RESERVES MANAGER PROMOTED

As Alty fans will be aware, Ross has managed the reserve team for the last two seasons and has played a key role in helping develop the pathway between the juniors, academy, reserves and first team.

He now steps up to join the first team in a move that sees the reserve team being led by Danny Jarrett.

Danny has done an excellent job supporting Ross and he now takes the reigns of our promising reserve team.

Joining his staff will be Jack Johnson who is a highly-rated coach and becomes assistant manager as they look to continue the excellent work of the last couple of seasons".

Footnote:

Altrincham FC Reserves finished the season in sixth place in the Cheshire League.

• 1 Whalley Range P30 W25 D3 L2 GD60 PTS78
• 2 Lostock Gralam 30 19 4 7 35 61
• 3 Broadheath Central 30 19 2 9 38 59
• 4 Poynton FC 30 15 5 10 30 50
• 5 Winstanley Warriors 30 15 5 10 -15 50
• 6 Altrincham FC Res. 30 13 8 9 30 47

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 23-year-old made 37 appearances for the club last season... Daly has previous English Football League experience with Bristol Rovers as well as Stevenage".

Dagenham & Redbridge "confirm that Tom Eastman has become our third signing of the summer after the defender agreed a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old central defender is the latest addition...

Ben Strevens was thrilled to secure the services of the central defender... 'He had interest from Football League and other National League clubs as well... He’ll add fantastic experience into the group with what he’s done at Colchester, and he was a terrific player for them'...

Standing at 6 ft 5, Eastman joins the Daggers with a wealth of experience in the EFL, spending twelve years with Colchester United which put him seventh in the all-time appearances for the Essex side. He also collected a club record four Player of the Year awards.

In his time with The U's, Tom made 464 appearances".

And The Daggers add that "The lads are back to work for pre-season!

The squad undertook testing in two groups, they started in the gym to record several tests, before heading outside for an endurance run, some ball-work and explosive match-like running".

Footnote: Eastman was in the Colchester side which knocked Alty out of the FA Cup with an added time goal in 2015.

FC Halifax Town "have announced that defender Festus Arthur has signed a new one-year deal with the Club.

Arthur joined the Shaymen last summer and made 18 starts during his time with Town".

From Ebbsfleet United comes news that "A winger, once recorded as the fastest footballer on the planet, is the next man into the Kuflink Stadium as ex-England U16 skipper Matthias Fanimo returns to his homeland...

The 29-year-old joins the Fleet after his latest spell in Europe, playing for FC Koper in Slovenia. He has spent the last five years in the Balkans, also living and playing in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia.

Starting out in West Ham’s Academy system, the direct, pacy winger played in the FA and League Cups for the Hammers and earned his first EFL start on loan with Tranmere Rovers.

He gained experience of the English non-league scene with Bishop’s Stortford, Eastleigh, Margate and Hornchurch before moving abroad, signing for Slovenian club Drava Ptuj in 2017.... He then switched to the Bosnian league, representing Mladost Doboj Kakanj.

A €50,000 fee took him to the nation’s capital and the top division in the country in 2020 when he was signed by Sarajevo... He also tasted European football, featuring in a play-off against Celtic.

He began last year in Croatia with Slaven Koprivnica playing against familiar names such as Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split before moving back to Slovenia with top-flight outfit FC Koper.

Fanimo skippered the England U16 side to Victory Cup success in his youth and also played for the U17s and U18s alongside... such as Raheem Sterling, Jordan Pickford, James Ward-Prowse, Nathaniel Chalobah, John Lundstram and Nathan Redmond...

He was once described as 'the fastest footballer on the planet' after a 9.8 metres-per-second sprint was tracked while he was wearing a GPS device!"

ALTY OLD BOY

Joel spent 10 years in the youth system at Oldham Athletic before climbing his way up the footballing ladder. Initially turning out for Hough End and Maine Road, Senior would work his way up to FC United of Manchester and Curzon Ashton as his progression was tracked by Burnley. The Clarets offered Joel a deal to be part of their Under 23s which he signed before one year later joining Altrincham in 2020.

After almost two years with Altrincham, Joel moved to Carlisle United in January 2022...

Joel added... 'I know League Two from last season and I want to make sure that I am competitive in League Two again this season'".

AWAY START WANTED?

In the 23 opening days of league seasons since the start of the current millennium, Altrincham have enjoyed home advantage fifteen times but have won only four times on home turf to start a campaign on the front foot.

In fact, seven of the last eight seasons have commenced with Altrincham playing at home but they have failed to win any of those games! So the last home win on opening day was as far back as 2006 against Stevenage Borough as they were called at that time.

In contrast, in nine away starts to a campaign since 2000 they have lost only twice and the last such occasion was as long ago as 2010. In fact, Alty have won all three of their most recent away games on opening day.

Right: 12 August 2006 witnessed Altrincham's last home win on the opening day of a season when Steve Aspinall's penalty was the winner in a 2-1 outcome against Stevenage Borough.

In summary:

• Home Wins: 4 in 15 matches, no home win since 2006, despite 8 attempts since.
• Home Defeats: 6
• Home Draws: 5, four of which occurred in the last 7 years
• Away Wins: 4 in 8 matches; the last three away fixtures were all won
• Away Defeats: 3, the last was in 2014
• Away Draws: 1, which was back in 2003!

Below is a list of all of Altrincham's opening-day results in the current millennium...

1. Sat. 6.8.22 H MAIDSTONE UNITED 1-1 gate 1,717 HOME DRAW Finishing position: 17th
2. Sat. 21.8.21 A Torquay United 3-1 2,599 AWAY WIN Finishing position: 14th
3. Sat.3.10.20 H WEYMOUTH 0-0 BCD HOME DRAW Finishing position: 17th
4. Sat.3.8.19 H YORK CITY 1-3 1,879 HOME DEFEAT Finishing position: 5th
5. Sat.4.8.18 H LEAMINGTON 2-2 1,047 HOME DRAW Finishing position: 5th
6. Sat.12.8.17 H STAFFORD RANGERS 0-3 811 HOME DEFEAT Finishing position: 1st promoted
7. Sat.6.8.16 H DARLINGTON FC 1883 2-2 1,506 HOME DRAW Finishing position: 22nd relegated
8. Sat.8.8.15 H FOREST GREEN ROVERS 0-1 975 HOME DEFEAT Finishing position: 22nd relegated
9. Sat.9.8.14 A Aldershot Town 1-3 1,964 AWAY DEFEAT Finishing position: 17th
10. Sat.17.8.13 A Worcester City 3-1 714 AWAY WIN Finishing position: 3rd promoted
11. Sat.18.8.12 H BRACKLEY TOWN 1-4 716 HOME DEFEAT Finishing position: 4th
12. Sat.13.8.11 A Harrogate Town 2-3 587 AWAY DEFEAT Finishing position: 8th
13. Sat.14.8.10 A Luton Town 1-2 6,665 AWAY DEFEAT Finishing position: 22nd relegated
14. Sat.8.8.09 H EBBSFLEET UNITED 1-1 914 HOME DRAW Finishing position: 14th
15. Sat.9.8.08 A Woking 2-1 1,645 AWAY WIN Finishing position: 15th
16. Sat.11.8.07 H EXETER CITY 1-4 1,318 HOME DEFEAT Finishing position: 21st
17. Sat.12.8.06 H STEVENAGE BOROUGH 2-1 1,035 HOME WIN Finishing position: 21st
18. Sat.13.8.05 A Stevenage Borough 0-3 2,008 AWAY DEFEAT Finishing position: 18th on points, 22nd after deduction
19. Sat.14.8.04 H Gainsborough Trinity 4-1 625 HOME WIN Finishing position: 5th promoted
20. Sat.16.8.03 A Alfreton Tow 0-0 511 AWAY DRAW Finishing position: 12th
21. Sat.17.8.02 H Harrogate Tow 0-4 552 HOME DEFEAT Finishing position: 14th
22. Sat.18.8.01 H WHITBY TOWN 1-0 646 HOME WIN Finishing position: 9th
23. Sat.19.8.00 H GATESHEAD 3-2 620 HOME WIN Finishing position: 7th

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The ownership group is led by The Uggla family, with mother and son duo Julie-Anne and Matthew assuming the roles of Co-Chair of York City Football Club pending FA approval.

'It’s amazing to get it done. It has been a pretty quick process and we need to hit the ground running because things are getting underway and we need to catch up with other teams who have had all summer to prepare,' Matthew said on completing the takeover.

'We can really take this club as far as we want to take it, I think the sky really is the limit, there’s not really a ceiling on this club. It’s just a case of putting the right structures and plans in place to really go for it'...

The two Trust-appointed directors Alastair Smith and Mike Brown will remain on the board".

York Press adds that "The Uggla family previously attempted to complete the takeover of Yeovil Town football club, but after their attempts failed the Glovers suffered relegation".

York Press also explains that "The Uggla family are billionaires from Canada and have a number of interests in business, charity and investment. Matt Uggla is the son of Lance Uggla, a significant supporter of the Tate Galleries".

Amidst the takeover, York City confirm that "Midfielder Quevin Castro will join the Minstermen upon the expiry of his contact at Championship side West Bromwich Albion on July 1st....

As well as turning out for Notts County last season, he spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan to fellow Vanarama National League side Gateshead, after starting the last campaign with a short loan spell at League One side Burton Albion.

The 21-year-old previously spent spells with Non-League clubs Mildenhall Town, Thetford Town, Norwich City and Bury Town, before joining Championship side West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2021, after having trials at Sutton United, Arsenal and Chelsea".

Still in Yorkshire, FC Halifax Town "confirm the signing of forward Andrew Oluwabori from League One side Peterborough United.

The forward, who can play across the front three, started his career with Huddersfield Town’s youth academy before making the switch to Peterborough in 2021...

Oluwabori joined fellow National League side Boreham Wood on loan in October 2021 where he made two substitute appearances... His next loan spell would come the folloWINg season where he joined National League North side Kettering Town in August 2022. Oluwabori made 10 appearances for The Poppies, scoring four times. At the end of November 2022, Oluwabori signed for fellow National League side Yeovil Town on an initial loan... which was then extended until the end of the 2022/23 campaign where he made 25 appearances, scoring twice".

The Halifax Courier adds that "Town boss Chris Millington says he is thrilled to have completed the signing of forward Andrew Oluwabori...

'He came up on our radar when he had a loan spell at Kettering last season,' Millington said. 'Then when we came up against Yeovil, he was one of the players who was highlighted by our analyst as a serious player to watch. When a player gets highlighted by Gaz McClelland, the head of recruitment, and Dylan Mistry, our lead analyst, then we know we're onto something'".

Having parted company with Neal Ardley this week, and then appointed a new Director of Football, Solihull Moors "nnounce the appointment of Andy Whing as our new Head Coach with immediate effect.

Andy Whing arrives at Solihull Moors following a successful spell at Banbury United, having resigned from his position at the club in May.

The 38 year-old led the Puritans to the Vanarama National League North for the first time in the club’s history in what was a record-breaking season...

The Birmingham born coach started his footballing career at Coventry City where he made 106 appearances for the Sky Blues before his move to Brighton & Hove Albion where he made 103 appearances...

Whing went on to represent Chesterfield, Leyton Orient and Oxford United before retiring in 2015.

The former Coventry City defender kick-started his coaching career at Kidderminster Harriers in 2017 with their under 23s, before joining up with Russell Slade at Hereford in 2019.

Whing will also be assisted by the ever-present James Quinn, who has been a key figure in the Moors dugout since 2018...

[Whing said] 'I have known the Chairman since my days at Oxford, and he was a big reason in me coming here, it’s an incredible opportunity'".

Bromley "confirm the signing of defender Josh Passley from National League South side Havant & Waterlooville for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old made 38 league appearances for the Hawks last season...

Passley began his career with Fulham, penning a professional contract in 2013... League Two loan spells at Shrewsbury Town and Portsmouth followed where he made a total of 18 league appearances before his time at Craven Cottage came to an end...

He penned a deal with Dagenham & Redbridge in 2015... Whitehawk proved to be his next destination before... he made the move over to Dover Athletic, his final switch before Havant & Waterlooville came calling in May 2021".

ALTY'S PRE-SEASON

• Sat.8.7.23 3pm A Lancaster City
• Sat.15.7.23 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY XI
• Tue.18.7.23 7.45pm A Wythenshawe Town
• Sat.22.7.23 2pm A NEC Nijmegen
• Tue.25.7.23 7.45pm A Macclesfield FC
• Sun.30.7.23 NB 2pm H MANCHESTER UNITED U-21

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 25-year-old has inked a two-year deal with Harriers... Oxlade-Chamberlain came up against Harriers three times while part of the squad at King’s Lynn Town last season...

As well as his time at The Walks last term, the Portsmouth-born player featured for Aldershot Town in the 2021-22 National League, and counts Notts County, Oxford City and Eastbourne among his other clubs.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is a versatile performer, comfortable in midfield or defence, who joins fellow new faces Kieran Phillips, Jack Lambert and Gerry McDonagh in reporting back for pre-season training".

The BBC confirms that "Blackpool have signed goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell from National League side Rochdale on a one-year deal.

The 34-year-old has previously played for Chesterfield, Walsall, Wigan, Bristol City and Bradford and has extensive experience in the EFL. He made 44 appearances for Dale last season as the club were relegated to the National League.

'I've had some good and bad times in football, and I feel those experiences have shaped me as a player,' he said...

O'Donnell is the club's second signing in as many days after Shrewsbury defender Matthew Pennington joined on a two-year deal".

Meanwhile, from Kent which has seen two of its clubs relegated in successive seasons (Dover Athleti and Maidstone United), newcomers Ebbsfleet United report that manager "Dennis Kutrieb has moved to bolster his defence with the signing of another experienced former EFL player in attacking full-back Hayden White.

The 28-year-old Londoner has spent his career north of the Watford Gap but now returns to more familiar surroundings after leaving Walsall earlier this summer.

A former Sheffield Wednesday youth player, he broke into senior football at Bolton Wanderer... Loan spells in Leagues One and Two for the likes of Carlisle United, Bury, Notts County and Blackpool followed before he signed for Peterborough United and then settled at Mansfield Town in 2017.

White spent more than three seasons with Mansfield... after which he joined fellow League Two club Walsall in 2020...

'I’m versatile,' White told us on signing for the club. 'I’m known as a right-back and I like playing on the right side of a three but speaking to the manager, he likes that versatility and so I’m happy to play wherever he needs me'".

At Boreham Wood, "After a successful pre-season testing on Saturday, Luke [Garrard] and the squad headed off to Barnstaple, Devon to begin their pre-season camp.

Barnstaple has been the chosen destination for Garrard and his men for their pre-season training camp for six years now...

'Credit has to go to the medical and strength and conditioning staff in setting this up, the players are given a plan to adhere to over the summer and you can tell who has stuck to their plan and who hasn’t, for us it seems that everyone has...

'We’ve bought in new personnel which we will release on 1st July and we are excited by that, I believe that we had the best core that we’ve had since I’ve been at the club and we didn’t have to rush...

Looking ahead once again to our incredible line-up of pre-season fixtures, Luke added, 'Full credit has to go to the Chairman, to get the likes of Watford, West Ham, Brentford, Chelsea and Arsenal through the door, it’s incredible… It gives us a great test, I say to the group these friendlies are like FA cup games and that’s been our strength over the last few years'".

Premier League Everton's "goalkeeper Harry Tyrer is to join Chesterfield on a season-long loan from 1 July.

The 21-year-old boyhood Evertonian, who joined the Blues’ Academy aged seven, will continue his development with Paul Cook’s Spireites...

Crosby-born Tyrer enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign on loan at Chester, making 55 appearances for the National League North side, keeping 21 clean sheets and being named the club’s young player of the season".

Peterborough Today confirms that "Peterborough United have signed the latest hot prospect off the Barnet production line, Ryan De Havilland.

Ronnie Edwards, Jack Taylor, Ephron Mason-Clark and now Ryan De Havilland. The link-up between Posh and Barnet is now well-established and has served both clubs very well. Both Posh and the National League side are set to see their coffers swell significantly this summer with Jack Taylor already making the move to Championship side Ipswich and Premier League clubs rumoured to be fighting to secure the signature of Ronnie Edwards...

It would be unfair to expect him (De Havilland) to slot right in and replace Taylor straight away... Taylor joined Posh aged 21 in January 2020 from Barnet and De Havilland has done the same just 11 days after his 22nd birthday.

De Havilland... is best described as a box-to-box midfielder. He is also accomplished with both feet and not only has a track record of taking set-pieces, but taking corners with one foot and free-kicks with another.

Barnet boss Dean Brennan described him as ‘technically brilliant’ when he signed him in October 2021... He appeared in 42 league matches for Barnet last season... In total, De Havilland appeared 65 times for the Bees, scoring nine times."

27 June 2023

MANAGEMENT INTERVIEW

ALTY OLD BOYS

Gary Fairclough has a name. 'If we say the ‘city’ refers to the greater municipal area as is generally used as catch all phrase for commentators, then my nomination is JODY BANIM' [left] he mails. 'Banim played, over 20 different spells, for 10 teams within Manchester: Manchester United (as a youth), Trafford, Altrincham (two spells), Flixton, Hyde United, Radcliffe Borough (four spells), Droylsden (five spells), Stalybridge Celtic (two spells), Salford City and Ashton United (two spells, currently player-manager). And despite his Manchester preponderance, he still managed spells in London, the Midlands and very briefly the USA over the course of a career during which he largely terrorised Northern Premier League defenders.”

