ALTRINCHAM 2-0 MANCHESTER UNITED XI

Above: Left to right, goalscorer Justin Amaluzor with Dior Angus and Isaac Marriott, celebrating Alty's second goal.

Match report.

NEXT: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Right: Matt Gould replaced Ollie Byrne in goal against Dagenham but had to contend with the setting sun in the opening stages at the J. Davidson Stadium. Byrne's run of 36 consecutive league games was ended by a slight injury.

Dagenham finished last season seven points ahead of Altrincham in seventh place.

The corresponding fixture near the end of last season ended in a 2-2 draw in front of the third lowest home gate of the league season asAltrincham, winless in four outings in the league, added another point to their tally in a game which improved in entertainment value as it progressed.

In the 41st minute, Dagenham took the lead from the penalty spot, their first shot on target in the game. The spot-kick was awarded when Weston, their liveliest player in the first half, got past Eddy Jones. The Alty left=back dragged him down to concede a clear penalty.

Matt Gould, making his first league start since August in place of an injured Ollie Byrne, found his first meaningful action was picking the ball out of his net from Effiong's penalty.

Alty levelled straight after the interval when Harry Perritt's cross from the left evaded Hugill's attempt at a scissor-kick in the centre of the box but ran on to Hulme who netted smartly to make it 1-1 (46 mins).

The Robins then took the lead in a strange fashion. Good build-up play led to Linney turning smartly in the box and being felled for what looked a clear penalty. But in the confusion created by this foul, the ball somehow found its way into the net and was credited to Phipps as an own goal (65 mins).

If that was an unusual goal, Dagenham's equaliser was in a similar vein. Following the award of a Daggers corner which Alty disputed, substitute Saunders hoisted an intended cross from the left touchline some 40 yards from goal but it curled over Gould and into the far corner of his net to make it 2-2 (78 mins).

Both sides did not settle for a draw but there were to be no more goals as the sides shared the points. Results elsewhere ensured that Altrincham would enjoy a fourth successive season in the top flight of non-League football in 2023-24.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 11: TOM JONES

His 2022-23 season was disrupted by an ankle ligament injury which sidelined him for several months.

Over this summer he has been involved in several of the club's pre-season fixtures.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town v Oxford City
• Altrincham v Dagenham & Redbridge
• Barnet v Hartlepool United
• Chesterfield v Dorking Wanderers
• FC Halifax Town v Bromley
• Gateshead v Boreham Wood
• Kidderminster Harriers v Woking
• Maidenhead United v AFC Fylde
• Rochdale v Ebbsfleet United (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Solihull Moors v Eastleigh
• Southend United v Oldham Athletic
• Wealdstone v York City

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Writing on Instagram, Sandat said 'With a heavy heart and due to circumstances it’s time for me to leave SUFC.

'I have had an amazing nine years at the club as I’ve progressively made my way up from the under 9s to making my debut'...

Sandat scored once in 12 first team appearances last season".

ALTRINCHAM 2 MANCHESTER UNITED XI 0

Right Chris Conn-Clarke is congratulated on his goal by Elliot Osborne.

After a fairly even first half, largely devoid of goalmouth action, two second-half goals were gifted to Alty be mis-placed passes by United players.

The first came after 52 minutes. United keeper Mastny, who had a penchant for trying to play the ball out with his feet, again found a team-mate but that player gave the ball to Chris Conn-Clarke. Alty's biggest signing made space before driving the ball home (52 mins).

Nine minutes later another United player gave the ball to Justin Amaluzor, right of goal, and he doubled the lead.

For Alty, of the new players, Jsutin Amaluzor played well, especially in the first half when several United defenders bounced off him owing to his superior strength. There was also a promising cameo from substitute Dior Angus, whilst Lewis Banks showed plenty of energy on the right side of the pitch.

Match report here.

ALTRINCHAM v MANCHESTER UNITED XI

So far Altrincham have won two matches, away at Wythenshawe Town and at Macclesfield FC but have lost four times; against Stockport County (at home) and at Lancaster City, FC United of Manchester and in Holland at NEC Nijmegen.

With the season starting in six days, Altrincham are likely to field something approaching their starting eleven for next Saturday's Vanarama National League fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge. However, injury has meant that little has been seen of new striker Dior Angus, whilst Joey Jones has also been sidelined recently.

Today's clash will afford Moss Lane spectators a chance to see new on-loan keeper Ethan Ross for the first time in an Alty kit, though it is only two weeks since they watched him help his parent club Stockport County defeat Altrincham at the J Davidson Stadium.

Ross made his Altrincham debut in midweek at Macclesfield.

POST-MACCLESFIELD

ALTY OLD BOYS

"Following Altrincham's defeat by NEC Nijmegen last weekend, the opinion was expressed that the almost full strength Dutch side would probably hold their own in our Championship. Support for that view came this afternoon at The Den when Millwall, for whom DUNCAN WATMORE played the first 84 minutes, were beaten 1-2 by Fortuna Sittard. The Dutch side finished immediately behind Nijmegen in the Eredivisie last season by a margin of 3 points.

LUKE WALL (left) opened the scoring for Bala Town, and they went on to win their home friendly against Bootle 3-1.

Goals from SEAN WILLIAMS and TOM HANNIGAN gave Warrington Town victory at Bamber Bridge.

BILLY SASS-DAVIES was an 89th minute substitute for Crewe Alexandra at Barnsley, as they lost 2-1.

Although LUKE WATERFALL played the full game for Grimsby Town as they lost to the only goal at Fleetwood, TOBY MULLARKEY was again missing.

EDEN BAILEY (above, right) was on target in Mossley's 3-0 victory over Coleshill at Seel Park.

ROSS BARROWS replaced REAGAN OGLE for the second half as Scunthorpe United beat Burton Albion 2-1 at Glanford Park.

JONNY MARGETTS scored for Matlock Town, but hosts Sheffield FC won 4-1.

CARL PIERGIANNI scored Stevenage's third goal in a 4-0 home win against Spurs U21.

For the fifth consecutive game, MILES WELCH-HAYES was left on the bench by Livingston as they won their home Scottish League Cup tie against Clyde United 1-0".

FIRST OPPONENTS: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE

Dagenham & Redbridge lost their final pre-season game 0-1 at home to Gillingham...

The first real chance of the match came to the Daggers... It took the League two side just twenty minutes to have their first real chance... which was well saved by Elliot Justham to his right-hand side.. The scores were level at the break with both sides creating nothing more than half chances...

However, just six minutes into the second half, Gillingham took the lead as a dangerous free-kick was crossed in by Max Clark which was initially battered away by Justham but was headed in from close range on the rebound by Shad Ogie...

The Daggers continued to push forward but failed to convert any major chances inside the final third...

The game finished with the League Two side running out one-nil winners in a game which was fairly evenly contested for large periods...

Daggers: Justham (C), Hare, Phipps (Kendall 68'), Eastman, Ling (Ibie 46'), Page, Trialist D, Hessenthaler (Tavares 76'), Rees (Weston 46'), Vincent, Effiong (Blair 79')"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Wood started the match positively with some nice football in and around the Arsenal penalty area... On seventeen minutes Wood took a deserved lead when a lovely flick from Tyrone Marsh picked out Kwesi Appiah who finished well past Noah Cooper in the Gunners' goal...

On twenty-one minutes, Wood doubled their lead. Marsh took advantage of some uncertain Arsenal defending and played in a great cross to Mo Sagaf whose clinical finish went in the far corner of Cooper’s goal.

Arsenal pulled one back on thirty-one minutes when Marcelo Flores cut in from the left-hand side and fired in at Nathan Ashmore’s near post...

It was a good way to end the pre-season fixtures for Luke Garrard’s men. The combination of Marsh and Appiah up front looked threatening and there were some good performances from the likes of Erico Sousa, Sagaf and Tom Whelan. The defence again looked difficult to break some. However, with the big kick off just a week away, Luke Garrard will want to get the injured trio of Angela Balanta, Jack Payne and Ndlovu back as soon as possible.

Team: 1 Nathan Ashmore, 2 Cameron Coxe, 5 Chris Bush, 7 Tom Whelan, 8 Mo Sagaf, 10 Tyrone Marsh (77′ Trialist C), 12 Jamal Fyfield (68′ Stephens), 15 David Agbontohoma, 16 Trialist A (60′ Trialist B), 19 Erico Sousa, 21 Kwesi Appiah (68′ Appiah)".

Maidenhead United have issued a Club Statement, which includes...

"At the RBWM [local council] Cabinet meeting tonight a decision was made by Councillors to renege on the Council’s commitment to make the Braywick Park site available to the Maidenhead United Football Club and the Maidenhead United FC Community Trust for the proposed new stadium and associated community facilities.

It is fair to say we are shocked by both decision and the decision-making process which has been implemented, and the failure of the Council to fulfil its obligations to the Club and Trust. Over the last few weeks, we have been engaged with both officers and members of the Council due to the lack of clarity about the decision process. Despite this engagement and the importance of the decision, we were not even invited to speak at the meeting and yet others were afforded the opportunity, with their statements apparently simply assumed to be true.

There is no doubt that this decision could have long-lasting negative implications for the development and growth of the Club and the Community Trust, including our men’s and women’s teams and our extensive grassroots programmes..

The club’s need for improved stadium facilities has not changed and the truth is that the town’s need for additional astroturf facilities is greater than it was three years because the town’s existing astroturfs are now at capacity. The reality is we now have Maidenhead United teams having to travel to Reading to access astroturf facilities for training. Depressingly, the Council seemingly does not have other plans for additional facilities the town needs, nor has it identified suitable alternative sites or have the capital funding needed to invest in such facilities....

Sadly, this decision will also have implications for the growth and impact of the programmes we deliver through our Community Trust including our wellbeing programmes".

Dorking Wanderers proclaim, "This is your final warning! The clock is ticking and the countdown is nearly over...

On Monday at 7pm we will be officially opening a priority window that will enable fans to buy shares in our unique club and become official part owners of Dorking Wanderers for the first time. But take note: this opportunity is only available to supporters who have registered with our historic 'Rise With Us' campaign.

If you haven't done so, then get cracking or you'll miss this golden chance to get in first. So far, 2,000 loyal fans and followers have registered their interest, but there's one more step to go before you can buy shares and help us continue our meteoric rise.

You must creat an account".

FC Halifax Town "came out 1-0 winners in their penultimate pre-season match.

Town made the trip up the road for their second game of the afternoon, as they faced Curzon Ashton...

In the 18th minute, it was Jamie Stott that broke the deadlock. A corner was swung in from Golden and it was Stott able to rise high enough to head home...

With less than 10 minutes to go, Town almost doubled their lead. Rob Harker’s effort went narrowly wide after meeting Ryan Galvin’s cross.

Town are next in action on Tuesday night as they travel to Radcliffe in the final pre-season game...

FC Halifax Town: Sam Johnson, Jordan Keane, Adam Senior, Jamie Stott, Jack Hunter, Trialist, Millenic Alli, Jamie Cooke, Ryan Galvin, Tylor Golden, Rob Harker. Sub Not Used: Frankie Sinfield".

NEXT: MANCHESTER UNITED

Joe Brayne writes that "A youthful United side will arrive on Sunday off the back of their intense San Diego showdown against Wrexham.

Our trio of United loanees from last season - Joe Hugill, Maxi Oyedele (left) and Sonny Aljofree - all featured in the United States. Sunday will provide a return to familiar territory, with all three players having helped Altrincham compete in the Vanarama National League last season".

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 10: EWAN McGEADY

He joined the Altrincham FC academy in 2021 and then went out on loan to Alsager Town last season, just after his eighteenth birthday.

Ewan made his first-team debut or Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Vauxhall Motors on 31 January 2023 and has been involved in Altrincham's pre-season schedule.

ALTY OLD BOYS AND LOANEES

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Flying to North America for high profile fixtures would appear to make commercial sense...

But as Wrexham returned to the football league after a 15-year absence last season, BBC Sport research showed they also took eight domestic return flights to non-league rivals including Eastleigh, Gateshead and Barnet.

Fourteen of those 16 journeys departed from and returned to Manchester Airport. The shortest flight was just 29 minutes and the average flight time was 43.5 minutes.

Many Premier League clubs choose to fly to domestic games to aid with player recovery around a crowded fixture schedule, but the environmental damage caused by short-haul flights means they have become increasingly controversial in sport in recent years.

The BBC found no evidence of any other clubs flying in the National League last season".

The Maidenhead Advertiser reminds us that "Maidenhead United has been seeking to move from its York Road ground to Braywick Park.

The council’s cabinet has decided it will not give over a key piece of open space in Braywick Park for use by Maidenhead United.

The football club has long held ambitions of moving from its York Road ground to Braywick Park, but the release of council-owned land was stopped in its tracks at a meeting last night (Thursday).

Maidenhead United has said it is 'shocked by both the decision and the decision-making process' and will be taking some time 'to consider our position and next steps'.

The football club approached the council in 2019 about the potential to relocate to the northern part of Braywick Park".

According to All Lincoln "Charley Kendall has joined Dagenham & Redbridge on a season-long loan, the Imps announced...

Since signing for the Imps in January 2022 from Eastbourne Borough, the young forward has been on loan with Sutton United, and Bromley. Although he was successful with Eastbourne, his time with Sutton and Bromley didn’t afford him the game time that City fans had hoped for, leaving him with little chance to prove himself at either levels...

Director of football Jez George [said]... 'Development is rarely linear, and Charley will have learnt a lot about himself and what is required as a centre forward in professional football last season. What Charley now needs is regular football".

28 July 2023

BYRNE GOES OUT ON LOAN

Now, less than a fortnight later, Ross is the first-choice Altrincham keeper and Byrne has departed the Robins on loan. So, when Alty line up on Sunday for their next home friendly, it will be Ross who is keeping goal for Altrincham against a Manchester United XI whilst Byrne prepares for a relegation battle in the Republic of Ireland.

Byrne's departure came in a surprise announcement on Thursday from Altrincham FC press and media officer, John Edwards, that the club's hitherto first-choice goalkeeper "Ollie Byrne [pictured right in pre-season] is heading out on loan after accepting the opportunity to join Cork City in the League of Ireland Premier Division for the next three months".

This move has come since Byrne's "place has come under threat following the arrival of Stockport County keeper Ethan Ross on a season-long loan.

It was felt it would be in Ollie's best interests to get minutes under his belt at a competitive level, and it is hoped he will have benefitted from the experience of an extended spell in the League of Ireland Premier Division when he returns to Alty at the end of their season in November".

Footnote: Ollie Byrne was unveiled as the replacement for the departing established keeper Tony Thompson on 26 June 2022. Although he was born locally and attended Wellington Road school, he joined Alty from Connah's Quay Nomads "for an undisclosed fee".

From 2014-16 Oliver was in the Manchester United youth structure. In November 2017 Byrne arrived at Chorley on loan from Cardiff City's under-23 set-up. He had joined the Welsh club in 2016 after completing his scholarship at Manchester United.

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

In January 2019 he joined Stevenage in EFL2 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers, though he did not make a League appearance for the Borough. After he had been released by Stevenage in July 2019, he spent two months at Atherton Collieries, where he played ten games.

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

His competitive debut for Altrincham was delayed by a lengthy process of international clearance following his move from Wales but he then established hiomself as the regular first-choice keeper for 2022-23, a season in which he made 44 starts.

IRISH WELCOME FOR OLLIE

Byrne said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Cork City FC. I know that this is a massive club with a huge and dedicated fanbase, and I can’t wait to get going. I am looking forward to getting stuck in here and working with the staff and my team mates. We are not where we would like to be in the table at the moment, and we want to start picking up results in our upcoming games.”

City’s sporting director Liam Buckley said "We are very pleased to get Ollie on board for the rest of the season. He will add competition to our squad and I feel he is a very good signing for us. He brings a good bit of experience to the squad and I am looking forward to working with him.”

GERMAN MOVES TO WYTHENSHAWE TOWN

The teenage midfielder made such an impact in Alty's Academy last season that he was awarded a place in the senior squad...

An energetic and composed deep-lying central midfielder, the former Crewe Alexandra Academy youngster made his first-team debut for Alty in their Cheshire Senior Cup win at Sandbach in October last year and was an unused substitute in the final at The J.Davidson Stadium.

He captained Alty's Academy team several times last season".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Defender Seaman only signed a new one-year contract last month... [as there are] three right-backs on the books at Doncaster. The 23-year-old’s loan features a break clause in January.

The Londoner, who came through the youth ranks at West Ham and Bournemouth before joining Rovers in 2020, made 41 appearances in red and white.

Twenty-four of those came last season, when he started 12 of the final 15 games after fighting his way back into the first-team plans. The Real EFL confirms that "York City have completed the signing of midfielder Alex Woodyard from AFC Wimbledon on a two-year deal...

Woodyard would make 123 appearances for the Dons in a three-year stint with the club. During that time, he would also serve as club captain...

The 30-year-old appeared 34 times in League Two last season and was also named as Wimbledon’s Player’s Player of the Year the season prior... Woodyard has previous National League experience to his name with Lincoln City...

The experienced midfielder is York’s 13th signing of the summer...

Woodyard will be one of the most experienced players in the National League. His list of clubs include AFC Wimbledon, Peterborough, Lincoln, Tranmere, Southend, Braintree, Dartford and Concard Rangers...

The 30-year-old is most commonly deployed in the centre of midfield".

MACCLESFIELD FC 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham fielded a strong starting eleven and took a 17th minute lead when Lewis Banks scored at the back post from a George Wilson cross which had evaded Regan Linney in the box.

The Robins made it 2-0 after 65 minutes when Chris Conn-Clarke (right) won a freekick which he took himself. The Irishman took advantage of the keeper's positioning to strike a low shot into the net.

But eleven minutes later Macclesfield's star man, Drummond, turned well near halfway and ran at goal. Debutant Ethan Ross blocked his effort but the rebound was converted by the Macclesfield player (76 mins). However, Altrincham retained their lead to the end in a match whose competitiveness was underlined by five bookings, three of them for Altrincham players.

A surprise substitute was a new trialist, George Burroughs, who played at right-back. The 22 year-old had recently been released by Coventry City where he had been since childhood.

Match report here.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Wrexham won the game 3-1, although it was marred by a controversial clash between United keeper Nathan Bishop and Wrexham's star striker Paul Mullin, who will now miss the start of the season due to a punctured lung".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The National League appreciate the current unsettling time for the supporters of Southend United FC and would like to set out the current position.

Following extensive and positive dialogue, including sight of suitable evidence provided by the Club, appropriate steps are being made by the Club to satisfy the League and secure its participation in the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season.

The Club has now cleared the debts owed to football creditors and as such the League has issued a licence for the Club to participate in the 2023/24 Season.

The Club, who can now move forward to commence the season, are also required to fulfil the following conditions:

a. The Club HMRC debt is to be discharged in full by their next court date, 23 August 2023. It should be noted that this remains a requirement from the League even if the court hearing is further adjourned past the 23 August 2023.

b. In addition, having discharged all outstanding Football Creditors, and all HMRC debt by 23 August 2023, it will be a condition of the license to ensure all new or any Football Creditors debts or HMRC debt are cleared on time to the satisfaction of the League at any point during the 2023-2024 season.

Should the above, set out in a or b not be satisfied, the Club will be subject to an immediate and automatic 10 points deduction. This is in addition to any other action deemed appropriate by the League when considering any new debt.

The League has made it clear to the Club the importance that not only the current debt is settled but the Club operates in a manner that ensures they operate sustainably moving forward".

The Halifax Courier reports that "Town striker Aaron Cosgrave says his move to Halifax feels like a fresh start...

Following a move to AFC Wimbledon, then in League One, he has played for four different clubs over the last two seasons, but is hoping for a more settled spell at The Shay...

