Altrincham have signed the experienced former Coventry City defender Steve Morgan from Halifax. The 32 year old played well over a century of league games for both Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle before moving to the FA Premiership with Coventry City where he made 68 league appearances.

 A player who could be going in the opposite direction to Morgan is the "Robins" goalkeeper Stuart Coburn who is due to have trials next week with an undisclosed Premiership club.

DROYLSDEN chief Dave Pace will be spoilt for choice as he seeks a replacement for his axed assistant, Peter "Pedro" Orr.

Within hours of announcing he'd sacked Orr, Pace told the Pink he'd been "inundated" with calls from would-be successors.

Ex-Southport boss Paul Futcher, who had a brief but memorable spell as a player with Droylsden under Roy Soule, has also thrown his hat into the ring, as has former Runcorn player/manager, Mark "Spike" Carter, whose wish would be to join the Bloods as part of a package with his Canal Street No 2, John Imrie.

Pace makes no secret of his admiration for Hyde United’s highly-respected boss Mike McKenzie, who he hoped to snatch during the summer.

But McKenzie put paid to that move by signing a contract extension with the Tigers.

If Pace wants to stay even closer to home, he need look no further than Wragg's former Macclesfield assistant, Droylsden-based former Ashton United manager, Dave Denby, who scouts for the Bloods and would relish the chance of a more active role.

Even Pace's own position isn't safe, for, unless results improve quickly, he says he'll step down as manager and concentrate on his other role as chairman.

He and Orr teamed up to steer Droylsden to a first division championship and President's Cup "double" two seasons ago, but the Bloods have since failed to make any real impact in the top-tier,

prompting Pace's decision to call time on the three-and-a-half yearlong partnership.

Pace, who has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds of his own money in Droylsden and dreams not only of taking them up to the Nationwide Conference but, one day, into the Football League, said: "I'm sorry to see Pedro go, we've shared in some good times, but I had to what's best for the club.

"I'm not making him a scapegoat for our recent results because, as manager, I take full responsibility. If this doesn't work, I'll resign as manager."

ALTRINCHAM fell further behind in the UniBond championship race at the weekend, going down 0-2 at the hands of Bishop Auckland, while rivals Stalybridge continued their good run to leap frog over Mark Ward's men into second spot.

An angry Ward pointed to defensive errors as the main factor behind a second consecutive two goals reverse. "It's just not acceptable," he stormed.

"You cannot give any team in this league just one goal start, let alone two goals like we have been doing of late. Against Gainsborough we gave ourselves a mountain to climb by conceding inside five minutes, while at Bishop's we did the same inside 10 minutes. Then, just as we were getting ourselves back into the game after half time we gave away a stupid penalty that took the match out of our reach."

Ward refused to shirk responsibility however. "It was my decision to play three centre

backs, and it did not work. When we brought on Mario Daniel and Mark Maddox it gave us better shape, but at the end of the day the game was lost at the back."

The player-manager, a midweek withdrawal from the England semi-pro international trial game at Marine to make way for midfield dynamo Steve Hawse, remained philosophical about his squad's title ambitions. "At the end of the day I know we have enough quality to win this league, and enough young lads with the potential to acquit themselves well in the Conference, but until we stop leaking bad goals, then there is no point even thinking o promotion. With the exception of Gainsborough's second goal, there hasn't even been a good goal scored against us, and that reflects the fact that the opposition is being handed chances rather than creating their own. That has to stop."

A mistake by James Glendenning gifted the home side a 10th minute lead on Saturday,

the defender almost walking the ball over his own goal line before being dispossessed by Shaw, who rifled into the roof of the net from close range. The hosts were their normal robust selves, and Robins can be certain that they will be in for more of the same when Bishop Auckland are the visitors for the FA Trophy 3rd round tie in a fortnight. The match ended in defeat, an FA enquiry and recriminations all round. Alty have yet to beat the Tynesiders since, so a positive result is well overdue.

Saturday's match was not without its good points. The full return of Ward, coupled with another sparkling performance by Ian Craney produced most of Alty's productive moves, although Daniel was unlucky to see two good efforts thwarted by home 'keeper, Jones. Richard Landon should also have got onto the score sheet, only to head wide from Ward's centre, but the game was doomed from the moment that Maddox, short of match fitness, mistimed his challenge on Brunskill and Lees firmly struck spot kick just beat the diving hand of Coburn.

