that means that the average single journey to an away fixture drops from 162 miles last season to 155 miles in the forthcoming campaign.

The 7,130 miles involved in the round-trips to the 23 away fixtures next season are not far short of the same distance by air from Manchester to Santago de Chile!

By way of comparison, Wrexham have pointed out that "With 14 of our 23 opponents based in southern England, there's plenty of travel on the cards... a total of almost 4,000 miles to be exact, based on one-way trips.

Following Dover Athletic's relegation, our longest trip of the season - some 252 miles - will be to Devon to take on Torquay United, while the 47-mile journey to Altrincham represents our shortest league trip in 2022/23.

A fixture release date for the 2022/23 campaign is yet to be confirmed".

ALTY LEGENDS: ERNIE TAYLOR

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Lee Camp, Cameron Green, Dan Jarvis, David Jones, Jordan Ponticelli, Devonte Redmond, Dawid Szczepaniak and Kwame Thomas have been released....

'They are all good lads,' said Parkinson, who has offered new deals to centre-back Harry Lennon and striker Jake Bickerstaff while Jones, despite not being retained as a player, will be given the opportunity to continue in his role as first team coach.

'I drove round to meet them all individually last week to have a chat with them and wish them all the best. I just wanted to tell them the reasons why it was best for both parties to move on.

'All of them have conducted themselves really well this season but they all now need to make their own mark and go and be players in their own right, rather than squad players with us... Some have had bigger contributions than others but they have all played their part'".

The Nottingham Post reports that "Stockport County chose to make a move for Notts County man Kyle Wootton due to him becoming an ‘influential leader’ in the Magpies' dressing room, according to the club’s director of football.

Wootton’s exit from Meadow Lane was confirmed on Thursday, with the 25-year-old signing a three-year deal with Stockport... He scored a total of 20 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Notts last season.

The transfer brings the end of a three year stay at Meadow Lane with Wooton originally joining on loan from Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2019...

'We welcome Kyle to the club after several strong seasons of performance for Notts County, a club of stature and expectations where he showed year on year improvement and became an influential leader in what was a young dressing room,' Director of Football Simon Wilson said.

'We feel he has a number of ideal qualities for the way we play and, having spent time with him, is a humble and hard-working lad that will fit in well with our group.'".

PARKINSON AND SORVEL TO STAY AT ALTY

Above: Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel

The tweet then quoted Phil Parkinson as saying, "We're looking forward to driving Alty forward in this new [full-time] era with this exciting young team we've assembled so far this season".

The first part of the above tweet was amended later with the phrase "a high profile National League club" being amended to read, simply, "a club".

SEVENTH FRIENDLY ARRANGED

Fresh from narrowly missing out on promotion to youth football’s top division, Stoke’s up-and-coming youngsters... will provide a thorough test for a new-look Alty squad... The date [is] now confirmed as Tuesday July 26th, at The J.Davidson Stadium, kicking off at 7.45pm...

Alty launch their warm-up campaign, ahead of the 2022-23 season, with a double-header on Saturday July 9th, away to West Didsbury & Chorlton at midday and Wythenshawe Town at 3.30pm.

The traditional Shawe View encounter with Trafford FC takes place on Tuesday July 12th at 7.45pm and is followed by an eagerly-anticipated trip to Douglas to face the Isle of Man on Saturday July 16th at 3pm.

Alty are on the road again on Tuesday July 19th, making the short journey to Curzon Ashton for a 7.45pm kick-off, before hosting Stockport County on the 23rd and Stoke under-23s three days later on the 26th. With the new Vanarama National League campaign due to start on Saturday August 6th, Alty are hoping to arrange one more pre-season friendly for Saturday July 30th".

ALTY LEGEND: EDDIE BISHOP

ALTY'S LATEST TWO RECRUITS

Right-back Aidan Roxburgh was first through the door at The J.Davidson Stadium, after agreeing a move from neighbours Trafford, and he was followed on Tuesday night by 21-year-old attacking left-back Liam Brockbank from Lancaster City.

The deals... underline Alty boss Parkinson’s eagerness to add dynamic, up-and-coming young talent to a new-look squad for the advent of full-time professional football at Moss Lane next season.

'Liam is one of the hottest prospects coming out of the Northern Premier League,' he said. 'He’s developed a big reputation for himself as a goalscoring and creative left-back... And Aidan is a little diamond we’ve discovered through our excellent links with Trafford...

'We feel, under the new [full-time] model, he could blossom and take his game to the next level. He’s a late developer but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a big player for us this coming season or even the following one'...

Roxburgh, aged 23, who can operate on the left but is predominantly a right-back, has built a similar reputation for powering forward at every opportunity".

ALTY'S NEW LOYALTY SCHEME

Our brand new LoyAlty membership cards are now available for purchase. Pledge your support to Alty and receive great benefits all year long".

As can be seen, above, there are several tiers of membership, starting with a continuation of the longstanding Patrons' Scheme (£50) and extending upwards to "Elite" grade for £500.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 26-year-old defender posted on Twitter 'It is time for a new challenge and chapter in my career... To ALL the staff, thank you for everything you have done for me, to give me a platform again to showcase my talent and develop me into who I am today. I couldn't have done it without you all'...

FC Halifax Town posted on Twitter 'Niall was integral in the side that had the best defence and home record in the league last campaign'...

Maher, who is out of contract this summer, has been linked with various clubs in recent weeks including Oldham Athletic, Northampton Town, Leyton Orient and Rochdale".

Another departure from The Shay is reported by the BBC, as "striker Billy Waters has joined Barrow, reuniting with boss Pete Wild.

The 27 year-old, who has signed a two-year deal, scored 21 goals last season for FC Halifax, where his contract expires this summer.

He is Wild's first signing since the manager left Halifax to take over at League Two Barrow...

'It's a huge statement and it's the first of a few statements we would like to make,' Wild told the club website. 'The way Billy plays is a reflection of how I want my team to play... It was just a no-brainer for me to try and bring him to the club and I'm delighted he's signed'".

The Derbyshire Times reminds us that "The Spireites released seven players last week and transfer-listed another four.

Four others have been offered new contracts. Manager Paul Cook is keen to reshape the squad after missing out on promotion...

They are due back in training in the first week of July, ahead of the opening game on August 6.

On the Blues’ latest transfer business, [the] chief executive [said]... 'We have been speaking to a number of players and there are certainly a couple that are very close to coming to fruition. We are well down the line'...

The details of the retained list caused some surprise among the fanbase, with favourite Alex Whittle let go and Gavin Gunning, Laurence Maguire, Calvin Miller and Akwasi Asante made available for transfer.

Asked if those decisions were for football or financial reasons, Croot said 'First and foremost the manager decides who is retained and who is not. Clearly any good club custodians have to keep an eye on a budget, they are football-based decisions. The manager has got a focus, he knows where he wants to go with things and I think it is with that in mind'".

The BBC confirms that "Striker Kyle Wootton has signed for Stockport after rejecting a new contract at Notts County. Wootton, 25, has agreed a three-year deal with the Hatters and is their first signing since they were recently promoted back to the Football League.

His contract at Meadow Lane expires this summer and he has opted to move on after three years with the Magpies.

'We feel as a team that we will play to his strengths,' Stockport manager Dave Challinor told the club website.. 'He's been a long-term target for us, so to get this one over the line is brilliant'"

"SUBSTANTIAL FEE" FOR BROCKBANK

Brockbank had a handful of suitors and he and his agent recently expressed his wish to leave the club to play at a higher level.

Though intending on keeping him at Giant Axe previous to those developments, the club is satisfied in negotiating a substantial fee and sell-on clause which represents his value to the side.

The club would like to thank Liam for his contributions to the side over the last twelve months, where he demonstrated exemplary commitment to the cause every week, evidenced by the respect he quickly gained from the fans".

ALTY LEGENDS: STAN GALLIMORE

ALTRINCHAM FC MONTHLY DRAW

• £500 cash | #64| Ian Rosendaal
• £75 cash | #24 | Mick Taylor
• £25 cash | #458 | Mike Searle
• Robin Polo Shirt | #197 | John Laidlar
• Replica Alty FC Home Shirt | #27 | Campbell McLay
• Alty FC Polo Shirt | #127 | Jane Ford

Congratulations to all the winners!