He said 'Obviously I'm from down south, Essex... It is a fresh start, to come in and show what I can do'.

Cosgrave was immediately loaned out to National League side Dover after joining Wimbledon in the summer of 2021... He then broke into the Wimbledon first-team...

'But then I got an ankle ligament injury... I'm here now so hopefully I can make my way back up."

Last season saw Cosgrave loaned out to Southend United, where he failed to score in ten games, and then King's Lynn... before being released by Wimbledon...

Cosgrave describes himself as quick, a number nine who can get in-behind defences and a striker who can run at defenders."

Meanhwile, FC Halifax Town have also signed "centre back Jo Cummings following his release from National League North side Boston United.

Cummings began his career in the Sheffield United academy.... [and] made the switch to League One side Charlton Athletic in 2017 and joined the National League North side Guiseley on a one-month loan deal...

The defender joined then League Two side Scunthorpe United in the Summer of 2019. In March 2020, Cummings joined Radcliffe in the Northern Premier League Premier Division on loan for the remainder of the season... The following season, the defender made the switch to Sheffield FC in the Northern Premier League Division One East.

After leaving Sheffield, Cummings joined National League North side Spennymoor Town prior to the start of the 2022/23 campaign, the defender made just five appearances for The Moors before joining Boston United in November 2022. Cummings made 15 appearances for The Pilgrims last season".

Further north in Yorkshire, the York Press tells us that " Yotk City defender Sam Sanders has departed the club on a six-month loan deal to join Truro City.

Manager Michael Morton confirmed at the weekend that Sanders would be leaving York to find first-team football at the level below City, with the 21-year-old also extending his contract...

The 21-year-old joined York in the 2021/22 season on an initial loan deal from Nottingham Forest, before making the move permanent... featuring 20 times in the Vanarama National League after City's return to the fifth tier.

An injury in January meant that Sanders game time was limited, seeing the defender make the move to Vanarama National League North side Boston United on loan".

MACCLESFIELD FC 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

ALTRINCHAM (Red & white stripes) 1. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 3. Eddy Jones, 4. James Jones (c), 5. Jake Cooper, 6. Isaac Marriott, 7. George Wilson, 8. Chris Conn-Clarke, 9. Regan Linney, 10. Matty Kosylo, 11. Justin Amaluzor. Subs: 12. Lewis Baines, 13. Elliot Osborne, 14. George Burroughs, 15. Justin Donawa, 23. Tom Jones, 17. Ewan McGeady, 18. Ollie Byrne, 19. Loui Williams, 20. Matt Gould

Right: Lewis Banks opened the scoring

New signing Ethan Ross started in goal for Alty but Sam Roscoe was a notable absentee from the squad for this match, presumably joining Dior Angus and Joey Jones on the injured list. Liam Brockbank was the other absentee from the first-team squad.

George Burroughs, a trialist centre-half/ right-back from Coventry City, was a surprise inclusion for Alty, on the bench.

MACCLESFIELD FC (Blue) 1. Max Johnstone, 2. Tre Pemberton, 3. Brandon Lee, 4. Lewis Fensome, 5. Laurent Mendy, 6. Luke Murphy, 20. Jon Nolan, 7. Kane Drummond, 9. Tom Peers, 10. Alex Curran, 11. James Berry. Subs: 8. Paul Dawson, 14. Hayden Campbell, 15. James Hardy, 16. Lewis Arnaslam, 17. Sam Grimshaw, 19. Isaac Abankwah

Ex-Robins involved for Macclesfield were Tom Peers, James Berry, Sam Grimshaw, Hayden Campbell and James Hardy.

After Macc had started well, Altrincham enjoyed a better spell and took a 17th minute lead when Lewis Banks scored at the back post after good work from Wilson and Eddy Jones on the left. It remained 0-1 at the interval, when Donawa came on for Kosylo and Osborne replaced Marriott.

Alty doubled their lead when Conn-Clarke was fouled and he himself struck the ball past Johnstone from the freekick (65 mins).

However, the Silkmen responded when Drummond raced up the middle and, despite Ross blocking his first effort, the Macc player converted the rebound to make it 1-2 (76 mins). But Altrincham retained their lead to the final whistle.

NEW ROLE AT ALTRINCHAM

The historic announcement of the club's first-ever Chief Executive Officer was made earlier this month, with John Williams moving over from FC Halifax Town and taking up his duties towards the end of last week.

Now, just a few days on, the club are delighted to extend a warm welcome to another proven, innovative administrator after appointing former Barrow director and CEO Levi Gill to the newly-created position of Process Improvement and Operations Manager.

The aim, in simple terms, is to create a driven, dynamic leadership team capable of identifying and addressing off-field shortcomings and aligning standards with the professionalism shown day-in day-out by Phil, his backroom staff and his squad of players in readiness for the dream of Football League status being realised...

Explaining the appointment, Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney said 'We went full-time on the pitch last summer, and this is a step towards going full-time off it and establishing the same level of professionalism in all aspects of how the club functions.

'There is so much to do, but we've got the right people in place to get on with the job of streamlining, modernising and basically improving everything we do as a club...

'It really is a case of refining all the processes at the club, making sure they are working as they should for a professional outfit'...

Levi said 'I'm incredibly proud and grateful to Altrincham Football Club for the opportunity to take up this key role at what we all hope is a pivotal moment in the club's history. It's been really energising to meet Lawrence and the Board, John Williams and the off-field team, and to feel the collective energy and belief that this is a club moving upwards toward the Football League'".

BEFORE THE GAME: MACCLESFIELD FC v ALTRINCHAM

Tonight's match follows four defeats and one win in the previous five matches in July, games in which four goals have been scored and thirteen conceded.

With Justin Donawa (right) picking up a knock which curtailed his partici[ation in the Nijmengen match, he must be a doubt tonight. But new signing, goalkeeper Ethan Ross, is expected to make his debut.

The results so far:

1. Sat.8.7.23 3pm A Lancaster City 0-1
2. Tue.11.7.23 7.45pm A FC United of Manchester 1-4 (Swales 39)
3. Sat.15.7.23 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY 2-4 (Linney 37, Amaluzor 90)
4. Tue.18.7.23 7.45pm A Wythenshawe Town 1-0 (Donawa 16)
5. Sat.22.7.23 1pm A NEC Nijmegen 0-4

Altrincham's final pre-season test is a home match against a Manchester United XI at the J. Davidson Stadium on Sunday (k.o. 2pm).

INTRODUCING ETHAN ROSS

In fact, the Stockport County loanee has faced Alty for no fewer than four different clubs previously.

Right: Ethan Ross lines up for Worcester City at Moss Lane in February 2017.

He has also played against Alty for Aldershot Town (2020/21 season) and, as recently as this month, he was the second-half keeper as Stockport County faced Alty in a pre-season friendly.

Etha was born in Enfield on 6 March 1997 and came through the youth teams at Arsenal and Cambridge United before joining West Bromwich Albion. As well as his loan to Worcester he also had a spell away from The Hawthorns with Redditch United.

In 2018 he joined Colchester United from where he went on loan to Maidstone United early in 2019.

After leaving Colchester he signed for Lincoln City in summer 2020 before The Imps loaned him to Weymouth in January 2021 where he again faced Altrincham

The summer of 2021 saw him join Stockport County and in spring 2022 he went on loan to Aldershot Town.

He spent the 2022-23 season on loan at York City, where he again faced Alty in the league fixture at Moss Lane. So Ethan has faced Altrincham for five different clubs (Worcester City, Weymouth, Aldershot Town, Stockport County and York City) before signing on loan for The Robins.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 9: OWEN GERMAN

Perhaps the best known is Owen German, a "deep-lying" midfielder, who made his debut for Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup on 11 October 2022 at Sandbach. Despite only being seventeen at that time he had already captained the Altrincham FC Academy side on occasions. He went on to play 33 minutes as a substitute at Vauxhall Motors in a later round of the CSC.

Owen is a product of the Crewe Alexandra youth system, having spent more than a decade at Gresty Road before his release at the age of sixteen. In early 2023 he went on loan at Irlam in the North West Counties League Premier Division. In late April 2023 he was an unused sub for Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup Final at Moss Lane.

Despite not having made a league appearance, his promise was such that he was signed up for the first-team squad for 2023-24.

This summer he has started one match and been a used sub in two more of the first five pre-season games.

ALTY OLD BOYS

After playing every minute of every game for ALTRINCHAM last season, JOSH LUNDSTRAM (left) had to be substituted after only 19 minutes of Oldham Athetic's 1-1 draw at Barrow.

A late BYRON HARRISON strike was not enough to save Nantwich Town from a 2-1 defeat by Warrington Town in a game hosted by Whitchurch Alport.

JORDAN HULME was on target for Radcliffe at his old stamping ground of Ramsbottom. His side won 1-3.

And finally, TOBY MULLARKEY came off during the second half at Grimsby Town as they beat visitors Lincoln City 2-0.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Office workers at Roots Hall had gone three months without picking up their salaries.

But it has now been confirmed payments have been made by the club this afternoon.

It is believed the payment of wages was one of the guidelines set by the National League to ensure the Shrimpers were able to start the season at the beginning of the August."

Altrincham are not the only club this week to sign a goalkeeper on a season-long loan as Wealdstone report that "Goalkeeper Jed Ward has joined the club on a season-long loan from Bristol Rovers...

Ward joins the Stones having spent last season on loan at Hungerford Town in the National League South, where he clocked up 27 appearances before being recalled by Rovers...

Standing at 6 foot 2, the highly rated 20-year old keeper has [six] first team appearances to his name at Rovers and has also spent time out on loan at Swindon Supermarine and Prescot Cables."

Barnsley "announce the acquisition of Andy Dallas on a three-year deal.

The 23-year-old forward joins the Reds as a free agent after his contract expired at Solihull Moors this summer.

Dallas spent the back end of last season on loan at Chesterfield...

Khaled El-Ahmad, Barnsley FC Chief Executive Officer, said 'We are pleased to be able to bring Andrew to Oakwell after beating off competition from several other clubs in the EFL'"/

25 July 2023

ALTY SIGN KEEPER ON LOAN

The giant keeper comes in at an imposing 6ft 5in and will be familiar to Robins fans after he went on as a second-half substitute in County's recent pre-season win at The J.Davidson Stadium...

Further back, towards the end of the 2021-22 season, he appeared at The J.Davidson as Aldershot's on-loan keeper... Agreement has now been reached between the clubs for Ethan to spend the 2023-24 season with Alty, and he will be available for Wednesday evening's pre-season friendly with Macclesfield at Moss Rose...

Born in Enfield, Ethan came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and Cambridge United and had a three-year spell at West Brom before making his EFL breakthrough after joining Colchester United in 2018.

Following a successful loan spell in the National League with Maidstone United, he made his League debut for Colchester...

After a brief spell with Lincoln City, he signed a three-year deal with Stockport in July 2021... who also loaned him out to Aldershot and York City".

ALTY ON TV

The Robins travel to Ross Jenkins' newly-promoted side on Saturday September 30th... As is the custom for Saturday games shown live on TV, the kick-off will be put back from 3pm to 5.30pm...

Here is the full list of games selected for live coverage on TNT Sports 1 in August and September:

• Saturday, August 5 – Rochdale v Ebbsfleet United (5.30pm)
• Saturday, August 12 – Bromley v Barnet (5.30pm)
• Saturday, August 19 – Chesterfield v Oldham Athletic (12.30pm)
• Saturday, August 26 – Hartlepool United v AFC Fylde (5.30pm)
• Monday, August 28 – Eastleigh v Aldershot Town (3pm)
• Saturday, September 2 – Gateshead v Oldham Athletic (5.30pm)
• Saturday, September 9 – Bromley v Maidenhead United (3pm)
• Saturday, September 16 – Kidderminster Harriers v Solihull Moors (5.30pm)
• Saturday, September 23 – Woking v York City (12.30pm) Tuesday, September 26 – Rochdale v Chesterfield (7.45pm)
• Saturday, September 30 – Oxford City v Altrincham (5.30pm)".

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 8: DIOR ANGUS

29 year-old Dior has, however, previously played and scored at Moss Lane as a Solihull Moors player, 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's arrival at Altrincham was announced on 13 June 2023 following his departure from Harrogate Town.

After starting out with Solihull Moors, Dior's early career was marked by 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

JUNIOR ROBINS RE-LAUNCHED

Left and right: Junior Robins schemes have existed previously as these badges show. The one on the left is believed to date from the 1960s

By becoming a Junior Robin, supporters who are under the age of 16 will have the opportunity to meet their favourite first team players at an exclusive event, as well as automatically being entered into the monthly mascot draw, offering a chance to walk out onto the pitch at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Further benefits of the membership include a welcome pack upon purchase, personalised Christmas and Birthday cards from the club, as well as 20% off the Elite Coaching Camps that we run in the school holidays. Our Junior Robins Membership also comes with an official membership badge, allowing our younger fans to become part of the Altrincham Football Club family.

Junior Robins membership costs just £24.99 and makes for the perfect present for all our younger supporters! Sign up now and enjoy all the fantastic rewards and benefits that the new scheme offers!"

WHAT'S IN A NAME, PART 2

Terry observes that players' surnames have often had a more literal meaning, such as...

• Players whose Surnames are also Colours include: Black, Brown, Gray, Green, White and Dunn.
• Players whose Surnames are also Fish-related include: Eales, Gill, Haddock, Chubb, Spratt. McPike, Pike, Scales and Salmon
• Players whose Surnames are also Birds include: Crowe, Drake, Finch, Greygoose, Hawkes, Heron, Partridge, Phoenix, Quayle, Robbins, Skeete
• Players whose Surnames are also Tree related include: Ash, Birch, Beech, Bough, Wood, Almond, Berry, Forrester
• Players whose Surnames are also Animals include: Bunney, Fawns, Griffin, Hart, Lamb, Leech, Lyons, Kidd
• Players whose Surnames are also Titles include: Judge, Knight, King, Dean, Bishop, Lord, Peers, Freeman, Prince, Reeves
• Players whose Surnames are also Trades or Professions include: Cartwright, Cooper, Barber, Baker, Barker, Beedles, Bowler, Butcher, Butler, Carter, Clarke(e), Cook, Cox, Dyer, Fidler, Fletcher, Gardiner, Harper, Hooper, Hunter, Marshall, Mason, Miller, Monks, Lawman, Page, Porter, Potter, Reeves, Shepherd, Skinner, Swain, Taylor, Turner, Wright, Weaver

Right: Jake Cooper is one of Alty's current players in Terry Rowley's lists, above.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

After a youth career in his native France with Saint-Priest, Lyon, and Tours, Mancini's senior career began with Angers II in 2018... Mancini moved to England to join Burnley in 2020.

Most recently, he appeared for Accrington Stanley before taking part in Pools' pre-season clashes... The 22-year-old now links up with John Askey's side permanently and will be in the squad for upcoming matches...

John Askey commented, 'We know he’s got quality and played higher up the division. He’s not just impressed in games but he’s also a good character around the place'".

Eastleigh "announce that Chris Maguire has joined the Spitfires on a permanent deal.

The striker began his career... at Aberdeen where he made 131 appearances between 2005 and 2011.

He went out on loan to Kilmarnock in 2010 and scored four goals in his 14 games at the club.

His next move saw him make a move to Derby County for a short stint, making seven appearances before he went on loan to Portsmouth... He made a permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday where he appeared 79 times... A short loan from Wednesday to Coventry City followed...

In 2015, Maguire moved to Rotherham United and went on loan to Oxford United before his move was made permanent... He left Oxford United for Bury in 2017 where he made 24 appearances for the club before he signed a two-year deal with Sunderland...

[He joined] Lincoln City... before he moved to Ayr United... Maguire has made 18 combined appearances for Scotland and has scored seven times for his country".

Wealdstone 's "management duo of Stuart Maynard and Matt Saunders have both signed new two-year deals with the club.

Maynard stepped into the hotseat in March 2021 following a two-year spell as Assistant Manage...

He appointed Saunders into his old role of Assistant Manager... and the pair haven't looked back, guiding the Stones to three successive improved league positions and the club's highest league position in 36 years after their part-time Stones finished 13th in the National League last season...

Stones boss Maynard said 'We're both absolutely delighted especially after the season we've just had as a club. We said it was a long-term project when we started and we still both see it as that, we still want to keep progressing but this year will be tougher than ever...

And his Assistant Saunders, who played under Maynard at his former club Hemel Hempstead Town and at the Stones echoed the gaffers sentiments...

'When you're a player and you're signing and we're telling you a philosophy then players need to know that we're going to be here to fill out those promises'" he said.

24 June 2023

PARKY'S PERSPECTIVE

DUTCH MASTERS' SELF PORTRAIT

N.E.C. recorded an easy win over Altrincham FC... Nijmegen won 4-0...

N.E.C. took the reins firmly from the first whistle and was lord and master... After only thirteen minutes, Dirk Proper was the celebrated man. A sharply taken corner kick was cleverly tipped over the English goalie and [in]to goal: 1-0. Just under ten minutes later, N.E.C. doubled the lead. A hard cross from left-back Youri Baas was shot into the top corner by Altrincam midfielder Lewis Baines with similar speed.

After the break, coach Rogier Meijer's team continued to run out. In the seventieth minute, Magnus Mattsson was the end of a well-run Nijmegen attack. He simply slotted into the empty goal after a pass from Pedro Marques. The final [score] of the match was for the Portuguese Marques. The striker cleverly turned away from his direct opponent and then shot hard through the underside of the crossbar: 4-0."

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 7: GEORGE WILSON

George, pictured right, had spent 2022-23 playing for Coalville Town.

Before joining Coalville in summer 2022 on a season-long contract, George had played for Loughborough University and for third-tier Swedish club Ljungskile SK.

Born in Todmorden, Yorkshire, George has featured in pre-season as a used substitute in the friendlies at Lancaster City, Wythenshawe Town and NEC Nijmegen.

NEXT: MACCLESFIELD TOWN

This new incarnation of Macclesfield was founded in October 2020 and plays at the Moss Rose ground of their predecessors. That is because in October 2020, the stadium was purchased by Robert Smethurst, the then owner of Stockport Town

Macclesfield FC started out in the North West Counties Premier Division for 2021-22 season and gained promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One West.

Last season, despite sacking manager Danny Whitaker and losing his successor David McNab, they won promotion to the Northern Premier League for 2023-24 under the management of Neil Danns.

Ex-Alty players on their books include Sam Grimshaw, Sam Heathcote, Hayden Campbell, James Berry, James Hardy and Tom Peers.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

"From the post war to the end of last season the number of Joneses who have played for Altrincham is 21. The surname Smith has had 22 representatives whilst Williams has 13, Taylor 12 and Wilson 11.

If we include the pre-war players there have been 33 Joneses and 30 Smiths, 23 Williamses and 15 Wilsons".

There will be more of Terry's data to follow, here, during the coming week...

Above: James Jones, Eddy Jones, Joey Jones and Tom Jones, who have all been assigned first-team squad numbers for 2023-24 season.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"It was a lacklustre performance from Boreham Wood against a well organised Wingate & Finchley side on a wet afternoon at the Maurice Reback Stadium. A first half goal from Ola Williams was enough to give the Isthmian League Premier League side a well-deserved victory...

The hosts took a surprise lead on fifteen minutes when former Boreham Wood player Ola Williams finished well from close range...

Boreham Wood were no better in the second half. Despite a raft of substitutions, they were unable to really trouble the hosts. Erico Sousa was the only shinning light for Boreham Wood all afternoon as he looked full of purpose and constantly stretched the Wingate & Finchley defence...

While results don’t matter during pre-season, it’s the performance that will worry Luke Garrard...