And the Northern Echo recalls WAYNE ENTWISTLE.

"The former England youth international moved to Roker Park from his native Bury for £30,000 in 1977. Scored 14 in 49 appearances...

His real claim to fame, says Martin, is that he played for a record eight different FA Cup winning clubs – Bury, Bolton, Burnley, Wigan, Wimbledon, Leeds, Sunderland and Blackpool.

At the end of his career, in 1989, the Lancashire lad also made a couple of appearances for Hartlepool [after leaving Altrincham], though there is no record of Pools having won the FA Cup...

Entwistle went on to run Wayne’s Farm Fresh Foods, specialising in cooked meat. 'He also spotted a gap in the market, the post-eucharistic cooked meats stall'" reported a newspaper article at the time.

"After church, it’s said, the lad would adjourn to the parish hall to sell stuff to the faithful over coffee and biscuits". He later worked atManchester Airport.

As a footballer, after less than two months at Moss Lane in 1989, he moved to Hartlepool and from there to Halifax Town

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ward was most recently assistant manager at National League North side Brackley Town... The 37-year-old is currently undertaking a MSC Degree in Sporting Directorship through the Global Institute of Sport...

He started out with Bohemians in Ireland before making the switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2007 and then signing for Premier league side Burnley in 2014. Following a five-year stint at Turf Moor, Ward then went on to play for Stoke City, Ipswich Town and Walsall, hanging up his boots in 2022.

Ward also made an impressive 50 appearances for Republic of Ireland...

'I was impressed by the set up both at the stadium and the training ground in Studley, as well as the Club’s ambition to be the best both on and off the pitch'...

Moors Chairman, Darryl Eales [said]... 'I believe we are fortunate to have an individual of his calibre in the newly created role of Director of Football... Alongside Stephen, we will appoint a Head Coach in the near future and, in the interim, James Quinn will welcome the players back to pre-season training.... [Ward] will oversee all our football activities... His appointment compliments our extra investment in recruitment'".

Kidderminster Harriers have bagged themselves a new striker in the form of Gerry McDonagh.

The 25-year-old Irishman brings plenty of National League experience to Aggborough, having featured for FC Halifax, Scunthrope United and Eastleigh in recent seasons.

Beginning his career with Nottingham Forest, McDonagh has also spent time in the EFL Championship and League 2.

Standing 6ft 3 and with an impressive physical presence, the forward has penned a one-year deal with the Reds".

At Ebbsfleet United, "It’s a new arrival in the middle of the park... as Ousseynou Cissé becomes the club’s second new signing of the summer.

The French-born former Paris Saint-Germain youth has spent the last three seasons in League Two and the National League and moves to the Kuflink Stadium after playing for Eastleigh in 2022/23.

Standing 6ft 5in, Cissé is another international to add to Dennis Kutrieb’s ranks, having played five times for Mali...

His first taste of English football arrived in 2017 when he spent two seasons with MK Dons... After that, Cissé played for Gillingham before joining Leyton Orient and making 50-plus appearances in League Two. A spell at Oldham Athletic was followed by a season in Hampshire with Eastleigh where he was a mainstay in their midfield.

A defensive midfielder mainly, ‘Ouss’ can also operate in the centre of defence and said of his style of play, 'I like to play football, to be on the ball and dictate the game'".

26 June 2023

CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR PARKINSON AND SORVEL

'For me, the ambition the club is showing year-on-year made it a really easy decision,’ said Phil Parkinson. ‘I’d like to think we’ve grown with the club and they’ve grown with us, and we’ve taken great strides together so for me it was a really easy decision.’

Neil Sorvel added, 'The previous six seasons have flown by and that suggests it’s been an enjoyable time at the football club and it certainly has'...

Director of Football Rob Esteva said 'Talks have been ongoing with Phil and Neil since the back end of last season with regards to extending their contracts and I think it is fair to say it has been a formality...

'Phil and Neil have helped drive this club forward on the pitch since they arrived and their ambitions are equally matched by the board who remain focused on raising our levels off the pitch'".

Footnote: Assuming that the duo stay in post until the end of 2024-25 they would then become the longest continuously-serving post-war managers at Altrincham since World War Two, overtaking the current holder of that accolade Graham Heathcote. However, the late John King served longer but that was over three periods in the managerial chair.

CHRIS "FELT LOVED AT ALTRINCHAM"

"I felt loved at Altrincham" he explained. Following his second loan spell from Fleetwood at Alty he had expected he would be in contention for the first team but, instead, "I got sent to Waterford" as Fleetwood owner Any Pilley wanted to build up the Irish club which he also owns.

"It was a difficult time and I didn't really play well. By the time I got back from Ireland I was just fed up. I felt like I was getting messed about"

Not relishing the prospect of spending two more years playing under-23s' football, he has taken the chance "to go to Altrincham, play loads of football, and really get my career started".

Manager Phil Parkinson has described Chris as a "lovable rogue" and he responded "I guess it's just the way I am. But, yeah, I probably am a bit of a street player... Most of what I do comes from the streets or playing at school...

"Sometimes I try too hard and force things. That's something I need to get out of my game and learn the right moment to keep things simple".

As for Alty "I feel we'll be a lot closer to the play-offs this time... It's difficult for [Alty] to keep players in a division full of teams with higher budgets... We've brought in some quality players and it feels to me like the club has really given it a push...

Clubs like us have got a genuine shot" this season following the promotions of big spenders Wrexham and Notts County, observed the new Altrincham signing.

ALTY OLD BOYS

ALTY OLD FOES

At the time the Essex club were serious challengers for an EFL place, finishing third that season in the Conference. But, for the past 13 years they have been without a ground after the landlords sold their stadium for housing without any recompense for their football-club tenants or any firm plan to reinstate a stadium as a community asset.

More recently Grays have been seeking to redevelop the defunct ground of nearby Thurrock with the local council being seen as less than fully supportive. The BBC explains the background.

For more details and how to support their petition, click here.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Chairman, Darryl Eales, said, 'It has been a pleasure to work with Neal over the past two seasons. He has overseen our continued push as a club to punch above our weight and operate to the highest professional standards.

'He led the club to our best ever season in 2021/22 where we reached the National League Promotion Final and generally introduced a fast paced, style of play which is attractive on the eye and has been at the forefront of our player development philosophy.

'This is an amicable and respectful parting of the ways, wholly consistent with Neal’s values and character, and I wish him every success in the future'” .

Chesterield report that "Former England international Kieron Dyer has officially joined the coaching staff after acting in a consultancy capacity last season...

Dyer said 'I came in for the last two months of the season just to give the lads a different voice. It seemed to go really well, but I have unfinished business... as do the players'...

Paul Cook said... 'The addition of Kieron will help us both at the top level and also on the training ground. He’s a real watcher of the game who loves working with players individually and collectively.'

Dyer was previously an academy coach at Ipswich Town and worked under Cook during his spell in charge at Portman Road".

The FA has announced a new Stadium Accreditation Programme.

"The FA and the Premier League will be joining forces from July 2023 to launch a new Stadium Accreditation Programme for clubs that play in the National League System.

Following an 18-month period of consultation and extensive research with key stakeholders across the game, it has been agreed that from this summer, the Premier League Stadium Fund will begin collecting ground-grading data for The FA at all of the stadiums used within the National League System.

The process will be digitised for the first time since the ground-grading process was introduced over 15 years ago through the creation of a new digital tool, StadiumPower...

StadiumPower will provide far greater insight about stadiums which will help ensure the League’s investment is directed where it is needed the most. The new digital process will also allow clubs to keep track of the works required to their facility, as well as provide them with a live platform to report on any changes or improvement works that are carried out at their stadium.

The rollout of the new programme will begin in July with the aim of assessing every stadium across the country by the end of the year".

The Hartlepool Mail tells us that at Hartlepool United "Although the bond between supporters and the club has been damaged over the course of the last 12 months due to relegation from the Football League, John Askey knows it will be vital to try and get them back onside as quickly as possible in the National League.

Pools spent four years away from the EFL following their relegation in 2017 and the hope will be that Askey can ensure a quicker return this time around.

Askey’s relationship with supporters, however, is one which remains untarnished, despite relegation, with many backing the former York City boss to be the one to bring success back to Clarence Road...

'Players come and go, managers come and go, but one thing that’s constant is the supporters. So it’s huge for the players, and us as staff, to connect with them and make sure the supporters feel part of the football club. Without them there isn’t a football club'...

The Hartlepool boss considers Pools fans amongst the best he has been a manager of having struggled to find the words to praise supporters in the final weeks of the season...

'When the ground is a lot quieter it makes it easier for opposition teams, but when everybody is behind the team it can give you a chance and we’ve got to try and capitalise on that'" stated Askey.

GEORGE BECOMES EIGHTH SIGNING

'I’m delighted we have managed to capture talented box-to-box midfielder George Wilson,’ said Alty manager Phil Parkinson. ‘He’s one of the brightest prospects coming through non-league at the moment... He ran the Notts County midfield ragged during their famous giant killing, he certainly was a standout performer.

‘From there we did our research and discovered he was Northern-based player who was a standout performer in the Blackburn Academy. He played for Coalville due to him studying at Loughborough University where he’s developed mentally and physically.

‘I wholehearted believe we have a real gem on our hands here, the plan for George is to get him to the National League North in or after pre-season.'".

Footnote Wilson was born on March 10, 2001 in Todmorden. He started as a right-back.

He joined Coalville last summer and his contract expired this summer.

Before that, he had played for Loughborough University and Ljungskile SK (a Swedish third-tier club), after leaving Blackburn Rovers academy.

DONAWA INTERVIEW

SQUAD TAKING SHAPE

Goalkeepers

• Oliver BYRNE (Age) 25, (Signing announced) June 2022, (Appearances) 44
• Matthew GOULD 29, August 2020, 18

Defenders

• Lewis BAINES 25, May 2022, 38(+1)
• Lewis BANKS 26, June 2023, 0
• Liam BROCKBANK 22, June 2022, 4(+2)
• Jake COOPER 22, Summer 2022, but previously as loanee in February 2022, 23(+4)
• Eddy JONES 21, January 2023, but previously as loanee in February 2022 and September 2022, 61(+1)
• James JONES 26, August 2017; left August 2020, re-signed July 2022, 154(+8)
• Sam ROSCOE 25, June 2023, 0

Midfielders

• Owen GERMAN 18?, June 2023, 1(+1)
• Joey JONES, 29, June 2023, 0
• Isaac MARRIOTT, 23, December 2021, 52(+3)
• Elliot OSBORNE 27, January 2022, 37(+11)
• George WILSON 22, June 2023, 0

Forwards/Wingers

• Justin AMALUZOR 26, June 2023, 0
• Dior ANGUS 29, June 2023, 0
• Christopher CONN-CLARKE 21, June 2023, but previously as loanee in February and July 2022, 33(+1)
• Justin DONAWA 26, June 2023, 0
• Matty KOSYLO 30, August 2020, 62(+8)
• Regan LINNEY 26, February 2023, 15(+5) [pictured, above right].

DONAWA MAKES IT SEVEN

Number seven is revealed by the club to be "flying winger... Bermudan international Justin Donawa...

The right-sided speed merchant has spent over two seasons at Solihull Moors, including a goal at The J. Davidson in October 2021, following a spell with Darlington.

After a period on the sidelines through injury at Solihull, Donawa returned to full fitness for the second half of last season...

Said Alty manager Phil Parkinson, 'We identified that we needed to add pace to our frontline, JD certainly gives us that...

'I think he’ll suit the way we work and play. He’s now got a decent amount of experience at this level and higher with his international exploits. He’s very versatile which is also extremely important with us operating with a smaller squad. He can play right-wing, right wing-back and right-back.

'It is rare for a winger to be so reliable defensively as well as being a threat going forward.’

‘Like all the players we’ve signed this summer, he’s a great age with a point to prove in the prime of his career'".

HOW DONAWA ARRIVED AT ALTY

The 26-year-old ends his stay at the ARMCO Arena having made 66 appearances for the Moors across three seasons, scoring seven goals in Yellow & Blue.

As part of the club’s re-engagement process, Donawa declined an offer of new terms made to him...

Manager Neal Ardley said... 'Unfortunately, we couldn’t agree a deal but Justin goes with our best wishes!

'He’s a great lad who always gave everything and it was great to get him back to his best last season after his bad injury'".

JUSTIN DONAWA'S BACKGROUND

Born on 27 June 1996 he moved to the USA where his senior soccer career began. He enjoyed a pre-season with Columbus Crew but was not signed by the MLS club.

His experience in the UK began with a trial at Aberdeen in Scotland before he moved to England and joined Darlington in the National League North for 2019-20 season, where he played against Altrincham in a 1-1 draw at Moss Lane in which he was a used substitute. Justin is pictured, right, in that game.

Early in 2020-21 season he joined Solihull Moors from where he has joined Altrincham. In February 2022 he fractured his ankle which sidelined him for a period.

He is a Bermudan football international and has played in World Cup qualifiers for his country.

Whilst at Solihull he faced Alty in 2021, scoring his side's equaliser before they emerged 2-1 winners.

More recently, he was an unused sub as Alty trounced the Moors 4-1 in February 2023.

JUSTIN AMALUZOR INTERVIEW

Justin underlines that he is a goalscoring winger whose best position is on the right wing, from where he likes to cut in to use his left foot.

ALTY OLD BOY

A central defender, Ferguson joins us on a free transfer and pens a two-year deal at the Crown Oil Arena, subject to medical...

He commented, 'As soon as I knew there was interest, I was excited by it. I played at Rochdale last year and it’s a nice stadium, so I was pushing my agent to try and get it done as soon as possible... Jimmy McNulty was one of the main reasons I wanted to join. We had a really good chat last week about how he wants to play this season, how the club is looking to move forward, so that’s what sold me the most'...

Head Coach Jimmy McNulty commented... 'He’s a player that has great future potential, but is also ready to compete for a starting place in our team right now... He can handle all basic requirements of defending in the National League but is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet'....

An impressive end to the 2021/22 campaign [at Altrincham] led to a move to Harrogate last summer, where he made eight appearances... He re-joined Altrincham on loan in March 2023 and made ten appearances before the end of the campaign".

And we hear from Phil Jordan that "Maybe it was the loss of CHRIS CONN-CLARKE that caused it, but BARRY BAGGLEY'S Waterford fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at Cobh Ramblers on Friday evening. Waterford had a 95th minute equaliser chalked off".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

• Millenic Alli, Angelo Cappello, Tom Clarke, Jamie Cooke, Ryan Galvin, Tylor Golden, Rob Harker, Jack Hunter, Jordan Keane, Adam Senior, Tom Scott, Jamie Stott, Luke Summerfield, Kane Thompson-Sommers".

The defender arrived at Adams Park in July 2021, having developed through Chelsea’s youth academy, and made 10 appearances for the Blues, as well as spending time on loan at Maidenhead United.

He’s signed a new contract with the Wanderers and will now link up with Dennis Kutrieb’s side... for the duration of the forthcoming season.

Ebbsfleet United add that "The big centre-back, aged 22, measures 6ft 4 in height and arrives with an excellent pedigree having come through the ranks at Chelsea".

Also, Ebbsfleet Uited say that "Jack Paxman will be plying his trade at a new club next season as the Fleet midfielder will pursue a new playing opportunity elsewhere.

The 29-year-old former Maidstone United and Billericay Town man makes the move following a mutual termination of his contract with the club... Injury in pre-season curtailed his opportunities last season".

Aldershot Town "announce the signing of Aaron Jones from King's Lynn on a one-year deal following the expiration of his contract!

Jones had been at Kings Lynn since 2018, and rejoins his former manager Tommy Widdrington at the Shots.

The defender made over 40 appearances last season with King's Lynn and was named in the Vanarama National League North Team of the Season!".

At Chesterfield "Academy quartet Alexander Duhameau, George Wilkinson, Sam Hooper and Archie White have all signed professional contracts with the Spireites...

Academy manager Neil Cluxton said... 'They’re very good characters, good players and I’m sure they are going to go on and represent the club very well...

'It’s a fantastic day for our academy. The academy was closed down when the club’s Football League status was lost, and John Croot and the Community Trust made it a priority to bring it back when they took over the club.'

Duhameau impressed during Chesterfield’s FA Trophy tie with Coalville Town back in December before helping Matlock Town to the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs...

Defender Wilkinson also featured in the FA Trophy game... A loan move to Coalville followed, where the Ravens narrowly missed out on promotion to the National League North...

Hooper has caught the attention of many this season during his loan spells with Staveley Miners Welfare and Matlock Town... White also had loan spells with Staveley and Matlock throughout the 2022/23 season...

Duhameau, Hooper and White will all return to Matlock Town on loan for the forthcoming campaign".

Rochdale "announce that Jimmy Keohane has signed a new contract with the club.

He has put pen-to-paper on a new one-year deal.

The 32-year-old has made 169 appearances for Dale...