ALTY OLD BOYS

Langley joined the club in the summer of 2019, after spending time at Fylde, Altrincham and Southport earlier in his career...

In the 2021-22 season, Langley excelled, being part of a defence that kept 5 consecutive league clean sheets for the first time in 57 years, and finishing the season with just 1 defeat in 11 games to take the Dabbers away from danger.

This was capped off by Josh winning the Players’ Player of the Season for 21/22 at the club's annual awards in April.

He finishes with 87 appearances and 1 goal in a Dabbers shirt.

Manager Dave Cooke said 'Josh has been the ultimate pro, a great servant to the club and popular with fellow players, staff and supporters.

'Warrington Rylands have come in for him, they play close to his home, and with him having a small lad and another baby on the way he felt he could have more time at home in Warrington.'"

Foonote: Warrington-born Josh Langley arrived at Alty in November 2018 having earlier spent four years at AFC Fylde before suffering an ACL injury. In July 2018 he joined Southport on a one-year contract before his loan to Alty.

In his month at Altrincham he did not start a league game, his only game being a start in the FA Trophy against Stockport County.

On completion of his stay at Alty, Southport loaned him straight out to Guiseley, from where he moved to Nantwich Town".

Other ex-Alty players to have joined ambitious Rylands in the past year include Paddy Lacey and Joe Bunney.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Little, 25, has caught the eye in the National League over the past couple of years... Forest Green Rovers are preparing for their first campaign in League One... New boss Ian Burchnall will be keen to put his own stamp on his newly inhered squad...

Little has been on the books at Torquay United since 2019... scoring 19 goals in 82 appearances in all competitions for them altogether. The Portsmouth-born man started his career in the academy at Southampton... before leaving... to join Oxford United... He was loaned out to Woking and played 32 times for the Cardinals before he was given the green light to join the Gulls".

Also at Torquay United, the club has "announced the departure of Head of Youth Chris Todd, who has decided to leave the Club to pursue an opportunity in first-team football. Former United defender Chris joined United’s youth department in September 2019...

A move back for Chris into senior football further highlights the significant progress the Club is continuing to make behind the scenes at Plainmoor".

At Scunthorpe United, "Defender Andrew Boyce has provided reaction on returning to the club on a two-year contract after leaving Eastleigh.

The 32 year-old centre-back originally signed for the Iron from Lincoln in 2014, making 37 appearances, including 33 during our 2014-15 League One season... [He] was most recently at Eastleigh, where he made 207 appearances in all competitions across five years...

He told iFollow Iron 'I'm buzzing to return... There was other interest too but when I found out Scunny wanted me and there was an offer there it didn't take long to make my mind up. I'd been there (at Eastleigh) for five years and loved my time there but I am a northern lad and always wanted to come back home...

'It's a tough league... There are no easy games, it is enjoyable but hard'".

Yeovil Town "announce that Marcus Stewart has joined our coaching staff as Head of Player Development for the 2022/23 season.

The former forward, who needs no introduction to Glovers fans, becomes the second appointment to Chris Hargreaves’ backroom staff.

Stewart is fondly remembered for his goal scoring exploits in a green & white shirt... Stewart held first team coaching roles at Exeter City... Later, hhe joined hometown club Bristol Rovers as a development coach, but quickly became assistant manager... Departing in 2018, Stewart joined Walsall as assistant...

Commenting after his arrival was confirmed, Stewart said... 'I’m here to do my best, like I did before. This is a club I’m fond of, it’s a club that’s local to me'".

And following this week's report that he had left Torquay United, Yeovil Town "announce the appointment of Chris Todd as assistant manager.

Todd, who was a former teammate of Chris Hargreaves at Torquay United, joins having managed the Gulls’ U18’s side since 2019, whilst also working within the first team set up...

The 40-year-old Welshman also possesses management experience within the National League, leading Eastleigh to a seventh-place finish in the 2015/16 season. His most recent role in first team management was at Gloucester City during the 2018/19 season".

FIFTH ALTY SIGNING

Brockbank has had an outstanding season with Lancaster City and was hailed as ‘one of the hottest prospects’ around by Parkinson after the Alty boss pulled off a move that is subject to FA and National League approval...

Parkinson told press and media officer, John Edwards, "Liam Brockbank is one of the hottest prospects coming out of the Northern Premier League. He’s developed a big reputation for himself as goal-scoring and creating left-back. I first scouted Liam playing in a very good footballing side at Workington and then monitored his progress at Lancaster City, where he picked up supporters’ player of the season this time around.

"He’s a futsal International, so you should definitely see this in his technical side of the game and tenacity in which he plays".

John Edwards concludes,"That’s two dynamic young full-backs in quick succession, in Liam and Aidy Roxburgh, to go with three other exciting new faces, in Ross Barrows, Josh Lundstram and Lewis Baines, and no fewer than 10 existing players also secured for next season, in Jordan Hulme, Toby Mullarkey, Isaac Marriott, Elliot Osborne, Matt Gould, Matty Kosylo, Ryan Colclough, Marcus Dinanga, Brad Jackson and Jamie Morgan".

Footnote: Brockbank follows Baines, Barrows, Lundstram and Roxburgh in joining Altrincham this summer and is the fourth defender to be signed of the five new recruits announced so far.

Of the ten players who were at the club last season and who are contracted for next season, only three played more than half of last season's league games for the club (Colclough, Kosylo and Mullarkey [right]) with the other seven including four men who spent periods out on loan last season (Gould, Dinanga, Morgan and Jackson).

Brockbank (d.o.b. 2 March 2001), who hails from Millom in Cumbria, started as an eight year-old at Carlisle United before being released nine years later and signing for Workington. He turned down a new contract at Borough Park and moved to join the Dolly Blues in April 2021 after two seasons with The Reds.

Soon after joining Workington in 2019, Brockbank told the News and Star, "'It’s really my game, getting forward and getting crosses in, shots as well'...

Brockbank admitted he is still adapting to the physicality of senior football... 'That’s my weakness,' he said. 'It’s going to be something I work on over the course of the season'".

Also in 2019 the NW Evening Mail reported that Brockbank said "'I got an email after I’d been released by Carlisle telling me about a trails [trials] day at St. Georges’s Park for England futsal'...

He had spent most of his youth at Carlisle United’s academy before being released during the summer and joining ex-Cumbrians captain Danny Grainger at Workington, where he has been a revelation in the left-back position so far for the Reds.

Brockbank said... 'I thought I’d played all right at the trial... A few weeks after the trial, Mike phoned me asking if I fancied training with the side... I still haven’t actually started a futsal game, but I got the email on Monday congratulating me on my call-up for the game against Loughborough tomorrow'".

ALTY LEGENDS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

With the League Two season scheduled to start at the end of July, Hurst will not have much time to recruit new players and embed them into the squad...

'We’ll go again, but it is important to take a small moment to enjoy what we have achieved so far. I’ve got to sign players and make sure we are not in this position again, as in trying to get back into the Football League.

'We know how difficult it is and, somehow, we have managed to do that. The club is in a great place, and having a proper academy and the finances that we have available opens a lot of doors for us. The owners will have some decisions to make in terms of what they want to prioritise first but, overall, I am happy for the fans because of how they have helped the team when they’ve been out of their feet!"

The Derbyshire Times has a "National League transfers round-up...

The Spireites are hopeful of making their first couple of additions this week... Here’s a round-up of what transfer activity has been happening elsewhere:

At Oldham Athletic, the newly-relegated side, managed by former Spireites boss John Sheridan, have added two experienced players at both ends of the pitch.

The Latics have swooped for centre-back Liam Hogan, 33, who captained Stockport County to the National League title last season... and striker Chris Porter, 38, has returned to Oldham... fter being let go by Crewe Alexandra.

At Notts County "Despite not having a manager... the Magpies have already brought in two new additions.

National League North top goalscorer and Player of the Season Macaulay Langstaff, 25, has linked up with the Meadow Lane club for an undisclosed fee... Notts have also snapped up right wing-back Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, 25, from Ebbsfleet United... But County have lost winger Elisha Sam, who scored against Chesterfield last season, after he requested that his contract be terminated so he can ‘pursue opportunities elsewhere.’

