New player-manager Mark Ward

IN: Stuart Quinn (Droylsden), Stuart Schuber (Stoke C), Eddie Turkington and Mark Ward (Leigh RMI), Paul Walsham (Tranmere), Stuart Wilson (Rochdale)

OUT: Dean Greygoose (Chester C), Chris Timons (Ilkeston T), Mike Carmody (Ashton U), Keith Russell (Hednesford T), Andy Lovelock (Solihull B), Simeon Hodson (Sutton Coldfield T)

ALTRINCHAM player manager Mark Ward firmly believes his team have what it takes to bounce straight back to the Conference.

As he prepares for Saturday's big kick-off, the new man at the helm is in no doubt that he has the players to shoot The Robins back into the big time.

And he says that the strength and quality of the squad will prove a major part in Alty's title ambitions this time round.

Mark tells SAM Sport: "I am confident that the squad here has what it takes to bounce straight back.

"We have some quality players at Moss Lane and some good young lads are coming through as well - giving us a blend of youth and experience."

Ward bases his confidence on the testing pre-season schedule that the players have come through against strong league opposition culminating in last Saturday's narrow defeat at Southport.

And he says that playing the likes of Bradford and Wrexham will give Alty the edge over their UniBond rivals.

He goes on: "The performances in pre-season have led me to believe that we are better prepared for the long campaign ahead.

"We have had to play for the full 90 minutes and despite a few narrow defeats have performed as well as our highflying opponents.

"The fitness of the boys is at a high level and it pleases me that they are also showing

hunger for success.

People have asked why there have been no new signings but I believe there is no reason to buy players if they are no better those already at your disposal."

Now Ward and his team are in final preparations for Saturday's match at home to Gateshead and the player manager watched the North East outfit earlier this week.

He adds: "Gateshead are much the same as last year and will be contenders along with the likes of Hyde, Barrow and Chris Waddle's Worksop.

"But there is nothing for us to fear and we will be hoping to lead from the front from Saturday.

"It is no good entering a race and not aiming to take the lead early - that is why the fans can rest assured that first place and promotion is our only target."

Altrincham’s Emergency Ward

By Gary Slater of the Telegraph

ALTRINCHAM'S long-awaited ambition of playing in the Football League suffered a major blow last season when they were relegated from the 'Nationwide Conference.

Mark Ward, the former Everton and Manchester City player, is under pressure to correct that mistake at the first attempt. Ward, who will he 38 in October, was appointed Altrincham player-manager at the end of last season and will be directing operations, from the centre of midfield. After a successful pre-season, he is eager for the real action to start at home to Gateshead on Saturday.

Wend said: "Altrincham are a big club to be in the UniBond. it's tike a Manchester United or a Liverpool dropping down into the Third Division as far as I am concerned. When teams come to Altrincham and see the stadium and the pitch they will raise their game but these are you have to put with if you are to win the Championships.

"I have got a Two-year contract and my main aim for this season is no get promoted and back into the Conference. Second or third places is no good.

."I haven't gone mad in the transfer market because I inherited a very good squad and I have got them playing the way I want them to. I want them to pass from the back and play some attractive football."

Ward made more than 450 appearances in the football League for seven clubs and hid using his career an inspiration to the younger players is his squad

He added: "I was 18 when Everton let me go and said I was to small and n0t quick enough and I ended up having two years at Northwich Victoria. Joe Royle signed me for Oldham for £9,500 and three years later I to West Ham for £250,000 and it just took off from there.

"I know what it taker to get back into League football and hopefully it might be with Altrincham in a couple of seasons. I am very ambitious."

Two seasons ago after spells playing in is Scotland, Australia, Hong Kong and Iceland, Ward helped Altrincham win the UniBond Premier title as a player. Last year tie repeated the feat with Leigh RMI

"Leigh were champions by a record margin"," said Ward. "I know what it takes to win this division. I was confident when I joined Leigh, they would win it and I am very confident now that Altrincham will win it as well.