Starting XI: 1 Nathan Ashmore 2 Cameron Coxe (Fyfield 55′) 3 Femi Ilesanmi 5 Chris Bush 6 David Stephens 7 Tom Whelan 8 Mo Sagaf 11 Timmy Abraham 14 Angelo Balanta (Miller 70′) 19 Erico Sousa 21 Kwesi Appiah (Marsh 55′) 13 Gio Clarke 10 Tyrone Marsh 12 Jamal Fyfield 16 Liam Miller 17 Dion Kelly Evans".

At Eastleigh "The Spitfires came back from two goals behind to draw with League Two side Swindon Town in an entertaining pre-season clash at the Silverlake Stadium.

Second half goals from Enzio Boldewijn and substitute Scott Quigley cancelled out strikes from Charlie Austin and Saidou Khan earlier in the game.

Swindon started the game on the front foot... In the 35th minute, Austin converted from the penalty spot after Hepburn-Murphy was brought down in the penalty area...

The visitors added a second goal in the 57th minute, as Khan curled in sweetly from the edge of the box...

Eastleigh reduced the deficit when Quigley headed in from close range with 15 minutes remaining.... Boldewijn fired in the equaliser in the 82nd minute, with a neatly struck effort into the bottom-right hand corner of the net...

Eastleigh: McDonnell, Clampin, Atangana (45), Martin (c), Carter, McCallum (69), Boldewijn, Langston (81), Hodson, Nwabuokei (69), Trialist E (45)

Subs: Taylor (45), Barlow (45), Rutherford (69), Quigley (69), Bragg (81), Stock, Chalwell, Simpson, Hughes".

It is unusual for two clubs from the same division to face each other in pre-season but that is what happened on Saturday, albeit ona neutral venue as FC Haifax Town report that they "drew 0-0 against AFC Fylde at Bamber Bridge Leisure Facilities...

Fylde did put the ball in the net, but the offside flag denied the Vanarama National League new boys the opening goal.

As the first half drew to an end, Aaron Cosgrave was put through on goal, but his effort was tipped wide by the goalkeeper for a corner...

On the hour mark Jordan Keane was replaced by youngster Ted Lavelle as Chris Millington made a number of substitutions during the second half...

Neither side could find a goal in a game which saw both sides make a number of changes in the second half and the game finished level.

Town will play two games next week with a trip to Ashton United on Saturday 12pm kick-off and then make the short trip to Curzon Ashton 3pm kick-off.

Town: Johnson, Senior, Keane (Lavelle), Stott, Hunter (trialist), Hoti, Golden (Harker), Galvin, Oluwabori, Cooke, Cosgrave (Wright). Subs not used: Scott"

NEC NIJMEGEN 4-0 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

ALTY OLD BOYS

RYAN COLCLOUGH scored the third goal as Chesterfield raced into 0-3 lead after only 24 minutes, but hosts Accrington Stanley scored twice later to give a slightly more respectable look to the scoreline.

ALISTAIR SMITH was a second half substitute for Lincoln City at Crewe Alexandra, where they won 1-2.

JOEL SENIOR played the first 57 minutes at Burscough, as Morecambe steamrollered their hosts 1-10.

JONNY MARGETTS netted twice in Matlock Town's 2-5 victory at Skegness Town".

ALTY TRIALIST

He was contracted at Fleetwood Town to the end of 2022-23 season, having joined the Cod Army in February 2021 from Stockport Town.

However, his English career had started at Shrewsbury Town fromn where he joined Mossley in summer 2019. However in October 2019, he was signed on dual registration by New Mills.

Whilst still a student he joined Stockport Town and after trialing for Stockport County, he joined the Academy at Fleetwood Town in summer 2021. He made his debut for the club in the EFL Trophy later that year.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Another Essex club, Dagenham and Redbridge, are altrincham's opponents in their opening game of the forthcoming league season on 5 August.

From Victoria Road, Dagenham & Redbrdge report that manager "Ben Strevens has named Elliot Justham captain for the 2023/24 season.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has been at the club since 2016 and has made over 250 appearances in that time...

'I’d like to say how much of a privilege it is to be able to captain this fantastic football club this season and onwards... This is now my eighth season with the club and I feel now is the right time to take on that responsibility...

'Since coming back it’s clear to see everyone is on the same page, I think the Gaffer has recruited very well and alongside his staff, have laid down how he expects us to play which has been bought into by the whole squad'".

Also at Dagenham & Redbridge "Jake Hessenthaler has become our fifth signing of the summer after the midfielder agreed a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old central midfielder... [has agreed] a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season...

Hessenthaler joins the Daggers with a wealth of experience in the EFL making over 150 appearances for Gillingham. Jake started his career in the youth ranks at Chelsea, before making his way to Gillingham where he spent nine years...

'I’ve played a lot of games now so I’ll bring experience to the younger lads... I enjoy doing the dirty side of the game, which is sometimes rare so you’ll get a hard working [player] and my 100% in performances'", said the player.

Meanwhile, West Ham United report that "Maxwel Cornet and Divin Mubama were on target as West Ham United were held to a 2-2 draw by Dagenham & Redbridge in our latest pre-season match on Saturday afternoon.

Cornet’s and Mubama’s goals twice gave the Hammers... the lead, but Dagenham kept plugging away and earned themselves a draw thanks to Inih Effiong’s first-half strike and Sydney Ibie’s late penalty".

22 July 2023

NEC NIJMEGEN 4-0 ALTRINCHAM

NEC NIJMEGEN (Red & green shirts, black shorts, white socks): 1. Robin Roefs, 28. Bart van Rooij, 17. Bram Nuytinck, 24. Calvin Verdonk, 5. Youri Baas, 20. Lasse Schone (c), 71. Dirk Proper, 11. Magnus Mattsson, 7. Elayis Tavsan, 14. Lars Olden Larsen, 9. Pedro Marques.

Subs: 1. Jesper Cillessen, 31. Rijk Janse, 10. Sontje Hansen, 30. Daan Maas, 33. Roberto Gonzalez, 32. Nils Rosse

ALTRINCHAM (Dark blue shirts and shorts, yellow sash on shirts, yellow socks): 1. Ollie Byrne, 2. Justin Donawa, 3. Eddy Jones, 4. Isaac Marriott, 5. James Jones (c), 6. Lewis Baines, 7. Matty Kosylo, 8. Elliot Osborne, 9. Regan Linney, 11. Chris Conn-Clarke, 16. Sam Roscoe.

Subs: 20. Matt Gould, 17. Lewis Banks, 15. Justin Amaluzor, 14. George Wilson, 21. Jake Cooper.

Nijmegen, fielding a very strong side incorporating several internationals, took a fourteenth-minute lead when Proper's glancing header from a corner looped over Byrne into the net.

Baas and Larsen combined on the left to get past Donawa and the latter's cross was put into the top corner of his own net by Lewis Baines to make it 2-0 (23 mins).

Half time arrived with the score still 2-0 to the hosts.

A poor ball from Conn-Clarke allowed Nijmegen to get forward and Mattsson scored to make it 3-0 (70 mins).

Then, following a freekick for a Banks foul, Nijmegen worked the freekick smartly to Gonzalez who scored a fourth goal off the underside of the bar (83 mins).

JAMES JONES NAMED AS CAPTAIN

Footnote: James Jones is by far the most experienced player in the current squad in terms of appearances for Altrincham. He has made 154 starts plus 8 further games from the bench and has netted 17 times.

He returned to Altrincham last summer after rejecting a contract renewal at Barrow, a club he had joined from The Robins in summer 2020.

James first played for Alty,as a trialist, in July 2017 but, in August, he decided to try his luck elsewhere. However, he returned to sign for Altrincham in time to make his competitive debut on 23 August 2017.

Before joining Altrincham, James had spent three seasons with Welsh Premier club The New Saints, progressing from their Academy to first team. 2018-19 saw him establish himself as the regular partner for Tom Hannigan at the heart of the Altrincham defence.

On his return to Alt in 2022, he started eight of the first nine games of 2022-23 but lost his place to Jake Cooper> However, he soon re-established himself as a regular starter and with the departure of last season's captain, Jordan Hulme, James became the club's senior professional.

BEFORE THE GAME: NEC NIJMEGEN v ALTRINCHAM

The squad flew out to The Netherlands on Friday for the match, which takes place at lower league WVW Weurt's ground, near Nijmegen, in the east of the country near the German border.

Radio Robins is hoping to cover the match, which kicks off at 1pm (BST).

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 6: CHRIS CONN-CLARKE

Still only 21, Chris first joined Altrincham on a one-month loan from Fleetwood Town on 3 February 2022. However, after he had made a promising Altrincham debut, in a no.10 role, on 5 February 2022 against Woking, early in his second game, at King's Lynn, a foul tackle led to his being stretchered off. The extent of the injury meant that his loan was curtailed, as was announced on 15 February 2022.

Left: Chris, as seen in 2021-22 season.

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

Rather than give Chris a chance to compete for a first-team place at Fleetwood, he was loaned out to Waterford, the now jailed owner's club in Ireland, where Chris had a relatively undistinguished and certainly unhappy time.

His third arrival at Altrincham was announced on 16 June 2023 on the termination of his contract at Fleetwood.

His career had 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.

He made his EFL debut for Fleetwood in September 2021 and has played for Northern Ireland's under 17s, 19s and 21s.

So far he has made 33(+1) appearances for Altrincham, games in which he has netted 10 goals.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

• £500 cash | #187 | Pat Butterworth
• £75 cash | #11 | P. & J. Foster
• £25 cash | #367 | M. Burke
• Hospitality for Two | #48 | Bryan Ford
• Bottle of Alty Gin | #188 | D. Clarke
• Scarf & Team Photo | #420 | A. Reddy

Congratulations to all the winners!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A specialist court heard on Friday that the non-league club has existing debts of £2.5 million, about £300,000 of which is owed to football creditors.

The remaining amount is owed to other creditors including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which issued a winding-up petition against Southend over a £275,000 tax debt, and energy supplier Npower.

Judge Mark Mullen approved payments of more than £300,000 at Friday’s hearing, which will allow the club to keep its licence and remain in the National League.

Chairman Ron Martin gave an undertaking to the judge that he would notify the remaining creditors of the payment in order to secure the court’s approval.

He told the court the club was ready to pay £250,000 to its football creditors, and that a further £52,000 has been obtained from the Premier League for academy players.

The payment had to be approved by the court due to the club being insolvent, and the judge said any further prospective payments would also have to be notified to outstanding creditors and approved in the same way".

Earlier Southend's Echo News had reported that "At least five men are working tirelessly together to ensure Blues can survive...

A source close to the group said 'There is a group working collaboratively together to try and make it happen and all of them have the club’s best interests at heart... and have the expertise that can support the rebirth of the football off the pitch and support it on it too...

The group are keeping their identity quiet for now but it is believed to still include representatives from Kimura who spent a considerable amount of time trying to negotiate a deal with under fire Blues chairman Ron Martin this summer".

At Aldershot Town "young defender Maxwell Mullins has signed a new contract with the Shots for the 23/24 season!

Mullins has been impressive during our 23/24 pre-season campaign after gaining experience with a number of loans last season and has even been selected by the Vanarama National League as a ‘one-to-watch‘ this season!

Having progressed through the Aldershot Town Academy... Mullins signed his first Professional deal in May 2022.

Tommy Widdrington said 'He’s got great versatility and he’s played all over the pitch already in his early career, but, he’s been doing a very good job in our backline in pre-season.'”

A well-known face has left Solihull Moors with "the departure of Ryan Boot following the expiration of his contract.

As part of the club’s re-engagement process, Boot declined an offer of new terms made to him. The shot-stopper made 224 appearances for Moors across five years, keeping 69 clean sheets in that time."

At The Hive, Barnet "announce the return of Finley Potter from Sheffield United.

The 19-year-old centre-back rejoins The Bees on loan for the season after a successful loan in our last campaign. Potter made 16 appearances for Barnet in all competitions, scoring two goals...

Prior to his loan at Barnet, he helped guide Sheffield United’s Development Squad to the Premier League U18 Professional Development League title...

Barnet FC manager Dean Brennan said... 'Last season was his first in the professional game, and he was excellent for us'"

It is a blow for Oxford City as they "confirm that striker Klaidi Lolos has left the club in order to join Sky Bet League Two side Crawley Town.

Klaidi joined City from Torquay United in the summer [2022] and played a role in helping the team win promotion to the National League...

The striker scored sixteen goals for the club in all competitions, including a memorable hat-trick at home to Tonbridge Angels.".

The Daily Star reports that "Dunston UTS and Gateshead called off their pre-season friendly after four thugs smashed into the ground in a hearse before driving around the pitch...

Four individuals forced the gates of the stadium open before driving two cars onto the pitch, endangering the lives of both sets of players and fans in attendance.

So shocking was the turn of events on Friday evening, it forced the game to be called off shortly after half-time with the contest sitting at 1-1....

Fans in attendance at Dunston's Wellington Road witnessed sheer carnage as the two cars drove around in circles on the pitch, one of which was a hearse".

A spectator explained that "The referee blows the half-time whistle and the players walk in, then one of the guys tried to open the blue railing around the pitch to get on...

Then the first car comes flying out. There are loads of people around, kids, men, women. It goes flying through the fence onto the pitch, starts doing donuts, then the hearse comes out. Two guys jump out the hearse, jump into the car and reverse their way back out. By this point, the gate is shut and they drive through the closed gate".

Woking "announce the signing of Tunji Akinola.

The versatile defender, 24, joins the Cardinals having impressed in pre-season against Stratford Town and AFC Wimbledon.

Akinola started his career at West Ham United, coming through the academy. He featured 33 times in League Two on loan at Leyton Orient in 2020/21. A permanent move to Partick Thistle followed in the summer of 2021...

Said Manager Darren Sarll... 'To come into this changing room with how established it now is can be tough, but he has earned this chance and opportunity. His physical capabilities and aggression really impressed me'".

21 July 2023

ALTY'S OVERSEAS GAMES

Last season's summer schedule involved crossing the Irish Sea as it incorporated a trip to play against the Isle of Man, a trip that had also been undertaken in 2018. The 2021-22 summer campaign did not go abroad but it went to England's Far East, with a trip to Brightlingsea Regent on the Essex coast.

Another pre-season trip which did involve crossing water was a game at St Francis (Dublin) in 2000, whilst there was also an exotic home game against a Malawi XI in 2002. A planned fixture against the Thailand national team in 2007 was cancelled, however.

Closer to home, and not involving a sea crossing, Greenock Morton visited Moss Lane in summer 2005, whilst there have been several pre-season games against Welsh hosts in the current millennium.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 5: LEWIS BANKS

In today's "Getting To Know You" article feature defender 26 year-old Lewis Banks (right), whose signing was announced on 14 June 2023.

He had ended the 2022-23 campaign up at Arbroath in the Scottish second-tier where he had made 12(+1) league appearances. Prior to that, since early 2019, he had made 118 appearances for Sligo Rovers in the Republic of Ireland and had appeared for them in the European Conference League.

However, Lewis started out at his hometown club of Stoke City where he had played up to under-23 level before leaving to join Stafford Rangers in summer 2018.

So far, Lewis has started three of the four pre-season games for Altrincham.

THE WYTHENSHAWE GAME

The flying winger underlined his match-winning flair with a spectacular long-range effort in the 16th minute...

But Parkinson was mindful of how Donowa missed a chunk of last season through injury at Solihull Moors...

'It was really important for the group that we got a win, just so they know what it feels like,' said the Alty boss. 'I was happy with that, as I was with Justin, who has been a massive positive for us already... but the all-important thing for a player like him, after what he went through last season, is managing him properly and keeping him fit for the majority of the season...

'Against Stockport and again at Wythenshawe Town, there was pace and power from Justin and Justin Amaluzor on the other wing. It suits us to have two wingers who are able to give us that, and I am really happy with the progress we are making'".

Altrincham FC has press and media officer Brian Flynn's interview with manager Phil Parkinson following the win at Wythenhawe Town on Tuesday.

ALTY OLD BOYS

From Oldham Athletic we learn that "Oldham Athletic can confirm that an agreement has been reached for Luke Burgess [right] to leave the club.

Luke joined the club last summer, starting four games and making seven substitute appearances, before finishing the season with a loan at Altrincham".

Footnote: Burgess made 2(+6) appearances for Altrincham during his loan spell. He did not start any National League games, having made all six of his league appearance from the bench.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

O’Keefe has racked up over 250 senior appearances in all four of English football’s top divisions, including two seasons in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

The 32-year-old was most recently at Gillingham where he made over 130 appearances and was Club Captain...

[At] Palace... he was involved in their promotion to the Premier league in 2012/13 before joining Cardiff City two seasons later. The midfielder has also had spells with Blackpool, MK Dons, Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle.

Tommy Widdrington [said]... 'We lost some experience in the middle of the park and I feel that Stuart will certainly add that... I believe we’re becoming a very well balanced group'".

Chesterfield report that "Harley Curtis has agreed to join Chesterfield on a 12-month contract.

The 20-year-old forward, who was a free agent after leaving Ipswich Town, has impressed on trial in pre-season.

Curtis links up with former Ipswich team-mates Armando Dobra and Bailey Clements. He also worked with Kieron Dyer during the coach’s spell as U23 boss at Ipswich".

The Southend Echo reports that "The Kimura Group have been in talks to buy Southend United for most of the summer...

Kimura was founded in 2013 by former Westcliff High School pupil Kristofer Tremaine and is based in London... Kimura’s principal focus is in providing liquidity and working capital to the global commodity markets through a series of private credit strategies...

Ex Southend High School pupil Simon Jackson is chief financial officer and is the son in law of former Blues boss Peter Taylor...

The group had kept quiet concerning their pursuit of the club. But they made their first public statement on Thursday....

'To clarify the current position of Kimura Group, we have reviewed all the available information, and the dialogue that we have had privately with Ron Martin and team, as well as what is now in the public domain.

'We still believe that this is a very attractive asset, and we would like to clarify that we are interested in joining with other interested parties if they deem it appropriate to move forward, but we do not believe that we are the right people to lead this at this time.'"

In the Oldham Tines we learn that "Latics have revealed that losses ran into six figures when the British distributor of Danish brand Hummel, who up until the summer manufactured the club's kit and training wear and effectively ran the club shop, went into administration in November...

Instead, Latics were left with a race against time to not only find a new brand and kit supplier but also three new kits...

The club's head of retail relations, Jimmy Schofield, said... 'The work that's gone in to still have a club shop, and a kit for this season, is incredible... We signed with Puma at the beginning of March...

'Once we'd got the home and away kit sorted with Puma the only choice was an off-the-shelf kit for the third choice because of the timeframe. It was either going to be yellow or the burgundy maroon, and we thought the burgundy maroon has got echoes back to past kits... We've delivered a tangerine and it's what they call a semi-bespoke kit...

'We only got 15 per cent of sales before when Elite ran it. We're now getting 100 per cent', Schofield continued.

'Everything is in-house and is being run fully by Oldham Athletic'", he added.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 4: JUSTIN DONAWA

27 year-old Justin was signed by Altrincham in a move announced on 23 June 2023. Over the summer he had turned down a contract renewal at Solihull Moors, a club that the Bermudan winger had joined early in 2020-21 season. Whilst at Solihull he had faced Alty in 2021, scoring his side's equaliser before they emerged 2-1 winners.

After leaving his native Bermuda, he started his football career in the USA, where 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 where he joined Darlington in the National League North for 2019-20 season. Indeed he played for The Quakers against Altrincham in a 1-1 draw at Moss Lane, in which he was a used substitute.

Justin is a Bermudan football international and has played in World Cup qualifiers for his country. In addition, he is also an accomplished cricketer and athlete.