Wrexham, The Red Dragons, have released eight players following their failure to win promotion. Lee Camp, Cameron Green, Dan Jarvis, David Jones, Jordan Ponticelli, Devonte Redmond, Dawid Szczepaniak and Kwame Thomas will all depart when their contracts expire this summer.

At Halifax, The Shaymen have lost highly-rated defender Tom Bradbury, 24, after he left to ‘pursue other opportunities.’ He is being linked with Tranmere Rovers and Cheltenham Town.

However, they have secured Harvey Gilmour to a new deal and triggered contract extensions for Jesse Debrah, Jack Senior, Jay Benn and Kian Spence. Debrah is reportedly attracting interest from Huddersfield Town.

The West Yorkshire club have released Matt Stenson, Gerry McDonagh and Martin Woods.

Solihull Moors, the play-off finalists, have wasted no time in announcing their retained list... Adam Rooney, Jordan Cranston, Niall Clayton, Ben Usher-Shipway, Melis Bushaj, Tom Allsopp and Danny Newton have all been let go.

But the Moors have extended the deals of Alex Gudger and Joe Sbarra, while Jamey Osborne, Reiss McNally, Justin Donawa and Kyle Hudlin have been offered new contracts. Hudlin is being linked with a move to Huddersfield.

Boreham Wood have released Gus Mafuta, Kane Smith, James Comley and Adrian Clifton, while Frankie Raymond and Jamie Reckford have been transfer-listed.

Former Chesterfield striker Scott Boden has joined the newly-promoted Minstermen [York City] after leaving Boreham Wood".

And also from the Derbyshire Times we learn that "National League general manager, Mark Ives, says they are having ‘open dialogue’ with the EFL about increasing the number of promotion places from the fifth tier.

Currently, only two teams are promoted to League Two at the end of each season... This is despite it being three up, three down in the Championship and three up, four down in League One...

'We have made it clear three-up, three-down is something we would like to pursue,' Ives told BBC Sport. 'Absolutely we are having open dialogue about it. It would be fairer and more fitting for our competition. It is a matter for the EFL... but is it something it is willing to have dialogue over? I think so'

A salary cap had been expected to be introduced in the National League for the 2022/2023 season but it now appears any changes will take place further down the line.

'A salary cap might mean a hard cap, where everyone can spend the same amount of money irrespective of whether they have got more in the bank,' Ives said. 'Or it could be a soft one, where you can spend a percentage of your accepted income towards player and team salaries. Or is it a discussion to have secure financial regulations to ensure clubs don't spend beyond their means?'...

At the moment the National League has no plans to pause the season during the World Cup period but is open to games being moved to a different date or a kick-off time being changed depending on the circumstances.

'We are more likely to move something that clashes with England and Wales games but my position with fixtures is always to listen to both teams and see what their views are,' Ives added".

ALTY WOMEN'S SEASON

Altrincham FC Women compete in the North West Regional League Division One South. In 2021-22 they finished ninth of the eleven teams in the Division.

In their twenty league games Altrincham won four times, drew twice and lost on fourteen occasions, giving them a total of fourteen points

Home matches were played at Manor Farm, Timperley.

Results in season 2021-22 (in League unless stated):

• 5.9.21 Alder FC Women (H) 1-3
• 12.9.21 Chester FC Women (A) 0-10
• 19.9.21 Runcorn Linnets FC Ladies (A) 3-6
• 26.9.21 Hindley Juniors Women (H) 3-5
• 3.10.21 Ashton Town Lionesses FC (H) 4-2 WOMEN'S FA CUP
• 10.10.21 Mersey Valley Ladies (A) 1-5
• 17.10.21 Warrington Wolves Foundation Women's FC (A) 1-4
• 24.10.21 Norton & Stockton Ancients LFC (H) 0-7 WOMEN'S FA CUP
• 21.11.21 Chester FC Women (H) 0-2
• 5.12.21 Northwich Vixens (A) 0-1
• 12.12.21 Alder FC Women (A) 2-0
• 9.1.22 Northwich Vixens (H) 1-2
• 23.1.22 Curzon Ashton FC Women's (A) 0-2
• 30.1.22 Wythenshawe Amateurs (H) 3-1
• 2.3.22 Wythenshawe Amateurs (A) 3-1
• 6.3.22 Warrington Wolves Foundation Women's FC (H) 0-2
• 13.3.22 Hindley Juniors Women (A) 1-2
• 20.3.22 Runcorn Linnets FC Ladies (H) 1-3
• 3.4.22 Curzon Ashton FC Women's (H) 1-1
• 17.4.22 Wythenshawe Amateurs (A) 0-2
• 24.4.22 West Kirby Ladies (H) 3-0
• 24.4.22 West Kirby Ladies (A) 0-0
• 1.5.22 Didsbury FC Ladies (A) 0-2
• 1.5.22 Didsbury FC Ladies (H) 3-0

JEAN PRINCE, R.I.P.

Jean was rewarded for her selfless service by being made a Life Vice-President of the Football Club.

Details of her funeral have yet to be arranged but they are expected to include a pause by the funeral cortege outside the J. Davidson Stadium for her friends to pay their respects. Details of the arrangements will be reported here once known.

ALTY LEGENDS: JACK GRIMWOOD

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Vanarama National League Team of the Season comprises Sam Johnson (FC Halifax Town), Jayden Richardson (Notts County), Ash Palmer (Stockport County), Aaron Hayden (Wrexham), Harry Boyes (Solihull Moors), Joe Sbarra (Solihull Moors), Jordan Davies (Wrexham), Ruben Rodrigues (Notts County), Kabongo Tshimanga (Chesterfield), Paul Mullin (Wrexham), Paddy Madden (Stockport County).

Only two players from clubs that have never been in the EFL were named in the team, both of these being from Solihull Moors.

Gloverscast tells us that "A social media post by Luton Town winger Josh Neufville has hinted at a possible return to Yeovil Town.

The 21 year-old, who became a fans’ favourite at Huish Park after two successful loan spells over the past two seasons, posted... on his Instagram on Sunday night. On top of the post is the words: Unfinished business...

Fellow loanee Jack Robinson replied 'What a player ytfc are getting congrats mate'...

Arrival of Neufville would be quite a coup for new boss Chris Hargreaves... He would be the first signing for the manager who has tied up existing squad members goalkeeper Grant Smith, defenders Max Hunt and Morgan Williams, midfielders Josh Staunton and Lawson D’Ath and forward Tom Knowles. In his first loan spell from Luton... Neufville turned out 31 times in the second half of last season.

That ended with a horrific ankle injury in the penultimate National League fixture of the season at Altrincham. Having spent eight months regaining his fitness, he returned on loan in March and went on to make 11 league appearances....

He was recalled ahead of the final game at Altrincham with his parent club in the Championship play-offs".

Birmingham World writes that "Solihull Moors missed out on promotion to League 2 after losing 2-1 to Grimsby Town in the National League playoff final...

Jordan Maguire-Drew’s late goal in the second period of extra-time was enough to win the game for Town... Neal Ardley’s men started the game well, putting Town under some early pressur... Grimsby came back into the contest as the first half wore on, and The Mariners then came close to breaking the deadlock...

Although Grimsby had the better of the first half, Moors took the lead right on the edge of half-time thanks to a towering header from Kyle Hudlin...

After Ardley’s men withstood some early second-half pressure, Grimsby equalised thanks to John McAtee’s well taken strike with just 20 minutes remaining... Neither side could find a winner as the tense final headed into extra-time.

During the second period of extra time, Moors and their travelling fans suffered playoff final heartbreak after Maguire-Drew got on the end of a long throw in to Solihull’s penalty area to tap in at the back post".

Several clubs have announced player deprtures in the last 24 hours. They include FC Halifax Town who "confirm Tom Bradbury has left the club to pursue other opportunities".

And Aberdeen Live tells us that "Aberdeen hero Adam Rooney leaves Solihull Moors after play-off heartbreak. The 2014 Scottish League Cup winner has had a decent spell in the National League....

The Dons ace joined the West Midland club in 2020 following his spell with Salford City, whom he joined from Aberdeen".