MANAGER Mark Ward has underlined his desire for youth to play its part in his planned Altrincham revival by signing a bevy of young trialists on contract.

The Robins' chief this week moved ahead of next Saturday's big kick-off to tie up deals with no fewer than five of the youngsters who have impressed with Alty pre-season.

Four of them - Stuart Scheuber (ex-Stoke), Carl Furlong (ex-Wigan) and former Liverpool duo Steve Porter and Stuart Quinn - have signed up for a year, while the fifth, ex-Rochdale midfielder Scott Wilson, will be on a monthly contract.

And Ward, who also has his eye on two more Nationwide League teenage 'rejects', ex-Newcastle United midfield starlet Andy Walker and defender Adam Farley, recently released by Everton, reckons there's every chance at least one of his new young guns will emulate his former achievements by using non-League as a springboard back to the top.

The Alty boss said: "I know from experience that League clubs often allow quality youngsters to slip through the net and, when that happens, I want us to be there to offer them a second chance.

"That doesn't mean I want a team full of kids, nor can I or will I take every young player I'm offered.

"But I've hand-picked the boys who are now with us - and I'm looking for more in the same bracket.

"Providing they are good enough, these lads need to go somewhere decent when they are shown the door by League clubs, just as I did when I was picked up by Northwich after being released by Everton. And what better place for them to do that than Altrincham?"

Ward says he's still being inundated with inquiries from League clubs for his 21-year-old winger Kevin Ellison, who caught the eye of Manchester City, among others, last season. The latest to register an interest are Bristol Rovers, but Ward has told them, like the rest, that he's not prepared to let Ellison go anywhere on trial and that only the offer of a substantial fee will tempt Alty to part with him.

The Robins were due to wind up their pre-season programme today with a trip to Conference outfit Southport.

They launch their bid to make an instant return to the Nationwide Conference at the first attempt with a home clash with potential title foes Gateshead next Saturday.

ALTRINCHAM manager Mark Ward has sent out a clear message to the UniBond's boot-boys - "Kick us and we'll kick you back!"

Ward is accustomed to the more physical style of football played in the regional game after spells in the UniBond Premier with Leigh RMI and Altrincham.

And while he knows it won't be easy, he reckons he has the right formula to deal with it.

"We all know what kind of football is played in this league, and how it has to be dealt with," he said, speaking to SAM sport earlier this week.

"I much prefer to see a side, especially one I am in charge of, passing the ball and playing creative football.

"However, we also need to be able to mix it with the opposition on the physical side as well, and I know I have the players here at Altrincham to do that."

Ward was in buoyant mood after two exciting pre-season matches over the weekend.

Friday nights showpiece against Bradford lived up to everybody's expectations with the Yorkshire side bringing first team players of the calibre of Peter Beagrie, Lee Sharpe, David Wetherall and

Dan Petrescu.

A 70th minute goal from Isiah Rankin separated the sides at the final whistle, but Ward was determined to concentrate on the positives. "The first half against Bradford was probably one of the most enjoyable 45 minutes Ive ever had as a player. Both sides were passing and playing well." Alty have two remaining pre-season fixtures, against City last night (Wednesday) and away to Southport on Saturday. "I hope to be able to field my ideal starting eleven against Southport," said Ward. "After that, there’s only two training sessions before the real football comes to the fore in the form of Gateshead. "All the hard work has been done now, as far as I am concerned."

The Robins raise the curtain on their new season with the visit of Gateshead on Saturday August 19, followed by trips to Accrington Stanley (Tuesday 22nd) and', Whitby Town (Saturday 26).

[Home] [Go to top] [Go to latest news]

UNIBOND promotion favourites Altrincham have slapped a £100,000plus price tag on star striker Kevin Ellison.

