July 2001

ALTRINCHAM boss Bernard Taylor unveiled two big new signings on the evening the club's most illustrious old boys gathering in homage to his trusty deputy.

Just hours before the kick-off of Graham Heathcote's testimonial, Taylor completed a double swoop to land former Bury stars Kevin Hulme and Mark Sertori, ending a summer-long chase for the pair freed by Third Division York at the end of last season.

Neither of the 33-yearolds played in last night's friendly, but Taylor, who plans to give the duo their first Robins' run-outs in tomorrow's derby date at Trafford, believes it won't be long before Moss Lane fans take them to their hearts.

The Alty chief said: "I've followed Kevin and Mark's careers for years but never seriously believed I'd ever bring either one of them to Altrincham.

"Both of them had better offers from bigger clubs than ourselves, so I regard it as a victory for Altrincham that they've opted to come to us."

Meanwhile, Gatley based Sartori, who played alongside Hulme at Halifax as well as at Gigg Lane and York, was a top target for Accrington, who have just completed the capture from Bury of the Shakers' former Hyde United star, Lutel James.

ALTRINCHAM stalwart Graham Heathcote will be centre of attention next Thursday, July 26 when Moss Lane plays host to his testimonial.

The long-serving Robins secretary has played a number of roles during his 30 years at the club and some old faces are coming to town to help pay tribute to him.

And the club are hoping that fans will jump at the chance to relive some of the Robins' glory days when a team of Alty legends take the field as part of the night's celebrations.

First up on the night will be the present team who will be taking on Macclesfield Town as part of their pre-season build-up.

Half time will see the return of some of the players who turned out for both teams before a special legends match after the final whistle.

Old boys such as Lennie Dickinson, John King, Paul Showler and Jeff Johnson will be donning the red and white shirts once more for a 30 minute match to wrap up the evening's entertainment.

Man-of-the-moment Graham Heathcote tells SAM: "It promises to be a unique occasion for Alty fans who will be able to relive some memories of days gone by.

"It should be a good night and I am looking forward to meeting some old friends as well as hopefully put on a show for the loyal Robins followers."

Admission to both games is £5 for adults and £2 for kids with a special commemorative brochure packed full of memories on offer for £2.

Graham adds: "It should bring the memories flooding back and will no doubt be up there with some of the great moments over the past 30 years.

"It may not topple the highlights such as playing at Wembley or the matches against Everton and Liverpool - but it is sure to be a oneoff night for players and fans alike."

Altrincham FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Eckersall as their new Sales and Marketing Manager. In a move away from Commercial Managers, the board were looking to appoint someone with extensive local knowledge and someone who had Altrincham FC "running through their blood." With Mark’s appointment, the board believes they have found their man.

A local man, who has been the Supporter’s Club representative on the board, Mark knows the many aspects involved in the running of the club and in offering him this position, the board believe that the club will benefit immensely from Mark’s enthusiasm in his new position.

Mark’s responsibilities will include all aspects of advertising, sponsorship and corporate hospitality as well as numerous fund raising projects for the Football Club.

Anyone interested in discussing possible opportunities for their involvement with the club, can contact Mark on 0161-928-1045.

FA rules do not allow a paid employee to be member of the Board so Mark Eckersall, who was the SAFE representative, has to resign from the Board. The Board have agreed that a representative of SAFE can replace Mark and steps are being taken for an election of a SAFE member to represent SAFE on the Board

LEROY CHAMBERS, the former Sheffield Wednesday, Chesterfield and Boston United striker, has decided against signing for UniBond League club Frickley Athletic and opted to join Premier Division rivals Hucknall Town instead.

Chambers, who also had spells as a forward with Chester City and Macclesfield Town before joining Altrincham in August 1998, was offered a better deal by the Nottinghamshire club.

He had originally been unveiled as one of Frickley manager Steve Richards' first signings of the summer before deciding on Hucknall.