'Although we haven’t had the best times in recent years, I’ve enjoyed it as a whole,' he commented. 'I’m excited to work under Jim [McNulty] and the staff to see what they can do for all of us'...

Head Coach Jimmy McNulty commented... 'He’s been a very useful player for myself and other managers, operating in a number of positions and always giving 100%'...

Keohane joined Dale in February 2019, following a spell in his native Republic of Ireland with Cork City".

23 June 2023

ALTY'S SIXTH SIGNING

Press and media officer John Edwards tells us that the club has "pulled off a significant coup by bringing in talented winger Justin Amaluzor from Vanarama National League rivals Aldershot for an undisclosed fee... The wide areas have been a priority for our management team all summer...

Alty boss Phil Parkinson said 'I’m really excited we have managed to sign one of the most explosive talents in the National League. Justin is one of the most electrifying players in the division. He has that pace and power that can really strike fear in the heart of a lot of defenders.’

‘He certainly has the x-factor we look for in our wingers. He can score and create goals. I believe at 26-years-old, we have a player who nobody has quite seen the best of yet and I feel we can help him fulfil his potential at Altrincham.

‘He’s a game changer and I feel he’ll really complement the other players we have in the frontline at present.

‘Justin is a South London boy and I believe this has given him the tools he needs to be successful. He’s resilient, determined and has that bit of Southern confidence in himself'...

Having come through the youth system at Barnet, Justin joined Aldershot last summer after a season with Scottish Premier League outfit Motherwell. He scored eight goals in 41 league appearances for the Shots last term who switched to a wing-back formation after the arrival of current manager Tommy Widdrington".

Footnote: Right, Justin Amaluzor is pictured in last season's game at the JDS against Aldershot Town. He played for 87 minutes of that game in September 2022. In the return fixture in April 2023 he came on as an 80th minute substitute.

Having started at Luton Town and, after a brief spell at Dartford, Justin spent three years at Barnet (2015–2018) where he made 19 appearances.

Loans at Hayes & Yeading United, Hemel Hempstead Town, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Bognor Regis Town preceded his departure from The Hive for Braintree Town (2018/19), which was followed by a spell with Maidstone United (2019/21).

2021–2022 saw him up in Scotland at Motherwell, where he played 13 times, before he spent last season at Aldershot. All of Alty's six signings to date have played at some point for a celtic club or nation in their past.

In 2016, whilst at Barnet he changed to using his current name having previously been known as Justin Nwogu.

As a winger he is said to prefer to play on the right flank but to cut in and deliver with his left foot.

SAM ROSCOE INTRODUCES HIMSELF

Roscoe was announced as one of Alty's new signings earlier this week. Sam was born in Altrincham and supported the club in his youth.

Amongst other things, he speaks to Brian about his experience in various European competitions. He also confirms that he is the cousin of Alty keeper Ollie Byrne; both attended Wellington School in the town.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Latics made a double swoop this week by bringing in Dan Ward from National League rivals Gateshead and Shaun Hobson from Southend United, adding to the earlier acquisitions of Josh Lundstram and Kurt Willoughby...

'We have a core group of 19-20 players. We probably need to get that up by two or three; three if I get what I want, and then we'll have a look at the loan market'... I know exactly who my targets are, so it's a case of so far so good'" concluded the Latics boss.

From MK Dons we learn that "Will Grigg has joined National League side Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee.

Grigg, 31, returned to the Dons for a third time in July 2022 and last season made 48 appearances, scoring seven times, taking his total tally for the Club to 118 games and 37 goals. He departs as MK Dons’ sixth all-time league scorer.

Chesterfield add that "Grigg, 31, played under Paul Cook at Wigan Athletic and he is looking forward to working with him again.

After starting out at Walsall, Grigg played for Brentford and Wigan before signing for Sunderland for a reported £3m fee in January 2019. The Northern Ireland international joined MK Dons last summer.

Having just sold a player to Altrincham Aldershot Town have soon spent some money themselves as they "announce the signing of Theo Widdrington from King's Lynn for an undisclosed fee!

The midfielder played 40 times and scored 6 goals in the National League North last season after joining them in 21/22.

Widdrington has also played for Havant & Waterloovile and Bristol Rovers, as well as spending time at Portsmouth.

Theo signs a two-year deal". He follows his father from the Linnets to the Shots, where he is the manager.

22 June 2023

ALTY'S PRE-SEASON

• Sat.8.7.23 3pm A Lancaster City
• Sat.15.7.23 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY XI
• Tue.18.7.23 7.45pm A Wythenshawe Town
• Sat.22.7.23 2pm A NEC Nijmegen
• Tue.25.7.23 7.45pm A Macclesfield FC
• Sun.30.7.23 NB 2pm H MANCHESTER UNITED U-21

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 23-year-old forward will join the Club after scoring 13 goals in the National League North for Brackley Town last season...

Stead won the Mangers, Players and Supporters’ Player of the Season award last season...

Prior to Brackley, Stead played for Kettering, Hitchin Town and South Shields.

Manager, Dean Brennan expressed his excitement...'He is a young talent with immense potential, and his addition to our squad will undoubtedly enhance our attacking capabilities. Stead’s versatility, work rate, and commitment to the game make him a valuable asset for us'".

Also at Barnet "seasoned defender Ben Coker will join the Club ahead of the 2023/24 season...

Ben Coker brings a wealth of professional experience having played 186 games in the EFL with Southend United.

Coker has also had spells at Stevenage and Solihull Moors before agreeing to join Barnet ahead of next season".

Meanwhile, Dagenheam & Redbridge "confirm that Angelo Balanta’s contract has been cancelled with the Club by mutual consent

The Colombian forward joined the Daggers from fellow National League side, Boreham Wood in October of 2018.

Over his five seasons in Red and Blue, Balanta made 128 appearances in all competitions and scored 40 goals...

Also at Victoria Road, Dagenheam & Redbridge "announce that First Team coach, Dave Jupp, has left the club by mutual consent.

Dave was brought into the club by Daryl McMahon in January 2020 and has been an integral part of our coaching staff since.

As well as his first team coaching role Dave also headed up our apprenticeship scheme... With the appointment of Ben Strevens in March Dave was at hand to allow a smooth transition for the new management team".

Closer to home, Rochdale manager "Jimmy McNulty says Dale are monitoring the market closely, as he looks to add more to his squad over the summer.

Dale have added three new faces so far in Harvey Gilmour, Kairo Mitchell and Cody Johnson.

The Head Coach insists there are areas that need strengthening, but... 'It's a little bit different to what we’ve been used to in the Football League [with no transfer window in the VNL],' commented McNulty...

'Identifying the players is genuinely the easiest part. Even though there is quite a few of us that have to agree on it, it’s the easiest part.

'A number of other things then have to fall into place. We have to agree with the club, agree with the player, agree with the agent... That’s the difficult part and where patience is key...

'The work is continuing right now... Our budget is the most humble since I’ve been here. The club are unhappy with how some of the money has been spent in the last two years... They’re guarded against making mistakes, or what they feel is making mistakes, down that road again...

'Some people reject us straight away, based on wages. Some players are interested but are hanging around in the market longer to see what they can get, or they might want to play a level higher but there isn’t an offer yet.

'There’s loads of situations that are live right now'">

Elsewhere, Southend United "announce that a new ticketing system will be launched in advance of the 2023/24 season.

The club is partnering with ticketing provider Kaizen Ticketing Solutions to develop a new ticketing system which will improve supporters’ experience...

Supporters will experience a much-improved online customer journey, with the new online system offering a one-stop platform in purchasing tickets at Roots Hall Stadium...

Supporters will be able to take advantage of... using digital match tickets, which will be suitable on mobile devices, reducing the need to queue on a matchday... ‘Print at home’ options and physical tickets if you wish to have one, will also be available...

Away supporters attending Roots Hall will also be able to purchase their match tickets online, ahead of their chosen fixture".

In the Daily Echo we learn that "Eastleigh have confirmed that full-back Vincent Harper has departed the club to join League One side Exeter City for an undisclosed compensation fee.

The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at St James Park...

Harper is the latest player to make the jump to League One from the Silverlake Stadium, following in the footsteps of Ben House, who departed for Lincoln City in January 2022".

Eastleigh add that "The move comes after the wing-back expressed his desire to leave the club in an attempt to further his career.

Since joining us in 2021, Harper made 76 appearances for the Spitfires, scoring five times during his stay in Hampshire".

Aldershot Town "announce the signing of Cian Harries on a one year deal... following the expiry of his contract at Swindon Town...

The Welsh defender has made over 50 appearances in League One and League Two, and played twice in the Championship in 2018/19 for Swansea.

Harries has also spent time in the Eredivise for Fortuna Sittard, as well as playing for Bristol Rovers, Coventry and Cheltenham".

Dorking Wanderers have confirmed a new partnership with their neighbours Redhill Football Club...

This partnership includes Redhill assisting Wanderers by providing their ground and accompanying facilities for first team pre-season training. In addition, Redhill will be Wanderers preferred Step 5 partner for any player loan agreements, and there will also be a pre-season friendly between the two clubs...

Dorking Wanderers Chairman and First Team Manager Marc White added... 'We've always believed that working closely with local teams is crucial and can have two sided benefits, and we hope to develop a long and sustainable relationship with Redhill'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder has a history of finding the back of the net in his career, including last season when he scored 11 goals for the Nash.

During his nine-year career, Hancock (left) has lined up for the likes of Altrincham, Salford City, Nantwich Town, Witton Albion and AFC Telford United...

'I’m looking forward to get going with Radcliffe and start a new challenge for the upcoming season,' he said. 'With Bernard and Jonno’s arrival, it was clear the club’s ambition is to keep improving, and with the players they’ve signed I’m sure we will be right up there.

'I’m hoping I can continue my scoring record and chip in with a fair few for the lads. JORDAN [HULME] and I had a good partnership at Altrincham, so hopefully we can take that into the new season.'

Joint-manager Anthony Johnson said, 'Josh is a player we’ve admired for a number of seasons, but for one reason or another we’ve never quite got a deal over the line.

'This is another fantastic signing for the club and a player who was offered deals at a higher league. Again, it just goes to show how far our club is heading in the right direction off the pitch...

'To get a goalscoring midfielder at the absolute peak of his career shows what a major coup this is for us.'”

The Hartlepool Mail advises that "Former Hartlepool United striker CONNOR JENNINGS has completed his move back to League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers.

Pools hinted at the end of the season that they wanted to keep Jennings after he scored four goals in 18 games following his arrival at the Suit Direct Stadium in January.

But the 31-year-old forward, who was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer two years ago, has now penned a one-year deal at a club where he scored 27 goals in 140 matches between 2016-20...

First team manager Ian Dawes told Tranmere’s website... 'Throughout his career, he has always contributed goals to his teams and is a great character to have both in the dressing room and on the pitch'...

Manchester-born Jennings added 'I'm thrilled to be home. It’s so surreal being back'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 25-year-old becomes David Unsworth’s third addition of the summer, strengthening the list of midfield options.

Dan joined Gateshead in October 2020... making 43 appearances and scoring five goals [last season].

Manager David Unsworth [said]... 'It’s a great signing, Dan... really impressed me last year with his performances, he can play off the left or the right and even down the middle which gives us incredible versatility...

Dan admitted he can’t wait to get started...

'I can play plenty of positions, but I’ve spoke to the gaffer, and he wants me at the top end of the pitch, chipping in with goals and assists which if I believe I can do.'"

Also at Oldham Athletic "confirm the arrival of Shaun Hobson from Southend United on a two-year-deal.

The 24-year-old central defender is the latest addition... agreeing a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Shaun joined Southend in 2020 and was ever-present for the club over the course of his three years there, making 128 appearances and scoring six goals.

Unsworth was thrilled... 'Shaun was somebody we had on our list from the start, we’ve tracked him since new year...

'We know all about him, he’s a Manchester boy, a top centre-half, great age, pace, size and stature...

'I want to play as high as I can see and speaking to the gaffer before his ambition is to get the club to where it deserves to be and back in the football league'".

According to the Blackpool Gazette "AFC Fylde have added to their attacking options with the signing of striker Gold Omotayo.

Swiss-born attacker has penned a two-year deal, with the club having an option for a further 12 months.

Omotayo scored 25 goals in all competitions for King’s Lynn Town last season as they took the Coasters all the way in the chase for the National League North title...

The Coasters’ director of football, Chris Beech, said... 'He will add many dimensions to the team, including a winning mentality, presence and commitment to the cause...

Omotayo began his career at the other end of the pitch, featuring as a goalkeeper in the youth set-up at FC Zurich...

His career also featured spells with Maidstone United, Yeovil Town, FC Halifax Town, Gloucester City and Wrexham before making the move to King’s Lynn in 2021."

The Southend Echo reports that "Shaun Hobson says his departure from Southend United is nothing to do with the club’s financial issues.

The Shrimpers are still unable to offer any of their players new contracts due to the transfer embargo they have been placed in since September.

But Hobson... insists he would have left Blues whatever the circumstances this summer due to his desire to move back closer to his Manchester home...

Hobson made 139 appearances during his three seasons with the Shrimpers...

'It’s never dull at Southend, I can’t lie,' said Hobson... 'I won’t focus on the negatives, I’ll remember the good memories and I think the gaffer (Kevin Maher) has done a great job since he’s been in there...

'I’d been away nearly seven years so it’s been a long time coming'"

At Kidderminster Harriers "Jack Lambert is relishing the chance to be back in full-time football, admitting he’d taken it for granted earlier in his career.

Lively attacker Lambert was confirmed as a Harriers signing last week after two memorable seasons with Darlington...

He said... 'I like to take risks and go one-v-one... I offer more than enough going forwards so hopefully I can bring lots of goals and assists'...

Being back in full-time football is a big plus for the former Scunthorpe man... 'No one wants to be working a nine-to-five, not me anyway! It’s going to be tough coming back into it after having a couple of years out of it but I am more than excited and I’m ready... I probably took it for granted when I was younger'".

At Rochdale the club "is delighted to announce the signing of Cody Johnson from Stockport County.

The 18-year-old midfielder joins on a season-long loan deal... Johnson becomes Jimmy McNulty’s third summer signing...

'Cody is a really good young player,' said McNulty. 'He’s an exciting prospect that I know Stockport think a lot of'...

He made his County debut in February 2022, following time on loan at Stockport Town earlier that season".

"Under The Radar FC and Ebbsfleet United will embark on a partnership as part of the wider Ebbsfleet Digital Experiences venture that the club has recently launched alongside social media influencer Manny Brown.

Brown, who is a founder of Under The Radar FC... is a major content creator on social media platforms with a subscriber account in excess of four million on platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.

Together with the Fleet and with the intention to work out of the new stadium currently being planned alongside Northfleet Harbourside, Ebbsfleet Digitial Experiences will provide a facility and experiences for the local Gravesham Borough youth and gaming community.

The facility will serve as a hub for tournaments, training sessions and venue hire for gaming enthusiasts, and will include content creation studios for YouTube, TikTok and other platforms.

The aim is to provide a world-class platform here at the home of the Fleet where gamers can connect, compete and thrive in the exciting realm of eSports".

20 June 2023

THANK YOU TO COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

Sam Mackenzie, Director of Partnerships and Sponsors has written about the club's "commercial heroes" on the Altrincham FC website.

She goes on to thank some two-dozen companies and organisations which have supported the club in various ways in 2022-23 and which will continue to do so next season.

J. Davidson, the Broadheath based scrap metal merchants, not only sponsor the Altrincham team shirts but also the stadium itself.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 19-year-old has signed a two year deal and becomes the Shots’ first signing of the summer!

Josh advanced through the Ipswich Town academy ranks before joining Sudbury as a 16-year-old... He fired Sudbury towards promotion with 16 goals as well as being named Fans Player of the Year last season.".

At Chesterfield, "Chief executive John Croot has outlined the importance of the redevelopment of the training ground, with extensive works currently taking place to bring about a major improvement to the facilities...

John said 'I think it’s ten years since any serious work was done up there. It’s a great investment for the club and will help us work with our players, particularly the younger players..

'It’s part of the club’s business plan that we develop young players. If we’re looking for our coaching staff to do that, we’ve got to give them the tools to do it...

'We had a long spell during the winter when we couldn’t use the training ground. To me it was noticeable that it was when we had the spell when we struggled to get results...

'Paul (Cook) is keen to do morning and afternoon sessions, which wouldn’t be possible without the work we’ve done... We’ve temporarily found another site that we can use for the players to train on during July. By the first week in August, they’ll have a brand new training facility, with two fantastic pitches'".

Boreham Wood FC "confirm that the Club and Connor Stevens have agreed the mutual termination of his contract.

Connor joined the Wood on 4 February 2022 from Wealdstone... Connor went on to start in our 5th round tie against Everton at Goodison Park which was a momentous occasion for the Club.

Unfortunately, last season Connor suffered a long-term injury rupturing his Achilles tendon which saw him miss the majority of the 2022-23 season. Since joining us in February 2022 Connor [has] made 12 appearances for the Wood".

According to Kent Online "Ebbsfleet have lost just one player from their title-winning squad after completing their unveiling of players who have agreed new deals at the club.

Midfielder Christian N'Guessan is the only player to have turned down the chance to stay at Stonebridge Road, opting instead to move into the Football League after signing for League 2 Sutton United.