Justin made his Alty debut against Stockport County and in his second start, at Wythenshawe Town last Tuesday, he scored the only goal of the game.

ALTY GOING DUTCH

The game kicks off at 1pm UK time (2pm in The Netherlands).

The match is not taking place at NEC's own stadium but at nearby lower league club WVW Weurt's ground.

Radio Robins is planning to cover the match, live, on the Radio Alty service.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Oyeleke, 30, came through the Chelsea, QPR, and Brentford youth academies, with Darren Sarll having been his youth team coach at the Bees. Loan spells at Northampton, Aldershot Town and the Cardinals started his senior career before he secured a permanent move to League Two Exeter City in 2015.

The midfielder joined Aldershot Town permanently in 2016, making... a move to League Two Port Vale in 2018... before signing for National League rivals Chesterfield in 2020.

'This coup is purely down to the backing I receive from Drew, John and the Club Board. They have once again entrusted me... and moved ‘off-plan’ to authorise the signing of Emmanuel,' said Manager Darren Sarll...

'In truth, it has been an unexpected one, but his training and pre-season performances have made it impossible for this football club to ignore his presence. It means the midfield has depth now that most Woking fans will not have seen before'... Sarll added."

From FC Halifax Town we leran that "Jesse Debrah has left the club.

The defender made over 60 appearances for the Club and was a pivotal part of the The FA Trophy winning team".

According to the Hartlepool Mail "Hartlepool United have rejected a number of offers for star striker "Hartlepool boss Askey has provided an update on the situation regarding talisman Josh Umerah...

The striker attracted interest from League One in the January transfer window with Burton Albion among those credited with an interest, along with Gillingham in League Two...

Despite being relegated, Umerah’s stock remains high, with Askey having confirmed the club has received offers for the 15-goal striker...

Askey has already brought in two attacking players this summer in Emmanuel Dieseruvwe from FC Halifax Town and Chris Wreh from Southend United...

Askey said 'We need another right-back, a midfield player and a forward, and possibly another wide man, so in total that’s about four or five players to make the squad strong, and then it gives us a balance as well'...

Umerah was left out of Hartlepool’s final two starting line-ups last season and was also missing from Askey’s opening pre-season squad... The striker has not been part of the training camp squad in Scotland with the striker back in the North East as speculation over his future continues to grow".

WYTHENSHAWE TOWN 0-1 ALTRINCHAM

Once again Altrincham used 22 different players during the match.

Match report here

Next up is Altrincham's trip to The Netherlands to face a NEC Nijmegen XI on Saturday (1pm BST).

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 3: JUSTIN AMALUZOR

Justin, who has been assigned the number 11 shirt for the coming season, signed for Altrincham from Aldershot Town for an undisclosed fee in a deal announced on 22 June 2023.

A winger, with explosive pace, Justin started out at Luton Town and, after a brief spell at Dartford, he 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 2022-23 season at Aldershot.

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.

ALTY OLD BOYS

JOEL SENIOR also opened the scoring as Morecambe won 1-3 at Southport.

Two goals from JOSH HANCOCK (right) gave Radcliffe a 0-2 result at Cheadle Town.

Macclesfield won 1-4 at Curzon Ashton, whose former players Tom Peers (2) and Hayden Campbell got on the score sheet. Curzon finished with ten men.

An EDEN BAILEY penalty set Mossley on their way to winning 1-2 at Glossop.

JONNY MARGETTS hit a penalty to complete his hat trick as Matlock Town romped to a 6-1 win over a Notts County XI".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Quigley began his career with Welsh Premier League Side The New Saints... before moving to Blackpool in 2017. While at Bloomfield Road, the striker enjoyed a successful loan spell at Wrexham...

After joining Port Vale and FC Halifax Town on loan, Scott signed for Barrow in 2019 on a three-year deal...

Scott made the move to Stockport County in July 2021... The striker spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Rochdale where he made 26 appearances...

Lee Bradbury, said 'Scott is proven at this level. He’s a good age and has been around some really good times at the level. He’s a leader and a target man'"

Also at Eastleigh comes "the signing of centre-back Ludwig Francillette following his departure from Crawley Town.

Francillette was born in Guadeloupe and played youth team football for Dijon in France until 2018, when he was scouted by Newcastle United... He was released by Newcastle in 2021, and... was signed by Crawley... The 6’4″ defender made 44 senior appearances for the League 2 side...

Lee Bradbury, said 'Ludwig is someone I’ve known since my Crawley days. Straight away he’s an imposing figure, 6’5″, mobile, can play... We’ve wanted a centre-half of his stature for a while'".

The National League "announce the rollout of National League TV to cover Vanarama National League North and National League South division clubs for the new season.

All games not subject to UEFA Article 48 regulation will be streamed exclusively live on National League TV; this means all midweek and any other non-Saturday 3pm games will be permitted on the platform.

Since its full launch on Boxing Day last year, over 117,000 people from 57 countries have tuned in to National League TV, watching over 300 games... The first round of North and South Divisions games to be streamed on NLTV will be on the week of Monday 14 August".

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Maidenhead United have made their fifth signing of the summer following the arrival of winger Jayden Mitchell-Lawson.

The 23-year-old has been a free agent since his departure from Ayr United...

Mitchell-Lawson has had spells playing both north and south of the border and regularly featured for Ayr in the Scottish Championship and Scottish Premiership playoffs last season.

The winger began his youth career at Swindon Town and has gone on to play for the likes of Derby County, Bristol Rovers and Ayr".

Bescot Banter reports that "Former Walsall midfielder Joss Labadie has... signed for local National League side Solihull Moors, on a one-year deal.

Joining the Saddlers from Newport County in the summer of 2021, the midfielder managed forty-one first-team appearances during his debut campaign in WS1, picking up an impressive fourteen bookings along the way.

However, Joss was able to make just five first-team appearances for the Saddlers last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury towards the end of the the 2021/22 campaign".

ISAAC FIT FOR TONIGHT

As noted by Phil Jordan, Isaac may come up against former Altrincham midfielder SAM SHERIDAN tonight. Sam was on the bench for Wythenshawe Town at the weekend. Town's KWAME OSIGWE has also turned out for Altrincham, as an unused sub in a Vanarama National League match at home to Solihull Moors in October 2021. For that game he had been signed as an emergency loan (due to Covid) from Bolton Wanderers. On the Moors side that night was Alty's recent signing Justin Donawa.

In Altrincham's first three friendlies, at least twenty players have been used in each of those matches, with 31 different players getting onto the pitch so far.

Only three players have started all three fixtures; they are Jake Cooper, Sam Roscoe and Elliot Osborne.

NEXT: WYTHENSHAWE TOWN

On Sunday, the Non-League Paper had an article on Wythenshawe Town player Raul Correia who has joined the club recently and who works, outside football, as a male model.

Left: Raul Correia, no.9 in yellow shirt, awaits a corner against Altrincham at Haig Avenue in 2019.

Correia also makes football-related TV adverts as well as modelling clothing and he has also been an extra in Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

In contrast, the player has a degree in Business and Financial Management and worked in a bank.

His life started in Angola, followed by a move to Portugal before his family came to England when he was nine. Spells at Cheadle Heath Nomads, Sheffield FC, Chorley, Trafford and Radcliffe led to a contract at Blackpool in 2017, where he won an EFL promotion medal with the Seasiders.

Loans at Guiseley and York City followed before a move to Barrw. He then played for Mossley, Sputhport and clubs in Wales. At Bala Town he played in the Europa League.

His move to Wythenshawe follows a spell at Stalybridge Celtic.

He has faced Alty previously, scoring for Southport in 2019 as the Sandgrounders beat the Robins in a National League North match at Haig Avenue. Raul also played in the reverse fixture that season at Moss Lane.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU 2: SAM ROSCOE

25 year-old Sam was born in Altrincham and is a cousin and former school-mate of Alty keeper Ollie Byrne.

A 6 foot 5 inch, left-footed defender, Sam joined Alty in June 2023 after leaving Northern Ireland club Linfield. He has been assigned squad number 16 for the coming campaign.

Although he is a local lad, 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.

ALTY OLD BOYS

On putting pen to paper, Harry had this to say: "Over the moon to sign for the club for this season!".

He joins both KENNEDY DIGIE and LEWIS SALMON at The Reds, whose new signings have reached double figures this summer.

Leaving Alfreton over the summer is CONNOR BRANSON, who has joined Farsley Celtic who report that "As well as holding a UEFA A license, Conor is known for his robust defending style and passing range which helps him operate not only as a defender, but a midfielder too.

Director of Football Pav Singh said, 'He is a name that all fans at this level are aware of and undoubtedly would love in their team! He is a strong combative, ball playing midfielder and defender, he has power, composure and a superb array of passing.

Gloucester City "announce the signing of experienced attacker ELLIOTT DURRELL. Durrell, 33, has a vast amount of experience at this level and above, having been instrumental in Macclesfield Town's National League title winning side in 2017/18 and helping Altrincham win promotion from the National League North in 2020".

Durrell said, "I've been in a team before when we had the best part time players, and the full time sides couldn't get close to us. Team spirit is very important at this level and the side that the gaffer has put together has got that in abundance".

ALTY'S OPENING-DAY OPPONENTS

"The Urchins found the winner through ex-Dagger, George Saunders on the half-hour mark...

The strong winds made the ball hold up unpredictably at times which challenged both sets of players...

On the half-hour mark, the deadlock was broken. And who else but George Saunders. A long ball upfield was cleared by Tom Eastman, the clearance fell to Saunders who drilled the ball past Elliot Justham and into the bottom corner...

We made a number of changes in the second-half to keep minutes ticking over for all players. One of those changes was Myles Weston who was deployed at left wing-back...

Hornchurch did see a second goal, however it was ruled out by the linesman for offside...

• First-half XI: Justham, Hare, Ling, Eastman, Johnson, Hill, Trialist D, Rees, Vincent, Ibie, Effiong
• Second-half XI: Strizovic, Ling, Longe-King, Trialist C, Phipps, Weston, Trialist D, Vincent, Trialist B, Ibie, Effiong (Blair 55')

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Goals from five different scorers saw Eastleigh cruise to a 8-0 victory in their second game of pre-season...

In the 7th minute the Spitfires took the lead when a low cross from Nwabuokei met the foot of McCallum who poked it home from close range.

In the 23rd minute... Aidan Barlow.... calmly slotted the ball into Fareham’s net....

Before the half-hour mark, the Spitfires made it three when another cross from Rutherford found the head of McCallum, who scored his second of the game...

Rutherford’s pace down the right-hand side proved a constant threat...

In the 56th minute a corner from Kaya Tshaka met Trialist B at the front post who headed home. Just after the hour mark Eastleigh made it five... In the 67th minute the two trialists combined to make it six...

Just moments later the visitors made it seven and Simpson got his second of the game... 12 minutes from time, Trialist E took the ball around 2 Fareham defenders before rolling the ball past the keeper to round off a superb solo goal to give the Spitfires their eighth of the evening...

Eastleigh (first half): Scott, Clampin, Atangana, Martin, Carter, Taylor, McCallum, Barlow, Langston, Nwabuokei, Rutherford

Eastleigh (second half): Scott, Langston, Trialist B, Trialist D, Trialist C, Tshaka, Simpson, Bragg, Stock, Yang, Trialist E".

At Hartlepool United comes "the signing of central defender Emmanuel Onariase. The West Ham academy graduate joins after recently departing Dagenham & Redbridge.

Onariase... developed into a central defender during his academy days... Upon leaving West Ham, Onarise joined Brentford's development squad. While at Brentford, he spent time on loan with Cheltenham Town before joining Rotherham United on a permanent deal in 2017. Another loan spell at Cheltenham followed, before he joined Dagenham & Redbridge in 2018, initially on loan.

He then spent two years at Scunthorpe between 2020 and 2022, before re-joining Dagenham & Redbridge last season...

John Askey added '[He is] an experienced defender who knows the league very well'...

Manny will join Pools on their pre-season camp in Scotland".

Meanwhile Hartlepool United "confirm the departure of Euan Murray... following the termination of his contract by mutual consent.

The Scotsman signed in the summer of 2022 from Kilmarnock and went on to make 36 appearances for the side".

Also in good form were FC Halifax Town who "were comfortable winners with a 4-0 victory over Farsley Celtic at the Citadel in our second pre-season game.

Goals from Trialist (no 4), two from Aaron Cosgrave and one from Jamie Cooke on a very wet afternoon helped the Shaymen to victory.

The first goal came within the first five minutes [as a]... trialist... curled his shot past Farsley Celtic goalkeeper Harry Allen...

Town that found the second goal on 26 minutes, Golden’s cross was met perfectly by Cosgrave to fire past the keeper... It didn’t take long for the third goal, Galvin’s cross from the left-hand side met by Cooke 10 yards from goal and he headed past the keeper...

Town weren’t finished with the goals in the first half, Cosgrave... fired past Harry Allen for his second goal of the game.

Town boss Chris Millington made three changes at the break...

FC Halifax Town: 1 Sam Johnson (12 Tom Scott 46), Adam Senior (Jordan Keane), Jamie Stott, Trialist (Tom Clarke 46), Jack Hunter, Trialist (Trialist 46), Millenic Alli, Jamie Cooke, Ryan Galvin, Tylor Golden, Aaron Cosgrave

After 60 mins: Tom Scott, Jordan Keane, Tom Clarke, Trialist, Ted Lavelle, Andrew Oluwabori, Angelo Cappello, Rob Harker Trialist, Trialist, Trialist".

The owner of Southend United, Ron Martin, has issued the terms on which he would be willing to sell the club. They are...

• "The parent company will sell its entire shareholding in SUFC (70.6%) for £1.
• Roots Hall stadium £4.5m. This was the purchase price paid 25 years ago.
• We could agree to spread the purchase price of Roots Hall over 3 years with no rent payable in between.
• I am happy to sell the new training ground at cost.
• The money to fund the Club’s debt is not required on day one. The Club assesses the cash required in the short term, including settling HMRC (releasing the embargo), to be about £1m. The balance of debts (around £1.5m) can be spread over a period of time, as we have with many of our creditors.

There has been much misinformation and many inaccurate rumours. I hope this statement clears that up".

17 June 2023

GETTING TO KNOW YOU: JOEY JONES

First up is midfielder Joey Jones, pictured below in Saturday's game against Stockport County.

One of four Joneses now in the Altrincham first-team squad (along with namesakes Eddy, James and Tom), 29 year-old Joey Jones joined Altrincham last month from Solihull Moors. They released him after he had joined the Midlands club from Grimsby Town, where he had been on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge.

After a youth career at league clubs, Joey joined Woking, initially on loan, from Yeovil Town in 2014 before signing on for the Cards. Next, he moved on to Eastleigh in 2018.

In 2019 he moved into the EFL with Salford City

Next, he signed for Dagenham & Redbridge from where he went on loan to Grimsby Town before he joined the Moors, making 19 league appearances for them in 2022-23.

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

PHIL PARKINSON INTERVIEW

NEXT: WYTHENSHAWE TOWN

It is a stadium familiar to Altrincham supporters as the former home for many years of the Altrincham FC Youth team under the managership of the late George Heslop.

The stadium has been developed since then and the club now participates in the NW Counties Premier Division, which is step five in the non-League pyramid.

The club has come on leaps and bounds since finishing bottom of the Manchester League Premier Division as recently as 2013–14, having won just once during that season.

The following season they were transformed, remaining unbeaten throughout their campaign in the Cheshire League's Division Two. They went on to win Division One title the following season (2015-16), to reach the Premier Division.

They transferred to the NW Counties Division One South in 2018 and in the Covid-curtailed season of 2020-21 they won promotion to their current level.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The forward, who turns 21 during the new season, struck 25 goals in the Isthmian Premier in 2022/23... The season before that, he fired 11 more aged just 17 after stepping up from Lincoln City’s academy, a total of 36 goals in his last 50 starts at senior level...

The Fleet’s latest signing came through youth systems at Chelsea and Brighton before settling up north with Lincoln. He moved to Bognor Regis Town in 2021...

Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb said... 'He’s an interesting signing for us now and for the future and one to develop in the right direction'".

There is less happy news off the field as Kent Online tells us that "Ebbsfleet United chief executive Damian Irvine insists the club’s long-term financial strategy remains unchanged despite a 'disappointing' set of financial figures.

The Fleet’s recently released financial figures, for the year ending May 30, 2022, show that once interest, depreciation and amortisation are taken into account, the loss before taxation was £1,790,700. The previous 12 months saw a loss of £1,321,818, so the figures go against Irvine’s hopes of year-on-year reductions in the club’s losses...

They also have ambitious plans to redevelop their Stonebridge Road home and surrounding area which will vastly change the club’s financial outlook...

Said Irvine... 'The strategy remains the same and continues to be successful in overall reducing losses... We continue to rely on Dr Abdulla and his family...

'Our property plans and strategy are designed to negate that reliance totally'...

The big difference was in the club’s staffing levels which saw the average number of persons employed by the company during the year increase to 50 from 36 in the previous 12 months. That meant wages and salaries increased from £1,111,803 to £1,489,556.

The club’s total losses now exceed £18 million while loans due now total just over £5 million".

In the Hartlepool Mail "Hartlepool's chairman announced... in April that he would seek a new owner at the Suit Direct Stadium with supporters having made their feelings known over the current ownership...

Singh said '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 and, as such, we have been working hard to pull the required information together at relatively short notice.

'We’ve had enquiries and we are gradually working through these... Unfortunately there are some time wasters that we have had to filter... As yet we have not reached the stage where certified proof of funds have been provided to a level that the club needs to operate... <> 'Admittedly, there were a lot of mistakes made by a lot of people last year and we are desperately determined to put that right...

'At this point in time, there is only one prospective purchaser that we are in dialogue with. As much as we are hopeful, I’m not holding my breath on that deal either until we see some hard cash being deposited with their own solicitors'".

ALTRINCHAM v STOCKPORT COUNTY

Once again Altrincham used twenty players, whilst the visitors deployed twenty-two!

Phil Parkinson started with eleven of the first-team squad but by the end of the game, just three remained on the pitch.

However, the manager's options were reduced as Altrincham were without Dior Angus, Isaac Marriott and James Jones who were all seated in the directors' box, presumably injured. Also missing from the players allocated squad numbers were Liam Brockbank and academy graduate Loui Williams.

Above: Regan Linney, far right, nets Altrincham's first goal.

Match report here

ALTY OLD BOYS

BYRON HARRISON scored the winner for Nantwich Town as they ran out 1-2 winners at Whitchurch Alport".

.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Our York Road ground requires the investment of millions of pounds to improve both the spectator and wider stadium facilities. The reality is that such improvements are not possible to deliver due to the size and access limitations of the site. The inference from Mr. Bough that this is our fault because we have not invested in our facilities over recent years is simply not true. We have spent over £1 million at York Road over the last 10 years including the construction of a new stand, new terracing, new turnstiles, new toilet and catering facilities, and pitch improvements...

'We do not have access to the many millions required for these new and improved facilities... The only realistic option to raise funding for capital investment in football facilities in Maidenhead is through the sale of our York Road ground... The suggestion that the driving force behind our relocation proposals is to enable me to pull away from the club is simply preposterous...

'Mr. Bough’s suggestion that the club is wealthy and has adopted a perilous approach to spending on players, whilst provocative, has no basis and is simply disingenuous and designed to grab headlines.

'We do pay our men’s first-team players, as you would expect given we are playing in a professional league where most clubs are full-time. We have always operated within our means in this regard and our playing budget is fully covered by the income generated from match days and related commercial income. Each season we spend more money on our community programmes and infrastructure than we do on players.