The long trip home completed a worrying week for all at Moss Lane, following the news that the club was in urgent need of a major cash injection. Deputy Chairman, Mark Harris, told SAM that, as yet, no-one had come forward to join the Moss Lane board. "It is so frustrating for everyone, from the players and management to the 550 diehards who turned up against Gainsborough," he said. "Although we've been in the top three for most of the season, our gates are 300 down on the average home gates for the latter part of last season, and almost 200 down on what they were when we last played at this level.

It is this drop which has created such a gap between income and expenditure, rather than the wage bill alone."

Harris was also quick to emphasise that the wage bill was not a millstone from last season. "The wage bill was reduced when Mark Ward took over, in order to reflect what we always knew would be less income. As things have turned out, the drop in income has been much greater, and in no way can be any reflection on Bernard Taylor's tenure as a manager. The name of the game now is to continue to provide the town of Altrincham with a football team, even if sometimes one thinks that maybe the town does not actually want - or deserve one."

MARK Ward is stubbornly clinging to his belief that Altrincham will be promoted back to the Nationwide j Conference despite seeing his ' rocking Robins overhauled by slick neighbours Stalybridge.

Unbeaten `Bridge took full advantage of Alty's second successive UniBond Premier Division defeat, a 2-0 reverse at Bishop Auckland, to leapfrog them into second with an identical victory at Leek.

And, with four games in hand on Ward's men, who they now lead by two points, Stalybridge could soon be out of sight in the chase for the single promotion ticket.

Ward said: "We've made things difficult for ourselves by losing twice on the bounce, but there's still a long way to go and no way am I throwing the towel in."

Slack defending by Adam Farley cost Alty an early goal and, despite an encouraging 45 minutes from 16-year-old substitute Mario Daniel, Bishops wrapped up victory with a 78th-minute penalty.

No such problems for Stalybridge, whose only shortcoming at Leek was that it took them 66 minutes to score.

Ex-Leek star Steve Jones finally rewarded the Tamesiders' dominance by glancing home a header and, within 60 seconds. Kevin Parr had put the result beyond doubt by heading a second, killer goal.

'Bridge still trail leaders Emley, who cannot go up, by nine points, but have played three games and are planning to give them a red-hot reception when they arrive at Bower Fold on Saturday.

Elsewhere, troubled Droylsden were sunk by a hat-trick by Radcliffe old boy Paul Muslin as they crashed to their fifth straight league defeat, 3-0 at Accrington.

But Hyde continued their revival as goals by Mark Beeston, Peter Band and Dave Hanson gave them a 3-2 home win over Whitby.

Ashton United lost ground in the First Division promotion race by squandering two points to a late Ossett Town equaliser scored by former Macclesfield striker Michael Midwood.

But on-song Witton are now firmly back in the picture following :a 2-0 win at North Ferribv

SNUBBED Altrincham favourite Steve Hawse has been handed an unexpected chance to stake a claim for England semipro international stardom.

There were more than a few raised eyebrows when the highly-rated 21-year-old midfielder was not named by Marine chief Roly Howard in his UniBond League representative squad to face the FA in the annual England trial.

But, in a surprise move, England boss John Owens, who, this year as in previous ones, had chosen the FA party purely from the Nationwide Conference, has made Hawse a late addition to his squad for the game at Lancaster City's Giant Axe ground on Monday (7.30pm).

And Owens has also placed Robins' goalkeeper Stuart Coburn on stand-by.

Altrincham player/boss Mark Ward, who himself withdrew from the UniBond squad, saying that, at 38, he considered himself too old for an England trial, said: "When John `phoned me out-of-the-blue to see if I'd make Steve and Stuart available, I was only too pleased to say yes. This is a big opportunity for Hawsey, who I rate as the best midfielder in the UniBond League.

"And, even if Stuart doesn't get involved, it at least gives him a boost to know the England manager has not forgotten him."