'I would never have gone for a sideways move,' he told the club’s website... You only maybe get one chance to take an offer and another crack back in the EFL'...

Sutton manager Matt Gray said 'Christian's a player we've had our eyes on for a while. He's done brilliantly with Ebbsfleet, helping them to the National League South title, and has the potential to make a real impact in League 2.'

There was better news for Ebbsfleet fans, though, with confirmation that striker Dominic Poleon has extended his stay at the club for life in the National League... The Fleet had already announced the departure of four players following the end of last season. Sido Jombati, Elliott Romain, Alex Finney and Kieran Monlouis".

Bromley confirm their second signing of the summer as "Defender Cole Kpekawa has joined the Ravens following his departure from Maidenhead United".

Meanwhile, Woking "announce the signing of Sam Habergham.

The defender, 31, will join the Cards from Wealdstone on 1st July, on a deal through to the end of the 2023/24 season.

Habergham started his career in the Norwich City Academy. In 2011, at the age of 19, he moved on to Tamworth... Braintree Town came calling ahead of 2012/13... before joining Danny Cowley’s Lincoln City ahead of 2016/17...

In 2020, he moved on to Grimsby Town and made a further 13 League Two appearances. A short spell in Australia with Peninsula Power followed in early 2022, before joining Wealdstone for the 2022/23 season, where Sam made 36 National League appearances...

'Sam is someone we know well having spent some time with us last pre-season, where we were greatly impressed. I felt, at the time, that the dynamic of the team needed a different priority; Sam went away, had a brilliant season for Wealdstone where they overachieved, and he was a huge part of that,' said Manager Darren Sarll."

19 June 2023

ALTY SQUAD UPDATE

They are listed below, with their appearances to date for Altrincham...

1. Dior ANGUS 0
2. Lewis BAINES 38(+1)
3. Lewis BANKS 0
4. Liam BROCKBANK 4(+2)
5. Oliver BYRNE 44
6. Chris CONN-CLARKE 33(+1)
7. Jake COOPER 23(+4)
8. Owen GERMAN 1(+1)
9. Matthew GOULD 18
10. Eddy JONES [right] 61(+1)
11. James JONES 154(+8)
12. Joey JONES 0
13. Matty KOSYLO 62(+8)
14. Regan LINNEY 15(+5)
15. Isaac MARRIOTT 52(+3)
16. Elliot OSBORNE 58(+12)
17. Sam ROSCOE 0

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Jaevon took the decision to move into non-league football, joining Corinthian Casuals for a brief spell before moving to Epsom & Ewell for the 22/23 campaign. Going on to be top scorer for The Salts last season netting 12 goals in 32 appearances...

19-year old Jaevon says... 'I've waited for an opportunity to be challenged, and cannot wait to develop and progress at this club'.

Manager Marc White adds... 'He is a mega exciting young local prospect who plays as a winger, taking on people and scoring goals. We believe he will be a massive one for us for the future, and he's going to come in straight away for pre-season'".

Gateshead announce that after making 27 appearances last season, Will Harris has moved on to Spennymoor Unbited.

"The final piece in Ebbsfleet United summer retentions programme is announced as the club confirms that Billy Clifford has agreed a new deal into the 2023/24 season.

The former Havant & Waterlooville midfielder, Dennis Kutrieb’s only mid-season signing in 2022/23... [had previously] helped Wealdstone to promotion in 2019/20.

The 30-year-old returns to the National League he last played in with Boreham Wood in 2018 though he has, of course, played at higher levels for Walsall, Crawley Town, Antwerp and Colchester United, having turned professional at Chelsea...

Clifford played 17 times for the Fleet last season after his move from Havant...

The squad as it stands:

• Rakish Bingham, Ben Chapman, Billy Clifford, Shaq Coulthirst, Mark Cousins, Greg Cundle, Franklin Domi, Toby Edser, Harrison Firth, Chris Haigh, Haydn Hollis, Joe Martin, Darren McQueen, Luke O’Neill, Jack Paxman, Dominic Poleon, Chris Solly, Omari Sterling-James, Craig Tanner, Josh Wright".

Relegated Rochdale "announce the signing of forward Kairo Mitchell, in principle.

The 25-year-old joins from Notts County on a two-year deal.

He is currently away on international duty with Grenada, as they attempt to qualify for this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The deal is subject to the completion of a medical...

Mitchell... commented 'I’m extremely happy to have joined such a big club'...

Dale Head Coach Jimmy McNulty... said 'He was our number one target in that area of the pitch, but we had plenty of competition for his signature'...

Mitchell is a product of Leicester City’s academy... He would go on to have spells at Nuneaton Town and Coalville Town, where an impressive goalscoring return secured a move to Dartford and then King’s Lynn Town in the National League.

Chesterfield paid an undisclosed fee for the striker in April 2021, before Notts County did the same that summer.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at fellow National League side Eastleigh".

Woking "announce the signing of Robbie Willmott. The versatile midfielder, 33, will join the Cards from Newport County...

Willmott started his career in the academies of Buntingford Town and Cambridge United... He made 139 appearances for Cambridge.

Robbie moved on to Newport County in 2012/13... before moving on to Eastleigh and Bishop’s Stortford on loan in 2015/16 and permanently to Chelmsford City in 2016/17.

Willmott returned to Newport for the 2017/18 season...

Manager Darren Sarll said, 'I felt last year at times we needed a more composed presence in the attacking third when finding a cross or pass, a player that is appreciative of that final picture. I believe Robbie has these qualities and a versatility to complement the team in different positions'".

18 June 2023

CCC INTERVIEWED

ALTY'S GROWING CELTIC CONNECTIONS

The five recent signings are:

• Dior Angus: Previously played for Wrexham.
• Lewis Banks: Most recent club was Arbroath in Scotland, with previous spell at Sligo Rovers in Ireland.
• Joey Jones: Though English-born and featuring at several English clubs, he has represented Northern Ireland at various age-group levels, owing to his father's origins.
• Sam Roscoe: Most recently playing in Northern Ireland with Linfield, after spells in Scotland at Aberdeen, Alloa Athletic and Ayr United
• Chris Conn-Clarke: Born in Northern Ireland, and recently playing at Waterford.

Indeed, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have become an increasingly common component of Robins players' backgrounds over the last couple of seasons.

In that period (English-born) Ollie Byrne was signed from Welsh club Connah's Quay and joined at Alty by Eddy Jones, a Welsh age-group international, who signed during the 2022-23 season after a loan spell at Moss Lane. Furthermore, Isaac Marriott had previously enjoyed a spell with Larne, in Northern Ireland, before he joined Alty, whilst defender Aidie Roxburgh had Welsh club Holywell Town in his CV.

Also on Alty's books in the past two years were goalkeeper Matt Gould, who has Scottish club Livingston in his work history, the same club for which Egli Kaja had played. Alex Sami also had Scottish experience, having played for Kilmarnock, whilst Ross Barrows was qualified to represent Scotland. And, of course, James Jones, who rejoined the club last year, had originally been signed after leaving Welsh side TNS.

And if loanees are included, over the past year numerous players had previously played in, or for, one or other of the Celtic countries, including Dermot Mee (Northern Ireland), Armando Quitirna (Waterford, Ireland), Chris Conn-Clarke (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with Waterford), Dan Malone (Wales), and Connor Jennings (Wrexham).

In addition, Scotsman Kyle Ferguson arrived on loan after time at Waterford in Ireland, having previously spent spells with Scottish teams Rangers, Kilmarnock, Airdrie and Clyde.

PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS

Fleetwood Town "confirm forward Chris Conn-Clarke has been recalled from his loan at Waterford FC and has now joined National League side Altrincham on a permanent transfer.

The 21-year-old, who has featured five times in all competitions for the Cods, has recently been on loan in Ireland with our sister club Waterford FC and impressed in his 15 appearances for the side since January".

And, Sam Roscoe's signing by Altrincham, his former club Linfield reports that "Sam’s contract with Linfield expired at the end of May and he has joined the Robins after the transfer window opened on Wednesday...

Sam Roscoe joined Linfield on a two-year contract on the opening of the transfer window on June 9, 2021.

He made his debut as a late sub in a 4-0 home win against Borac Banja Luka in the UEFA Conference League on July 22, 2021.

He scored his first goal in a 2-1 defeat away to Fola Esch of Luxembourg in the UEFA Conference League on August 12, 2021.

Sam... won a League winners’ medal in 2021-22 and a League Cup winners’ medal in 2022-23... Sam played in 56 of Linfield’s 60 fixtures in the 2022-23 season; the club’s leading appearance maker of the season...

His Linfield playing career details... 84 appearances (3 as sub) - 6 goals".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Born in Colchester, Ryan started his youth career at his boyhood club, spending nine years at Colchester United...

In 2017, Clampin joined Maldon & Tiptree on loan where he went on to make 33 appearances and scored 9 goals...

In 2019, the wing-back made his full League Two debut in a match against Cambridge United.

On January 27th 2023, Clampin joined Dundee FC on loan until the end of the season...Dundee FC went on to win the Scottish Championship at the end of the season."

ALTY BREAK THEIR TRANSFER RECORD

'I loved every single minute of being with Alty last season,' said Chris... 'So as soon as the gaffer told me he wanted me here after the season finished with Waterford, I said yeah let's do it.

'I want to play in front of those Alty fans again. I'm at my best when I'm enjoying my football, and I loved every minute here. So much so, I felt I was going to score every time I played. I felt a real connection with the rest of the players, the fans, everyone really.

'The gaffer and Neil Sorvel are a massive part of that; they are a great combination'...

For his part, Phil Parkinson commented that 'This signing also demonstrates the direction the football club are aiming - up. We are known for developing and getting players back on track then moving them on to higher levels in different guises.

'With moving so many key players on last season and in previous seasons, particularly in the front lines, I said to the board that it’s imperative we reinvest in this area significantly or risk falling further behind....

'I would describe him as a street player, because he plays like he hasn’t got a care in the world, and that’s when he’s at his very best. Chris needs to be given the freedom to play his game... He’s a lovable rogue, and I believe he will become a cult hero here at Altrincham'"

CHRIS'S THIRD COMING

Chris first came to Altrincham on a one-month loan from Fleetwood Town on 3 February 2022 but, early in his second game, at King's Lynn, a foul tackle led to his being stretchered off and the extent of the injury meant that his loan was curtailed, as was announced on 15 February 2022.

Chris's return to Alty, on a second loan from Fleetwood Town, was announced on 21 July 2022. His skill as a number ten was fully demonstrated in 2022-23 season as he became an ever-present and was the club's leading scorer with ten goals (9 in the league) by the time that his loan ended after the match against Boreham Wood on 28 January 2023.

His career started out at Linfield and then Glentoran in his native Northern Ireland before he joined Burnley in 2018. He played twice during a loan spell with Chorley from October 2020 before joining Fleetwood Town in February 2021.

The Lancashire club extended his initial contract to the end of the 2022-23 season. He made his EFL debut for Fleetwood in September 2021 and has played for Northern Ireland's under 17s, 19s and 21s.

His total appearances for Altrincham comprise 33(+1) games in which he netted 10 goals.

ROSCOE MAKES IT FOUR

And it is another player with Scottish and Irish experience, who has been unveiled.

John Edwards writes that "Phil Parkinson has added a towering presence to Altrincham's defence for next season after landing 6ft 5in centre-back Sam Roscoe from Northern Ireland Premiership runners-up Linfield...

Manchester-born Sam, who turned 25 today [Friday], made more appearances than any other Linfield player last season, and his signing is seen as a real coup for the Robins".

"He is extremely comfortable on the ball, and he topped all the charts at his last club for duels won in both boxes. This is an area we obviously need to improve on - attacking the ball in both boxes...

"He’s a great age at 25, with a wealth of experience in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as having had European exposure in a similar way to Lewis Banks...

"Like a few of our other signings, he turned down more lucrative offers at so-called bigger teams to sign for Altrincham".

Footnote: Defender Sam Roscoe was born in Manchester on 16 June 1998.

He started out with Aberdeen where he was contracted from summer 2016, but he did not make a first-team appearance.

In summer 2018 he went on loan to Alloa Athletic and stayed there all season, appearing 25 times for the club.

In summer 2019 he moved to Ayr United (35 apps) before moving to Northern Ireland on a two-year deal with Linfield in summer 2021, where he made 84 appearances.

JOEY JONES INTERVIEW

EMIRATES FA CUP DATES

• Extra Preliminary Round – Saturday 5 August 2023
• Preliminary Round – Saturday 19 August 2023
• First Round Qualifying – Saturday 2 September 2023
• Second Round Qualifying – Saturday 16 September 2023
• Third Round Qualifying – Saturday 30 September 2023
• Fourth Round Qualifying – Saturday 14 October 2023
• First Round Proper – Saturday 4 November 2023
• Second Round Proper – Saturday 2 December 2023
• Third Round Proper – Saturday 6 January 2024
• Fourth Round Proper – Saturday 27 January 2024
• Fifth Round Proper – Wednesday 28 February 2024
• Quarter-final – Saturday 16 March 2024
• Semi-final – Saturday 20 April 2024
• The Final – Saturday 25 May 2024

ISUZU FA TROPHY DATES

• First Round Qualifying – Saturday 9 September 2023
• Second Round Qualifying – Saturday 23 September 2023
• Third Round Qualifying – Saturday 7 October 2023
• First Round Proper – Saturday 28 October 2023
• Second Round Proper – Saturday 18 November 2023
• Third Round Proper – Saturday 9 December 2023
• Fourth Round Proper – Saturday 13 January 2024
• Fifth Round Proper – Saturday 10 February 2024
• Sixth Round Proper – Saturday 9 March 2024
• Semi Final – Saturday 6 April 2024
• The Final – Saturday 11 or Sunday 12 May 2024

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Steve was a popular member of the squad and the local community and made 51 league appearances for Blues, winning our Player of the Season Award in 2021/22.

Arriving at the club from Northampton Town in the summer of 2021, Arnold became our first choice goalkeeper immediately and kept 10 clean sheets across that season, being voted the supporters’ standout player of the campaign by a margin.

Last season, he struggled with a hip injury, but thankfully returned to action towards the end of the campaign".

Solihull Moors "announce the signing of former York City defensive midfielder Gus Mafuta... following the expiration of his contract at the North Yorkshire outfit and [he] has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Armco Arena.

The powerful midfielder is vastly experienced at National League level, having previously spent time with the likes of York City, Hartlepool United, Salford City and Boreham Wood...

Mafuta [said]... 'It’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks now'...

Mafuta started his non-league journey with Nuneaton Borough before securing a move to Gateshead in the 2015/16 season. The 28-year-old spent two seasons at the Heed... Mafuta moved to Salford City in 2018...

After helping Salford to promotion, Mafuta secured a move to Hartlepool where he spent a season in County Durham... The midfielder moved to Boreham Wood where he spent two seasons in Hertfordshire making 75 appearances...

The robust midfielder featured 20 times in all competitions for York City last season...

Assistant manager James Quinn is excited by the addition of Mafuta 'He’s something different to what we’ve already got in the building, he’s a physical presence and good in the air but he’s also very good technically'".

York Press added that "Mafuta will join the Moors on a two-year deal...

"The midfielder struggled with injuries in his time with the Minstermen, before returning to the squad in the latter stages of the season".

The BBC adds that "Sutton United have signed goalkeeper Steve Arnold and defender Omar Sowunmi.

Arnold, 33, moves to the League Two side as a free agent...

Sowunmi, 27, also joins as a free agent, having spent the past two years in the National League with Bromley.

The former Ipswich Town academy player has also spent time at Colchester United and Yeovil Town.

'Omar's had a great couple of seasons with Bromley and nearly won promotion with them last season.

'He's got huge defensive qualities and is another player in the prime of his career, and will be good competition for Ben Goodliffe and Louis John.'"

Bromley explain that "Despite offering Omar Sowunmi a new deal at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, we can confirm that the defender has decided to depart Hayes Lane and will join Sky Bet League Two side Sutton United.

The 27-year-old signed for the club in August 2021 and made 38 league appearances last season, scoring on eight occasions.

Sowunmi, who has spent the majority of his career in the EFL, was part of our FA Trophy winning side of 2022 and ended the most recent campaign with the Players’ Player and Manager’s Player of the Season awards".

York Press "are close to completing a takeover, as confirmed in a club statement by Glen Henderson.

It was confirmed in December that Henderson had offered the York City Supporters' Trust his majority share in the club, but the Trust have been unable to acquire the funds to purchase them.

As a result, Henderson's shares in the club have been available to the open market, with the club now confirming that a takeover is close to happening....

The chairman went on to mention that he believes they are right people to take the club forward...

Henderson's statement reads... 'Over the past few months, I have held talks with a number of potential buyers. Following these discussions, I believe that I have found the right people to take the club forward... We are now at an advanced stage with the interested party, and only a few details need to be completed'".

16 June 2023

THIRD SIGNING IN THREE DAYS

The 29-year old defensive midfielder arrives at The J.Davidson Stadium having featured in Vanarama National League play-off campaigns for Eastleigh and Grimsby Town and also played for Salford in League Two.

At 6ft 1in and with a powerful physique, Joey promises to be a formidable presence...