Elsewhere, news of a signing comes from the BBC that "Veteran striker Chris Porter has rejoined Oldham Athletic on a one-year deal after leaving Crewe Alexandra.

During two campaigns with the club from 2005-07, Porter, 38, scored 31 goals in 75 games for Oldham... Across a 19-year playing career, Porter has netted 195 goals in 681 matches for clubs including Bury, Derby, Sheffield United, Colchester and Motherwell...

Said boss John Sheridan, 'The experience and pedigree that Chris brings speaks for itself and I'm very pleased at being able to add a player of his calibre which is vital as we rebuild the squad'".

6 June 2022

ALTY RESERVES FINISHED ELEVENTH

They won ten games, drew nine matches and lost fifteen times through the league season, to end the campaign with 39 points.

Another Altrincham-based team, Broadheath Central, finished second with 70 points but that was twelve points adrift of champions FC St Helens.

ALTY YOUTH FINISHED FOURTH

The team's last recorded game was on 2 May in the North West Youth Alliance Open Cup which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Bootle.

Altrincham were scheduled to play the following week (8 May) at home to Hyde FC but that match was not played and Alty were awarded a "walk-over".

On 15 May a scheduled league match at home to Irlam FC appears not to have been played.

ALTY LEGENDS: MITCHELL DOWNIE

GRIMSBY TOWN PROMOTED

Solihull led before Grimsby took the game to extra time with an equaliser.

The BBC reports that "Grimsby Town's National League play-off final victory over Solihull Moors was 'written in the stars', match-winner Jordan Maguire-Drew said.

The Moors had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time through a Kyle Hudlin header. A John McAtee leveller sent the tie to extra time, Maguire-Drew coming off the bench to score the winner...

Maguire-Drew told BBC Radio Humberside... 'I feel like it's meant to be since the Notts County game and this team just never gives up. It's written in the stars sometimes...

'I thought [the winner] was heading wide of the post,' manager Paul Hurst said. 'We'd talked about back-post efforts, you know the importance of that sort of area. Credit to Jordan, every time he plays, he seems to have a moment, whether it's scoring or setting up a goal. He was disappointed not to start, but he went about it in the right way'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Negotiations... are believed to be at advanced stage. Gyasi, who was also being tracked by a Scottish Championship side, has a year remaining on his contract at The Walks.

The 22 year-old who spent the second half of last season on loan at Dover Athletic since January notched five goals in 19 appearances during his time with The Whites.

The German-born Ghanian, who can also play out wide, scored against the Spireites in April... Gyasi spent his early years with Northampton Town Centre of Excellence before joining Chelsea's Academy at the age of 11.

If he does leave, the nimble-footed forward will join Ross Barrows, Luis Fernandez, Arthur Iontton and Connor Kurran-Browne out of the Walks exit door.

Barrows has signed for Altrincham in the National League, while Fernandez, Iontton and Kurran-Browne have all put pen-to-paper for Hampton and Richmond Borough in the National League South.

The Linnets remain in contract negotiations with both skipper Michael Clunan and defender Aaron Jones.

Baris Altintop, Josh Barrett, Pierce Bird, Daniel Bowry, Kyle Callan-McFadden, Ken Charles, Gold Omotayo and Munashe Sundire currently remain under contract for the 2022/23 season, although there could be further movements in the next few weeks".

According to West London Sport, "Defender Jack Cook and midfielder Ashley Charles have signed new deals with Wealdstone.

Supporters’ Player of the Season Cook has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Stones having made 42 appearances in his debut season with the club.

Charles, meanwhile, has signed a new one-year deal with the option of a further year.

He made 34 appearances last season having first joined the club back in 2019, making 74 appearances in total".

PLAY-OFF FINAL

• Solihull Moors v Grimsby Town

According to the Birmingham Mail, Solihull Moors "are just ninety minutes away from league football... But the incredible journey hasn't been without controversy... Some fans won't be there to see the historic final decider this weekend because they are refusing to pay "scandalous" ticket prices...

And Solihull Moors warned fans they risk being turned away after a 'disproportionate' number of concession tickets were bought for Sunday's National League promotion final. The club said... 'Please ensure you purchase the correct ticket type as entry will be refused if supporters are found with the wrong ticket'".

ALTY LEGENDS: ALEX STEPNEY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

On sale for £3 around the stadium on matchdays, THE IRON will return with a joint issue for our home pre-season friendlies against Sheffield United, Rochdale and Peterborough United in July.

Fans will be able to buy programmes with cash from our programme and 50/50 draw ticket sellers, or via card from our club shop and ticket office."

Promoted Dorking Wanderers have announced the names of the "members of their promotion winning side that are departing the club this summer.

Manager Marc White provided the following comments on the five players who are moving on...

• Wes Fogden. 'Foggy has been an inspiration to all... In the first game of the 21/22 season Wes was written off for the whole season with a career ending injury, only to do his own rehab and make a ‘Lazarus’ type return'. /li>
• Kane Wills. 'Kane has played a pivotal role in the Wanderers for the last 3 years... [He] was a huge character around the dressing room. It was very fitting to see him play a part in the goal that saw the side promoted'.
• Dan Lincoln 'I truly think that we would not have been promoted without Dan joining. He came in at the perfect time and adjusted to the hard task of being a Wanderers goalkeeper... Rarely have I seen a new player become so popular with players and supporters alike'.
• Darren Oldaker. 'DJ is moving on to pastures new. I love DJ, he reminds me of the lads that played for us during our first few years, he is a real character and I know that he will remain close to the club... He came in at the perfect time for us and played a pivotal role in our success, the ‘Pikey Pirlo’ will be missed on another level!'
• David Ray. 'Razor is off to test his management skills at Storrington... He could be noticed as being in the dug out for every game to help the lads through the final stages of the season and he can claim two promotions in his time at the Wanderers. David Ray is a club legend'.
• Jason Prior. 'The departure of JP9 is one I am still getting over... Leader of men, colossal character and serial winner'.

We will be announcing some new signings soon'" concluded the manager.

Glovers Cast reports that "Midfielder Dale Gorman has rejected a new contract offer from Yeovil Town and is one of six players who will leave the club.

Strikers Reuben Reid and Adi Yussuf, full-back Mark Little and the versatile Jordan Barnett and Alex Bradley have been released by new manager Chris Hargreaves, the club confirmed on Friday night.

Winger Charlie Wakefield and midfielder Matt Worthington have both been offered new contracts and are yet to give the club an answer.

The announcement follows confirmation that playmaker Lawson D’Ath has re-signed for the 2022-23 campaign.

Even before the club officially confirmed Little’s exit, League of Wales side Penybont, who also have ex-Glovers’ loanee Shaun MacDonald, announced he would join them next season.

Northern Irishman Gorman made more than 40 appearances last season having joined from Glentoran, linking up with his old Stevenage manager Darren Sarll. It would be little surprised to see the pair reunited at Woking.

Reid and Yussuf managed just 11 goals between them with Yussuf weighing in with eight... Barnett is perhaps a surprise name among those listed although he is still presently the subject of an FA charge having allegedly made 138 bets on football matches over a period of more than three years...

Players released : Reuben Reid, Mark Little, Adi Yussuf, Alex Bradley, Jordan Barnett

Remaining under contract or contract extension triggered: Tom Knowles, Grant Smith, Max Evans, Morgan Williams. Max Hunt

Contracts offered and accepted: Josh Staunton, Ollie Haste, Toby Stephens, Lawson D’Ath

Contract offers made: Matt Worthington (awaiting response), Charlie Wakefield (awaiting response), Dale Gorman (rejected and will be departing the club)".

Torquay Talk says that "There’s absolutely nothing rebellious about Connor Lemonheigh-Evans’s departure from Plainmoor. He goes with love, affection, and gratitude...

It’s rare in modern football, even rarer in a league that depends on loans and one-year contracts, for a player to appear for the same team in five successive seasons. Rarer still is being witness to the full trajectory of evolution that we’ve seen in Connor Lemonheigh-Evans...

The Lemon made his professional debut in Yellow, joining a sinking ship in 2018. His efforts were valiant, middle-of-the-park leg-work valued, and his talent undeniable... It was expected that, like so many of the loanees that season... we’d never see him again, and he’d either have a career in non-league obscurity or second-flight success.