'We already have a legal agreement in place with the council, which will enable the club to acquire the lease on Braywick should we achieve planning consent. The value we have agreed to pay for the site was determined following an independent valuation commissioned by the council...

'I am immensely proud of how Maidenhead United Football Club has grown over the last ten years and the impact we have across our community. It is not run for private commercial benefit and as Chairman, my absolute responsibility is to ensure future generations of Maidonians have a football club and ground to enjoy. Our plans to achieve this are underpinned by our proposals to relocate to a new community sports hub and stadium at Braywick Park which will not only incorporate a range of football and wellbeing related facilities but a state-of-the-art new athletics facility and astroturf facilities available for use by Maidenhead Rugby Club.

'Peter Griffin, Chairman, Maidenhead United FC

Barnet "announce the signing of goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore who penned a 4 year deal with the Club.

Up until the end of last season, Gillmore rose up through the academy system at Millwall as part of the Under 18 and Under 21 sides at the New Den. He also spent time in Chelsea’s Academy setup earlier in his career, and joined up with the Lions in 2019, signing his first professional deal in the summer of 2021.

'Jordan is an impressive young keeper with plenty of good attributes. I really like his attitude and his willingness to learn'".

AFC Fylde "announce the signing of attacking defender Owen Evans following his departure from Gloucester City.

The versatile left-sided player arrives at Mill Farm on a one-year deal, with the option of an extra year being held in the Club’s favour.

Owen, an explosive, young addition to the Coasters ranks, spent several years with Swansea City... From Swansea to Salford, Evans joined the Ammies’ U21s side in 2019 before a switch to Merthyr Town after two years at the Peninsula Stadium.

After one season back home in Wales with Merthyr, Gloucester sealed the signature of the 22-year-old and utilised him in 43 National League North fixtures...

Owen... becomes the fifth signing of the summer behind Theo Richardson, Kieran Glynn, Jon Ustabasi and Gold Omotayo...

Director of Football, Chris Beech, said... 'At 22, he fits perfectly to compliment the more experienced left-footed players we have and gives the squad more options...

'Regarding the squad and its formation for the 23/24 season, breaking it up into four categories regarding age and its potential capability to score goals, attacking at pace, building possession, and of course, keeping goals out; they are all vital components. What’s pleasing is most of our players sit within their considered peak years of 24-30 years of age...

'Owen has a real attacking mindset with great crossing techniques mixed in with a robust physicality. He likes not only to attack but also to recover and regain the ball. He also has a great personality, which I’m sure will serve him well, a feisty element that you can see in his recovery runs, and a real tenacity in 1v1 situations, both attacking and defending.'"

Solihull Moors "confirm that Joel Shambrook has joined Stourbridge FC on a three month loan. Shambrook moves to the Southern League Central side on a three month loan deal ahead of the new season.

The defender has featured on the bench for Moors on multiple occasions last season after impressing the coaching staff at Moors... being handed a first-team debut against Barnet in the FA Trophy last season. The youngster' stock continues to rises, playing 45 minutes against Birmingham City in Moors' first pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The teenager enjoyed an invaluable spell with Studley FC last season, playing 20 times for the Bees. Shambrook takes the step up to the seventh tier of English football to further develop his abilities".

As rumoured York City have outbid EFL clubs to secure "the signing of 26-year-old striker Dipo Akinyemi from Ayr United for an undisclosed fee.

The 6ft 0in forward has been linked with many clubs in the EFL after an impressive season in Scotland, which saw him pick up the cinch Championship Player of the Season award.

The 26-year-old started his senior career at Potters Bar Town, debuting as a 17-year-old, before joining professional club Stevenage a couple of months later.

London-born Akinyemi joined Dulwich Hamlet... Via short spells with Cheshunt and Braintree Town, the frontman joined Welling United... and he completed his move to Scottish Championship Ayr United ahead of 2022/23, where... in all competitions, he made 45 appearances and scored 24 goals, also assisting 11 times, with 20 goals and 8 assists coming in the SPFL Championship. This made Akinyemi the top goalscorer in the Championship, winning the league’s Player of the Month award twice before being named Player of the Season at the end of the campaign...

Akinyemi said...'There’s a lot of ambition in the club at the moment with the new owner coming in'".

At Rochdle "When Louie Moulden puts on a Dale shirt for his competitive debut, he will join an incredibly rare footballing statistic.

The goalkeeper, on loan from Wolves, will become the third generation of Mouldens to represent Dale. Both his father and grandfather have played for the club before.

Father Paul featured for Dale in the 1995/96 season. He was once included in the Guinness World Record Books for scoring a phenomenal 340 goals in one season with Bolton Lads Club. Manchester City snapped him up as a youngster and he was their top scorer as they achieved promotion to Division One in 1989...

Grandfather Tony joined Dale in 1962 following a spell at Bury, but after just five games for the club as a stand-in for leading scorer Ron Cairns, was sold to Peterborough in October of that year...

Louie Moulden could be in-line for his Dale debut on the opening day of the season against Ebbsfleet United".

15 July 2023

ALTRINCHAM 2-4 STOCKPORT COUNTY

Right: Justin Amaluzor celebrates his goal.

Alty took a 37th minute lead when Eddy Jones's low cross to the back post was converted by Regan Linney.

Disaster struck twice inside five minutes early in the second half. First Cooper slipped as a cross came in and the ball fell for Sarcevic to score easily from close range (53 mins).

Then a speculative 35 yarder from Camps went through Ollie Byrne's hands to make it 1-2 (57 mins).

Stockport then dominated the remainder of the game. New signing Powell made it 3-1 when he was put clear in the box and he chipped the ball over the advancing Gould (74 mins). Then a close-range bullet-header by former Torquay man Lemonheigh-Evans converted a cross to make it 1-4.

However, Alty sub Justin Amaluzor, who had been largely starved of service, scored a fine goal from 25 yards looping the ball over the keeper in the 90th minute, rendering the final score 2-4.

Report to follow

TODAY'S OPPONENTS: STOCKPORT COUNTY

Stockport, for their part, secured a 1-1 draw at home to League One Lincoln City last Friday in their pre-season programme. They have signed four new players this summer, the latest of whom was revealed last week.

That was when Stockport County announced "the signing of former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Jordan Smith, on a one-year-deal.

Jordan joins County after leaving Premier League Forest in the summer, bringing to an end a 22-year association with the club having been there since the age of seven.

The 28-year-old enjoyed productive loan spells with Ilkeston and Nuneaton Town as a youngster, before making his professional debut for Forest in February 2017...

Although his game time at the City Ground became more limited in recent seasons, he remained an important part of the club’s goalkeeping squad as they secured promotion to the Premier League in 2022."

The three earlier arrivals at Edgeley Park this summer were all free transfers in the shape of playmaker Nick Powell from Stoke City, defender Ibou Touray from Salford City and forward Billy Chadwick from Hull City.

County's squad as listed on their website comprises:

• Goalkeepers: Jordan Smith, Bobby Jones, Ethan Ross, Ben Hinchliffe
• Defenders: Ibou Touray, Kyle Knoyle, Neill Byrne, Fraser Horsfall, Akil Wright, Ethan Pye, Ryan Rydel, Macaulay Southam-Hales
• Midfielders: Callum Camps, Ashton Mee, Connor Evans, Myles Hippolyte, Antoni Sarcevic, Will Collar, Ryan Croasdale
• Forwards: Billy Chadwick, Nick Powell, Jack stretton, Isaac Olaofe, Kyle Wootton, Ollie Crankshaw, Scott Quigley, Paddy Madden

Familiar faces in the Stockport coaching staff are James Jennings and Richard Landon who both enjoyed spells at Altrincham during their playing careers.

CO-CHAIRMAN'S REVIEW

We have been busy over the summer, and you will see a few changes to The J Davidson Stadium. The team of volunteers have woven their magic again and the ground is spruced up from turnstiles to terraces.

The new tarmac in front of the Golf Road End makes a huge difference in my view and acts as a beacon like a shining path towards the Fan Zone.

The Fan Zone is now finally taking shape in a way that reflects the vision we had for it initially, almost unrecognisable and bigger than ever before. The segregation barriers are being replaced and upgraded; you will see some difference tomorrow and more improvement before the start of the season.

Off the field, too, there have been changes. Nigel Bunce, multiple times winner of Clubman of the Year and our former COVID Officer, has stepped back from Ground Safety Officer.

His efforts on behalf of the club over the last few years have been extraordinary. Our promotion during COVID season would not have happened without his putting in place the necessary protocols, and again he rose to the task when we reintroduced fans for the last three home games of the 21-22 season.

He has overseen our safety operations from an average crowd of around 800 to successfully managing capacity crowds at The J. Davidson Stadium last season. I am delighted to say Nigel has joined the board of the Altrincham FC Community Company, and he will, of course, continue to watch Alty home and away.

We welcome to the club Michael Heath as Ground Safety Officer and Dave Cardall as Deputy GSO and Chief Steward. Michael joins us from Stockport County and Dave from Oldham Roughyeds RLFC".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Kwesi began his career at Ebbsfleet United... before signing with Peterborough United in 2008. Whilst at the Posh, Kwesi enjoyed various loan spells with Weymouth, Kettering Town and Thurrock, before joining Brackley Town permanently in 2010...

He was picked up by Crystal Palace in 2012 after scoring 35 goals in 34 total appearances for Margate.

Appiah continued to have loan spells throughout the EFL and National League at clubs such as Aldershot Town, Yeovil Town, Cambridge United, Notts County, AFC Wimbledon and Reading, before signing for AFC Wimbledon on a permanent basis in 2017.

Kwesi spent three years at Kingsmeadow with the Dons... before joining Crawley in 2021... Kwesi spent the majority of last season on loan at League Two side Colchester United. The forward’s season was limited by injury however his goals-to-game ratio was impressive, scoring on ten occasions in 17 games...

Manager Luke Garrard commented... 'He is someone that I have admired for some time, he will bolster what we have in the forward areas and bring a much needed experience to the grou'".

According to the Real EFL EFL club "Gillingham have been dealt a transfer blow as Ayr United forward Dipo Akinyemi is closing in on a move to National League side York City, according to the Daily Record.

The 26-year-old is set to undergo a medical with the National League side, before completing a club-record switch to the LNER Stadium.

The striker began his career in English football with Stevenage, as well as enjoying a series of non-League loans with the likes of Aldershot Town, St. Albans City and Dulwich Hamlet, before joining the latter on a permanent deal in 2018.

He continued in non-League football with the likes of Cheshunt, Braintree and Welling United, before joining Scottish side Ayr United last summer".

The Oxford Mail reports that "Oxford City have made their third signing of the summer with the addition of long-term target Pierre Fonkeu.

The 26 year-old forward joins from Vanarama National League South side Dartford...

Fonkeu was born in Belgium and came through the youth system at Club Brugge, before joining Norwich City on a two-year deal in 2017.

He left the Canaries without making a first team appearance, and moved to French club Lens, before joining Bulgarian side Beroe.

Fonkeu then signed for Weymouth in January 2021 after a move to Sky Bet League Two outfit Grimsby Town fell through.

He then joined Hemel Hempstead Town, where his form earned him a move to Dartford...

The attacker follows goalkeeper Chris Haigh and full back Tafari Moore through the door at City this summer.

Haigh rejoined the club on a season-long loan from Ebbsfleet United, while Moore signed from St Albans".

No day is complete at present without reports of more turmoil at Roots Hall as the Southend Echo confirms that "Southend United's pre-season clash at Billericay Town has been cancelled as the Shrimpers are 'unable to fulfil a matchday squad'...

The Shrimpers confirmed "that tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Billericay Town has been cancelled.

'Due to some injuries to contracted players, we are unable to fulfil a matchday squad.

'We apologise for the inconvenience caused.'

Blues also called off their pre-season friendly at Canvey Island last Tuesday and have yet to play a warm up match this summer.

The National League season kicks off on Saturday August 5 but the Shrimpers are still waiting to find out if they will be allowed to stay in the fifth tier of English football".

Footnote: As previously reported several players have or are in the process of exercising their right to leave the club after not being paid and the squad has refused to train collectively for the same reason. "Injuries" would therefore appear to be a euphemism for players not being willing to represent the club in the present circumstances.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that "supporters' groups have announced plans to organise a 'sensible and lawful protest'...

The protest is planned for the corner of Essex Way, Vicarage Hill and Benfleet Road in the town on Saturday, starting at 10:00 BST.

'Bring your placards, signs, posters and leaflets and make your feelings clear'... the statement said. 'The damage that Ron Martin has done to our beloved football club is unforgiveable, and he must pay his debts and leave now.'"

14 July 2023

STOCKPORT NEXT

County last visited the JDS in their promotion season when the Hatters emerged with a 4-1 win to complete a dismal double for Alty at County's hands over the Christmas period of 2021-22 season.

On New Year's Day 2022, Alty suffered a second heavy defeat in a fortnight by their neighbours as Stockport County ran rampant at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Right: A-Jay Leitch-Smith netted Alty's late consolation goal.

Just after Hancock had seen a chance cleared off the line by Hogan, County went up the other end and scored through Sarcevic in only the sixth minute...

Collar was then allowed to advance from half way and plant a long-range shot past Thompson to make it 2-0 just before the interval (44 mins).

Alty started the second half dreadfully, almost netting an own goal and, minutes later, conceding a penalty when White upended Collar. Madden duly converted the penalty to make it 0-3 (50 mins).

And it got worse on 67 minutes when Croasdale was afforded a free header from a Southam-Hales cross to make it 0-4. In the fourth added minute Alty had some recompense as substitute A-Jay Leitch-Smith hammered in a fine consolation goal.

At that point Alty had won just twice in 18 games and one of those wins was against lower league opposition in the FA Cup.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"The Shrimpers Trust Board has written to Mark Ives, General Manager of the National League, regarding the ongoing saga at Southend United following our conversations with him on 10th and 12th July.

In summary, following yesterday’s statement from the owner, Ron Martin, we have little faith that he will be able to resolve the matter before the next adjourned court hearing in 42 days. We have therefore requested that the National League do the following:

• Set a public deadline for a date before the commencement of the new season by which Southend United FC must pay all debts to HMRC and football creditors, including all club employees, in line with National League rules around the club’s licence;
• Help to bring the matter to a swift conclusion without immediate sanctions, which would only serve to punish the supporters and employees of the club whilst having little impact on the outgoing owner.

As emotionally difficult and worrying as it would be for many supporters to see a public, hard deadline, it is our opinion that the can cannot be kicked further down the road. Setting such a date would provide much-deserved clarity to supporters and employees of the club. It will leave everybody, including the club’s ownership, in absolutely no doubt about the expectations and requirements. It will also provide a degree of certainty upon which the owner can be publicly held to account, rather than keeping such deadlines secret and hiding behind Non-Disclosure Agreements.

We recognise that the National League has a duty to protect the integrity of its competition, whilst satisfying other members who are acting in good faith.

For these reasons, it is time for this matter to be brought to a swift conclusion with a clear public deadline and consequences".

Meanwhile all is not well at another ex-EFL club as the Hartlepool Mail tells us that Hartlepool United sporting director Darren Kelly "is keen to implement a club identity with Hartlepool United...

Kelly was appointed into a newly created sporting director position at the Suit Direct Stadium in February... It was during his time as a manager with the likes of Oldham Athletic in which Kelly realised the importance of having a figure in a football director role who is able to establish a club identity, something he believes was severely lacking with Hartlepool.

'I came into the club and I’ll be honest, there was nothing. There was absolutely nothing there. You talk about the identity of the club, you talk about having a philosophy, a vision; there was nothing there... As a sporting director, the task is to implement all this to make the club more stable'...

The sporting director role has become more prominent within football as it allows clubs to operate continuously, and somewhat seamlessly, when transitioning through a new manager phase or a squad overhaul...

Explained Kelly, 'If a manager comes in and puts a style of play in place, say a 3-5-2 and an attractive style of football... but after a few results he ends up going or he ends up sacked, and a new manager comes in and says he wants to change formation, effectively, the majority of them [sic] players are surplus...

'What I’ve done previously is I’ve created that identity and created a philosophy that is a club philosophy and a club style of play'".

On a happier note, Eurosport confirms that "Rochdale’s curtain-raising clash [on 5 August] with Ebbsfleet United will kick off August's live National League coverage on TNT Sports...

The following week at the same time Dagenham & Redbridge host Southend United, before title contenders Chesterfield and Oldham Athletic go head-to-head at 12:30 on August 19.

Hartlepool United’s clash with AFC Fylde has also been selected, as well as Aldershot Town’s trip to Eastleigh.

The five August matches will be live on TNT Sport 1, with more live selections to be announced soon".

Ebbsfleet United "fans have flocked to respond to our season-ticket offers since we first launched our super earlybird back in February, giving our loyal supporters the chance to enjoy National League football at then-National South prices.

You responded with record renewals in a short space of time and we have since added another 20% of new season-ticket business in addition to our renewals to reach new highs in our season-ticket takeup...

It was important to us when launching the super earlybird offer that as many of you who made the promotion journey from the National South with us be rewarded by being able to take advantage of those season-ticket prices. And we are hugely grateful and excited with the response that you’ve given us in backing Dennis and the squad.

For anyone still without a season-ticket going into ‘23/24, they are on sale online here and at reception, costing £295 (adults), £235 (concessions) and £110 (youths). That represents savings of up to £140 across the season on matchday admission.

Following four seasons of frozen or lower pricing since our last spell in the National League, new matchday admission prices are in line and competitive with other National League clubs".

"INJURY NIGGLES" FOR ALTY

He feared it may prove a step too far for a makeshift Robins line-up, and so it proved...

There was a nice touch from the home club shortly before kick-off when Alty's skipper-for-the-night Regan Linney was presented with an autographed FC United shirt by their manager Neil Reynolds in recognition of his sterling efforts for the Broadhurst Park club prior to the Robins snapping him up in February".

Footnote: One player carrying a "niggle" is Isaac Marriott (above, right) as Radio Robins confirmed, indicating that it had been planned for the midfielder to play on Tuesday night against FC United of Manchester.

However, the midfielder took no part in the friendly game at Broadhurst Park.

Altrincham FC has Brian Flynn's Alty TV interview with Phil Parkinson after the defeat by FCUM. He indicated that up to half a dozen players sat out that match with minor issues of fitness.

ALTY OLD BOYS

ALTY'S PREDICTOR FUNDRAISER

Noel explains that it is a competition in which, for £40 per season paid in advance, entrants predict the results of seven Vanarama National League fixtures each week to win a jackpot.

For full details, please follow the above link.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

HM Revenue & Customs had issued a winding-up petition over £275,000 of unpaid taxes but a judge in a specialist court on Wednesday 12 July adjourned the hearing and said the case would be reconsidered next month...

Chairman of the financially troubled non-League club, Ron Martin, requested a 42-day extension to finalise a sale of the club... Judge Barber said the case would be reconsidered in six weeks...

Another judge had adjourned a hearing in May after being told that a sale of the National League club was under way...

HMRC has issued a number of winding-up petitions against Southend over unpaid tax in recent years".

Southend United owner Ron Martin later issued a statement which includes...

"At a hearing earlier today Southend United were given 42 days to settle the petition debt. [The new season starts in 23 days]

I announced my decision to sell the club on March 17th, and what I said then remains unchanged - I want to find a buyer to take our club forward and maximise its potential...

It is not possible to share confidential details of any possible deal. This silence naturally leads to rumours...

My intention has never been to make money out of the sale of Southend United. In addition, I have no intention of seeking the return of my substantial investment in the Club over the last 25 years...

I have done everything in my power to close the deal quickly and I confirm that I remain motivated to continue at pace.

I remain in discussions with the National League regarding the sale of the Club...

I look forward to passing the baton on and watching the club succeed to its rightful [sic!] position in the Football League".