He said, 'As well as filling the holding role, I like to be involved in starting attacks and linking the play from back to front. I'd say that is one of my biggest strengths, along with winning headers'...

Alty boss Phil Parkinson told John Edwards...'It's a sign of how far the club has come that we can entice a player of Joey’s quality and experience to a club like Altrincham. "First and foremost, I see him as a leader player who will get us back to our fundamental philosophy of retaining the ball, dictating the play and being very difficult to attack against...

'I believe he will become a firm fans' favourite very quickly as he is in the mould of our previous skipper Jake Moult'".

JOEY'S BACKGROUND

In 2019 he progressed to the EFL with Salford City

Next, he signed for Dagenham & Redbridge from where he went on loan to Grimsby Town.

Summer 2022 saw him joining Solihull Moors, who released him in summer 2023 after which his arrival at Alty was announced on 15 June 2023.

Though English-born he has represented Northern Ireland at various age-group levels.

Joey has played against Altrincham in the past, including the above match at Kingfield as Woking hosted Altrincham in August 2015.

Here he is seen on the far right as the players shake hands before kick off.

THE NAME GAME

And now they also have three players called Jones, after the arrival of Joey to join Eddy and James

BANKS INTERVIEWED

ALTY RE-LAUNCH LOYALTY SCHEME

If you take up a VIP or Elite LoyAlty membership, you will gain admission to the ground through the main entrance, the same panelled oak doors that opened up to the likes of Tony Sanders, John King and all the other celebrated names who put Altrincham on the map at the height of our FA Cup giantkilling fame.

That is the attraction on the table for next season as part of our new-look LoyAlty initiative, and it's available now...

And there's more. Depending on which package you choose, you will receive priority access to Cup tickets and member events, discounts on retail purchases and hospitality and a public acknowledgement of your support on the website and in the Robins Review match programme...

The Patrons' Scheme remains available at £50, and the club have now added a sliding scale of LoyAlty memberships, ranging from £75 for Premium and £125 for VIP to £500 for Elite, with the board committed to delivering all the benefits for each category, as listed" via the above link.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Announcement of the signing is expected in short order, with the Canaries interested in Fisher and close to completing a deal, as per reports elsewhere...

The 19-year-old has played primarily as a right midfielder for Bromley, making 25 appearances in the National League as well as playing twice as they were knocked out of the promotion play-offs.

He made his first-team debut at just 17, featuring as the fifth tier side beat Dover Athletic 1-0 in the FA Trophy...

He then spent time on loan with National League South side Welling United before returning to the Greater London club and becoming a first-team regular last term.

Fisher is expected to link up with the club's under-21 side initially"

Following a flash-flood causing damage at their stadium, Boreham Wood have a series of photo showing the ongoing work to get the stadium firt in time for the pre-season friendlies.

Aldershot Town "confirm that we have reached a mutual agreement with Francis Amartey for the termination of his contract.

Francis made eight appearances before heading out on loan last season and we’d like to wish him all the best for the future.

According to York Press, "York City will struggle in the Vanarama National League this season- in the opinion of Dorking Wanderers manager Marc White.

Dorking manager and owner White took part in a YouTube video making his early pre-season predictions for how the National League sides will fare in the upcoming campaign, and had a dark prediction for York.

White opted to place City in the 18th to 20th category".S

15 June 2023

SECOND SIGNING OF THE WEEK

The... tough-tackling full-back Lewis... checked in to Alty's Egerton training ground fresh from a rescue mission with Arbroath, where he was brought in to help stave off the threat of relegation and played a key role in keeping Dick Campbell's team in the Scottish Championship...

Primarily a right-back, a position Alty have struggled to fill since the retirement of club legend Shaun Densmore, Lewis can also operate on the left of a back four...

'Being vocal on the pitch probably is a characteristic of mine,' he said.... 'I would describe myself as a defender, first and foremost, mostly at right-back. I like defending and getting stuck in and I can win my share of headers, whether it be defending corners or free-kicks or pushing up in the opposition area. I like to think I can get up and down the flank as well, but it's in my nature to defend'...

Alty boss Phil Parkinson said 'He’s a cultured right-back with a good family pedigree in the game... We’ve leaked too many goals and he’s coming in to help us improve on that front without losing the quality we have going forward.

'He’s a great age at 26 and had some brilliant experiences playing for Sligo for three seasons and Arbroath... since his Stoke City under-23 days...

'He turned down more lucrative offers to come to us'...

After a season at Stafford Rangers, he embarked on a highly-successful spell with Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division".

SQUAD GROWING

They are Dior ANGUS, Lewis BAINES (right) Lewis BANKS, Liam BROCKBANK, Jake COOPER, Owen GERMAN, Eddy JONES, James JONES, Matty KOSYLO, Regan LINNEY, Isaac MARRIOTT and Elliot OSBORNE.

Of the above dozen, only eight made a league appearance for Altrincham last season.

In addition to the outfield players, the squad includes two goalkeepers in Ollie Byrne, and Matt Gould.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The forward, 25, will join the Cards following his loan spell from Yeovil Town on 1st July, on a deal through to the end of the 2023/24 season.

Wakefield first joined the Club on loan in March and featured four times. He played 57 times in the National League for Yeovil, previously working with Manager Darren Sarll. Charlie has also played for Wealdstone and Bromley in the National League, and Coventry City in League One.

'Charlie is obviously a player and a person that I know very well, and it is that historical connection that has driven me to recruit him once more,' said Manager Darren Sarll...

'We will see him in a completely different light to his loan spell last season, even though I think he contributed brilliantly. In the three league games he contributed, we took seven points'... Sarll added.

DIOR COMES TO ALTY

Phil Parkinson has boosted Altrincham's firepower by snapping up former Wrexham and Barrow frontrunner Dior Angus from League Two Harrogate Town.

The 29-year old has a proven record as a pacey striker with an eye for goal at Alty's level and above... Dior's time at Wetherby Road... was disrupted by a serious ankle injury...

'I started the first few games for Harrogate but then rolled my ankle and sustained some ligament damage which kept me out a while', he said. 'I've had a difficult couple of years, with not playing much, but the gaffer here knows I'm still the player I was before the injury and has shown faith in me, which I appreciate...

'I want to get that feeling back of sticking the ball in the back of the net'...

Manager Phil Parkinson said... 'When I knew I could sign him, I did everything in my power to make it happen as quickly as possible, because plays like Dior, at his age and with his experience, don’t come along to teams like Altrincham very often...

'He is now at a point in his career where he should be coming into his prime... He embodies all the attributes we are looking for, league experience and life in football which will add great value to the group. His goalscoring record speaks for itself... He should be a 20-goal-a-season striker at this level.

Footnote: Dior Angus is the son of well-known defender Terry Angus whose league career included Northampton Town and Fulham.

Dior scored a goal against Alty whilst playing for Solihull Moors as far back as 2013. In February 2021 he also featured for Wrexham at Moss Lane in a league match played behind closed doors and in December 2021 he was an unused sub for Wrexham against Alty at Moss Lane.

Dior was born on 18 January 1994. Since starting with Solihull Moors, he has had spells with a string of mostly Midlands clubs, namely Leamington (on loan), Banbury United (on loan), Kidderminster Harriers, Worcester City (on loan), Daventry Town, Stratford Town and Redditch United.

Port Vale signed him from Redditch in early 2018 and from there he had loans with Tamworth, Nuneaton Borough and Barrow, where he became contracted in summer 2019.

In January 2021 he moved on to Wrexham and then to Harrogate Town in September 2022. He made nine EFL2 appearances at Wetherby Road but failed to score.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 34-year-old is Matt Hill’s first arrival of the summer... Most recently, Moult played for Buxton last season, but following his release he has joined up with the Rangers for the next term".

Meanwhile, defender AIDY ROXBURGH, who was released by Altrincham this summer, has joined Workington.

Footnote: Aidan made just one start for Altrincham having arrived at Moss Lane at the start of June 2022, having been signed the previous year by Chester FC but sent out on loan to Trafford FC.

At Alty, injury sidelined him at the start of 2022-23 and he went on loan to Ashton United in mid-October 2022 and later to Nantwich Town. However, he suffered a hamstring injury which sidelined him in the New Year.

His only Altrincham appearance came in the Cheshire Senior Cup though, ironically, his sole inclusion in a National League squad came just a week before his release at the end of his contract when he was an unused substitute at Yeovil.

PAUL COMBINES ACADEMY AND MANAGEMENT

Crucially, from a Robins perspective, he is continuing as Alty's

Right: Paul gives an interval talk to the Alty Youth team.

Academy manager after revealing he only accepted the Nomads job after consulting with his family and concluding he could give both posts his full attention.

'I've had a few offers to step up to first-team level over the past four or five years, but it's never been quite the right time,' Paul explained. 'In fact, Rory Fallon, who was managing Nomads at the time, asked me to go there last season, but with all that was going on with the Academy, and with the club in general with the switch to full-time status, it wouldn't have been right...

'There'll be no clash of games, because the Academy generally play on a weekday during the afternoon...

'At Nomads, as a semi-professional club, results are all-important to them, naturally enough, but they don't really matter at the Academy, where it's all about nurturing talent for the future... I am confident I can do justice to both positions.'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Parsons had three consecutive loan stints away from Swindon Town last season, but after his release was confirmed, he has been free to find a new club...

The 20-year-old was a product of the Swindon Town academy and has [had] various Non-League spells throughout his career thus far... During the 2022/23 season, Parsons began on loan with Chippenham Town, as well as stints with Banbury United and Farnborough. In total, he made 31 appearances, scoring 11 goals...

Parsons has made 25 appearances for the Swindon Town first-team".

Kidderminster Harriers "have added another face to their 2023-24 squad with the arrival at Aggborough of Jack Lambert.

Newcastle-born Lambert joins us following a spell of just under two seasons with Darlington, where he netted 16 goals last term...

A lively midfield player with a real attacking intent, the 24-year-old counts Dundee and Scunthorpe among his other former clubs, as well as having spent time playing in Iceland...

He’s penned a two-year contract".

13 June 2023

ALTY'S PRE-SEASON

• Sat.8.7.23 3pm A Lancaster City
• Sat.15.7.23 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY XI
• Tue.18.7.23 7.45pm A Wythenshawe Town
• Sat.22.7.23 2pm A NEC Nijmegen
• Tue.25.7.23 7.45pm A Macclesfield FC
• Sun.30.7.23 NB 2pm H MANCHESTER UNITED U-21

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ross joined the Cards in 2018 and... was a part of the squad that secured promotion back to the Vanarama National League.

In 2019/20, he earned Manager's, Player's and Supporter's Player of the Year awards, becoming a popular character at the Kingfield Stadium...

After five years with Woking, Ross is now looking at a new challenge in the Vanarama National League as he joins Alan Devonshire's 2023/24 squad.

And Maidenhead United also report that they "welcome experienced defender, Lewis Kinsella, to York Road...

The former-Wealdstone man joins the Magpies with plenty of National League experience, making over 150 appearances in the competition.

Lewis is an Aston Villa academy graduate who has spent time at Kidderminster Harriers, Colchester United, and Luton Town.

The 27-year-old earned the captain's armband at the EBB Stadium during his spell at the Shots and is a well-respected defender.".

Meanwhile at Woking "announce the signing of Matt Robinson.

The midfielder, 29, will join the Cards from Dagenham & Redbridge on 1st July, on a two-year deal...

Matt came through the ranks at Leicester City, before moving on to Luton Town in 2012. In four years at the Hatters, he made 46 league appearances...

Robinson made 26 National League appearances for Woking on loan in 2015/16, after spells at Kidderminster Harriers and Grimsby Town. He moved to Dagenham & Redbridge in the summer of 2016, making over 250 appearances in seven seasons at Victoria Road and captaining the side in 2022/23...

Said Manager Darren Sarll, 'He’s a very efficient, forward-thinking midfield player who at his best can provide real assistance in the goalscoring charts, with good timing of his runs in and around the box... This is a big signing for us,' Sarll added".

Like Altrincham FC Halifax Town have been hit by player departures and on Sunday issued the following squad list.

"The following players are now confirmed for the 2023/24 season:

• Millenic Alli, Angelo Cappello, Tom Clarke, Jamie Cooke, Tylor Golden, Rob Harker, Jack Hunter, Jordan Keane, Adam Senior, Jamie Stott, Luke Summerfield, Kane Thompson-Sommers

We will provide more information as and when we have it".

The Echo News advises us that Kevin MAher, "The Shrimpers boss, is still unable to offer new contracts to any players.

And that issue ultimately led to Rhys Murphy sealing a switch back to Yeovil Town at the end of last week.

'It's all hypothetical conversations you can have with Southend at this stage, if that,' said Murphy. 'The manager said ideally he wanted me to stay but that he wasn’t in the position to be able to offer me anything because of the embargo. The takeover complicates things even further because he doesn’t know his budget yet... You can’t keep turning things down when you don’t have any work.

'It’s tricky for your family too and I’m sure the manager is tearing his hair out...

'Once the takeover is done the manager will be in the market for players as well but until then he’s sitting there waiting'...

Murphy spent two seasons with the Shrimpers, scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances during an injury hit spell... 'I’m disappointed to be leaving Southend,' said Murphy...

'But the opportunity to come back to Yeovil came up and it’s a club I’ve got good memories with... Yeovil have just been taken over themselves and the new owners are extremely ambitious,' said Murphy".

Eastleigh "announce that Ryan Hill has completed a move to Dagenham & Redbridge.

The East London club made an approach for the winger who expressed his desire to join the former Spitfires’ boss, Ben Strevens, at the Daggers.

Hill made his 100th appearance on the final day of the 2022/23 season, which includes scoring six league goals in his three-year stint".

12 June 2023

ALTY OLD BOYS

Now at Mossley, Nicky is using his experience and he said that "In training or in games, if I see something, In will point it out to young players".

Nicky added that "I was going to stop playng but I was not ready and still believed I had something to offer. Mossley is a good fit as it is only 20 minutes from my home in Honley...

'The quality of some of the players in National League North today is better than those in the National League when I played in it...

'It came as a surprise the quality we have in our squad'".

Manager David Fish added that Clee "talks to the younger players and that takes pressure off captain ANDY KEOGH who previously had done that job himself".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Mark will be leaving his position at Dorking to take up the role of Manager at National League South side Eastbourne Borough.

And Dorking Wanderers add that they can "announce the appointment of Ross McNeilly as new First Team Head Coach.

After a 6 year spell as Head of Football with Merrist Wood and following time also spent working at The FA as a tutor, Ross took up the role of Academy Manager and U21's Lead at Aldershot Town. An A license and UEFA A licence coach, into his fifth year at the Hampshire club Ross took on the first team manger's role in October of the 2022/23 season following a successful interim period, remaining at the helm for the vast majority of the campaign as the club competed in the National League and reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

Chairman and manager Marc White adds... 'I firmly believe that this will be a great relationship with our upward trajectory and progression to a more hybrid status this year, and Ross will bring a big skill set which will be ancillary to what we already have.'"

11 June 2023

2023-24 DATES

The first important date in supporters’ diaries is fixture release day on Wednesday 5 July when all clubs announce their schedules for the coming season at 1pm.

As previously announced, opening day fixtures will take place on Saturday 5 August with the regular season ending on Saturday 20 April. Festive fixtures will be scheduled for Saturday 23 December and Boxing Day (December 26) – clubs also have fixtures scheduled for New Year’s Day (January 1) but will be permitted to switch to Saturday 30 December if agreed by both clubs.

The Play-Off Eliminator and Semi-Final matches will take place on the same days across all three divisions as per the list below. Wembley Stadium will host the National division Promotion Final on Saturday 4 May – Promotion Finals for the North and South division will be held the next day on Sunday 5 May...

• Fixture Release Day – Wednesday 5 July 2023, 1pm
• Opening Day – Saturday 5 August 2023
• Final Day – Saturday 20 April 2024
• Play-Off Eliminator A (5th v 6th) – Tuesday 23 April 2024
• Play-Eliminator B (4th v 7th) – Wednesday 24 April 2024
• Play-Off Semi-Finals – Sunday 28 April 2024
• National League Promotion Final – Saturday 4 May 2024
• National League North/South Promotion Finals – Sunday 5 May 2024

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Unsworth is relishing the opportunity to work with the 26-year-old again, and believes there is even more to come from the former Blackburn Rovers trainee...

Said the Latics boss 'When he came, he was a recommendation. We did as much homework as we possibly could at the time during the season on Devarn. He came in and took his opportunity...

'I think we've only seen 50-60 per cent of the real Devarn, I can't wait to get my hands on him in pre-season and work with that pace that he's got and get him on the ball more.

'He came in, his performances were good, he scored goals, he created opportunities for everybody else and he was welcomed into the group, which I thought was really good'.

Unsworth, who has this week signed Josh Lundstram from Altrincham and Kurt Willoughby as well as securing new deals for goalkeeper Mat Hudson and Green, added... 'It's like a new signing for me really.'"

Meanwhile at Hartlepool United "Chairman Raj Singh has provided a brief update for supporters on the potential sale of the Club. He commented:

'I listened to the group of supporters that requested the Club be put up for sale at the end of the season. It wasn’t my intention to sell... We’ve had enquiries and... we are collecting expression of interests under non-disclosure agreements and asking for proof of funds.