The arrival of Gary Johnson to the English Riviera, though, was sufficient to pull the Swansea jack back down south for another loan period... He soon became the first choice central-midfield partner for Asa Hall...

On the eve of the 2019/20 opener, CLE... returned again to the Bay, and it was quite widely assumed that we were absolutely nailed on to get promoted again...

The Summer of 2020 saw Reid leave, Danny Wright take his place, and Connor return on a permanent basis... and that coincided with CLE’s best season in Yellow... Indeed, the only blips in his season came during the regrettable no-striker-experiment of Alty (h)... His part in our best season in a decade is hard to overestimate.

Connor’s final campaign in Yellow, as an individual, was not dissimilar to the previous one...

Connor has come of age as a footballer at Torquay United. To paraphrase a Geordie pal of his, he really did join the club as a boy and really has left as a man.. He has more than earned his move away from our silly little club, who don’t deserve to hold onto players of his calibre for longer than we already have...

I don’t think many players have had such a consistent positive impact on the club in the past half-decade".

The Grimsby Telegraph reports that "Grimsby Town forward Ryan Taylor expressed how much he enjoys playing with forward partner John McAtee...

Both arrived at the club at the start of the season and formed a crucial partnership at the top of the pitch...

'He has obviously got so much ability,' said Taylor... 'I am sure they’ll be a lot of interest in him come the summer, but he has got another year left on his contract, so I don’t think he is going anywhere! I love playing with him'...

Despite playing as the furthest man forward for most of the season for Town, Taylor has only managed eight goals this season... 'I think I could’ve done more in patches, but ultimately if we get promotion as a team, this season will be viewed as a huge success. My general play is quite good, and that is probably why I have managed to stay in the team because I probably could’ve scored more goals'".

4 June 2022

FRIENDLY NUMBER SIX

Tom Peers [right], such a significant contributor to the successful era under Parkinson, moved to Curzon in February to join a squad already containing Craig Mahon and Craig Hobson, and the Alty connection was extended still further earlier this week when Connor Hampson completed a move to the Tameside Stadium".

The matches announced so far are as follows:

• 1 Sat.9.7.21 12pm Away West Didsbury & Chorlton
• 2 Sat.9.7.21 3.30pm Away Wythenshawe Town
• 3 Tue.12.7.21 7.45pm Away Trafford
• 4 Sat.16.7.21 3pm Away Isle of Man
• 5 Tue.19.7.21 7.45pm Away Curzon Ashton
• 6 Sat.23.7.21 3pm Home STOCKPORT COUNTY

ALTY LEGENDS: NELSON STIFFLE

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FINAL

Sports Mole reminds us that "While Solihull are bidding to reach the EFL for the first time in their history, Grimsby are attempting to seal a bounce-back return to the fourth tier of English football.

Having finished down in sixth position during the regular season, Grimsby were regarded as outsiders to earn promotion, particularly when considering that none of their following fixtures would be played at Blundell Park...

Even though Paul Hurst has witnessed his team concede four goals in two of their last three outings, the Grimsby boss will have total confidence that his players can outlast Solihull on the biggest stage that their opponents have ever experienced... the West Midlands outfit having recorded six wins in succession.

Unlike their upcoming opponents who have twice played 120 minutes to reach the final, Solihull were afforded a two-week break before their last-four showdown with Chesterfield... and eventually ran out 3-1 winners.

Impressively, they have now scored at least three goals in their last five outings, a return which sets up the mouthwatering prospect of a hugely-entertaining clash at the ground of West Ham United...

Jamey Osborne, formerly of Grimsby, serves the final game of a three-match suspension... Hurst is also unlikely to tinker with his Grimsby XI for this contest".

The Grimsby Telegraph adds that "Paul Hurst reports a clean bill of healt...

However, the 47-year-old admitted he is still undecided on the starting XI, despite naming the same line-up for The Mariners’ two play-off games so far.

That is due to some of the performances of substitute players in the two dramatic victories, with Emmanuel Diseruvwe scoring in both games and the likes of Shaun Pearson, Jordan Maguire-Drew and Arjan Raikhy also providing meaningful contributions to the team during the run-in.

Hurst stated...'The team’s looked good, but at the same time, I‘ve had some lads come off the bench and make some significant contributions. They are knocking at the door for selection'".

NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH IN 2022/23

• AFC Fylde, Alfreton, Banbury United, Blyth Spartans, Boston United, Brackley, Bradford Park Avenue, Buxton, Chester, Chorley, Curzon Ashton, Darlington, Farsley Celtic, Gloucester City, Hereford United, Kettering Town, Kidderminster Harriers, King’s Lynn Town, Leamington, Peterborough Sports, Scarborough, Southport, Spennymoor Town, Telford United.

King's Lynn Town are the only relegated club joining the division, in which the other newcomers are promoted clubs Banbury United, Buxton, Peterborough Sports and Scarborough Athletic

The National North League fixtures start on Saturday, August 6.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 33-year-old arrived at Hayes Lane in September 2020 and made 31 league appearances for the Ravens this season".

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Maidenhead United’s squad for next season is already starting to take shape, with the club having held onto the core of the team that produced a sensational second half of the season to ensure survival several weeks before the campaign concluded.

Yesterday (Wednesday) the Magpies released their retained list for the 2022/23 season... and there were a couple of pleasant surprises for supporters, as well as a couple of notable omissions.

Manager Alan Devonshire will be pleased to have retained 15 players from the squad which comfortably finished 17th last season, with club captain Alan Massey and central defensive partner Will De Havilland to remain, along with last season’s top goalscorer Josh Kelly.

Sam Barratt, whose season was hampered by injury, will also be looking to bounce back to form next season with more goals and appearances, while key performers such as Dan Sparkes, supporters' player of the season Dan Gyollai, Charlee Adams, Kane Ferdinand, Ryan Upward and Remy Clerima will also be back...

But Devonshire will have been loathed [sic!] to lose two or three key players from the squad, most notably Shaun Donnellan, Ryheem Sheckleford and George Wells, while Nathan Blissett also led the line well during his time at the club. Former academy player Brad Keetch has also proved to Devonshire he's ready to stake his claim for a place in next season's squad.

The Magpies are also already off the mark in the transfer market, announcing three new players... Temi Eweka, Cole Kpekawa and Koby Arthur were unveiled last week... Central defender Eweka has arrived from Bracknell Town, having been part of a title winning team that conceded just 12 league goals all season.

Kpekawa, 26, is a centre back who most recently featured for Hemel Hempstead having come through the QPR Academy and played in the Premier League, while Arthur has signed from relegated Dover Athletic...

These signings would not have been possible had it not been the work of chief scout Lee Devonshire and the manager was keen to credit his son's work behind the scenes...

'We all do things together, but my boy is a big asset,' he said... 'I think we have re-signed 10 to 12 boys and there are six to seven that have left. It isn’t a nice thing telling people you are letting them go but that’s all been done. Now it’s a time of getting replacements in...

'It’s hard when you are part-time in this full-time league. The budget we’ve got compared to everyone else isn’t the same. It’s just about getting value for money really. That’s probably why we have to go a bit lower than most of the other teams'".

In the Nottingham Post we learn that "The Magpies are searching for a new head coach after Ian Burchnall left the club to take over at Forest Green Rovers. The board of directors have said the process could take 'at least a couple of weeks'...

Independent.ie reports that Ruaidhri Higgins 'was sounded out to see if he would be interested after being identified as a strong candidate'. It is said that the 37 year-old would fit the bill based on the style and approach of his current team [Derry City], who play in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

However, the report adds that Higgins, who used to be Republic of Ireland chief scout and analyst, is happy at Derry and decided not to explore the opportunity at Notts any further...

Luke Tisdale is favourite to succeed Burchnall, according to bookmakers BetVictor, having just left his role as head coach of Coventry City under-23s after seven years at the club.

Mike Williamson is next on the list, having just led Gateshead to the National League North title...

Meanwhile, Notts' manager hunt has not stopped other business being done. Wing-back Tobi Adebayo-Rowling has been signed, along with prolific striker Macaulay Langstaff from Gateshead... Elsewhere, defender Richard Brindley has signed a new two-year contract with the Magpies, while Elisha Sam has left the club".