The Southend Echo adds that "the League must now decide whether or not to let Blues kick off the campaign which starts on August 5...

It is also understood the matter will be discussed further at a National League meeting which takes place tomorrow".

We learn from the Derbyshire Times that "Chesterfield’s search for another goalkeeper goes on.

The Spireites currently have Harry Tyrer, 21, on a season-long loan from Everton and young academy stopper, Luke Chadwick, 19, on the books.

In the first two pre-season games, against Matlock Town and Alfreton Town, trialist keeper Kai Calderbank-Park, 22, who was at Wrexham last season, featured but he did not play against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night and is no longer at the club".

According to York Press "York City look set to be without defender Ryan Fallowfield for the opening three matches...

The ever-present defender has accepted a charge for a violent incident during the... 1-1 draw with promoted Notts County...

With the incident not seen by the match officials, the charge, a breach of rule E1.1, has been given based on video evidence.

Fallowfield had been cautioned... after a clash with County's Adam Chicksen, with it appearing as though that punishment may not have been harsh enough on review...

As such, Fallowfield now looks set to miss York's visit to Wealdstone on the opening weekend (August 5), as well as their home ties against both Kidderminster Harriers (August 12) and Altrincham (August 15)...

The right-back was an ever-present... in the National League last season".

The Reading Chronicle confirms that "Former Reading winger Callum Harriott has made a return to the National League with York City.

The 29-year-old featured three times for Yeovil Town last season....

An experienced winger, Harriott played 30 times and scored four goals in an injury-hit three years with the Royals... Spending time with Colchester United and Gillingham since his exit in 2019, the Guyana international has made the move to Yorkshire... after playing for clubs in and around London".

We learn from the Maidenhead Advertiser that "Maidenhead United have announced the departure of Emile Acquah, bringing an end to a three-year stay...

Since joining from Southend United on a permanent basis at the end of the 2020/21 season, Acquah [has] made 76 appearances for the Magpies... making a debut for England C in March this year.

Acquah won the players’ player of the year award for the 2022/23 campaign for his efforts in helping the Magpies avoid relegation...

Notably, this is the seventh consecutive season where the Magpies’ top scorer hasn’t lasted beyond the following transfer window... Acquah to Barrow follows Josh Kelly to Solihull Moors; Danilo Orsi-Dadomo to Harrogate Town; Danny Whitehall to Kilmarnock; Adrian Clifton to Bromley; Harry Pritchard to Blackpool and Dave Tarpey to Barnet...

Shawn McCoulsky and Harry Parsons are currently the only two strikers in the first team squad."

FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 4-1 ALTRINCHAM

The hosts took a thirteenth-minute lead when Cane's shot from just outside the box took a deflection which led to Byrne conceding at his near post.

Right: Lewis Baines made a welcome return from injury to play the second half on Tuesday night.

It was 2-0 to FCUM after 24 minutes when Hartley somehow got between two Alty defenders in the centre of the box and slotted the ball past Byrne.

Four minutes or so later Alty conceded a third after Cooper, out on the left, misplaced a short pass leaving Roscoe to chase back after Donohue, who went on the score (28 mins).

Alty got a goal back in the 39th minute when promising trialist Swales controlled a ball from the left before slotting it past the keeper from the edge of the box.

Alty changed their keeper and the entire back four at the interval. Indeed, both sides were to make numerous changes in a disjointed second half.

FCUM made it 4-1 after 62 minutes when Munro finished off a move up the home side's right wing.

This was a game which told Phil Parkinson more about the prospects of his Academy graduates and trialists than it told the outside world what his preferred starting eleven might be for the National League season.

Match report here.

ALTRINCHAM ISSUE SQUAD NUMBERS

The club says "After a spectacular loan spell during the first half of last season, Chris Conn-Clarke returns to wear the number 10 shirt, changing from number 16 which he wore last year.

Fellow new signings Dior Angus (14), Lewis Banks (2), Joey Jones (22), Sam Roscoe (16), Justin Amaluzor (11), Justin Donawa (17) and George Wilson (19) have been assigned their first numbers.

Another key change is the number of Elliot Osborne who will now wear the number 6".

• 1 - Ollie Byrne
• 2 – Lewis Banks
• 3 – Eddy Jones
• 4 – Lewis Baines

  Right: Regan Linney will see the back of his no.29 shirt from last season when he becomes Altrincham's number nine for 2023-24.

• 5 – James Jones
• 6 – Elliot Osborne
• 7 – Matty Kosylo
• 8 – Isaac Marriott
• 9 – Regan Linney
• 10 – Chris Conn-Clarke
• 11 – Justin Amaluzor
• 12 – Liam Brockbank
• 14 – Dior Angus
• 15 – Jake Cooper
• 16 – Sam Roscoe
• 17 – Justin Donawa
• 18 – Owen German
• 19 – George Wilson
• 20 – Tom Jones
• 21 – Matthew Gould
• 22 – Joey Jones
• 23 – Loui Williams
• 24 – Ewan McGeady

As well as Osborne's change of number, seven other players have been assigned different numbers from last season.

Regan Linney now becomes no.9 instead of no.29; Jake Cooper moves from no.23 to no.15, James Jones becomes no.5 rather than no.26, Isaac Marriott moves from no.4 to no.8, Lewis Baines is now no.4 not no.6, Liam Brockbank moves from no.3 to no.12 and Eddy Jones is to be no.3 rather than no.2.

ALTY OLD BOYS

CONNOR JENNINGS played the full match as Tranmere Rovers lost to the only goal of the game at Southport. 41 year old TONY McMILLAN played the first 83 minutes in goal for the hosts.

TYRESE SINCLAIR, a second half substitute, scored the clincher in Rochdale's 0-2 win at Radcliffe, for whom both JORDAN HULME and JUDE OYIBO were substitutes".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Stevens, from Winson Green, was pivotal in the successful merger of Solihull Borough and Moor Green in 2007, having been chairman of the former for seven years prior to the formation of Solihull Moors...

The young side has punched above its weight in recent seasons with Stevens playing an instrumental role in the development of Damson Park...

When current Chairman Darryl Eales took over in 2018, one of his first acts of business was to make Stevens lifetime President...

Eales said... 'I hope that we can build on his legacy and, perhaps one day, achieve the dream of promotion to the EFL'...

Stevens became reserve team manager of Solihull Borough in 1984. He then went on to manage the first team for three years and eventually was named Borough chairman".

York Press tells us that "York City manager Michael Morton has confirmed a new addition to the coaching team, with Richard Taylor joining the club as first-team coach... after spells in Norway and with Premier League giants Manchester United, and after knowing Morton since school.

Morton also confirmed that AJ Greaves and Nathan Thomas have both left the club after not turning up to pre-season training, despite being invited back by the club...

'Matt’s [Uggla, owner] really big on the physical stuff and the tactical stuff backing it up, and if we want to look at future players we’re going to need data so we can mirror a Brentford slash Brighton model. Macca’s [Tony McMahon] going to be in as my assistant, Scott’s [Barrow] going to be in around it whilst he’s getting fit and we’ve brought in Richard Taylor to support the first team, and Joe [Stead] with the goalkeeping'".

In the Hartlepool Mail we learn that "Chris Wreh has joined Hartlepool United after leaving troubled National League side Southend United.

Wreh becomes John Askey’s sixth signing of the summer and latest forward addition after the arrival of Emmanuel Dieseruvwe..

The 26-year-old made 19 league appearances for a Shrimpers side who finished just outside of the play-offs last season...

Askey commented 'Chris had a great goalscoring record at Banbury and will add a lot to the squad'".

11 July 2023

FCUM FRIENDLY BEING STREAMED

Access to the Spiideo streaming service costs £5.

ALTY TRIALISTS

The new signings are: Dior ANGUS, Lewis BANKS, Joey JONES, Sam ROSCOE, Chris CONN-CLARKE, Justin AMALUZOR, Justin DONAWA, George WILSON.

The four Academy graduates are: Owen GERMAN, Loui WILLIAMS, Tom JONES (right), Ewan McGEADY

In his post-match interiew on Saturday, manager Phil Parkinson said that he would be looking at the club's current trialists over the first three friendlies.

He made clear that one of the four "trialists" at Lancaster on Saturday, Mark Ellis, was unlikely to be signed as he was basically giving the experienced centre-back a "shop window" to help him get a club for next season.

The other three trialists on view at The Giant Axe were:

• Sean Lawton (dob 12 September 2003) was on the books of Crewe Alexandra last season.

  In spring 2022 he made his EFL debut for The Railwaymen but at the start of 2022-23 he went on loan at Nantwich Town till February 2023.

  He then joined Hereford FC on loan for the remainder of the season before Crewe released him over the summer.

• Kwame Boateng (dob 21 November 1998), the right-back was also an Altrincham trialist last season, after which he played for Guiseley in 2022-23.

  London-born Boateng was at Bradford City for four years. In 2016-17 he made two appearances for them in the Football League Trophy but then dropped into the Leeds Combination League, before joining Harrogate Town in summer 2018.

  Next came a spell at Guiseley in early 2019 from where he went on loan to Farsley Celtic whom he joined on contract in summer 2019.

  He was dual registered with Ossett United before a spell with Goole in early 2020. Next came a spell with The New Saints, till summer 2021. He joined the under-23s at Sheffield Wednesday but was released in March 2022.

• Kelan Swales (dob 1 June 2000) after spells with FC Halifax Town and Huddersfield Town, the Yorkshire-born forward spent four years playing in the USA, before joining Frickley Athletic for 2022-23

GRAEME McLAREN R.I.P.

ALTY OLD BOYS

From Phil Jordan we learn that "Although Livingston used five of their eight available substitutes in their 0-1 win at Queens Park, MILES WELCH-HAYES remained on the bench throughout".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Instead of optimism and excitement being around every corner there is fear... No one really knows if the Shrimpers can survive the next few days...

Some staff have gone four months without being paid, the club have been in a transfer embargo since September and are also unable to offer any existing players contracts unless the squad size drops below 16.

The players did not train together at all last week as they waited for their wages while they are still without medical cover due to that department having not being paid.... Sponsors are pulling out due to their own concerns.

But the biggest worry of all comes on Wednesday when the club are back in court... over yet another winding up petition...

It is quite simply disgusting that the football club has been allowed to reach such depths of despair... [Owner] Ron Martin must act now... The next three days are, for me, the biggest in Blues’ history".

Wealdstone report that "We're delighted to confirm the capture of forward Tahvon Campbell on a season-long loan from fellow National League side Rochdale.

The 26 year old is best known for his spell at Woking in the 21/22 where his 14 goals in 23 games earned him a big money move to turn to then-EFL side Rochdale.

He spent the second part of last season on loan at Aldershot Town...

A delighted Stones boss Stuart Maynard said... 'I think it's testament to the season we've just had that a player like Tahvon wants to come to us and believes in what we want to achieve at this football club... He plays off the shoulder and loves to score goals'".

According to the Maidenhead Advertiser "Maidenhead United kicked off their pre-season friendly matches with a narrow defeat to Championship side Ipswich Town at Needham Market's Bloomfields ground...

The Magpies very nearly bridged the gap between the National League and the Championship as they pushed Kieran McKenna's Town side all the way...

United's starting XI also featured three triallists...

All the goals came in the second half, with Marcus Harness firing Ipswich ahead... before Shaun McCoulsky showed his predatory instincts to lift home an equaliser just a minute later. United weren't quite able to hold out for an encouraging result however, with... Freddie Ladapo, scoring with a near post finish in the 77th minute."

Bromley "announce the signing of highly-rated goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe on a season-long loan from Premier League side Chelsea.

Our latest recruit, who becomes our second goalkeeper through the door this summer, was part of the England U19 squad who won the European Championship in 2022...

[It was at] Burton Albion’s Youth Academy in 2017 where he caught the eye of Chelsea... before returning to the Brewers on loan for the 2020-21 League One campaign...

Sharman-Lowe spent last season on loan at National League South side Havant & Waterlooville... playing alongside fellow new signing Josh Passley.

Confirmation comes from the BBC that "Rochdale have signed former Bradford City and Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton on a one-year deal.

The 34-year-old came through Manchester City's academy and later joined Leeds United in 2010.. He went on to join Huddersfield and has also had spells with Boro, Birmingham and Doncaster before signing for the Bantams...

'I grew up locally, so I know who Rochdale are as a club,' he said.

Clayton continued.. 'Just by talking to the gaffer you can tell he's going to give it everything to try and achieve what he wants to achieve. What he wants from a midfielder suits me and hopefully we can have a good season together.'"

From Boreham Wood comes an announcement that "Mangata Pay UK [sre] the Club’s new stadium naming rights partner for the next three seasons, a move that will see our Meadow Park home called the Mangata Pay UK Stadium Meadow Park...

Mangata Pay UK’s sister company, Mangata Global Management, will also join Wood’s commercial family as our new East Stand sponsor.

Mangata Pay UK are market leaders in payroll solutions.... Mangata previously engaged in commercial partnerships with West Ham United, Newcastle United and Celtic, to name just a few".

PHIL PARKINSON INTERVIEW

NEXT: FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER

Above: When Alty and FCUM were last in the same division, National League North, they met at Broadhurst Park in February 2019. Here, Joe Piggott (9), James Jones (15) and Jake Moult (6) all rise to contest an Altrincham corner-ball in that game, as Sean Williams (8), Max Harrop (11) and Tom Hannigan (5) await developments.

In their first pre-season game last Saturday, FCUM hosted EFL club Barrow with whom they went "toe to toe for the best part of 70 minutes, losing out 2-0 in the end...

The game struggled to take any sort of shape with both sides adjusting to the rigour of pre-season...

FC were growing into the game as they looked to incorporate an entire bench of changes, and they were knocking the ball about with real confidence and swagger in the face of their League Two opponents...

The game would lose almost all of its momentum... until the 76th minute where Tyrell Warren would finally manage to penetrate the FC defences...

Barrow would have a second... as Tyrell Warren added to his personal tally...

The Reds still have much to be optimistic about after a solid overall display against a side three levels above them in the football pyramid.

Speaking after the game, FC Manager Neil Reynolds said... 'I thought in the first half we were excellent; we could have been one up if things had gone our way. We made changes at half time, and we tailed off a little in the last twenty minutes but that is to be expected".

ALTRINCHAM TIPPED

This time last year teams like that weren't fancied at all. This year they will be, and rightly so.

If the likes of them can dream about reaching the upper echelons, and I'd put Altrincham in there as well, then I don't see why this club can't".

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Shrimpers squad did not train together last week as they waited for their wages and their friendly at Canvey Island... has now been put back to July 25.

However, it was only the players who got paid and the majority of office staff at Roots Hall are now waiting for three months’ money while some are waiting for four.

Boss Kevin Maher and his backroom team have yet to be paid for June while others he works alongside have not been paid for two months and have now opted to stay away from Boots & Laces [training ground], which may leave the squad without medical treatment should they opt to return this week.

The cash-strapped club are deep in crisis but controversial chairman Ron Martin remains in talks with the Kimura group to sell the Shrimpers... However, Kimura’s deal is believed to only be on the table until Wednesday when the Shrimpers are back in court following a winding up petition from HMRC.

Blues... were given until July 12th to pay off the £250,000 debt... It is understood the Shrimpers must pay off all debts to football creditors, which includes their own staff, if they are to remain in the fifth tier of English football next season".

Aldershot Town report on their "new redevelopment hub, where... we look to deliver significant improvements to our club... We want to secure the club’s long-term future.

Generating more income means we can invest in our ground and we can invest in our team...

We also want to improve the experience that you have when you come to the ground...

But we’ve always known we can’t do it on our own. Which is why we have been working with well known housebuilder, Wates to see what development is possible around the stadium to raise vital funds to make our long-term vision reality...

They have invested time and money into supporting our plans. With their support we’ve been undertaking technical surveys, negotiating with nearby landowners, engaging with stakeholders and getting our long-term plans into good enough shape that we’re able to share them with you..

The investment programme that we’re proposing requires over £20m of investment. The reality is that we can’t do it all at once, and we will need to look at how we can finance each phase. But we have a clear vision and we’re committed to delivering it.

The vision that we’ve developed spans the next ten years, with three clear phases to the work.

LANCASTER CITY 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

The 22 players involved included eight (four in each half) who had been at the club last season and four trialists. The other ten players comprised six new signings and four young players who had graduated from the club's academy system.

Match report here

ALTY OLD BOYS

LUKE WALL was the scorer of the only goal as Bala Town won at Flint Town United.

SEFTON GONZALES was among the scorers in Clitheroe's 1-4 win at Barnoldswick.

And SEAN WILLIAMS netted the winner for Warrington Town in their 2-1 home win over City of Liverpool".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

After thumping nine goals past Matlock Town on Tuesday night... Laurence Maguire headed in a corner midway through the first 45 and Armando Dobra blasted in a second two minutes later.

Summer signing Will Grigg, who scored twice in midweek, added a third before half-time when he was pulled down in the area and he slotted in the resulting penalty.

Quigley then grabbed his second of the afternoon, drilling in low just after the hour-mark".

The Real EFL reports that "Gateshead have completed the signing of Notts County play-off hero Archie Mair on a season-long loan deal...

The shot-stopper has signed from Championship side Norwich City after picking up a promotion medal in the National League last season with Luke Williams’s side.

The 22-year-old was a youth prospect at SPFL side Aberdeen, before signing for Norwich City in July 2019. He also had loan spells with King's Lynn and Lincoln City over the last couple of seasons, before joining Notts County on loan in January 2023...

The club have already secured several impressive signings so far, including Maidstone’s Regan Booty".

8 July 2023

LANCASTER CITY 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

Alty fielded different starting elevens in each half.

LANCASTER CITY (Pale blue and white stripes, blue shorts and socks): 1. Andre Mendes, 2. Sam Bailey, 3. Charlie Bailey, 4. Charlie Barnes, 5. Andrew Teague (c), 6. Kyle Brownhill, 7. Christian Sloan, 8. Niall Cowperthwaite, 9. Jake Connelly, 10. Brad Carroll, 11. Trialist (Aaron Bennett)S. Subs: Jenson Butterworth, Paul Stevenson, Robbie Dayton, Pat Allington, 2 x Trialists

ALTRINCHAM (Red and white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks): First Half: 20. Matt Gould; Lewis Banks, Jake Cooper, Sam Roscoe, Sean Lawton (trialist); 4. Joey Jones (c), Elliot Osborne; Justin Amaluzor, Matty Kosylo, Loui Williams; Dior Angus.

Second Half: Ollie Byrne, Kwame Boateng (trialist), Joel Bailey (academy), Mark Ellis (trialist), Eddy Jones; Owen German, Isaac Marriott (c); Tom Jones, George Wilson, Kelan Swales (trialist), Regan Linney.

REFEREE: David McNamara.

Alty trialist Sean Lawton was at Crewe last season, on loan at Hereford FC. Another Robins trialist today, Kwame Boateng (right) was also a trialist last season for Altrincham and he has been playing at Guiseley.

Trialist Mark Ellis is a central defender released by Barrow over the summer, whilst Kelan Swales was at Frickley Athletic.

Lancaster took a 28th minute lead through trialist Aaron Bennett, who was at Altrincham last season, and they deservedly retained their lead at the interval.

Alty fielded a new team at the break though George Wilson had already played a portion of the first half after Joey Jones had suffered a head injury. And the new eleven showed a marked improvement after the interval but could not break down a solid home defence.

BEFORE THE GAME: LANCASTER CITY v ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham FC's Joe Brayne writes that "Phil Parkinson has a wealth of talent to tinker with over our [seven] friendlies as he looks to finalise his starting line-up for the upcoming season.