'I’ve made it clear that a buyer must be somebody who has the right interests and financial backing to securely take the Club forward longer term. Unfortunately there are some time wasters that we have had to filter...

'I wanted to reassure the supporters, players and staff that I will continue to back the Club as originally intended...

'Darren Kelly and John Askey are being fully backed financially and they are making good progress with recruitment targets. They seem confident that they will have assembled the squad they need come the start of the season with focus to immediately bounce back'".

10 June 2023

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 25-year-old takes the Iron into double figures in terms of summer signings...

Right: Ross Barrows didn't need a towel when he took throw-ins for Altrincham.

Born in Sheffield, Barrows was on the Iron’s books previously, spending six years in the academy between the ages of nine and 15...

[He moved] on to Altrincham for the 2022-23 season and started the campaign strongly, featuring in 13 games... before he suffered an injury in mid-November.

A qualified coach, he owns and runs Ross Barrows 22 Coaching, while he also formerly worked for 780 Coaching between 2017 and 2021...

He said 'It’s full circle to me coming back. From a young boy, I dreamed about playing for the first team, so to come back and for it to be a reality, I’m absolutely over the moon.

'16 years ago, I was a nine-year-old signing for the Under-10s. I left the club at 15, but to now come back 10 years later is an unbelievable feeling. I’ve worked in the local area, I’ve played for the academy, coached at local schools and know a lot of people in the area, so I know what this football club means to the fans. To come back here to try and get the club back where it belongs is absolutely huge'".

Elsewhere, the EFL has introduced a rule to forbid the use of towels when taking a throw-in; the Premier League will continue to permit their use however. In its report on this, The Times reminded us that "In 2011 the Premier League was forced to intervene when, during Tony Pulis's days at Stoke City, RYAN SHOTTON wore a red towelling vest under his strip, which he used to dry the ball before launching throw-ins". ..

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

• £500 cash | #126 | Alan Ford
• £75 cash | #368 | Mrs Burke
• £25 cash | #53 | Ruth Gallagher
• Hospitality for Two | #111 | Stan Riley
• Bottle of Alty Gin | #71 | Steve Wilson
• Scarf & Team Photo | #9 | Steve Foster

Congratulations to all the winners!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Sheffield-born midfielder has previously been at Sheffield United, Tranmere Rovers, Stockport County and most recently FC Halifax Town.

'I’ve heard great things from the football club'... said the midfielder after putting pen to paper.

'I’ve had a conversation with the gaffer, he’s told me how he wants to play and how it fitted me and my style of play. From there it was quite quick with how it happened... There’s a very strategic style of play which suits me down to the ground. So, then it was an easy choice really...

'I’m left-footed, I try and play off one-and-two touches, nice and quick and get it to the players who score the most'...

Head Coach Jimmy McNulty added 'First and foremost Harvey is a really good footballer, that I like... He's had a brilliant season with Halifax, playing a full campaign there...

'There were a number of clubs trying to sign Harvey, he was a player we identified early on, and we are delighted to have beaten off the competition to bring him here'...

He was an established member of the squad after featuring 50 times for The Shaymen last season in all competitions".

Another player has left The Shay, as Barrow tell us that they have signed "Kian Spence from FC Halifax Town for an undisclosed fee...

The exciting box to box midfield man joins on a two year deal and reunites with Pete Wild, after he was a part of the Gaffers successful Halifax team in the 2021/22 season...

Spence featured 39 times, scoring 5 goals during the 2021/22 season under Pete Wild's mentorship...

'When I left Halifax I believed he was one of the brightest talents in the National League and after a tough season last year, I believe we can get Kian back to the levels he showed for me.

'He is a creative, athletic central midfielder who can get around the pitch, creating and scoring goals for the team'...

'I obviously worked with Gaffer when he was the manager at Halifax, so I know how his team plays and what he expects from the lads'" added Spence.

But the traffic is not all one-way as Bolton's Burnden Aces reports on an arrival at The Shay as the Trotters' "Adam Senior will join FC Halifax Town on a two-year deal when his contract at Bolton comes to an end on June 30.

Senior, who progressed through the youth system with Wanderers to make seven first-team appearances for his hometown club, featured 20 times during a loan spell with the Shaymen this past season... His last outing under Ian Evatt coming as far back as New Year's Day 2022".

At Southend the club "can confirm that striker Rhys Murphy has left the club following the expiry of his contract and has joined Yeovil Town...

The striker returns to the Glovers where he previously spent a couple of years between 2019-2021 before signing for Blues.

Murphy made 37 appearances in a Southend United shirt in all competitions, scoring 11 goals".

Havant and Waterlooville "welcome the signing of Joe McNerney, following his departure from Woking Football Club.

The experienced central defender, who has made over 300 appearances for the National League side, has signed a two year deal at the club.

McNerney, known for his commanding presence at the back, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the club...

Having spent a significant portion of his career at Woking, McNerney has earned a stellar reputation as a reliable and consistent performer".

TOBY MOVES ON AGAIN

And now Rochdale have announced that "Toby Mullarkey has today [5 June] completed a move to Grimsby Town.

The 27 year-old joins the Mariners for an undisclosed fee.

After Rochdale’s relegation to the National League, the 27-year-old departs the club due to the fact that Grimsby Town triggered a relegation release clause in his contract.

Mullarkey made 12 appearances for Dale, starting 11 of those with one substitute appearance since signing on deadline day in January".

Through injury and a change of managership at Spotland, Toby had not featured much in the final games played by Rochdale in the EFL.

His new club, Grimsby Town "announce our second signing of the summer as defender Toby Mullarkey from Rochdale on a two-year deal following the Mariners triggering a release clause in his contract.

A January signing for his former club, the 27-year-old defender previously played over a hundred matches for Altrincham, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the National League during his time there...

Manager Paul Hurst said 'He’s a very good player in my opinion and is a good size. He can play centre-back but can also play right-back. Certainly, if we went to a three, he can play that outside centre-back extremely well or centrally. He’s comfortable on the ball and is probably a more modern-day centre back because of how good he is on the ball.

'It was no secret that we were close to bringing him in back in January and we were a little frustrated that it didn’t happen but, ultimately, we’ve got him on board now and I’m pleased'".

ACADEMY FOLLOWS IN YOUTH TEAM FOOTSTEPS

Alty set great store by an Academy set-up that is already paying dividends, with several teenage prospects stepping up to senior level and earning the chance to train and play at first-team level, and the club are convinced this latest development can only enhance the likelihood of more youngsters following suit".

Supporters may recall that for a number of years Ericstan Park was the home of the Altrincham FC Youth team managed by George Heslop.

Above: It's 2005 and Alty Youth are seen in action at Ericstan Park in a 2-0 win over Barrow.

Ericstan Park has been upgraded since then and now boasts excellent facilities for the Academy.

YOUTH TEAM TRIALS

To express interest, please email your date of birth, preferred position, current club and team here.

Interest must be expressed before Thursday 15th June 2023".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Cundle rattled home 12 goals in all competitions last season... With seven assists from his wide position, converted to that from a striker role by Dennis Kutrieb in 2021, Cundle’s contribution... was never in doubt.

He passed the 70-game mark for the Fleet during 2022/23 and is one of the longest-serving players under Kutrieb...

Now the former Gillingham and Horsham player will embark on his first National League campaign, having played in League One for the Gills in 2016/17".

According to York Press "York City’s newest recruit Cedric Main feels that the club is the ‘perfect place to be’, after becoming Michael Morton’s second Summer recruit.

Main joins the Minstermen from Vanarama National League North side Blyth Spartans, after accumulating 16 goal contributions last season...

The 25-year-old forward... has admitted he has already begun training ahead of pre-season fixtures...

'It is a beautiful stadium, a good team as well to play against so I’m very pleased'... Main told the club media team... 'I just feel like it is the perfect place to be. I started playing in Holland, I wasn’t born in Holland but I played there almost my whole life. I played there for football with FC Groningen, I played there a couple of years ago and made the decision to go abroad to Spain.

'I played there for a few years and it was a good experience to be there, but now I’m in the UK I am happy that... I ended up here now.

'I would describe myself as a strong player, I’ve got a lot pace, I like to dribble and I like to get fans off of their seats... I’m already ready as I’ve been training for pre-season.”

Main also said on social media 'Blessed. All the glory to Jesus! Can’t wait for the new season'"

The Echo News reports that "Southend United have been charged by the Football Association for surrounding a match official.

The Shrimpers confronted referee Gary Parsons before he showed Wealdstone midfielder Nathan Ferguson a straight red card for his challenge on Cav Miley.

And Blues have now been punished for their actions.

An FA statement confirmed 'It is alleged that in or around the 51st minute of the fixture, Southend United FC failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion'...

Blues have been fined £2,250 for their behaviour and Wealdstone have also been handed the same punishment.

The Shrimpers have now been charged three times for failing to control their players in the same season.

Kevin Maher’s side were fined £2,000 for confronting the match official against Barnet in March having previously been fined £1,800 for clashing with Woking last October".

In a very brief statement, FC Halifax Town "have announced that Jack Senior has joined League Two Club Doncaster Rovers.

The defender made over 100 appearances for the Club and captained us to our second FA Trophy victory."

However, FC Halifax Town "are delighted to make Kane Thompson-Sommers their first new signing of the 2023/24 season.

The midfielder joins the Shaymen having been released by Hereford FC at the end of last season...

Thompson-Sommers began his career in Tottenham Hotspur's academy before making the switch to Birmingham City in 2016... before being loaned out to Woking in August 2021... The young midfielder made a total of 11 appearances and scored once for Woking before returning to Birmingham in December 2021.

At the end of the 2021/22 season, Thompson-Sommers... joined Hereford last August... Over the course of last season, Thompson-Sommers made 34 appearances in all competitions for Herford".

AIMING FOR CONSISTENCY

In the three seasons since 2020, they have twice made a poor start together with a poor finish to their campaigns, earning the majority of their points mid-season.

Coincidentally in those two campaigns they faced a newly promoted side at Moss Lane in the first fixture of each season (Weymouth and Maidstone United), drawing on each occasion. It then took them until game 8 (2020-21) and game 10 (2022-23) to record a first victory.

Right: Whilst Alty could again start the new season against a newly promoted side, as they did in 2022 against Maidstone United (pictured), one sight that won't be repeated in 2023 is the appearance of Josh Lundstram (foreground) and Ryan Colclough in an Alty shirt.

In contrast, season 2021-22 witnessed promotion form in the opening ten fixtures, in which almost two points a game were accrued. But then the team endured a run of just one win in seventeen matches before recovering their form towards the end of the campaign.

So the ideal will be to mirror the 2021-22 season's strong start and finish to the campaign but with a 2022-23 type of successful middle of the campaign!

• 2022-23: DDLDDLLDLW 8pts from first ten fixtures; WLWLDLLDDD 10pts from last ten fixtures
• 2021-22: WLWLWWWLWD 19pts from first ten fixtures; WWDLWWDLDL 15pts from last ten fixtures
• 2020-21: DLDDLLLWWL 9pts from first ten fixtures; LLLLDLLWDD 6pts from last ten fixtures

ALTY'S FIRST CEO APPOINTED

John joins us after emerging as the successful candidate from a field of over 100 applicants... In welcoming him to The J.Davidson Stadium from FC Halifax Town, where he filled a similar role as Commercial Director, Alty Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney (left) outlined the significance of recruiting a proven football administrator to oversee the club's off-field activities...

'It has been apparent for a while now that we really do need a CEO to bring all parts of the club together... We started out with 100 or so applicants and managed to whittle that down to 19 before settling on a shortlist of six and then agreeing that John was the outstanding candidate..

'We had to be sure of getting it right, and we are. In John, we have someone who has built a reputation for commercial expertise in football over the course of 15 years and has more recently enhanced his standing at a similar-sized club to ours with similar challenges...

'We are looking forward to changing the structure of the club and becoming more professional in how we do things off the field... He will bring together all our off-field resources, look at key areas that need improving, such as the matchday experience for everyone attending games, and support the directors in delivering our strategy. There is a lot that needs addressing'...

After a highly-successful two years at The Shay, our new Chief Executive said... 'I am absolutely delighted and very grateful to be given the opportunity'...

John arrived at The Shay to run Halifax's off-field operations in June 2021 after forging a reputation for business and commercial acumen in a seven-year stint at Huddersfield Town that included two years in the Premier League, during which his input helped establish the Terriers as the business hub of the local community".

SHAYMEN SAY GOODBYE

John joined us from Huddersfield Town and has worked extremely hard to secure some very important commercial business and develop various relationships over the last few years. This was especially difficult against the backdrop of Covid. The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks for his dedication, tenacity and professionalism in what is a very challenging role at this level in the football pyramid".

And John Williams has posted his farewell to Halifax on the FC Halifax Town website.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Humphrey-Ewers became more prominent as the season went on. The midfielder spent a brief loan spell with step 3 side North Leigh before returning... and playing a key role in our promotion.... The ex-England U16s' star also played the majority of the Promotion Final...

Humphrey-Ewers said... 'Being involved in Oxford City’s best campaign in history is just incredible. Now we’ve gone up into the National League, we don’t want to just make up the numbers and as a squad we will definitely attack the season'".

However three team-mates are leaving the club as Oxford City tell us that "Charlie Rowan, Joe Iaciofano & Jack Davies will all leave Oxford City after the expiration of their current contracts...

Charlie Rowan joined the club from Ebbsfleet United in 2021 and played roles in helping the club achieve back-to-back play-off campaigns in Vanarama National League South...

Joe Iaciofano also joined the club in 2021... finishing the 21/22 campaign as the club's top scorer with 22 league goals. Injury blighted his [2022-23] season but the striker still played a big part in the campaign...

Jack Davies has returned to parent club MK Dons after his loan-deal expired with the Hoops expired. For a second consecutive season the defender joined the club on a temporary basis from the League One side".

At York City, "Michael Duckworth and Paddy McLaughlin have both committed to the Minstermen for the 2023/24 season.

31-year-old Duckworth, who came through the club’s academy, is about to enter his fourth season as a City player, having re-joined the Minstermen ahead of the 2020/21 campaign from FC Halifax Town... He made 22 appearances last campaign...

Duckworth said 'I’m delighted to extend my contract with my hometown club. I feel really settled here and I love the club and city I grew up in'...

McLaughlin has also agreed to put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the club, heading into his eighth season as a Minsterman, in which he will continue in his dual role as Strength & Conditioning coach.

Like Duckworth, the 32-year-old former Northern Ireland U21 international is also in his second spell with the club, having re-joined the Minstermen in 2019 on loan from Hartlepool United, before making a permanent return to the club later that summer.

McLaughlin made 21 appearances for the club last season...

Mclaughlin said... 'I wanted to stay around, I want to stay here for as long as I possibly can... I’m still fully focused on being a player'".

Also York City confirm "the signing of forward Cedric Main, who will join the club upon the expiry of his contract with Blyth Spartans...

The 25-year-old striker started his senior career in the Netherlands with FC Groningen, before moving to Spain to play for CF La Nucia and Almagro CF.

Main moved over to the UK and signed for FC United of Manchester in January 2021, before moving on to fellow Northern Premier League side South Shields later in the year... He followed manager Graham Fenton to National League North side Blyth Spartans, where he spent the 2022/23 campaign...

An energetic and pacy forward, he is known for pressing with intensity...

'I’m strong, I have a lot of pace,' the forward added on his playing style. 'I like to dribble and like to get the fans off their seats.'"

After signing Alty's Josh Lundstram this week, Oldham Athletic "announce the signing of Kurt Willoughby from Chester on a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season...

Kurt joined Chester last summer, with his 20 league goals helping the Seals to the third in the National League North.

Manager, David Unsworth [said]... 'What we've got is an out and out goalscorer who scores goals for fun, he scores all types of goals and he gets in the box... And he's different from what we've got. We've got two big target men, we've got Reidy who runs in behind, we've now got a goalscorer-poacher that we didn't have last season'...

Willoughby came through the Fleetwood Town Academy, before joining non-league side Clitheroe. His performances at Shawbridge earned him a move to FC United of Manchester... Two years with AFC Fylde were followed by a campaign with York City...

Willoughby joined Chester last summer, and found the net on 27 occasions...

'I like to play on the shoulder, in behind, and I think my finishing is my strongest attribute that comes naturally to me'", said Willoughby.

ALTY'S FIRST CEO APPOINTED

John joins us after emerging as the successful candidate from a field of over 100 applicants... In welcoming him to The J.Davidson Stadium from FC Halifax Town, where he filled a similar role as Commercial Director, Alty Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney (left) outlined the significance of recruiting a proven football administrator to oversee the club's off-field activities...

'It has been apparent for a while now that we really do need a CEO to bring all parts of the club together... We started out with 100 or so applicants and managed to whittle that down to 19 before settling on a shortlist of six and then agreeing that John was the outstanding candidate..

'We had to be sure of getting it right, and we are. In John, we have someone who has built a reputation for commercial expertise in football over the course of 15 years and has more recently enhanced his standing at a similar-sized club to ours with similar challenges...