ALTY'S LOCAL RECRUIT

The versatile defender's dynamic style increasingly caught the eye of Phil Parkinson last season, and the Alty manager was delighted to push through a move... Phil commented 'Aidan is a little diamond we’ve discovered through our excellent links with Trafford Football Club, through the coaching and mentoring of Danny Caldecott, who has specialised in finding and developing young talent.

'We’ve monitored his progress this season closely, and we feel, under the new model, he could blossom and take his game to the next level. He’s a late developer, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a big player for us this coming season or even the following one.'

After making his mark with the likes of the Holywell Town and Runcorn Town, Aidan, known as Aidy, really came into his own at Shawe View as an aggressive, attacking full-back with an eye for goal.

Comfortable on either flank, he favours right-back".

Footnote: Aidan started out on the scholarship programme at Welsh Premier club The New Saints.

According to the Huws Gray Alliance website, Roxburgh had played for Runcorn Town in 2017-18 before joining Welsh club Holywell Town during the summer of 2018. He rejoined Runcorn Town in summer 2020 before his capture by Chester FC in July 2021.

At the time, Chester FC stated "Aidan Roxburgh and Taylor Dyson have today arrived at Chester FC and immediately joined Trafford FC on a dual registration basis.

Full-back Aidan, 22, comes in from Runcorn Town... Both players impressed Joint Bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley during the First Team Talent ID events and subsequent friendlies.

Jonno said... 'They are off to Trafford, who we feel play a similar style to us'".

He played more than 30 games for Trafford last season.

ALTY'S EARLIER SUMMER SIGNINGS

Alty boss Phil Parkinson has lost free-scoring winger Dan Mooney to Southend United and centre-back Kyle Ferguson to an unnamed League Two side, but has more than made up for that double disappointment by landing versatile defenders Ross Barrows and Lewis Baines and midfielder Josh Lundstram (left), a massive hit during a loan spell at The J.Davidson Stadium two years ago...

Sheffield-born and still based in his home city, Barrows can operate at right-back or in central defence, while Chorley’s player of the year Baines will provide similar adaptability on the other side of the back line as a left-sided specialist...

Lundstram made a huge impact on loan a couple of years ago when he slotted in seamlessly alongside skipper Jake Moult".

ALTY LEGEND: MICK SMYTH

For the second day running, Terry Rowley has provided us with a profile of a former Altrincham goalkeeper in his Alty Legends series. In today's case, the keeper in question (pictured, right) went on to represent his country and to play in European cup competitions for his club.

NATIONAL LEAGUE PROMOTION PLAY-OFF

"National League staff and management are acutely aware of the current financial challenges facing fans across the country and equally recognise that without the fans the game doesn’t exist.

We don’t always get everything right, but we make every decision in the best interest of our clubs and the competition and we hope that fans will understand the challenge of balancing securing a showpiece venue and the consequent costs involved with doing that. While we were able to keep the base price tickets lower than last season and that of Under 16s, we do acknowledge that there is a premium on the higher ticket prices and that the lower priced tickets sold out quickly.

By way of background it was in the spirit of creating a showpiece occasion, befitting a Promotion Final, that we undertook a search for a venue, that began back in October, and the challenge we faced was finding a suitable stadium that wasn’t undergoing a pitch renovation as soon as the current football season had ended, more complicated this year than usual as there will be an earlier start to next season because of the timing of the World Cup.

Both the clubs and fans deserve a memorable final after what has been a fantastic season... We needed a stadium that was also capable of providing the capacity to cope with the anticipated high demand for tickets...

The London Stadium has shown this season in particular what a special atmosphere it can create for big games...

Our main goal at The National League is to administrate [sic] and deliver income to our member clubs and any proceeds generated from the final and all other commercial activity will go to our clubs. To be clear, The National League will not be taking any profits from Sunday’s final; 100% of the proceeds will go back to our member clubs...

On that note we have had incredible support from Vanarama who have been actively looking at ways of directly supporting fans in the cost of the final, and The National Lottery who are working with community groups to ensure families and deserving individuals who otherwise would have struggled can get there on the day, with much of the transport costs being covered for this initiative...

With over 17,000 tickets sold in the first couple of days we are assured of a fantastic atmosphere on Sunday. We will always listen to clubs and fans to help inform any decisions for future occasions and we always seek to act in the best interests of all parties".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The club has confirmed that Lee Camp, Cameron Green, Dan Jarvis, David Jones, Jordan Ponticelli, Devonte Redmond, Dawid Szczepaniak and Kwame Thomas are to be released upon the expiry of their current contract...

But striker Bickerstaff and centre-back Lennon will be part of manager Phil Parkinson's plans for Wrexham's 15th campaign in non-league... Centre-back Lennon will be offered a new contract to give him time to prove his fitness for the up-coming campaign.

Although David Jones has not been retained as a player, he will be offered the opportunity to continue in his role as the club’s first team coach...

Rob Lainton and Christian Dibble are the two Reds' goalkeepers under contract.

The Wrexham boss is not short of defensive options with Ben Tozer, Aaron Hayden, Max Cleworth, Tyler French, Shaun Brisley, Bryce Hosannah, Ryan Austin, Reece Hall-Johnson and Callum McFadzean currently in the ranks.

Five midfielders are already on the books; Luke Young, Jamie Jones, Jordan Davies, Tom O'Connor and Liam McAlinden, for the 2022-23 season.

Player of the Season Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer, Jake Hyde and Dior Angus are the strikers that Parkinson has at his disposal".

According to the Nottingham Post, "Macaulay Langstaff admits it was 'really tough' to leave Gateshead but says he is 'absolutely buzzing' about his move to Notts County... Langstaff scored 32 goals during the 2021-22 season for Gateshead as they won the National League North title.

He was also named the division's Player of the Season, and said 'The last two years have been the most enjoyable I’ve ever had playing football. Leaving Gateshead is really tough. I’ve made friends for life there and I’m really close to the management staff and the people at the top of the club.

'It’s a brilliant club and I’m a Gateshead fan now, apart from when we play them next season, of course! I’m really rooting for them'...

Langstaff told the club's official website 'I’m absolutely buzzing to sign for such a big club... There was interest from elsewhere but Notts stood out to me straightaway. Playing in front of big crowds really excites me. I like the idea of scoring in front of plenty of fans and impressing people...

'Last season shows that I can score plenty of goals and play well consistently,' he added...

'I have to say a big thank you to the manager and his assistant at Gateshead, who were absolutely brilliant with me over the last two years and brought me on leaps and bounds. The major improvement was in my mentality; they gave me confidence and self-belief. Physically I improved, too, and tactically the club got the best out of me'...

Langstaff's arrival follows on from the signing of right wing-back Tobi Adebayo-Rowling. Meanwhile, forward Elisha Sam has left the club.

Notts are also looking for a new manager after Ian Burchnall took the Forest Green Rovers job. It is being reported that the Magpies could go back to Gateshead for player-manager Mike Williamson".

CONNOR JOINS CURZON

After 116(+19) appearances for Altrincham he is reunited with former team-mates Tom Peers and Craig Mahon who have both been retained for 2022-23 by the Tameside club.

Connor joined Altrincham, initially on a month's loan, from Stockport County on 2 November 2017. His debut came on 4 November 2017, home v. Buxton.

Injury limited his appearances last season; he was unavailable for the start of 2021-22, awaiting a hernia operation but he made a spectatcular return on 12 October 2021 when he was required to play in goal for some eighty minutes after injury to Tony Thompson at Yeovil Town and he produced important stops as Alty secured a 1-1 draw. However, he was again sidelined by injury over Christmas and into 2022.

Following the club's decision to move to a full-time playing squad, he opted to leave the club, a decision announced by Altrincham FC on 11 May 2022

HOME FRIENDLY ANNOUNCED

The last home pre-season friendly witnessed by spectators at the J. Davidson Stadium was on 27 July 2019 when Alty beat AFC Fylde 3-1.