For supporters, the game [at Lancaster City] represents an opportunity to cast an eye over recent arrivals Dior Angus, Lewis Banks, Joey Jones, Sam Roscoe, Chris Conn-Clarke, Justin Amaluzor, Justin Donawa, and George Wilson...

The Giant Axe will also welcome back Alty’s former Lancaster left-back, Liam Brockbank, who continues his recovery from a long-term injury...

Radio Robins is broadcasting full live commentary on RadioAlty."

A link to Radio Alty is towards the top of this page.

Above: On Alty's last visit to Lancaster, in April 2018, Tom Hannigan netted the opening goal. His legs can just be seen, (far right!), as he wheeled away after heading home the tenth-minute goal.

EWAN GRADUATES TO FIRST TEAM SQUAD

He is "A highly-promising full-back with a reputation for dependability, Ewan had loan spells at Alsager Town and Northwich Victoria last season, and Alty were delighted with the feedback they received from the coaching staff at both clubs".

ALTY OLD BOYS

BARRY BAGGLEY'S Waterford led twice at home to strugglers Longford, but having a man sent off 5 minutes after the restart probably didn't help, and they were held 2-2."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Yorkshire-born central defender joins... after spending the last four years with The Moors, where he has gone on to make well over 100 appearances.

The 29-year-old has become one of the best National League defenders over recent seasons, having won promotion to the Football League with Lincoln City during the 2016/17 season...

The centre-back came through the youth ranks at Scunthorpe United, before spending loan spells with the likes of Bradford Park Avenue, Gateshead and Alfreton Town, earning him a move to Lincoln City.

After three years at Sincil Bank, he had further loan spells with Southport and Eastleigh, before later turning out for Port Vale and Harrogate Town for a season before his move to Solihull in 2019."

And York City also rveal the "signing of defender Tyler Cordner from Aldershot Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old centre back joined The Shots last summer from Weymouth... netting 9 times in 50 appearances...

[He was] called up to the England C squad against Wales in March earlier this year, where he captained the Three Lions to a 1-0 victory at Altrincham’s Moss Lane.

The central defender originally came through the youth ranks at AFC Bournemouth, before gaining valuable experience on loan in non-league with Havant and Waterlooville and Ebbsfleet United, as well as in the Football League with Scunthorpe United and Southend United".

York Press adds that "It's thought that Cordner also had interest from higher division sides in the Summer.

Cordner becomes the ninth new face to join the Minstermen, and the second centre-back alongside Kevin Joshua".

Meanwhile, the Oxford Mail reports that "Oxford City have made their second signing of the summer, snapping up a former Arsenal academy graduate.

Tafari Moore joins from St Albans City... The 26-year-old full back enjoyed a strong season with the Hertfordshire outfit, and was named in the division’s team of the season.

Moore, who can play on either side of the pitch, told the Hoops website... 'I’m very attacking, I like to get forward and put crosses into the box'...

Moore had loan spells with FC Utrecht in the Netherlands and Wycombe Wanderers while a Gunners player, before permanent moves to Plymouth Argyle, Hendon and St Albans.

He also has international experience... Moore started... as England lifted the European Under-17 Championships in 2014...

Moore follows goalkeeper Chris Haigh through the door at City, after he rejoined the club on a season-long loan from Ebbsfleet United".

7 July 2023

TOM JONES INTRODUCED

The latest is Tom Jones who "can operate in the number 10 role, on the wing or in midfield, and he proved himself to be pretty adept in all three positions last season as he played a prominent part in a highly successful campaign for our Academy teams".

Footnote: Tom becomes the fourth player with the Jones surname to be named in the first-team squad for 2023-24. The others are James Jones, Eddy Jones and Joey Jones.

ALTY ON THE CREST

"We continue to operate with the Arms of the former Altrincham Municipal Borough Council as our primary, officially recognised club crest. This is used on player and replica team and training wear, official documentation and formal retail products, such as club ties...

There are no current plans for Altrincham Football Club to adopt a new logo...

It is fair to say that our beloved crest is, however, one of the more complex and intricate designs in English football. In recent seasons we have recognised the need for us to diversify the design slightly, making it more adaptable to our growing list of purposes and objectives.

Club Director, John Coyne adds...'We needed to look at our leisurewear range, in order to offer supporters more than just Puma clothing and accessories. Whilst there's a formal place for our historic club crest, we've got a bit more freedom when it comes to a more relaxed range of clothing, for example.

We saw that 12 months ago with the ALTY circle design... which sold remarkably well, and we've now launched a new range incorporating a hybrid of the club crest and outer circle...

What it doesn't mean is that we are changing our club crest'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 27-year-old joins following the expiry of his contract at Sutton United and signs a one year deal.

Rowe made 29 League Two appearances last season for Sutton".

Aldershot Town also "announce the signing of exciting attacker Zain Walker on a one-year deal!

Walker most recently played for King's Lynn, and has also had spells at Bristol Rovers and Chippenham Town.

Having broken through into first-team action via Rovers’ academy, Walker made 11 appearances".

And the third signing at Aldershot Town is "Dutch goalkeeper Jordi van Stappershoef on a one year deal...

Jordi has been on trial with Aldershot Town throughout pre-season, and has signed a deal... The ‘keeper has previously spent time at FC Volendam and Bristol Rovers with appearances in the Dutch second tier and EFL League One... Standing at 2 metres, [he] is a commanding presence in between the sticks".

The BBC tells us that "Leyton Orient have signed goalkeeper Sam Howes from National League club Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old, who has won one cap for England C, has agreed a two-year deal with the League One newcomers.

Howes, a former West Ham United trainee, was an ever-present for the Stones in the league last season, keeping 10 clean sheets...

Howes was part of the England squad which won the Under-17 European Championship in 2014, and has also had spells in non-league with Hampton & Richmond, Eastbourne Borough, Woking, Dorking Wanderers and Horsham...

'He dropped out of the professional game to get competitive experience,' head coach Richie Wellens said."

From York Press we learn that "York City owner Matt Uggla has promised supporters ‘marquee’ signings in the coming weeks...

Uggla was a guest on the charity podcast Hospital Ball Radio, hosted by Dan Tait, and explained [that]... the Minstermen [are] set to follow similar football models to the likes of Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion...

'I think in the next ten days you’re going to see, from my understanding, some stuff that this club has not seen for years... I’m talking marquee signings that in our opinion swing the pendulum...

'We went into Yeovil quite naive and not really knowing much about the world of football, and definitely made some mistakes there... We took a step back and looked a lot of different teams... From all the teams we saw, from the Championship down to the National League North or South, we just felt York was the right one to go for...

'What’s next is phase two which is going after players who are established and ready to go... we want to spend money'" concluded Uggla.

Oldham Athletic "confirm that Francis Jeffers has left the club in order to take up a coaching role in Saudi Arabia.

The former Arsenal and Everton centre-forward joined Latics as part of David Unsworth’s coaching team in September 2022, fulfilling the roles of first-team coach and B Team manager.

Manager, David Unsworth, praised the 42-year-old... 'We've worked together a long time, he's a fabulous coach, he wants to improve and I'm sure he wants to become a manager in his own right at some point'".

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Maidenhead United's players were put through their paces after returning for pre-season training this week...

Assistant boss Ryan Peters admitted many of United's players were in the hurt locker...

As one of the only part-time sides competing in the National League, Peters admits Maidenhead's players have to work hard from the word go to ensure they can compete with full-time outfits over a gruelling season.

He said 'It’s always tough the first session. They’re expecting it to be light, but because we’re part time we’ve got to go in heavy... They know it’s going to be a gruelling season and they’ve got to be able to withstand several games in a short space of time. Pre-season is tough, but the boys loved it.'"

Bookies Bet Victor have determined their odds for the Vanarama National League champions for 2023-24 season. Altrincham are deemed rank outsiders at 66/1!

• 15/8 Chesterfield
• 6/1 Oldham Athletic
• 10/1 Hartlepool United, Woking
• 12/1 Rochdale
• 16/1 Boreham Wood, York City
• 20/1 AFC Fylde, Barnet
• 25/1 Eastleigh, Bromley, Southend United
• 33/1 Solihull Moors, Dagenham and Redbridge, Kidderminster Harriers, Gateshead, Ebbsfleet United
• 40/1 FC Halifax Town
• 50/1 Maidenhead United
• 66/1 Wealdstone, Oxford City, Altrincham, Dorking Wanderers
• 100/1 Aldershot Town

HOME STARTS

Following this season's game against Dagenham & Redbridge at the JDS, in the 24 opening days of league seasons since the start of the current millennium, Altrincham will have enjoyed home advantage sixteen times but have won only four times in the previous fifteen such matches on home turf to start a season.

1. Sat. 5.8.23 H DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
2. Sat. 6.8.22 H MAIDSTONE UNITED 1-1 HOME DRAW
3. Sat. 21.8.21 A Torquay United 3-1 AWAY WIN
4. Sat.3.10.20 H WEYMOUTH 0-0 AWAY DRAW
5. Sat.3.8.19 H YORK CITY 1-3 HOME DEFEAT
6. Sat.4.8.18 H LEAMINGTON 2-2 HOME DRAW
7. Sat.12.8.17 H STAFFORD RANGERS 0-3 HOME DEFEAT
8. Sat.6.8.16 H DARLINGTON FC 1883 2-2 HOME DRAW
9. Sat.8.8.15 H FOREST GREEN ROVERS 0-1 HOME DEFEAT

Above: Altrincham line up against Dagenham & Redbridge in the penultimate home game last season.

The starting eleven that day was 21. Matt Gould, 34. Miles Welch-Hayes, 30. Harry Perritt, 6. Lewis Baines, 28. Maxi Oyedele, 2. Eddy Jones, 8. Josh Lundstram , 4. Isaac Marriott, 9. Jordan Hulme (c), 29. Regan Linney, 39. Joe Hugill.

Gould, Baines, Eddy Jones, Marriott and Linney are the only five players from that line-up who are still at Altrincham for the opening game of 2023-24 season.

CHANGE OF DATE

The change was made at Alty's request to provide a better balance between the games either side of the short trip to Moss Rose, with the Robins travelling to Holland to face NEC Nijmegen on Saturday July 22nd and then taking on Manchester United under-21s at The J.Davidson Stadium the following Sunday.

It was felt that the extra 24 hours would provide important additional recovery time for the players after the journey back from Holland, and the club are grateful to Macclesfield for their understanding and cooperation in granting our request".

The pre-season schedule is now as follows...

• 1 Sat.8.7.23 3pm A Lancaster City
• 2 Tue.11.7.23 TBC A FC United of Manchester
• 3 Sat.15.7.23 3pm H STOCKPORT COUNTY XI
• 4 Tue.18.7.23 7.45pm A Wythenshawe Town
• 5 Sat.22.7.23 2pm A NEC Nijmegen
• 6 Wed.26.7.23 7.45pm A Macclesfield FC NB date changed from 25/7
• 7s Sun.30.7.23 NB 2pm H MANCHESTER UNITED U-21

INTRODUCING LOUI WILLIAMS

Loui joined the Academy after meeting Matty Kosylo when he was out leafleting locally to advertise his own football coaching company!

Loui will be assigned a first-team squad number for 2023-24 season.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The majority of the Shrimpers squad did not pick up their June pay packets on Friday. And, having also been frustrated by similar problems last season, the group opted not to train at Boots & Laces [training ground].

It is understood players will continue to work on their fitness away from the club and are believed to be considering their future with the Shrimpers.

Blues remain unable to add to their squad due to a transfer embargo as Kevin Maher continues to face a huge uphill struggle ahead of the forthcoming National League season".

And the Southend Echo also reports that actor "Ray Winstone says he will not be on the board at Southend United should the Kimura group complete their takeover of the Shrimpers.

The well-known actor is closely linked to Kimura through being a co-founder of Integral Sports Management. But that role also rules him out holding an official role at Roots Hall, despite his love for the area.

He told TalkSport 'I can’t. I’m part of an agency, so I can’t be part of a board in any way for a football club. I did have talks with a certain company about it because I’ve got a great love for Southend.

'It was the first team I ever went to see play football when I was a kid... I’ve always had a kind of a little love affair with them'...

Talks continue between Kimura and controversial chairman Ron Martin, with progress being made in the last couple of days...

'I think the people going into Southend have great intentions of actually doing some good stuff there,' said Winstone".

And Midex PRO who sponsor one of the stands at Roots Hall have announced that they will not renew their sponsorship, stating "It will come as no surprise that the decision was made based on the current situation with the club’s owners".

Meanwhile, Bromley "confirm the signing of goalkeeper Grant Smith following his departure from Yeovil Town.

The 29-year-old, who spent the past two seasons in the National League with the Glovers, began his career within the youth set-up at Reading and Fulham before joining Brighton & Hove Albion...

It was during his second spell at Bognor Regis where he’d first make a name for himself... Smith was then [re]warded with a move to the National League, spending two seasons with Boreham Wood... League Two side Lincoln City came calling where he’d go on to make 22 appearances for the Imps... Two further tier five spells followed at Wealdstone and Chesterfield before he penned a deal with Yeovil Town in 2021.

The goalkeeper becomes our fourth summer signing after we welcomed Sam Woods, Cole Kpekawa and Josh Passley to the club".

With the "announcement of Wealdstone's friendly at home to League One side Charlton Athletic and the recent signing of former Charlton loanee Charlie Barker, links between the two clubs continue to grow.

Barker's signing followed on from two successful loan spells at the Stones. Positive loan spells that also helped secure the permanent signing of Charles Clayden back in March and strengthen the first team prospects of Charlton's Aaron Henry and Deji Elerewe, players who both enjoyed their brief period at Grosvenor Vale".

Manager Stuart Maynard said of Barker "We believe he’s a top player. He’s mature for his age... We believe that he’s one for the future that potentially can play at a very high level. There’s been a lot of league interest for him and he’s chosen to come back to us, he believes in what we’re doing here...

“We’ve got very good links with Charlton and it’s another place that we will look to this season to explore and potentially loan players again. We’ve got a lot of good contacts with a lot of good pro clubs...

“We’re really happy with retaining 16 players this summer, it’s incredible for a club like us, in the league that were in, the level of player that we’ve retained".

York City "announce the signing of 20-year-old left-back Thierry Latty-Fairweather following his exit from League One side Burton Albion.

English-born Thierry started his professional career with the Brewers who picked up the defender upon his exit from Nottingham Forest’s academy. Latty-Fairweather broke into the senior team in Staffordshire and made five appearances, four of which came in EFL League One.

He completed multiple loan moves from Burton, plying his trade last season with Hereford in National League North. The 6ft 3in defender made 22 appearances for The Bulls last season, and 21 for Guiseley at non-league's second tier the season before.

The versatile full-back, who operates mainly from the left-hand side, is acknowledged for his energy and athleticism".

5 July 2023

2023-24 FIXTURES

The season starts for Altrincham with a visit from Dagenham and Redbridge on 5 August 2023 and also ends at home, when Oxford City are the guests on 20 April.

There are no fewer than nine midweek games, as follows:

1. Game 3 Tue.15.8.23 A York City 7.45pm
2. Game 10 Tue.19.9.23 H HARTLEPOOL UNITED 7.45pm
3. Game 12 Tue.26.9.23 A Maidenhead United 7.45pm
4. Game 14 Tue.3.10.23 H ALDERSHOT TOWN 7.45pm
5. Game 17 Tue.24.10.23 H KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS 7.45pm
6. Game 21 Tue.21.11.23 A Rochdale 7.45pm
7. Game 30 Tue.23.1.24 H ROCHDALE 7.45pm
8. Game 35 Tue.20.2.24 A Hartlepool United 7.45pm
9. Game 39 Tue.12.3.24 H YORK CITY 7.45pm

The Christmas double is against FC Halifax Town and the Easter games are against Kidderminster Harriers (away) and Oldham Athletic (home).

PRE THE RELEASE OF FIXTURES

In advance of their release the National League explained that "Producing the fixture list for our 72 clubs is a lengthy and meticulous process that is months in the making, with 1,656 games plotted...

The process starts before the conclusion of the previous season with the first step in the process, the fixture schedule. This document is essentially a calendar where matchdays are plotted for the three divisions. It also contains key dates for the Premier League, EFL, FA Cup and FA Trophy.

Once the season has finished... the League sends a fixture questionnaire to all clubs where they are asked a number of questions such as whether they would like to nominate certain days not to be at home.

Clubs are also asked to provide details such as their longest and shortest journeys and their preference for who they play over the Easter and Christmas periods, and any team who they wish to be scheduled opposite to.

When all requests have been gathered, they are sent to Glenn Thompson of Atos who are an IT company who run the fixture compiling software.

The League then holds a meeting with Atos and a representative from the Football Supporters Association to identify any issues with the compiled fixture list and ultimately finalise the schedule...

The League also have a responsibility to ensure clubs and fans are not disadvantaged by their fixtures. Things like local derbies and high-profile games are, where possible, scheduled on the best days possible.

Travel for midweek fixtures is also considered at length. Clubs and their fans don’t want to be travelling large distances for a midweek fixture. That being said, this can be unavoidable sometimes."

ACADEMY INTRODUCTIONS

Right: Owen German.

The likes of Ryan Morton, Ryan Forde and Amaar Hussain have all made their mark and returned for pre-season training ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, while there are high hopes for four more emerging youngsters, after some eye-catching performances for the Academy teams last season, in the shape of Owen German, Loui Williams, Tom Jones and Ewan McGeady...

Press and media officer Brian Flynn and Alty TV's Mark Bennett went to the Robins' Egerton training headquarters to find out, chatting to each player in turn for a series of interviews...

We are delighted to launch this Academy special by presenting Brian's interview with Owen here today, followed by Loui tomorrow, Tom on Thursday and finally Ewan on Friday...

Owen is a versatile central midfielder, who is highly regarded by the Academy coaching staff and manager Phil Parkinson and who gained valuable experience and a good number of admirers during a loan spell at North West Counties League side Irlam Town towards the end of last season".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

These came after the Hartlepool Mail had confirmed that "Hartlepool United are back in pre-season training...

Askey’s squad took part in a series of pre-season fitness tests at Teesside University prior to their full return to pre-season training at Maiden Castle...

Several players have left the club this summer having turned down the option of a new deal; captain Nicky Featherstone the latest who saw his deal expire at the beginning of the month.

Askey has only been able to bring in two additions, goalkeeper Joel Dixon and defender Kieran Burton, although movement is expected on the transfer front.".

Later, however, Hartlepool United announced three more signings as starting with "the permanent signing of Emmanuel Dieseruvwe...

Last season, he scored 13 league goals for The Shay as they finished 10 points off the play-offs. He rejected a new contract at Halifax to link up with John Askey’s side".

Also Hartlepool United "bolstered their goalkeeping options... as Pete Jameson signs on loan from Harrogate. The experienced stopper worked under John Askey at York, and he comes in to provide competition for Joel Dixon...

Jameson joined his current club, Harrogate Town, in May 2022".

And, finally, Hartlepool United confirmed "the signing of the versatile Kieran Wallace from Mansfield.

Comfortable in midfield or on the left side of the defence, Wallace joins Pools on a permanent deal...

After leaving Bramall Lane [Sheffield United], he played for Matlock and Burton Albion, before joining York City on loan in 2021 as one of John Askey’s first signings. Upon leaving York, Wallace moved to Mansfield, making 47 appearances for the Stags last season".

At Bromley "Despite being offered new contracts, both Reice Charles-Cook and Harry Forster have departed the club with the latter joining League Two side Crawley Town. Bromley will receive undisclosed compensation for the move.

Forster initially joined the Ravens on loan from Watford back in September 2020 before making the move permanent at the end of the 2020/21 season... The 23-year-old spent three years at Hayes Lane... making 78 league appearances in the process.