Hawse's selection brings up the intriguing possibility of him playing against his Moss Lane teammate, Gary Scott, who is included in the UniBond squad.

A number of pro clubs have been monitoring his progress and Rochdale, in particular, are said to have been eyeing him closely.

Hawse, Coburn and injured winger Kevin Ellison are three of the players Altrincham might soon be looking to cash in on following chairman Gerry Berman's stark admission that the Robins need cash - and fast - if they're to remain a major force in the semi-pro game.

Berman spoke out to quash rumours that Alty are to be put up-for-sale, but he admitted the Robins are in a mess.

The local soccer grapevine has been humming with talk that once-mighty Altrincham, still known to many as "The Manchester United of non-League" despite no longer being in the Conference, desperately need to find new owners or face the threat of financial ruin.

Said Berman: "I've a suspicion I know where these stories have come from and they've been blown out of all proportion, but it's perfectly true we need money - and the sooner, the better.

"The truth is that the present board have been funding the club for the past five years, but we haven't got a bottomless pit of cash and we urgently need to bring in new directors.

"But, contrary to what some people seem to have been saying, the club is not for sale."

It's no secret Altrincham have easily the highest wage-bill in the UniBond League despite cuts made by Ward. And, faced with declining gates and a lack of commercial activity, Berman and his fellow directors are struggling to bridge the gap between income and expenditure.

Added Berman: "The crowd of 322 for our FA Trophy tie with Ilkeston 12 days ago was our lowest in 25 years and our recent league attendance’s, too, have been very disappointing, even though we're second in the table.

In a further effort to trim his budget, Ward has released summer signings, striker Carl Furlong and centre-half, Eddie Turkington, who seem bound for Droylsden.

The Bloods have also signed another ex-Altrincham player, former Bury star Tony Rigby

ALTRINCHAM BOSS Mark Ward has been promised that he will not have to put his young stars on the transfer list, despite fears that the cash-strapped club might lose its semi-pro status, writes Garry Cook.

Chairman Gerry Berman has denied rumours that the Robins are about to be put up for sale, while appealing for new funds to be injected into the club.

The financial crisis has left a question mark over Ward's ambition to take the club straight back into the Conference. Players have been paid late for the last two weeks and Berman has admitted that the club cannot carry on meeting current costs.

But Robins boss Ward has denied that he will be forced to dismantle his high flying side, who were lying second in the UniBond Premier Division before the game against Gainsborough.

He said: "I've been told by the board that I don't have to put all my players on the transfer list.

"But if a decent offer comes in for any of my players they'll have to go. I know that I've got to help the club. I know it's part and parcel of football. But I didn't think it was as bad as it is."

As part of the cost cutting programme, Ward released striker Carl Furlong and defender Eddie Turkington this week. But the club is still by far the biggest wage payer in the UniBond and further cuts are inevitable. Most of the squad signed new Conference level contracts last season.

Dwindling crowds have also been a concern, with the 322 attending the FA Cup tie against Ilkeston the lowest at Moss Lane for two decades.

But Ward vowed: "There won't be any excuses from me if we don't win the league.

"I've set myself a target of winning this league, second and third don't come into it. I just hope I can carry on. We've got a very young side and it looks good for the future but it's a case of keeping these lads together.

"It's nothing to do with me as a manager what happens at boardroom level. I hope there is an influx of money so the club can stabilise itself."

HOW ENCOURAGING to read the Altrincham player-manager Mark Ward's comments (NLP November 12) regarding his withdrawal from the UniBond League squad because of his age and his thoughts that the game should be for up-and-coming`, youngsters, the likes of which he has not been afraid to blood at Altrincham.

In case UniBond team manager Roly Howard is not familiar with them, here's just a dozen youngsters worthy of a chance: Porter (Altrincham), Pryers, Aspinall (Bamber Bridge), Newton, Allen (Gainsborough Trinity), Denny, Bagshaw (Bradford Park Avenue), Ward, Crompton (Lancaster), Salt (Runcorn), Talbot (Burscough) and M Taylor (Hyde United). No doubt other readers can add to the list.

ALTRINCHAM Football Club needs a major injection of funds to avert a major financial crisis.

