Graham Heathcote Testimonial Event

BBC GMR 95.1 & 104.6FM

FOOTBALL FANS' FORUM

Hosted by Jimmy Wragg

Friday21st September 2001

A report from John Laidlar's site  the Official site of Altrincham FC 

The Noel White Suite at Moss Lane was full last night for the live radio transmission on GMR of a Fans' Forum, an event organised as part of the Graham Heathcote testimonial year. There were two sessions to the evening. The first panel comprised Graham Heathcote, Paul Futcher (Stalybridge manager), Graham Barrow (former Alty player and recent boss of Chester City) and Dave Pace (of Droylsden FC). The second panel consisted of Bernard Taylor and former players Lennie Dickinson and Ken McKenna, as well as former player and manager, John King. The event was superbly compered by Jimmy Wagg of GMR. As well as serious discussion of topics such as the non-league pyramid structure and financial aspects of the game, there was plenty of laughter. Amongst the tales told was one by Graham Heathcote of how former player/manager John King used to bang on the away team dressing room just before kick-off and shout to the opposition that Alty were more than ready to take them on. The Kettering manager subsequently admitted that his team used to turn white every time this happened! Dave Pace was also his usual entertaining self, claiming that to become a millionaire in the football business you had to start off with four million in the first place. Long-time Alty fan Kenny Palin asked some hilarious questions and was invited to join the second panel where his antics with John King kept everyone amused. During the evening an auctioned football and other memorabilia raised some well-earned cash for Graham's testimonial fund.

 

Host Jimmy Wagg introduces the panelists
Graham Barrow, Graham Heathcote, Paul Futcher and Dave Pace
The Hot Pot supper that was! Served up by Ann Willshaw and Jenny Heslop
Alty Legends, Lennie Dickinson, John King, Ken McKenna and Bernard Taylor

FIRST HALF 7.30pm

Graham Barrow, Paul Futcher, Dave Pace and Graham Heathcote

The First Half was hosted by Jimmy Wagg and broadcast live on BBC GMR 95.1 & 104.6FM

Graham Barrow Graham was born in Chorley and was signed for Alty by Tony Sanders early in the 1979-80 season. He immediately became a crucial part of Tony Sanders' team that won the Alliance Premier League two years in succession. In all he played 88 games and scored 15 goals for the Robins. After playing for Wigan and Chester, Graham has also managed Chester City on two occasions, Wigan Athletic and Rochdale

Paul Futcher An England U-2 1 defender with over 800 league appearances, Paul and his twin brother, Ron, signed for Chester City in January 1974. They both moved to Luton Town before Paul moved to Manchester City. He later played for Oldham Athletic, Derby County, Barnsley, Halifax Town and Grimsby Town. After managing Darlington, Gresley Rovers and Southport, Paul is currently managing Stalybridge Celtic.

Dave Pace, having played for Droylsden as a youngster in the late 70s, joined the Board in 1991, becoming Chairman in October 1992. A self-made businessman, Dave has sunk a fortune into the club for ground development and team building and has had a few spells as manager. In 1998/99 Drolysden won the UniBond League Division One, the UniBond Presidents Cup and were finalists in the Unifilla Cup.

Graham Heathcote Now in his Testimonial Season at Altrincham, Graham has served the club in a number of capacities for twenty-five of the last thirty years. After a very successful playing career, playing 502 games plus 27 as substitute and scoring 147 goals for Altrincham, Graham has been assistant manager to John King and is in his second stint as coach to Bernard Taylor. He is also the club secretary.

 

During Half Time

a Hot Pot Supper was be served in the Players' Lounge.

 

SECOND HALF

Lennie Dickinson, John King, Ken McKenna and Bernard Taylor

The Second Half will consist of a question and answer session with Alty Legends

Lennie Dickinson Lennie played for Altrincham in two spells. The first was the 1962-63 season, when he scored 22 goals from midfield before being released! In December 1972 Lennie returned to Moss Lane and became club captain after seven successful seasons at Mossley. He even served Altrincham as caretaker manager along with Tommy Sprott prior to the appointment of Tony Sanders.

John King One of the most recognisable and

respected faces in non-league football, John's name will be forever linked with the history of Altrincham FC. He has appeared for the club as a player, a manager on three separate occasions and one time saviour of the club itself. He was signed by Tony Sanders in November 1977 and from then on the

club enjoyed the most successful period it has ever had.

Ken McKenna Currently player manager at TNS, Ken is a vastly experienced striker who has played at many clubs over the years. He started at Poulton Victoria and has played in two short spells at Tranmere Rovers, Telford United, Runcorn twice Barrow, Conwy United and Bangor City. Ken has probably the best strike rate for an Altrincham player since Jackie Swindells, scoring 56 goals in 102 games.

Bernard Taylor During his first reign as Altrincham manager the club enjoyed fantastic success. In his first season the club won the UniBond League Cup and the following season won the UniBond League. Along with the championship came promotion to the Nationwide Conference. Midway through the season the club were in a comfortable mid-table position but a disastrous run-in culminated in relegation. Bernard stepped aside but after a season in the wilderness is now back in charge.
The Graham Heathcote Testimonial brochure was on on sale, priced £2. Its 40 pages are packed with information, anecdotes and tributes to Graham.