Charles-Cook first signed for the club back in August 2021... before leaving for Dartford.

The ‘keeper then returned to Hayes Lane in the summer of 2022 and became a regular between the sticks last season, making 32 league appearances".

According to York Press "Signing number seven of the Summer is through the door at York City, with midfielder Finlay Barnes joining the Minstermen for an undisclosed fee.

Highly-rated 22-year-old midfielder Barnes joins the club after a spell with Leiston in Southern Premier League Premier Division Central, having originally come through the academy of... Norwich City...

Barnes also becomes Michael Morton's seventh signing of the Summer, alongside David Stockdale, Cedric Main, Zanda Siziba, Levi Andoh, Kevin Joshua and Quevin Castro."

Also from York Press, Alex Whittle has found himself a new club...

After departing York by mutual consent on Friday night, Whittle has agreed terms to join Yeovil Town... after ending his second spell with York by mutual consent, after making 34 appearances last season.

The full-back struggled with injuries in his second spell, and has made the decision to drop down a division...

In other City news, the LNER Community Stadium will be hosting a pre-season friendly.... [as] Leeds United will host French top division side AS Monaco at York's home ground on Saturday, July 22 (4pm)."

4 July 2023

NW NEWS

The owner of Fleetwood Town Football Club appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing today (Tuesday) alongside his sister Michelle Davidson, 49, and two other associates, 52-year-old Lee Qualter from Cleveleys and 38-year-old Joel Chapman from Willerby in Yorkshire.

All four defendants were charged with offences relating to a multi-million pound fraud involving the mis-selling of energy contracts at three companies. They were found guilty by a jury on May 19 at the end of an eight-month trial...

Pilley was found guilty of fraudulent trading, fraud by false representation and being involved in the acquisition, retention, use or control of the proceeds of fraudulently mis-sold energy contracts.

The court heard that at the heart of the fraud was a web of interconnected companies that misled innocent small businesses across the UK. Through sham company structures associated with Business Energy Solutions Ltd, BES Commercial Electricity Ltd and Commercial Power Ltd, Pilley and his associates were responsible for targeting small business owners and deceiving them into signing long-term energy contracts between 2014 and 2016.

Pilley's barrister Jonathan Laidlow urged the judge not to come down too hard on the club owner, saying his client was 'fundamentally a good man who has led and is capable of leading a productive and worthwhile life'...

Pilley, 53, was jailed for a total of 13 years and disqualified from being a director for 13 years".

In response, Fleetwood Town "acknowledges the sentencing in the court case involving former club chairman, Andy Pilley.

The club would like to reiterate convictions are against individuals and not Fleetwood Town FC, or any of the businesses associated with them, and will continue to operate as normal.

Fleetwood Town remain in communication with the EFL and will be making no further comment at this time".

Footnote: Alty recently signed Chris Conn-Clarke from Fleetwood Town after the player had been sent out to play for Waterford in Ireland, a club also owned by Pilley. .

INTRODUCTION TO GEORGE

ROSS SPEIGHT'S NEW ROLES

ALTY'S YOU TUBE RELEASE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The 30-year-old is David Unsworth’s latest addition to the backline... The centre-back joins Latics having spent five years at Whaddon Road...

Born in Manchester, but growing up in Tenerife, Charlie spent time with a number of youth teams on the island, before returning to England to join the Port Vale youth team... He signed for Chesterfield in 2014, spending two years at the club, before joining Oxford United...

Raglan made the switch to Cheltenham in 2018...

On joining Latics, Raglan said... 'My conversations with the manager have shown that he’s really wanted me to come here. He spoke to me about the huge potential that there is here and that’s really exciting for me'".

Meanwhile The Oxford Mail tells us that "Oxford City have re-signed promotion-winning goalkeeper Chris Haigh on loan.

The 26-year-old joined the Hoops on an emergency loan from Ebbsfleet United... in April.

He went on to play a key role for City as they secured promotion to the National League...

Haigh, who joins City on a season-long loan, told the club website: “It’s going to be really enjoyable being an underdog in most of the games, I can’t wait'".

3 July 2023

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 29 year-old [left] joins the club having ended last season at Marine, where he made 13 appearances...

Joe made over 120 appearances for Rochdale between 2013-2018 and has... featured for Northampton Town, Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers and Macclesfield amongst others.

Manager James Kinsey was thrilled to have sealed Joe’s signing, he said... 'He will miss the first week of the season as he is travelling to Australia to watch his partner Ella Toone play for England in the Women’s World Cup, but he is keen to get a very good pre-season under his belt before rejoining the group. We’re lucky to have him here!'"

Footnote: After leaving Altrincham, Bunney has played at Warrington Rylands and Macclesfield FC, where he made 17 appearances for The Silkmen before enjoying loan spells at Ashton United and then Marine.

For Alty he was signed by Phil Parkinson on 24 August 2021, having made his only pre-season game for Altrincham, three days earlier, behind closed doors against Huddersfield Town "B"

He made 3(+1) appearances.

Down in Australia, we learn from Phil Jordan that "It was an interesting weekend in the NPL Victoria. League leaders Avondale had their run of eight straight wins ended on Thursday by Melbourne Knights, which meant that second-placed South Melbourne could move to within a point of them, and still have a game in hand, if they had won at the weekend.

Third-placed visitors, CONNOR HAMPSON'S Oakleigh Cannons, had other ideas however, and ran out 0-2 winners. With only six games remaining, it's probably too late for Oakleigh to push for a late title challenge, but the points from today's win guarantee them a playoff spot.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Blues' squad should have received their salaries on Friday.

But most of Kevin Maher’s side did not get paid and have held talks among themselves to discuss their next course of action at the crisis hit club.

Full-time office staff were also not paid ahead of the weekend and many of them have now not received their salaries for three months while members of Maher's backroom team have not been paid for two.

Blues are still restricted by a transfer embargo, which has been in place since September, and are unable to bring in new signings or offer existing players contracts unless the squad size drops below 16".

York City "announce >the signing of 21-year-old centre-back Kevin Joshua following his exit from Scottish League One side Peterhead FC.

Irish-born Joshua started his career at Dublin-based club Johnstown FC, before... he was picked up by Solihull Moors initially.

The 6ft 6in defender was signed by West Bromwich Albion... The left-footer is noted for his ball-playing ability, and he has tasted senior football during loan spells with Kettering Town and Waterford, before plying his trade in the third tier of Scotland with Peterhead upon his exit from the Hawthorns...

'I’m a different type of defender, I love the ball at my feet and love to express myself'" said Joshua.

Also at York City "Right-back Levi Andoh commits to the Minstermen.

Amsterdam-born Andoh becomes the Minstermen’s fifth new signing of the summer after David Stockdale, Cedric Main, Quevin Castro, and Zanda Siziba...

'I’m quick, aggressive, love a good tackle, getting forward. I just like to help the team out'...

The 23-year-old defender began his career with Aston Villa’s academy, before going on to have spells in Non-League with Cradley Town and Worcester City. Promising form earned a move to Ipswich Town...

The 6ft 3in defender, who operates mainly on the right-hand side but can also play in central defence, then joined Hereford originally on a short-term loan deal.

After spending further loan spells with Buxton and Hednesford Town, Andoh re-joined Hereford in January".

Further news comes from York City concerning "the capture of 19-year-old midfielder Zanda Siziba from Yeovil Town.

After developing in the youth system at Dagenham and Redbridge, he was picked up by Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Siziba finished his development with Ipswich Town... He joined Yeovil Town in March 2023...

Playing primarily as a winger, Siziba can also operate centrally, building play from deeper...

'I’m a fast, tricky, kind of skilful winger. I can do a job in midfield as well'" said the plaer.

Confirmation comes from FC Halifax Town "that Mani Dieseruvwe has left the Shaymen following the end of his contract.

The striker was the Club’s top goalscorer last season, netting 13 league goals in 33 starts."

FA PRIZE MONEY

Now, the prize money details have been released...

Emirates FA Cup Prize Money 2023-24

Below, the figure in brackets is the number of clubs receiving prize money in each round.

• Extra preliminary round winners (208) £1,125
• Extra preliminary round losers (208) £375
• Preliminary round winners (136) £1,444
• Preliminary round losers (136) £481
• First round qualifying winners (112) £2,250
• First round qualifying losers (112) £750
• Second round qualifying winners (80) £3,375
• Second round qualifying losers (80) £1,125
• Third round qualifying winners (40) £5,702
• Third round qualifying losers (40) £1,875
• Fourth round qualifying winners (32) £9,375
• Fourth round qualifying losers (32) £3,125
• First round proper winners (40) £41,000
• Second round proper winners (20) £67,000
• Third round proper winners (32) £105,000
• Fourth round proper winners (16) £120,000
• Fifth round proper winners (8) £225,000
• Quarter-final winners (4) £450,000
• Semi-final winners (2) £1,000,000
• Semi-final losers (2) £500,000
• Final runners-up (1) £1,000,000
• Final winners (1) £2,000,000

The Isuzu FA Trophy Prize Money 2023-24

• First round qualifying: Winners receive £1500, losers receive £400
• Second round qualifying: Winners receive £2250 losers receive £575
• Third round qualifying: Winners receive £2450, losers receive £702
• First round: Winners receive £3000, losers receive £775
• Second round: Winners receive £3750, losers receive £1000
• Third round: Winners receive £4500, losers receive £1250
• Fourth round: Winners receive £5250, losers receive £1500
• Fifth round: Winners receive £6000, losers receive £1750
• Quarter Final: Winners receive £7500, losers receive £2000
• Semi-Final: Winners receive £15,000, losers receive £5000
• Final runners-up: £30,000
• Final winners: £60,000

ALTY OLD BOY

His form over those two seasons has attracted clubs higher up the EFL, as Matt Gray (manager) explained. 'Ali was an brilliant signing and has had a fantastic two seasons with us, and conducted himself superbly throughout his time at the club. He became a free agent at the end of the season, and has had a number of options with clubs in a higher division, and so is hoping to pursue one of those. He's a top player and top person, and we wish him success in his future career'"

Since then, the BBC has reported that "Lincoln City have signed midfielder Alistair Smith on a two-year contract after he rejected a new deal with Sutton United.

The 24-year-old made 38 appearances for Sutton last season, 35 of them in League Two, scoring five goals.

He will now step up a division as Lincoln's first signing of the summer..

'It's somewhere that is the right place for me to progress,' Smith said. 'I'm looking to show I'm capable of playing at this level'...

Head coach Mark Kennedy added...'He will complement our other midfielders and will add athleticism, physicality and goals to the team'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

John has been an integral member of our backroom team and we are hugely grateful for his contribution to the Club’s success last season...

We can confirm that Connor Smith will be stepping up into the role of Assistant Manager with immediate effect.

Dean Brennan, Manager of Barnet FC said, 'I’m gutted that Tumble’s going but at the same time delighted for him. He’s a close friend of mine, a brilliant footballing mind and most importantly a trusted colleague'...

On Connor Smith, Brennan continued, 'He’s a bright young talent and very capable too. I’ve known Connor for a long time and his style both on and off the pitch fits really well with our group'".

At Dagenham & Redbrisge "Frank Vincent has become our fourth signing of the summer...

The 24-year-old central midfielder is the latest addition to Ben Strevens’s squad, agreeing a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

[Manager] Ben Strevens was thrilled... 'He’ll bring energy and quality to our midfield, which I’m delighted about', he said

'If I’m honest I’ve loved the way he has come across when I’ve spoke[n] to him...

'He’s only 24, but he already has a great level of experience in this division and in League Two. He’s had success last season with Notts County and now he wants to replicate it'...

In his time with The Magpies, Frank made 24 appearances, scoring 3 goals....

Frank said... 'I know what a winning team looks like and how teams can be successful, so I’m excited to bring that quality and mentality to the team'".

Closer to home, at Oldham Athletic "A mutual agreement has been reached for the transfer of Jayson Leutwiler to Port Vale.

The former Blackburn and Huddersfield goalkeeper joined Latics in June 2021, making 30 appearances during his time at Boundary Park".

From Hampshire, Eastleigh tell us that "Tommy Scott has joined the Spitfires on a permanent deal.

The goalkeeper began his career at Yeovil Town U18s before he made a move to Southampton FC B, making four appearances in his time.

The next stage of his career saw him move to Hamworthy United where he spent a month before completing a transfer to Poole Town.

Just after New Year’s Day in 2022, Scott joined Wimborne Town and since has been at Weymouth FC and made a short return to Hamworthy United".

York City "confirm the departure of left-back Alex Whittle by mutual consent.

Alex joined the Minstermen for his second spell at the club ahead of last season, and made 34 appearances... This total took the defender beyond the 100 appearances milestone as a York City player".

FC Halifax Town "announce the signing of forward Aaron Cosgrave following his release from League Two side AFC Wimbledon...

The forward dropped into the National League South to sign for Chelmsford City in January 2019... before making the switch to Welling United for the start of the 2019-20 season. Having made 32 appearances for Welling, Cosgrave again dropped a league to sign for Lewes in February 2020...

In July 2021, Cosgrave had a successful trial with AFC Wimbledon then in League One, however immediately went out on loan to then National League side Dover Athletic. He returned to Wimbledon in November... before immediately heading back to Dover on loan until the end of December...

In August 2022 Cosgrave joined National League side Southend United on a season-long loan. Cosgrave made just 10 appearances for The Shrimpers before he was recalled by Wimbledon in January 2023. One week after returning to Wimbledon, the forward joined National League North side King’s Lynn Town on an initial one-month loan which was then extended through to the end of the 2022/23 campaign".

It has been a busy weekend at Boreham Wood where four signingshave been unveiled. First up is "the signing of midfielder Mo Sagaf following the expiration of his contract with National League counterparts Dagenham & Redbridge...

Wood moved quickly to secure the midfielder’s services, capturing Mo on a two-year deal... Mo spent three seasons at the Chigwell Construction Stadium...

In 2019 Sagaf signed a one–year deal with League Two’s Carlisle United... After just a single season at Brunton Park, Mo left Carlisle to join National League Dagenham & Redbridge...

Luke Garrard commented... 'He has a wealth of experience of the National League but is still only 25'".

Alaso at Boreham Wood comes news of "the signing of midfielder Tom Whelan from National League counterparts Chesterfield.

The 28-year-old arrives at Meadow Park after signing a two-year deal... Whelan made 32 appearances in the league last season....

However, despite Whelan’s positive impact on the pitch for the Spireites, in January 2023 he moved to Solihull Moors in a loan deal that would keep him there until the end of the season...

Manager Luke Garrard commented 'Finally, we got Tom! I’ve tried on several occasions to prize him away from first Eastleigh and then Chesterfield, and it’s now finally materialised'".

Returning to Boreham Wood is "Angelo Balanta... following his departure from Dagenham & Redbridge this summer.

Angelo is fondly remembered by the Wood faithful for his first period at Meadow Park between 2016 and 2018. Arriving from Carlisle in the summer of 2016, Angelo spent two-seasons in a Wood shirt, scoring 19 goals in 85 appearances...

On 22 October 2018, Angelo signed for National league counterparts Dagenham & Redbridge for an undisclosed fee, where he spent five-years making 118 appearances and scoring 35 goals for the Daggers".

And, finally, Boreham Wood reveal "the signing of forward Timmy Abraham following the expiration of his contract with League Two side Walsall.

The 22-year-old arrives at Meadow Park after signing a two-year deal... Timmy Abraham spent last season on loan at National League counterparts Oldham Athletic from his parent club Walsall. His loan was initially set to be until 1 January, however the deal was extended to the end of the season. The striker made 15 appearances in the league for the Latics...

Prior to Walsall, Timmy had various loan spells with the likes of Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Newport County, all whilst being a part of the under 23 set up at Fulham...

Manager Luke Garrard commented... 'He possesses blistering pace, strength and physicality and a real hunger to score goals. Timmy is relentless in his work rate and will defend from the front, which is something I look for and something I definitely know the supporters will appreciate".

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 26-year-old right-back joins from English League 2 side Harrogate Town, although spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on-loan at Altrincham...

Miles joins the club on a 3-year-deal...

First-Team Manager David Martindale said... 'He is going to come in and provide competition in defensive areas for us; he can play a few positions but is predominantly a right-back or right-wing-back...

'He is a very good athlete and excellent in one-vs-one situations. I think there is a lot more to come from him and playing and training at this level will really help him kick on'".

Footnote: Miles made fifteen appearances whilst at Altrincham last season, eleven of these being in the National League.

Meanwhile another ex-Alty loanee is leaving the SPL to join Swansea City as the BBC reports that "Swansea City are set to sign Heart of Midlothian forward JOSH GINNELLY on a free transfer.

Ginnelly, 26, is a free agent having turned down a new contract with Scottish Premiership Hearts... Ginnelly will become Swansea's first signing since the appointment of Michael Duff as head coach.

Capable of playing as a winger or up front, he scored 13 goals in 41 Hearts appearances last season.

He scored 22 goals in all for the Edinburgh club, having played 89 times since joining from Preston North End, initially on loan in September 2020 and then on a permanent basis...

After moving to Burnley in 2015, he had loan spells at Altrincham, Walsall, Lincoln City and Tranmere Rovers".

Phil Jordan addds that in Ireland "Waterford cruised to a 6-1 home win against Finn Harps, with BARRY BAGGLEY playing the full game".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham have fresh competition for the most glitz owners in England's lower leagues after York City's recent takeover... 394 Sports Ltd succeeded with its bid for a 51% stake.

The group is fronted by Matt Uggla and his mother, Julie-Anne, who will serve as co-chairs of the club moving forward. The former was recently part of a consortium that appeared close to taking over Yeovil Town, only for the deal to collapse at the 11th hour...

[Matt's] father, Lance, the Canadian businessman, founded financial data company IHS Markit in 2003 and sold the asset for around £31billion in 2020...

Co-chair Julie-Anne is no longer married to Lance, but both exes have taken to investing heavily in sustainability projects over the decades... Lance now operates a climate and sustainability fund called BeyondNetZero...

Uggla Jr. also has a sister, Riley, who grew up in the United Kingdom before featuring in the seventh season of Made In Chelsea. The 28-year-old MIC alum has since founded 'sustainable luxury fashion brand' Riley Studio, which produces gender-neutral clothing."

The Daily Echo says that "Eastleigh announced the double-signing of both defender Lee Hodson and midfielder Solomon Nwabuokei...

Defender Hodson departed Kilmarnock this summer but started his youth career at Boreham Wood before moving to Watford, where he broke into the first team.

The 31-year-old made 83 senior appearances for the Hornets...

Eastleigh also announced the signing of midfielder Nwabuokei following his departure from League Two outfit Barrow.

The 27-year-old rose through the ranks... with Enfield Borough, Biggleswade and St Albans before making a move to the National League with Woking, in 2021.

Nwabuokei made 42 appearances for the Surrey side... In 2022, he completed a move to Barrow... Halfway through last season, the midfielder was loaned back to Woking for the remainder of the campaign.

Popular defender Christian Maghoma also announced his departure from the Hampshire club following the expiry of his contract this week".

Wealdstone "announce the permanent signing of former Charlton Athletic defender Charlie Barker.

Charlie joins for his third stint at Grosvenor Vale, having been on loan at the club in 2021 and 2022. The 20-year-old featured 33 times for the Stones across both loan spells.

The tough-tackling defender was an integral part of the Stones defensive unit last campaign and will look to kick-on... Positioned mainly on the right-side of a back three, Charlie looked a natural in Stuart Maynard’s free flowing system".

FC Halifax Town "have announced the signing of forward Max Wright on a permanent deal with the Club.

Wright had a loan spell with the Shaymen last season from Harrogate Town and came off the bench at Wembley Stadium in the FA Trophy win over Gateshead in May".