'We are looking forward to changing the structure of the club and becoming more professional in how we do things off the field... He will bring together all our off-field resources, look at key areas that need improving, such as the matchday experience for everyone attending games, and support the directors in delivering our strategy. There is a lot that needs addressing'...

After a highly-successful two years at The Shay, our new Chief Executive said... 'I am absolutely delighted and very grateful to be given the opportunity'...

John arrived at The Shay to run Halifax's off-field operations in June 2021 after forging a reputation for business and commercial acumen in a seven-year stint at Huddersfield Town that included two years in the Premier League, during which his input helped establish the Terriers as the business hub of the local community".

LUNDSTRAM'S MOVE TO OLDHAM

David Unsworth was happy to get the deal over the line [sayong] 'Josh had a brilliant season and is a player we've been tracking probably since New Year. In one of the early games we had there [Altrincham] he was outstanding, he can play in a two in midfield, he can play in a three, he can play a holding midfielder, he gets on the ball and he's box to box. He's been schooled right coming from Crewe so he can handle the ball when he gets on the half-turn in midfield, which is what I like and what we've been looking for.

'He's what I would call a proper midfielder, he does all aspects of what I would like from midfield. And he's a great lad... As midfielders go in this league and League Two he's right up there, and he's a brilliant age as well for us so it's the perfect signing'...

Josh admitted that he couldn't turn down the opportunity to join a club like Latics. 'I've committed myself for two years and I can't want to get going... When I heard there was interest from such a big club I couldn't wait to get here and get a look at the place...

'I've played in League One before and I want to get back to there and there's no reason why that can't be with Oldham'".

In addition, Oldham Athletic have a video interview with Josh.

Footnote: Altrincham face a busy summer of recruitment as currently just eight outfield players who played any National League games last season remain at the club.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

When Phillips arrived at The Hive, it was stated that "Barnet Football Club is excited to bring Michael Phillips to the club on a permanent basis! Phillips came through the ranks at Crystal Palace with Kian Flanagan and Sam Woods, and plies his trade as a holding midfielder.

The 24-year-old already has two promotions to his name after winning the Vanarama National League South title with Wealdstone in 2020/21 and Maidstone United in 2021/22.

Dean Brennan said 'Michael has a brilliant football brain and that shows from the promotions he has won in his last two seasons'".

Dagenham & Redbridge announce that "Following discussions over the past few weeks the club would like to confirm that Mo Sagaf has decided not to renew his contract which expires at the end of this month.

The midfielder joined Dagenham & Redbridge at the end of January 2021 following his release from EFL side Carlisle United and went on to make over 100 appearances for the Daggers, scoring 4 times.

Daggers manager Ben Strevens said... 'He’s going to be a big loss for us.. He’s a brilliant person as well as footballer'".

Meanwhile, Dorking Wanderers "announce that Academy midfielder Jack Saunders and B team goalkeeper Callum Backhurst have both signed first team deals with the football club...

Jack is the latest player to take the step into the first team picture after coming through the club's Academy system. A versatile central midfielder player with an eye for goal from set pieces, Jack moved across from Welling United's academy last summer...

Goalkeeper Callum also joined Dorking Wanderers last summer after coming through the youth ranks across Surrey at Woking FC... Callum unfortunately suffered a leg injury in mid-September, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign".

Injuries in January and March ended his campaign prematurely. With recovery over the close season well in hand, Tanner’s talents will once again be on show".

Relegated Hartlepool United "announce the signing of goalkeeper Joel Dixon.

Joel joins on a permanent deal, leaving league one side Bolton Wanderers. The 29-year-old comes with a vast amount of experience... Born in Middlesbrough, Dixon began his career with Sunderland and actually had a short loan spell with Pools in 2015...

He played every single game for Barrow in a title-winning national league campaign in 2019/20 and then made 47 appearances for the club in league two the following year, which earned him his move to league one side Bolton Wanderers.

The six foot four shot-stopper has most recently made 24 appearances for Bolton in league one".

But another keeper is leaving Hartlepool United with "the departure of Pat Boyes.

The goalkeeper joins Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee.

Pat joined the club in the summer of 2021 from Grimsby Town and ... went on to make one first team appearance during a pre-season friendly fixture against Hibernian. The young goalkeeper also enjoyed successful loan spells at Pontefract, Liversedge and Stockton Town".

As for outfield players, "The first signing of the summer has arrived as Kieran Burton joins Hartlepool United. The highly rated defender joins after recently leaving Scarborough Athletic.

After two years with Barnsley's development squad, Burton joined Tadcaster Albion in 2021... He left Tadcaster in 2022, joining Scarborough in the National League North".

Ebbsfleet United reveal that "Craig Tanner joins those already revealed in signing new contracts for the 2023/24 National League season.

The midfielder returns to the top tier of non-league from where the Fleet signed him in 2021 after a season and a half at Aldershot Town, though Tanner of course has played higher still with experience in the Scottish Premiership, League One and League Two, while he also made three Championship appearances for boyhood club Reading".

6 June 2023

LUNDSTRAM LEAVES

The 24 year old midfielder joined Alty from Crewe Alexandra on a permanent basis last May... In the end-of-season awards... he was named player of the year in all three categories...

When Oldham met the release clause in his contract, his move to Boundary Park went through for the fee stipulated. The club would like to thank Josh for his contribution during his two spells with Alty.

Though his departure is undoubtedly a blow, the club are delighted with recent progress on the recruitment front and hopeful of being able to announce several experienced and proven new arrivals who will strengthen the squad in key areas by the end of next week".

Footnote: Three of the four departures (Mooney, Colclough, Mullarkey and Lundstram) were sideways moves to other National League clubs, whilst Mullarkey's move to Rochdale nevertheless has ended with him back in the National League next season after Dale were relegated from the EFL.

Lundstram played every minute of Alty's 2022-23 league season and leaves the club after making sixty-six appearances (all starts) in which he scored three times.

In addition to Lundstram's departure, last season's captain and leading scorer Jordan Hulme moved to Radcliffe FC recently. Lundstram deputised for Hulme last season as captain, as did Mullarkey.

James Jones is now, by far, the senior professional at the club in terms of appearances for the Robins. He too, left the club three years ago for Barrow before returning last season.

Until the above-mentioned new signings for 2023-24 are revealed the Altrincham squad comprises just twelve players, two of whom are goalkeepers and a further two of whom made no league appearances last season.

• BAINES, Lewis 38(+1) appearances
• BROCKBANK, Liam 4(+2)
• BYRNE, Oliver 44
• COOPER, Jake 23(+4)
• GERMAN, Owen 1(+1)
• GOULD, Matthew 18
• JONES, Eddy 61(+1)
• JONES, James 154 (+8)
• KOSYLO, Matty 62 (+8)
• LINNEY, Regan 15(+5)
• MARRIOTT, Isaac 52(+3)
• OSBORNE, Elliot 59(+12)

ALTY'S LEAD CUT

Altrincham remain ahead of every other club in terms of experience playing at this level and have also had the most separate periods in the NL level, with five different spells to date.

The Robins have also had the longest continuous period at this level of any of the current National League clubs, an 18-year spell from 1979-97.

However, the promotion of Kidderminster Harriers means that the gap between Alty and the second-longest club at this level is cut to five years.

With the relegation of Maidstone United and Yeovil Town, there are now just four of the original members of the original national division of non-League, the Alliance Premier League, who are at that top level in 2023-24. They are Altrincham, Wealdstone and Barnet, whilst Ebbsfleet United can also claim that honour given their previous existence as Gravesend & Northfleet.

Whilst the Alliance was seen as a step towards facilitating upward movement to the Football League, only Barrow of the original twenty clubs in the Alliance in 1979 operates in the EFL in 2023 and several other clubs have not only been relegated but have also gone into administration and/or been re-formed as phoenix clubs.

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

1. ALTRINCHAM NL 31 years: 1979-97 (18); 1999-2000 (1), 2005-11 (6), 2014-16 (2), 2019-23 (4)
2. KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS NL 28 years: 1983-2000 (17); 2005-16 (11)
3. BARNET NL 23 years: 1979-91 (12), 2001-05 (4), 2013-15 (2), 2018-23 (5)
4. WOKING NL 20 years: 1992-2009 (10), 2012-18 (6), 2019-23 (4)
5. DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE NL 18 years: 1992-96 (4), 2000-07 (7), 2016-23 (7)
6. EBBSFLEET UNITED NL 16 years: 2007-10 (3), 2011-13 (2) 2017-20 (3); as Gravesend & Northfleet 1979-82 (3), 2002-07 (5)
7. ALDERSHOT TOWN NL 15 years: 2003-08 (5), 2013-23 (10)
8. GATESHEAD NL 13 years: 1986-87 (1), 1990-98 (8), 2012-15 (3) 2022-23 (1)
9. WEALDSTONE NL 11 years: 1979-81 (2), 1982-88 (6), 2020-23 (3)
10. YORK CITY NL 10 years: 2004-12 (8), 2016-17 (1) 2022-23 (1)
11. BOREHAM WOOD NL 8 years: 2015-23 (8)
12. BROMLEY NL 8 years: 2015-23 (8)
13. EASTLEIGH NL 8 years: 2015-22 (8)
14. FC HALIFAX TOWN NL 7 years: 2015-23 (8) [Previous defunct Halifax Town FC NL 11 years: 1993-98 (5), 2002-08 (6)]
15. SOLIHULL MOORS NL 7 years: 2016-23 (7)
16. MAIDENHEAD UNITED NL 6 years: 2017-23 (6)
17. CHESTERFIELD NL 5 years: 2018-23 (5)
18. AFC FYLDE NL 5 years: 2017-20 (3)
19. HARTLEPOOL UNITED NL 4 years: 2017-21 (4)
20. SOUTHEND UNITED NL 2 years: 2021-23 (2)
21. DORKING WANDERERS NL 1 year: 2022-23 (1)
22. OLDHAM ATHLETIC NL 1 years: 2022-23 (1)
23. ROCHDALE NL 0 years
24. OXFORD CITY NL 0 years

ALTY OLD BOYS

Right: Carl Piergianni, in a white Altrincham strip (foreground), in action against Grimsby Town.

The 31-year-old made 55 appearances, scoring eight goals, as Steve Evans' side won automatic promotion.

Piergianni, who arrived from Oldham following the 2021-22 season, was named in the League Two team of the season.

The length of his new contract has not been disclosed by Boro".

And Phil Jordan tells us that in the Republic of Ireland, "BARRY BAGGLEY played the full game, and scored the final goal at bottom club Kerry, where Waterford romped to 0-6 victory. CHRIS CONN-CLARKE started, and according to the Waterford Twitter feed set up the third goal, 'driving forward and brilliantly slotting Ryan Coughlan through'. However he was substituted 3 minutes later".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

And this week the Roots Hall saga goes on as Southend United "provide an update on recent club matters.

On the 17th May a winding up petition brought by HMRC was adjourned until 12th July 2023.

As is standard procedure, following the issue of a winding up petition, the Club’s bank account was frozen. In order to enable us to make payments to staff, on 31st May we asked the Court to unfreeze the account. That application was successful and players and first team management were paid their May salaries. However, we have not been able to pay other back of house staff, some of whom are still waiting to be paid March and/or April salaries.

This is obviously an incredibly unsatisfactory position and we are very sorry about the delay in making payments. Our staff have been patient and loyal, all those affected will be rewarded.

By way of an update, at a further hearing earlier today, the Judge ordered that all restrictions on our bank account be lifted. This will enable the business to continue to function pending the takeover.

On 12th July 2023, the winding up petition will be back before the Court. In advance of that date, the Club must pay the petition debt (due to HMRC) and the debt of those supporting the petition, we also need to bring staff salaries up to date.

In relation to that, the Club continue to explore financing options (as it did back in March when a substantial debt to HMRC was paid). In addition, the Club remain in conversation with interested parties who would like to purchase the Club.

In short, the petition debt and sums due to staff must, and will, be paid before 12th July 2023".

Elsewhere, the Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Maidenhead United have finally released their retained list for the forthcoming National League season...

Manager Alan Devonshire will have been delighted to have extended the contracts of Emile Acquah, Charlie Adams, Will De Havilland, Remy Clerima, Temi Eweka, Alan Massey, Shawn McCoulsky and Ashley Nathaniel-George for the 2023/24 campaign, while defender Kevin Lokko recently became the Magpies first signing of the summer.

In addition to this, Zico Asare, Sam Beckwith, Kane Ferdinand, Christian Johnson, Brad Keetch and Reece Smith had already committed their future to the club for the upcoming season.

However, 10 players are set to depart York Road this summer, including both goalkeepers, [former Alty trialist] Dan Gyollai and Alexis Andre Jr. Gyollai has been a reliable presence between the sticks in the past two seasons, but missed the second half of the campaign with an ACL knee injury and would likely have been a major doubt for the start of the campaign anyway.

Last week, a couple of Magpies favourites, Sam Barratt and Ryan Upward announced on social media they'd be leaving the club this summer, with Barratt heading to United's league rivals Barnet and Upward joining Farnborough.

In addition to this Adrian Clifton has left and signed for Dulwich Hamlet... Koby Arthur, Samson Esan and late season signing Bruno Andrade... have also left the club.

Two players fans may be disappointed to see leave are Cole Kpekawa and Dan Sparkes. Both players missed much of last season through injury".

In the Sunderland Echo we learn that "Gateshead have made former Sunderland defender Jordan Hunter their fifth summer signing after his departure from South Shields was confirmed.

The attacking full-back spent the last four seasons at the 1st Cloud Arena, joining the Mariners on loan for the 2019/20 campaign before converting that move into a permanent deal during the following summer...

Gateshead... agreed a two-year deal with the 23-year-old defender...

Hunter’s move to Gateshead will see the 23-year-old follow in the footsteps of winger Stephen Wearne and midfield trio Ed Francis, Callum Whelan and Regan Booty in joining the National League club".

5 June 2023

LEN ROSENFIELD R.I.P.

Latterly he had lived in a care village in Didsbury but, formerly, he resided in Bowdon.

When the club's chairman John Maunders unexpectedly pulled out of Altrincham FC in 1995, he left the club without any debts. His shares were passed to John King for a nominal sum. The voting shares we re-distributed to people who, at that time, were working hard to maintain Altrincham Football Club's future including Gerry Berman, the then Chairman, Len Rosenfield and Graham Heathcote as well as King himself.

Following Maunders's departure, a new Board was formed which included Gerry Berman and Len Rosenfield.

Our condolences are extended to his family and friends.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Jonny Margetts has left Stamford, following the club's transfer to the Southern League, and he has now joined Matlock Town.

Wythenshawe Town have appointed Rory Fallon as their new manager. His CV includes "coaching the youth team at Altrincham" according to the NL Paper.

NW NEWS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Whelan has complete a permanent switch to the National League side, after an impressive loan stint last season. Meanwhile, Booty has made the shock move to the club, despite being heavily linked to Oldham Athletic as well as sides in the EFL...

Whelan is a product of the Manchester United youth setup, before signing for Watford. He then had a brief stint with Oldham Athletic, before signing for Solihull Moors last summer. However, he had a difficult season, before joining Gateshead on loan, where he helped keep the side up.

Meanwhile, Booty has arrived off the back of a strong season with Maidstone, despite their relegation from the National League. He made 42 appearances, scoring seven and assisting a further two...

Both players have arrived at the National League side on free transfers, further strengthening their sides midfield....

Whelan has signed a two-year deal with the football club. Meanwhile, Booty has signed an undisclosed length deal with the football club. Therefore, it remains to be seen, whether he is here for the season or if he’s covered for the 2024/25 campaign too."

The Sheffield Star reports that "Departing Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper, David Stockdale, has already lined up his next move – signing for York City.

A statement from the National League side said... 'The 37-year-old started his senior career with the Minstermen 20 years ago after coming through the club’s academy and making his debut as a 17-year-old against Oxford United.

'Not only will ‘Stocko’ be putting on his gloves between the sticks, but he’ll also be taking on the Head of Recruitment position with the Minstermen...

'It was one of the things I wanted to do, to come back here. I didn’t express that to anybody but my family, but 20 years after I made my debut, to come back and try and help while I can, I’m really pleased.

'I could have stayed just playing in the EFL, but I also wanted to go into that side of it... I’ve been getting experience of it alongside doing my FA courses. So it’s something that I’ll be doing in between helping the gaffer, and basically trying to put in place things for the future of this club.'”

FC Halifax Town"> "have confirmed following negotiations, the following players are now confirmed for the 2023/24 season:

• Millenic Alli, Angelo Cappello, Tom Clarke, Jamie Cooke, Tylor Golden, Rob Harker, Jack Hunter, Jordan Keane, Jamie Stott, Luke Summerfield

We will provide more information as and when we have it.".

4 June 2023

SINGLE-FIGURE CONTRIBUTORS

Right: Maxi Oyedele

No fewer than 25 of the players who were named in an Altrincham National League matchday squad in 2022-23 made fewer than ten league starts for the club.

Nevertheless, eight of these relatively fleeting team members contributed no fewer than 20 of Alty's 68 league goals. All but two of those twenty goals were scored by loanees.

In all, 87 league starts were made by the 25 players listed below. More than half of the 25 (thirteen) were Altrincham players, the rest were loanees.

Those who were Alty employees were Brockbank, Forde, Goodson, Gould, Harrison, Hussain, Jackson, Kaja, Perritt, Pringle, Rodgers-Morris, Roxburgh, Sami(zade).