Dwindling attendance’s and last season's relegation to the UniBond Premier Division have combined to leave the club in serious need of a new financial backer.

And deputy chairman Mark Harris is calling for the many wealthy residents of Altrincham and the surrounding areas to come forward and help the famous old club.

He said: "The club's position is very straightforward - we are in a very difficult financial position at the moment.

"You only have to look at the attendance’s we're getting. We only had 550 people here at the weekend, which is very disappointing when you are second in the league.

"The people who turn up week in, week out are magnificent, but there are a lot of people who proclaim to be Altrincham supporters but don't turn up at the games."

The attendance at the FA Trophy replay against Ilkeston Town last Tuesday was the lowest in 17 years at the ground.

The club is also faced with a crippling wage bill. Many players signed new contracts last year as the club looked to be in a safe position in the Nationwide Conference League.

Mark said: "The vast majority of the players are in the second year of three year contracts.

"We are saddled with a wage bill which is at Conference levels. We could not have foreseen that we were going to get relegated, even quite late last season."

Mark said the wage bill was twice that of the next highest in their league, and their out goings were considerably higher than their income.

He said: "The situation is ever worsening, but we're not on the verge of closure. Players have been paid late for the last couple of weeks, but that has happened at other clubs s well.

"We are constantly looking or people to join the board and bring money into the club, but nobody is prepared to take the reins.

"I find this incredible when the area has the second highest level of millionaires in the country."

The club has the option of selling players, but this would obviously affect results and undermine its bid for promotion.

Mark said: "We have a talented, young side at the moment, which augurs well for the future. We are trying to build a team that can win promotion.

"The message is simple help!"

And Alan Brotherton from SAFE (Save Altrincham's Football Existence) said: "It's hard to put a finger on why attendance’s are dropping.

"Some people are annoyed that our prices have stayed the same as they were in the Conference, but we were one of the cheapest clubs to watch in the Conference.

"We've always had to cope with the distraction of Manchester United and City. But at these big clubs, you have to queue up to get tickets.

"In non-league football, you can walk straight on to the terraces. You can have a drink at the ground, and the atmosphere is great."

ALTRINCHAM made progress in the FA Trophy on Tuesday night with a nail-biting 4-3 extra-time win over Ilkeston Town at Moss Lane.

The home side raced to a 2 goal lead with strikes from Alex Hay and Richard Landon within the space of three minutes-in the first half.

However, Ilkeston clawed the game back to level pegging in the second period with strikes on 54 and 69 minutes.

It was all-square at the end of the 90 minutes and extra time goals from Landon and Talbot saw Alty safely into the next round.

Altrincham owe their success in no small part to seventeen year-old striker Otis Thomas whose equaliser in Derbyshire made the replay necessary.

Speaking earlier in the week Altrincham manager Mark Ward said, "I'd seen a little of what Otis was capable of in training and decided it was time for his first team chance.

"Realistically, it is down to the hard work of the youth team, and in particular George Heslop, that players of Otis's quality are coming through."

ALTRINCHAM player-boss Mark Ward has turned down the chance to add to his single England semi-pro international cap - because he says he's too old.

Ward, capped once during his Northwich days back in 1983, was this week surprised to be named alongside fellow Robins, Kevin Ellison and Gary Scott, in the 21-man UniBond League squad to face the FA in the annual England trial.

But, though "flattered" by his inclusion, the one-time Everton and Manchester City star promptly rang the man who had chosen him, the league's long-serving representative team manager, Marine chief, Roly Howard, to withdraw from the game at Lancaster a fortnight from tomorrow.

The Alty chief said: "I thanked Roly, but, at 38, I don't think I should be taking part in any trial for the England team.

"In my opinion, games such as this one should be for up-and-coming lads, not the likes of myself. I'm not telling Roly how to pick his side, but, if I were in his position, I'd be looking more towards the young end."

Ellison, too, is a certain non-starter, although, in his case, it's injury which will keep him out.

The highly-rated winger has been sidelined since damaging knee ligaments in a game at Droylsden a month ago and Ward fears he could be out until Christmas.