Rookie manager Mark Ward desperately wants to hang on to the front man who was tracked by Manchester City last season and who has attracted enquiries from a string of clubs this summer, including Bristol Rovers, Swindon, and Carlisle.

"He won't be going anywhere unless the price is right," says Ward, who is starting his first season as a manager with the relegated Robins.

Ellison, who bagged 16 goals last season despite Altrincham's relegation from the Conference, had two trials at Maine Road, but Manchester City boss Joy Royle failed to follow them up with a bid.

But interest from other League clubs has hotted up following Altrincham's three successful pre-season friendlies against Tranmere, Bury, and Stockport.

And although Ellison was expected to miss Friday's friendly against Bradford City and yesterday's game against Wrexham, the scouts are sure to be out in force again if he is fit to line up against Manchester City next Wednesday.

That game could bring Altrincham's first packed house of the season if Royle uses it to unveil former World Player Of The Year George Weah and Costa Rican striker Paulo Wanchope, provided he completes a £4million move from West Ham.

"That will be a truly big test for us," said Ward. "It would certainly put Kevin in the shop window.

"If he carries on like he did last season he probably won't be with us much longer. But we would want a substantial fee for him. We have had numerous enquiries so far, but none has come up to our valuation.

"I won't be sorry if Kevin doesn't go, though, because he could actually win us promotion and that's what we want most of all."

I HAVE always wanted to go into management and although I was keen to play my football this season in the Conference, having won promotion with Leigh, the opportunity of taking charge at Altrincham was too good to turn down.

Altrincham are a sleeping giant and it is my job to restore them back in to tile elite of Non-League football. That is why t turned down the assistant managers position at Leigh.

I have decided not to appoint an assistant manager, because I am a firm believer that too many chefs spoil the broth.

In the end only the manager can pick the team and I've learned from experience that too many opinions is what gets dubs into trouble.

This was evident at Moss Lane last year when the club were relegated. I am a firm believer in my own ability and I have appointed my backroom staff.

Tony Murphy, one of my coaches, who I have known for 20 years and played with at Northwich Victoria, is a walking encyclopaedia of Non-League football. His knowledge will prove invaluable because I plan to continue playing, which will mean he will need to make decisions from the touchlines.

Recently, I played in an over-35's tournament for an Everton side. Several of my past colleagues, like Neville Southall, were playing - and they all told me to keep playing for as long as I can.

i am 38 now, but feel I am as fit as I was when I started out. I don't want to become one of

those people who everyone looks at and thinks you should have retired two years ago and I will only keep playing until I no longer do justice to myself.

For some reason, some professionals struggle to adapt to life in Non-League football, but for me it was not difficult.

The semi-professional game needs a different mentality. Players train only twice a week and often their main responsibility is not football but their job.

During the summer I have not been busy in the transfer market, because the squad Bernard Taylor left me is stacked with quality and more than capable of producing the goods in this league.

When I arrived I was shocked to see a team this good had been relegated. One major factor appeared to be the lack of confidence.

Having played professional football for 15 years, I have built up contacts at all the clubs in the area, which means when young players are released I can sign them.

One young man who did join us in the summer was Eddie Turkington, from Liverpool. He is: stylish centre half, who at times can be un-disciplined, but has learnt the Anfield way. He featured in the same youth team as England prodigies Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher so he can't be bad.

I have a dream, which I hope I can deliver this season at Altrincham, which is promotion. We have been firmly placed as the favourites for the title but I am anxious this burden should not weigh heavily on us.

I think if we win promotion this year, which I believe we will, our target should be to transform the club into a full-time outfit.

Kev gets contract offer

By Tony Glennon of the

MEN Pink Saturday July 29 2000

ALTRINCHAM star Kevin Ellison, currently over in Ireland with the rest of the Robins' squad, has been offered a 12-month extension to his Moss Lane contract.

The highly-rated 21-year-old Scouser has a year on his present deal to run, but player-boss Mark Ward is eager to extend that period, given the impact Ellison made in his debut season with Alty last term.