Players named in a Vanarama National League squad in 2022-23 who made fewer than ten league starts:

1. BENNETT, Aaron 9 (3 league goals)
2. BROCKBANK, Liam 3
3. BURGESS, Luke 0
4. CASHMAN, Danny 4
5. FORDE, Ryan 0
6. GOODSON, Zak 1 (1 league goal)
7. GOULD, Matthew 5
8. GYASI, Michael 1
9. HARRISON, Byron 0
10. HUGILL, Joe 6 (1 league goal)
11. HUSSAIN, Amaar 0
12. JACKSON, Brad 5
13. JENNINGS, Connor 8 (1 league goal)
14. KAJA, Egli 4 (1 league goal)
15. MALONE, Dan 4
16. MEE, Dermot 4
17. NEWBY, Elliot 6 (4 league goals)
18. OYEDELE, Maxi 9 (4 league goals)
19. PERRITT, Harry 7
20. PRINGLE, Ben 3
21. QUITIRNA, Junior 0
22. RODGERS-MORRIS, Harlan 0
23. ROXBURGH, Aidan 0
24. SAMI(ZADE), Alex 0
25. SINCLAIR, Tyrese 8 (5 league goals)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 19-year-old will join The Bees on an initial three-year deal this summer...

Brierley is a product of our successful Academy, having joined the club at the age of seven.

He made his first team debut at the age of 16... in September 2020...

A loan spell at Spennymoor Town followed in the 2021/22 season, before he became a more prominent first team member at the Crown Oil Arena this campaign, making 31 appearances... In total, he made 45 appearances for the club, scoring three goals".

News of three players signing new deals comes from promoted Oxford City who announce that "In a major boost for the Hoops, Humphrey-Ewers has signed a new deal with City after a breakthrough season in the first team...

Humphrey-Ewers became more prominent as the season went on. The midfielder spent a brief loan spell with step 3 side North Leigh before returning... and playing a key role in our promotion".

Also Oxford City confirm that "Tom Harrison has signed a new deal... The centre-half played a key role in the heart of defence this season but frustratingly his campaign was cut short due to injury.

Harrison joined the club in the summer after leaving Gloucester City...

Harrison said... 'Although I was injured after the thirty odd games, I still felt part of the team in the successful campaign'".

In addition, Oxford City also report that "Lewis Miccio has signed a new deal.. The versatile defender signed from step four side Bedford Town in the summer and has slotted into the Hoops squad seamlessly.

Miccio... can play both centrally or as a left-back... The Australian follows Reece Fleet, Josh Ashby & Tom Harrison in committing their future to the club ahead of our maiden season in the National League".

STOCKPORT FRIENDLY FOR ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham fans can gain free entry to home friendlies with their season ticket..

This concludes the announcement of our 2023/24 pre-season fixtures".

So Altrincham will play six pre-season games, as listed below...

• 1 Sat.8.7.23 3pm A Lancaster City
• 2 Sat.15.7.23 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY XI
• 3 Tue.18.7.23 7.45pm A Wythenshawe Town
• 4 Sat.22.7.23 2pm A NEC Nijmegen
• 5 Tue.25.7.23 7.45pm A Macclesfield FC
• 6 Sun.30.7.23 NB 2pm H MANCHESTER UNITED U-21

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Signing a one-year deal, with the Club holding the option of a further year in its favour, Ustabaşi joins the Coasters as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Chorley FC... with the wide man notching 15 goals in the National League North for the Magpies throughout 22/23...

A pacey, exciting, attacking player, Ustabaşi spent several years in Turkey... before making a return to England to sign for Stalybridge Celtic, where he spent two seasons ahead of a loan and then a permanent move to Chorley...

Director of Football Chris Beech said... 'Jonathan, at 29, plays football like he’s 21 with a direct mentality, physicality, and speed, representing no fear when attacking his opponents with and without the ball, often covering the most kilometres and at the highest speeds in a game... attributes that will support our current attacking options, making us quicker overall in transition and harder to predict as a team...

'Jonathan’s honest, humble and ambitious characteristics will help grow many friends here at AFC Fylde and fit right into the hardworking, honest culture we continue to cultivate@".

Dagenham & Redbridge report that "The annual renovations of the pitch have now begun in preparation for the 2023/2024 season.

The first stage included removing the existing surface using a Koro machine.

The next stage saw the surface being scarified with a scarifying machine, which is used to remove any organic matter and thatch build-up that has been accumulated throughout the season... The surface is then cleaned with a vacuum, before being top dressed with sand...

The pitch will next be Verti-Drained before being reseeded over the coming days".

At Barnet "Sam Barratt will join the Club ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The 27 year-old played over 170 games for Maidenhead United across two spells with club, scoring 41 goals.

Barratt started his career at Bracknell Town before moving to Maidenhead in 2014. He would go on to help them achieve promotion to the National League in 2017. After just a single season... Barratt made the jump to League One with Southend United.

Barnet FC manager Dean Brennan said... 'He’s a player we’ve been tracking for a while now. He’s a proven goal scorer in this division and adds quality in an already strong area for us'".

Meanwhile at Ebbsfleet United, "Fleet’s title-winning captain Chris Solly will embark on his fourth season as an Ebbsfleet United player following a new contract with the club this summer.

The experienced 32-year-old, who won the players’ player of the year award in 2021/22, excelled in last season’s Vanarama National League South title triumph...

Solly joined the Fleet in 2020 after departing Charlton Athletic’s Championship campaign earlier that year... [He] had spent 12 seasons at The Valley as a senior player... across more than 300 EFL appearances.

Since joining the Fleet, Solly has switched from his previous full-back position to take up a regular berth in the heart of defence... Solly has also embarked on a coaching role alongside Dennis Kutrieb and Chris Franks in the Fleet setup".

Gateshead have issued their retained list.

Under contract: Tom Allan, Adam Campbell, Marcus D inanga, Lewis Knight, Aaron MArtin, Greg Olley, Louis Storey, Robbie Tinkler.

Agreed New Terms; Wlliot Forbes, Connor Pani, Stephen Wearne

Rejected New twerms: Owen BAiley, Dan Ward

Extension Triggered: Lirak HAsani, Kenton Richardson.

Released: Harrison Clark, Kyle Errington, Dan Jarvis, Lewis Leech

Negotiating: Carl Magnay, James Montgomery and Will Harris.

Relegated Hartlepool United "confirm that Kyle Letheren has left the club by mutual consent.

The goalkeeping coach joined us in the summer of 2022 from Morecambe FC and played a major role in the development of Ben Killip, Jakub Stolarcyk and Pat Boyes

At Kidderminster Harriers "Russ Penn has clinched a new signing with the arrival at Aggborough of striker Kieran Phillips.

The 20 year-old has just finished a fine season with Gloucester City in National League North, bagging 16 goals...

Phillips is a product of the Bristol Rovers Academy... He picked up non-league experience with loan spells at Chippenham, Dorchester and Swindon Supermarine...

Phillips joins Harriers on a two-year deal".

2 June 2023

"WE WILL BE IN THE EFL" SAYS PARKINSON

Left: Phil Parkinson and his assistant, Neil Sorvel, are planning for a future in the EFL.

Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney revealed that "'We tried to bring in a Chief Executive last summer, but it didn't go according to plan. By the end of last season, we decided we really did need a CEO to bring all parts of the club together, and we have budgeted for it.

'We have been through a rigorous process, starting with about 100 applicants and whittling it down to 19, all of whom were interviewed. It then became a shortlist of six, and we are now very close to hiring someone.

'It is a big milestone for us, and we are looking forward to changing the structure of the club and becoming more professional in how we do things off the field'...

Phil Parkinson declared, '[Player] recruitment isn't a problem. It has been a big strength of ours, and we will continue putting the work and hours in to ensure it stays that way. Trust us, every season, we keep churning out players who will get us higher up the table, and we will keep doing that.

'We have already started the recruitment process for next season, and announcements will be made as and when we can. That is all in hand..

'Every season is one of progression, which is so important. We are heading in the right direction, so enjoy the ride we are on. I really hand on heart believe we will reach the Football League in my time as manager of Altrincham. I honestly, truly believe that.

'Managing in the Football League has to be the aspiration for me. If I didn't believe I could do it here, I'd be at Notts County now. But I believe in the process here, and I am not unappreciative of how it has helped me grow.

'For me, it was about can we achieve something special at Altrincham? That means the Football League'".

The full Q&A session, which covered ninety minutes, is viewable here.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The exciting 23-year-old attacker [pictured, right] has put pen to paper at the Deva Stadium on a one-year deal after departing Altrincham at the end of the season.

The Robins paid an undisclosed fee for his services in August 2022 after his 21 goals for Ilkeston Town the previous season...

Manager Calum McIntyre said, 'Zak is a player who was on our radar midway through last season and someone we were keen to bring to the club when he was available this summer.

'He’s a really versatile forward player but is really consistent in that he is a goal scorer'".

Footnote: Goodson was hailed as a bright prospect when he joined Altrincham in late August, 2022, but he spent virtually all of his time out on loan

Injury delayed his Alty debut until October 2022 when he started in the Cheshire Senior Cup at Sandbach, and he scored in that first outing. However, on 28 October 20222 it was announced that Zak was going on loan to Boston United until 27th November. However, in his debut game on 29 October, Zak unfortunately suffered a fractured wrist which curtailed that arrangement.

After recovering he played a crucial role on his comeback as a used substitute in the FA Trophy tie against Wrexham in January 2023. Zak netted the equaliser which led to a shoot-out and he netted his spot-kick in that finale. On 21 January it was announced that Zak had returned to Boston for a further loan. In nine appearances for The Pilgrims he scored once, from the penalty spot.

However, it was announced on 11 March that he had been recalled by Alty and, on 23 March 2023, the Robins confirmed he had gone on a season-long loan to Spennymoor United. However, he returned to play as a used sub on 22 April 2023 against Torquay United when he won and converted an added time penalty to secure a draw.

Although he only made 2(+5) appearances, he scored three times for Altrincham.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

It states, "Since the conclusion of last season, we were delighted to confirm the contract renewals of Mitchel Bergkamp and Ben Krauhaus whilst Callum Reynolds, Louis Dennis and Soul Kader have all had their one-year contract options triggered and extended for 2023/24...

Our retained list is as follows:

Players Currently Under Contract for the 2023/24 Season:

• Byron Webster, Besart Topalloj, Kellen Fisher, Billy Bingham, Mitchel Bergkamp, Jude Arthurs, James Vennings, Marcus Sablier, Corey Whitely, Michael Cheek, Adam Marriott, George Alexander, David Smith, Ben Krauhaus

The following players have had their one-year contract options triggered and will also remain at Hayes Lane:

• Callum Reynolds, Louis Dennis, Soul Kader

The following players have been offered new terms and remain in discussions with the club:

• Omar Sowunmi, Reice Charles-Cook, Harry Forster

The following players have returned to their parent clubs following their loan spell:

• Ryan Stirk, Deji Elerewe, Charley Kendall

The following players have departed Hayes Lane at the expiration of their contracts:

• Cameron Green, Charlie Nicholas, Finlay Lovatt, Tunji Obembe".

According to the Reading Chronicle, "Berkshire cricket captain and former Reading goalkeeper Dan Lincoln has departed National League Dorking Wanderers.

The 28-year-old spent four years coming through the ranks with the Royals, never making a first-team appearance but having four loan spells.

Spending the last decade in the non-league pyramid, he joined Dorking in 2021...

One of the best cricketers this county has produced, Lincoln captains Berkshire and plays for Wargrave in Home Counties Premier Cricket League.

Dorking manager, Marc White, commented 'I've become renowned for not personally liking many goalkeepers over the years (!), but Dan really grew on me. What probably helped was his will to win and professional mindset that he brought to the club, given his cricketing background.

'I don’t think we would have got promoted in 2022 without Dan playing and I also feel like he was a significant contributor with regards to staying in our new division last season'...

Former Reading midfielder Aaron Kuhl also plays for Dorking after leaving Slough Town last season".

The Nottingham Post tells us that Macaulay Langstaff "26, helped fire the Magpies back to the Football League with his record-breaking tally of 42 goals, made all the more remarkable by the fact none came from the spot

Langstaff scooped his latest prize at the Non-League Paper’s National Game Awards, in association with Isuzu...

'I always say that personal accolades are the icing on the cake of team success,' said Langstaff...

Having signed from Gateshead for £50,000 last summer, Langstaff shattered the club record set by Tom Keetley which had stood for 92 years...

'We were probably the underdogs, all the way through the season, everybody expected Wrexham to run away with it'".

IT ALL STARTED AT ALTY FOR ANTHONY TAYLOR

Right: Anthony Taylor pictured at Altrincham FC in 2013 with, then chairman, Grahame Rowley who is now President of the club.

Before the match, UEFA reported that "A season of achievement reaches a satisfying climax for Anthony Taylor on Wednesday when he referees the UEFA Europa League final between Sevilla and Roma in Budapest.

Since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, there has been much to savour in refereeing terms for the 44-year-old English match official from Altrincham... He was a member of the FIFA World Cup team in Qatar in November and December, and also officiated at the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final in Morocco in February.

These follow previous major European assignments as a referee for UEFA: The UEFA Super Cup match between Bayern Munich and Sevilla – also in Budapest – in 2020 and the 2021 UEFA Nations League final between France and Spain in Milan. Two years ago, he was part of the referee team for the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament; in the less recent past, he was also an additional assistant referee (AAR) for the 2014 Super Cup match, 2015 UEFA Europa League final and the UEFA EURO and UEFA Champions League finals in 2016...

It is crystal clear why the former prison officer is enjoying a fulfilling journey as one of the leading referees on this continent and beyond...

'My mother told me to give refereeing a go because she was tired of hearing me complaining about the referee when I was watching my local [current English National League] team Altrincham FC,' the father of two daughters reflects. A course was booked, and that timely advice set Taylor on a challenging pathway through local football and the English non-league set-up...

'You need to understand players’ characteristics, how they behave and what triggers their emotions. You can speak to one player in a way that won’t work with another player. This means that a lot of my focus as a referee is about studying individual players and their characters, especially in pressure situations'" said Taylor.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The experienced central midfielder, 35, who was set to be out of contract this summer, has penned a new one-year deal...

Jones joined the Blues last summer after impressing on trial and his performances led him to becoming a key member of the side which reached the play-off final.

The former Bury and Carlisle United man... made 34 appearances last season in all competitions...

Jones was one of two players to be offered a new contract by Chesterfield this summer along with young goalkeeper Luke Chadwick...

The Blues... made their first summer signing last week in young attacking midfielder Bailey Hobson, 20, from Alfreton Town".

Aldershot Town "were delighted to be able to decrease our Adult Season Ticket prices, [but] due to an increase in our costs, there will be a small inflationary increase in Matchday prices for Adults and Concessions.

Junior prices will be frozen and Under 11s will continue to be FREE...Our earlybird pricing scheme introduced last season will continue throughout the 23/24 season, meaning prices will continue to be cheaper if you buy your tickets in advance. The deadlines will continue to be Thursdays at 9am before a Saturday game and Monday at 9am before a Tuesday game unless stated otherwise.

Prices are as follows:

• Adult £20 early bird £22 otherwise
• Senior (66+) £16 £18
• Young (18-20) £16 £18
• Disbaled £16 £18
• Junior (17 and under) £5 £7
• Under 11 FREE FREE online (£7 in Ticket Office).

Eastleigh "announce the signing of striker, Paul McCallum, following his departure from Dagenham & Redbridge.

McCallum is joining the Spitfires for the second time, having previously made 67 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals between 2017 and 2019.

The striker spent plenty of time on loan from West Ham United between 2012 and 2015 at Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot Town, Torquay United, Hearts, and Portsmouth... followed by a permanent transfer to Leyton Orient where he made 39 appearances...

In 2017, McCallum joined Eastleigh for two successful years in Hampshire, scoring 35 goals in 67 appearances. Solihull Moors would be his next destination... in 201... A short stint at Barnet saw him score four goals in five appearances before he completed a permanent move to Dagenham & Redbridge...

In February 2023, McCallum went on loan to Chesterfield".

Ebbsfleet United confirm "the return of Luke O’Neill for season 2023/24 in the National League.

The defender played a full part in the Fleet’s league-title success after signing from Stevenage last summer, going on to play 45 games...

O’Neill, 31, has previously played at National League level in his youth with Kettering Town and Mansfield Town, but has a wealth of experience from higher up the football ladder, having played in the Championship for Leicester City and Burnley and then League One for the likes of Gillingham, Southend United and AFC Wimbledon.

He has clocked up more than 350 appearances in senior football".

According to the Sunderland Echo, "former Sunderland forward Stephen Wearne has signed a new two-year deal with National League club Gateshead.

The 22-year-old forward joined The Heed last season on a free transfer following his release from League Two club Grimsby Town and went on to impress...

He said... 'After playing here towards the end of last season, there was only one place that I wanted to play my football... I was never really going to look anywhere else, it was always that I wanted to stay at Gateshead'...

Last season, Wearne’s arrival played a key part in a major upturn in form and helped his side move away from the relegation zone to secure a lower mid-table finish".