That leaves only recent Alty signing Scott to represent the Moss Lane big guns and, while Ward is happy to see the former Marine right back involved, he confesses to being baffled why other Robins' stars such as goalkeeper Stuart Coburn and midfield playmaker Steve Hawse, have been overlooked.

Ward added: "I have to say I'm surprised that Stuart isn't in there, while Hawsey is probably the best midfield player in the League."

Ward is not the only top local UniBond League boss to query some of Howard's selections in a party which contains such evergreens as Marine veteran, Jon Gautrey, and Worksop's Chris Waddle.

Stalybridge manager, Phil Wilson, was surprised if not a little relieved in view of the size of his own squad to have had only sweeper Stuart Locke called up.

"To have included three of his own players is questionable," said Phil. Few would argue with Howard's inclusion of Hyde's red-hot marksman, Simon Yeo, or with his decision to select Droylsden's powerhouse skipper, Carl Holmes.

There's a place, too, for Accrington's former Ashton United star, Gary Williams.

The rest of the squad is: Housham, Bullimore, Peverill (all Barrow); Clarke, Gamble (Marine); Homer, Mayers (Lancaster); McCarthy (Hucknall); Jackson (Worksop); Clandon (Burscough); Bowey (Gateshead); Tonks (Emley).

ALTRINCHAM boss Mark Ward was forced to concentrate on the positives this week after he lost two much needed fixtures to the severe weather.

Saturday's match against Lancaster City was called off, as was Tuesday night's match against Hyde United in the UniBond League Cup.

It means that Ward's men will not have seen competitive action between the 3-2 win over Barrow more than a week ago and Ilkeston Town in the FA Trophy this Saturday.

Ward said, "I would like to have been able to keep that feeling from the Barrow match going because we all need a bit of momentum, especially at this time of the season.

"However, these things happen and all we can do now is keep training, make sure the lads stay fit during this unexpected lay-off and hopefully take the opportunity to build a cup run in the Trophy.

Ward admitted that he is not looking forward to travelling to Ilkeston Town.

"They are a very good side and will be tough to break down, especially away from home.

"Also, there was some trouble at their home game on Saturday, and as a manager, you don't want to have to travel to places where that kind of thing might happen.

With the right kind of support, I'm sure we can make real progress in this competition and put the memory of our early FA Cup exit behind us.

Ward is still waiting to see if midfielder Francis Tierney who turned out for Witton Albion at the weekend, wants to feature in the Altrincham manger's plans.

Tierney was training with the Moss Lane squad, and although Ward admits he was taking a look at the player, he explains why he could not give him any guarantees.

"I think Francis wanted to play first team football, in the league if possible, and I think he may only settle for that.

"Given that he has just returned from an injury, I did not think he was fit enough to keep up with our midfield anyway."

• Three Altrincham players have been picked by Roly Howard to feature in the UniBond League representative team which plays the annual fixture against an FA XI. They are Gary Scott, Mark Ward and Kevin Ellison, although Ellison is very doubtful for the late November fixture

It may have been over a year since Runcorn played Altrincham in a first team fixture and a lot longer since they emerged victorious from a trip to Moss Lane- so last season it was left to the supporters to carry on the great tradition of clashes between the two Clubs. Having been victorious in an 8-1 drubbing on a swamped Runcorn Sunday League pitch Runcorn supporters took to the green green grass of Moss Lane, Altrincham In the blazing May sun, a fragile Altrincham team reeling from their relegation from the Conference less than 24 hours before lost a hard fought battle 2-1 and saw the Linnets notch an impressive double for the season.

Runcorn supporters would like to thank Altrincham FC for their hospitality, in particular Brian Flynn and Rosie. This new found fixture on the sporting calendar will resume at Canal Street towards the end of the season.

Note by ARJ I had delayed including this until I had received a copy of the original photos. These have not arrived (Hint hint nudge, nudge) so I am including a copy of the  photos as they appeared in the programme. Pictured here are both sets of supporters following the game at Moss Lane last May.

	Runcorn supporters team after a well deserved? victory
	Alty supporters team, beaten but not dejected and determined to do as well as the first team did in September 2000  next May when the two teams meet again

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The big question on everyone's lips as UniBond League Representative Team Manager Roly Howard prepared to announce his squad for the annual encounter with an FA XI was answered in the affirmative when Worksop Town's former England international Chris Waddle was amongst the twenty-one man squad selected for the match which takes place at Lancaster City on Monday, 20th November.