So far, five pre-season games have been formally announced:

• 1 Sat.9.7.21 12pm Away West Didsbury & Chorlton
• 2 Sat.9.7.21 3.30pm Away Wythenshawe Town
• 3 Tue.12.7.21 7.45pm Away Trafford
• 4 Sat.16.7.21 3pm Away Isle of Man
• 5 Sat.23.7.21 3pm Home STOCKPORT COUNTY

KOLE MOVES ON

"The 23-year-old has agreed a deal to join Calum McIntyre’s side for the 2022/23 campaign.

Hall, a Bermudan international, ended last season on dual registration with National League side Altrincham and Northern Premier Division outfit Nantwich Town...

'I just want to thank the gaffer for bringing me in,' Kole said after putting pen to paper. 'I’m excited to have joined such a great club with high ambitions, I can’t wait to start playing in front of the fans and giving my all for the club.'

Manager Calum McIntyre said... 'He is a player that has impressed me in recent seasons, and I was really keen to work with him. Kole has a real athletic profile and his combination play as well as his threat in front of goal makes him a real asset'"

Kole made 3(+3) appearances for Altrincham but did not score.

Above right: When Kole Hall was substituted against Yeovil Town on 15 May, it was to be his last appearance for Altrincham.

ALTY OLD BOYS: THE GOOD AND THE BAD

In fact, Gavin can lay claim to several remarkable achievements in his Alty career. First of all, his arrival at the club was astonishing. On his debut, for Altrincham FC Reserves, he netted EIGHT goals in a 9-1 demolition of Bamber Bridge Reserves on 25 September 1999.

Needless to say, that got the Scottish striker noticed and he was immediately drafted into manager Bernard Taylor'a first-team squad, which that season were competing in the Conference after being promoted back to the top-flight in 1999. Not content with leading the Altrincham attack, Gavin was also employed by Altrincham as its Commercial Executive, a double role which can never have been emulated at the club.

Right: Gavin Price pictured in 1999 with matchball sponsor Barry Heaton (top) and with a youthful Andrew Shaw, later vice-chairman at Altrincham FC

Sadly, Gavin's time at the club was adversely affected by playing with a groin injury, which led to a hernia operation that curtailed his career after 10 starts and four appearamces from the bench for the Robins. In the Conference he made 6(+2) appearances and scored twice, with his other appearances being two starts and a goal in the MacMillan Cup, a start apiece in the FA Cup and the Cheshire Senior Cup, as well as two appearances from the bench in the FA Trophy.

Born on 29 October 1974, Gavin's senior playing career seems to have ended with Altrincham in 2000 but, ten years later in 2010, he went into management at Scottish clubs Kinnoull and then Jeanfield Swifts. In 2014 he became assistant manager at Elgin City where he took over as manager of the Scottish Second Division club in 2017.

But Gavin was to go on to achieve another distinction, outside football, which sets him apart from most, if not all, other Alty "old boys". He was awarded an MBE in 2020. The Northern Scot reported at the time that "Elgin City manager Gavin Price has been made a Member of the British Empire in the Queen's birthday honours.

Aberfeldy-based Mr Price has been given the honour for his work in establishing the Feldy Roo project to support vulnerable and elderly residents of the Perthshire community at the peak of coronavirus lockdown.

The hotelier was among a group of volunteers in the community who supplied regular hot meals and social contact for people living alone or less able to get out of the house.

Reacting to his award on social media, Mr Price said 'People that know me will understand that I was a bit bewildered on hearing the news about the MBE. To be honest, slightly embarrassed as the FeldyRoo project involved so many people and businesses across the Aberfeldy community.

'However after a bit of soul searching, I accepted the honour. My understanding, and I hope that of everyone else is, that this is not an individual award. I have accepted the MBE on behalf of FeldyRoo, Aberfeldy and all the volunteers and businesses that were involved in the fantastic project. Our community pulled together like never before and that was down to a team, not an individual'".

In total contrast to a player of whom Alty can be proud of playing a small part in his career, Wednesday also brought news of the less admirable Yoan Zouma, who played for the club in 2020-21. Now playing for Dagenham and Redbridge, Zouma has been sentenced to 140 hours of community service for recording and circulating a video of his brother Kurt, the West Ham United defender, ill-treating his pet cat.

ALTY LEGENDS: GORDON CLAYTON

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Club can confirm the following retained list for the 2022/23 season: –

Nathan Ashmore, Jamie Reckord, Femi Ilesanmi, Mark Ricketts, Will Evans, David Stephens, Josh Rees, Tyrone Marsh, Frankie Raymond, Jamal Fyfield, Dennon Lewis, Jacob Mendy-Mendy, Connor Smith, Connor Stevens

The Club can also confirm that two players; Jamie Reckord and Frankie Raymond have now had transparent conversations with the Club and in view of our transfer targets and their own travel commitments combined with limited playing time foreseen next season, both players have been transfer listed and circulated to member clubs.

Furthermore, the Club can now confirm that the squad rebuilding process has already started in earnest, with some exciting players already signed on the dotted line".

The Nottingham Post reports that "Notts County have confirmed that a request from Elisha Sam to terminate his contract has been accepted.

The 25 year-old will now pursue opportunities elsewhere after two years at Meadow Lane. The 6ft 5in centre-forward signed for the Magpies in late August 2020 and made almost 60 appearances, scoring 15 goals...

The club have thanked Eli for their efforts and wish the Belgian well for the future. This is a sentiment also shared by the striker.

'I would like to say a big thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to experience playing in England'".

News of a promoted club comes from the Chronicle Live which says that "Gateshead have lost star striker Macaulay Langstaff to Vanarama National League rivals Notts County and [player/manager] Mike Williamson could follow. The Meadow Lane outfit could also come in for Tynesiders player-manager Williamson in what would be a double blow for the Heed.

Williamson is one of the hot tips to take over at Notts County...

Teessider Langstaff, meanwhile, had a clause put in the new and improved contract he signed during last season meaning he could move on for just £50,000. Langstaff plundered 32 goals for the Heed in 2021/22, 28 of those in the league, as he secured the Conference North Golden Boot.

He was also voted the league's Player of the Year... Langstaff's wages at Notts County will be a significant hike on what he was on at Gateshead and he has also been handed the security of a three-year contract...

County have lost out in the play-offs in each of the last two years and were interested in Langstaff before manager Ian Burchnall left for Forest Green Rovers. The Board of Directors have gone ahead with the signing, despite not having a new manager in place...

Williamson has already held preliminary talks with Hartlepool United where he is also on short odds with the bookmakers. Gateshead remain optimistic he will remain in charge at the International Stadium, but if Notts County come calling it will be a tough one to turn down".

Meanwhile news of a relegated club is to be found in the Oldham Times which tells us that "Oldham Athletic have signed promotion-winning Stockport County captain Liam Hogan on a two-year deal.

The 33 year-old was released at the end of last season... and Latics head coach John Sheridan is hoping Hogan can make it back-to-back promotions...

'His experience in the National League will be a huge asset to us during the season ahead,' said Sheridan of his first summer signing. 'It’s vital that we build a squad around players who have been successful at the level we’re going in at'".

TWO MORE FRIENDLIES

This season, to date, the trend has continued with all four of the friendlies announced being on the road, meaning that just one of the last nineteen scheduled pre-season games has been at Moss Lane. And that was played behind closed doors against Salford City in September 2020.

The last home pre-season friendly witnessed by spectators was on 27 July 2019 when Alty beat AFC Fylde 3-1.

Right: In the 3-1 win over AFC Fylde in 2019, the first goal for the hosts was scored by Nathan Arnold. Here, we see (l. to r.) Arnold, Conor Branson and John Johnston celebrating the goal.

Altrincham FC has announced that the club and its neighbours, Trafford FC, have "agreed on a date for a pre-season friendly in just six weeks' time... The sides will meet at Shawe View on Tuesday, July 12th, kick-off 7.45pm.

Alty's programme of pre-season games begins with a double-header on Saturday, July 9th, with the Robins taking a squad to West Didsbury & Chorlton for a midday kick-off and then heading to Wythenshawe Town for a 3.30pm start at their ground on Timpson Road in Baguley...

A club that shares the same football philosophy as Phil and Neil Sorvel, Danny Caldecott's Trafford side can be counted on to play their part in a fixture that invariably proves an entertaining spectacle".

And Altrincham FC, through press and media officer John Edwards, also "announce another must date for Robins fans’ diaries after it was confirmed that the club will once more visit the Isle of Man for a pre-season friendly...