Ward said: "I've been talking to Kevin about him signing on for a further year and, hopefully, we can get something sorted soon.

"I value the lad. It's up to him whether he goes further in his career, but I certainly don't want to see him leave Altrincham for another non-League club, because, in my opinion, we're the biggest there is.

"We'll be back in the Conference next season - and I want Kevin to be with us."

Ward is also planning to offer a contract to 21-year-old midfielder Scott Wilson, who had a loan stint with Alty last term and is now training with them again after being released by Rochdale.

Two other young players currently impressing at Moss Lane are Stuart Schuber, 19, just freed by Stoke, and 22-year-old ex-Southport striker, Stuart Quinn, who played alongside Michael Owen in Liverpool's FA Youth Cup-winning team. He too had a brief spell with the Robins last season.

In fact, so impressed is Ward by the youngsters he has recruited - as he has been so far by all the senior players he inherited from Bernard Taylor - that he now says he has no plans to make a major splash in the transfer-market before the new season starts three weeks from today.

The Alty manager added: "Maybe I'll feel the need to make a big signing or two mid-season, but, at the moment, I'm happy with the squad I've got.

"I won't stand for any complacency, but I genuinely feel that any player I bring in will have to be special to be better than the ones I've got here already."

One player Ward might be interested in, though, is Accrington Stanley's star winger, former Morecambe and Ashton United favourite, Mark Shirley, who has been on the transfer-list.

Having failed to persuade Leigh to sell Steve Jones, Ward might just see Shirley as the man to offer Altrincham width on the right and match the threat posed by Ellison on the left.

Accrington, who meet Alty in their second UniBond premier division fixture on August 23, have so far made just one summer signing, taking Paul Burns back from Morecambe, with whom he's had several successful seasons in the Conference.

Currently on trial with Stanley are Servet Tasdemir, a 27-year-old Turkish ex-pro now living in Lancashire, and striker Michael Holt, who has first-team experience at Preston and Rochdale, from where he was recently released.

Accrington's efforts to take jet-heeled front man Gary Williams back on loan from Doncaster, who paid them £60,000 for him last season, have been flatly rejected by the Conference club.

Gary Thomson has taken over from the departed Paul Lake as Altrincham's first-team physio.

[Home] [Go to top] [Go to latest news] 

THREE Altrincham teams were in action over the course of last weekend and they all went goal crazy.

First team manager Mark Ward took a side to Poulton Vics on Saturday and despite going 1-0 down, they took a real grip on the game and finished well on top with a 6-1 victory.

Meanwhile, Ward's lieutenant Tony Murphy travelled to North West Counties side Abbey Hey, and almost matched their counterparts' performance with a 5-1 victory.

Finally, to cap a perfect weekend, the youth side gave Northwich Vies six of the best

with no reply on Sunday.

Ward, talking to SAM sport earlier this week said, "The majority of the squad were in action at the weekend and again, I could not have asked for more from them. To score seventeen goals in three games was just fabulous.

"We're all just looking forward to the next game now."

That next game would have been a high-profile clash with Premiership side Bradford City which was due to be played can Tuesday Jul 25, but it has been postponed until Friday August 4, because of Bradford's Intertoto cup duties.

Ward's troops set off for the Emerald Isle and a match against St Francis in Dublin on Friday 28 July.

Remaining pre-season fixtures are:), Friday 28 July St Francis (away), Wednesday August 2 Stockport County (h), Saturday August 5 Wrexham (h), Wednesday August 8 Manchester City (h), Saturday August 12 Southport (a).

Following meetings with the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues, The Nationwide Conference intends that as from the commencement of season 2002/2003, The Northern Premier League and Southern Football League will be the only recognised feeder leagues to The Nationwide Conference.

The constitution of both competitions will be derived from the clubs in the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues. It is anticipated that this will create the opportunity for increased promotion into the Nationwide Conference.