MARK Ward has launched a stinging attack on "dead wood" players who he says are blocking Altrincham's route back to the Nationwide Conference.

The Robins' chief is desperate to sign at least one striker to boost Alty's UniBond title assault, but his hands are tied unless or until he can get other well-paid stars off the club's payroll

Altrincham s veteran player/coach, Phil Power, is languishing in the reserves, as is fellow striker, Leroy Chambers, who, says Ward, has turned down moves to both Woking and Gainsborough since he was transfer-listed a fortnight ago.

Stormed Ward: "I've got players here who are prepared to sit back and pick up fat wage packets and, particularly when one of them turns down the chance to go back into the Conference, you've got to question their attitude and desire to be a footballer.

"If people don't want to better themselves and play at a higher level, it places a doubt in my book over their hunger to do well.

"I'm doing everything I can to bring in the sort of striker who I believe will make us a very good side, but what is not helping me is not being able to get rid of the ones I’ve got, who are dead wood as far as I'm concerned.

"I can only hope that certain individuals within the club eventually get fed-up of playing in the reserves and then, hopefully, I'll be able to bring in players who want to play for me and Altrincham rather than just to line their wallets."

One highly-paid Altrincham front man who Ward has no gripes with is Richard Landon, who, despite being listed at the same time as Chambers, is displaying just the sort of spirit the Robins' boss is looking for.

He climbed off the subs' bench to set up Alty's winning goal against Blyth last weekend and celebrated a rare start by scoring in Tuesday's eye catching 3-2 victory at Barrow, which pushed the Robins to within two points of premier division leaders Emley.

Alex Hay's two goals in the win at Holker Street took his tally to four in the first three weeks of his loan stint at Moss Lane. Ward has already asked his manager, Tranmere's John Aldridge, if he can have him for another month.

The Alty boss has also been speaking to his Wrexham counterpart, Brian Flynn, about taking the Welsh club's young goal-getter, Andy Morrell, for a similar period.

One striker who could soon be on his way out of Moss Lane is 17-year-old reserve and youth-team starlet, Otis Thomas, who this week began a fortnight's trial with Bristol City.

You do, then we would presume you are a Member of SAFE. If you are not however, then we would enquire, why not. There are really three good reasons why you should be.

Firstly, the only aim of SAFE is purely to raise funds to assist the Club to operate and by joining us your Membership Fee will immediately go towards that aim.

Secondly. if you enjoy following your Team away from home then SAFE will get you there as cheaply and as quickly as possible with special discounts to our Members.

Thirdly as a Member you will be entitled to cast your vote for The Supporters Association "Player of the Year" award.

Surely as an Altrincham Supporter these are three good reasons why you should join us, if you have not done so already. Over the last four years SAFE have now raised in excess of £40,000 to help the Club financially and with more of you joining our cause the more chance we have of increasing on that amount.

You can join before the game or during half time at any home match by coming into our new Headquarters at the Golf Road end. If there is any reason why you have chosen not to join our Association; then why not come and discuss it with us, or if you happen to think that we should be doing something different, then we are always happy to hear your views but please do not use it as an excuse why you have not joined because we are here to represent you as an Alty Fan and the bigger our number, then the chances of our Club progressing to greater achievements can only become stronger.

At present our Membership represents just one third in total of the hardcore support that the Club enjoys, that we find difficult to understand because surely as Altrincham Supporters we should all join together in our endeavors to help this Club, whom we all profess to adore.

It amazes us that there are so many names who we know to be diehard Robins Fans which fail to appear on our Database Membership, come on, do something about it, NOW. We will be pleased to welcome you as a first time Member or as a Member of the past but the most important reason to join us, is that you are showing a commitment to help your Club. Membership runs on a Twelve Monthly term and the Fees are £3.00 for an Adult, £1.50 for an O.A.P., £1.00 for a Junior, or you can take a family Membership for just £5.00.

Alan Brotherton,

for and on behalf of Altrincham A.F.C. Supporters Association.