Thanks to the endeavours of Isle of Man resident and Alty Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney (left), everything is now in place...

The match itself is on Saturday, July 16th, kicking off at 3pm at the National Sports Centre in Douglas, with the squad setting off from Liverpool on the 11.15am ferry on Friday the 15th and returning on the 17th on the 3pm sailing.

Though Alty romped to a 6-0 win, with a Jordan Hulme hat-trick, in July 2018, they seem sure to face a tougher test on their return to the island after the home team’s recent promotion from the North West Counties League First Division South.

They reeled off six straight wins to finish second behind West Didsbury & Chorlton, and Alty boss Phil Parkinson acknowledged the strides they have made...

‘Going to the Isle of Man means a lot to us. Our Co-Chairman is a resident there, and from a staff and player point of view, it allows us to give him something back. He represents us so well, and we want to show his people why he spends so much time over here with us.

‘It’s also a great chance to dedicate a few days away as a group, as well as playing a really competitive game against an ever-improving Isle of Man team'...

Alty’s travel partners Black Opal Travel Group, based on Ashley Road in Hale, have travel packages available and can be contacted by calling 03300 414888 or clicking here.

In addition, hotel and boat packages can be booked through Steam Packet Holidays on 01624 645777 or via their website.

ALTY LEGENDS: RAY DRAKE

PLAY-OFF FINAL

• Solihull Moors v Grimsby Town

There has been uproar at the prices being charged for the Play-Off Final at the The London Stadium on Sunday.

From Grimsby, The Fishy reports that "Grimsby Town fans have donated a five-figure sum to The Mariners Trust to give families who would not be able to afford to go to the National League play-off final the chance to.

The outrageous ticket prices set by the National League, as well as the cost of travel and accomodation during a Bank Holiday weekend in London, had left many fans consigned to watch the match on BT Sport as they can't afford the cost. However, the generosity of supporters, including several from other football teams, has presented the opportunity to them to go and back their team in person.

£12,000 had been donated last night and the figure will inevitably increase as more are made aware of it... Fans who have managed to get tickets have faced problems buying them online, especially the lack of concessions, which has now been resolved according to the Trust.

Up to 25,000 tickets are available to both clubs for the game, which takes place at the London Stadium, the home of West Ham on Sunday. You can buy tickets here.

Should Grimsby get promoted, it will be a fairytale ending for the side who were relegated last season and only just made the playoffs after finishing in sixth place and facing two away games against sides above them to reach the final."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Notts board said... 'This process has left us extremely confident of recruiting a head coach who will suit the club’s philosophy and seamlessly adjust to life at Meadow Lane... With the players not returning for pre-season training until late June, we see no benefit in rushing this process.

'As you will have seen from the contract renewal of Richard Brindley and the signing of Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, having no head coach in post does not affect our summer recruitment plans. While Ian’s replacement will, like his predecessor, have a significant input on new signings once in post, we are very confident that whoever is selected for the role will be supportive of the targets we’re pursuing'"

The Derbyshire Times adds that "The [starting] date for the 2022/2023 National League season has been confirmed.

The National League has told the Derbyshire Times the campaign will get underway on Saturday, August 6, which is two weeks earlier than in 2021/2022.

The final day of the new season will be on Saturday, April 29.

There is no official date for when the fixtures will be announced yet but it is usually the first week of July... There are no plans for matches to be halted because of the World Cup, but the National League will make decisions on a case-by-case basis regarding any possible disruption.

The World Cup in Qatar starts on November 21, with the final taking place on December 18...

The Football League season starts earlier than normal on July 30. There will be a pause in games in the Championship from November 12 before resuming on December 10, following the culmination of the World Cup group stages. League One and League Two will continue as normal.

The Premier League commences on the same date as the National League, but fixtures will be halted after the weekend of November 12-13 and will restart on Boxing Day".

Southend United "Head Coach Kevin Maher says he’s delighted with the two signings he’s made early on into the close season...

The Blues first team will be back in... at the end of June, when new arrivals Dan Mooney and Cav Miley will meet their team-mates for the first time.... as Maher secured two of his top targets early on into the summer....

He continues to work alongside Head of Football John Still, Senior Football Strategist Stan Collymore and the rest of the football department.

'Delighted to get the two signings we have made nice and early,' said Maher. 'I’m grateful to the chairman and the club for backing us and allowing us to do that. There were quite a few players that left the club [at the end of the season] and some difficult decisions within that were made, so for us to get to work early was important'...

Mooney was Altrincham’s top scorer with 13 goals last season while Miley comes with defensive midfield qualities and good experience in the National League from his time at Eastleigh.

'I think it’s an indication of the intent we have. There was interest in Dan [from other clubs] which is understandable, he had a great season with goals and assists and the numbers he reached which were really good. We feel he can get better. The age he is at, he’s already shown his ability at this level and there’s plenty of room for improvement. Coming into full time training and full time football once again will only benefit him.

'There’s plenty of positives with that one and with Cav there were other teams in for him too'".

The Derbyshire Times confirms that "Chesterfield have announced that seven players, including Alex Whittle, will leave the club in the summer when their contracts expire.

As well as Whittle, the players departing are Melvin Minter, Fraser Kerr, Curtis Weston, Joe Rowley, Stefan Payne and Nathan Tyson.

Whittle’s departure will come as the biggest shock to Town fans after the Player of the Year contender’s consistent season at left-back.

There may also be a few raised eyebrows at Gavin Gunning, Laurence Maguire, Calvin Miller and Akwasi Asante all being transfer listed. Maguire is Chesterfield’s longest-serving player.

New contracts will be offered to Luke Croll, Jim Kellermann, Jak McCourt and Tom Denton.

George Carline and Haydn Hollis, who are also out of contract and have had long-term injuries, have been invited to continue their rehabilitation at the club and could still possibly earn themselves new deals.

The following players are still under contract: Scott Loach, Jeff King, Tyrone Williams, Maguire, Jamie Grimes, Gunning, Jack Clarke, Saidou Khan, Tom Whelan, Liam Mandeville, Miller, Manny Oyeleke, Joe Quigley, Danny Rowe, Kabongo Tshimanga and Asante...

All signs point to a big summer of change at Chesterfield... Cook has said on more than one occasion that he was struggling to ‘trust’ some of the players and that their decision-making was ‘mind-boggling.’"

And it's all change at Torquay as Devon Live reports that "Torquay United manager Gary Johnson has confirmed that Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, Armani Little, Ben Wynter, Danny Wright and Shaun MacDonald have left the club after turning down new contracts. Johnson... explained that Joe Lewis has turned down a contract offer, but because he is under 24, any club wanting to sign him would have to negotiate with Torquay for compensation.

However, Dean Moxey, Tom Lapslie, Asa Hall, Dan Martin and Ali Omar have all agreed new deals and they will join Mark Halstead, Olaf Koszela, and Gabby Rogers on the staff for next season...

About the players who have refused contracts, it’s fair to say that some were expected, while others not so much. Johnson said 'You can’t blame young footballers who have done well'...

Wynter, Wright and MacDonald were a bit of a surprise, though, and Johnson said 'Ben and Danny, both of them thought long and hard and we gave them the time to think about it. But they are family reasons. We understand their reasons and they have both been great servants...

'Shaun MacDonald has set his hopes on playing in the EFL, so he won’t be with us'".

Promoted York City have lost their goalkeeper to EFL2 club Harrogate Town who "announce the capture of goalkeeper Pete Jameson..

The 29-year-old has just helped the Minstermen achieve promotion back to The National League and joins on the back of a season in which he played every minute, making a total of 56 appearances and keeping 19 clean sheets on his way to being named Clubman of the Year.

Standing at 6ft3, Jameson is known as ‘The City Wall’ and lived up to that reputation in York’s Play-Off Semi-Final away at Brackley, keeping out a penalty to see his side through to the final.

Before spending the last three seasons at the North Yorkshire side, the Sunderland born stopper had spent time at Blyth Spartans, Darlington, Sunderland RCA, South Shields (loan), and Consett...

Manager Simon Weaver [said]... 'We’ve been tracking Pete for some time at York and he’s a really good all round keeper and looks the part'".