SAFE wants your supprt

Report of Fans Forum and SAFE meeting

At the meeting prior to the Stockport match Chairman Gerry Berman and Vice Chairman Mark Harris reported on on Alty's moves to recruit a strong squad with the aim of going back to the Conference in 1999. in addition to the signings already reported an additional signing was that of Jason Donnelly a midfielder   There had been considerable speculation amongst supporters and in the press about the signing of a goal keeper. Several big names were either considering the position or being considered for it. An announcement was expected shortly.

These signings were costing a lot of money and could only be justified if good results were obtained on the pitch and equally importantly an increase in attendance figures. All supporters were urged to try to persuade their friends and families to come to Moss Lane and see a good side in action. More collectors and investors in the Saturday Yankee would also be of considerable help.

Manager Bernard Taylor introduced new signings Phil Power and Brian Kilcline to the supporters

New strips would be used this season. The home one would revert to the traditional red and white stripes and would be first seen at the match against Frickley on August 22nd. The away strip would be a day glow yellow with a black trim. Both would be available from the Club shop which is moving to larger premises within the ground.

You will be able to Buzz Bernard - Now 24 hours a day on 0640 69 99 29 - your chance to quiz the manager. a new Robins Round up number is now available on 0640 69 99 39.

There was a request for volunteers to replace divots at half and full time and to tidy the ground after matches

The name of the new club sponsor would be announced shortly

Jamie Taylor who was the player of the year last season has left the club to join John King at Bangor.

Questions were then put to the officials and players by the supporters.

SAFE Meeting

Peter Read  said that the Chairmanship of SAFE would be shared between George Benson and Paul Dewey.

A monthly news letter would be produced the first of which would be posted to all members. Thereafter it would only be posted on request to those outside the area. Locals could pick up their copy on match days from the SAFE hut which was being transferred to the current club shop when that makes its move.

SAFE had participated in the Altrincham and Partington festivals with a well designed float. Trombola's raised over a £1000 for which would be used to help the club.

A "proper" race night will be held at Haydock Park race course on August 7th using a coach for transport. details later.

Volunteers are required on match days to sell 50-50 tickets where by if you have the winning ticket you win half of the sales the other 50% going to SAFE. this methods of raising money is successful at other clubs.

SAFE will again be using Carsville Coaches for their  travel to all away matches. There is a considerable reduction in price if you are a SAFE member. So why not join now.

Over three years SAFE has raise over £30,000 for the club. You can demonstrate support for the club at a small cost to yourself so why not join now

SAFE AGM

About 40 members of SAFE attended the AGM on May 11th. The following is a summary of the meeting:

• Chris Timons centre half of Gainsborough Trinity has been signed by Alty

• An FA Tribunal may be necessary to decide on the level of compensation required by Gainsborough Trinity for Paul Ellender 

• The First team had a reasonable season capped by the winning of the UniBond Challenge Cup

• Both the Reserves and the Youth teams had had good years, the latter winning three Cups.

• Matt Dickins and Stuart Terry (to Northwich Victoria) have left the club

• A report was presented by the Chairman Alan Brotherton

• SAFE have raised £24,000.00 over three years and most of this has been donated to the Club, £8000.00 this year

• The outstanding money raising events had been the walk and the Christmas raffle

• Peter Read who was the first Chairman has stood down because of work commitments and has been replaced by the current vice-chairman Alan Brotherton

• Membership is steadily growing and now stands at 300. Efforts will be made to encourage more regular fans to join SAFE

• Efforts will be made to ensure that all SAFE members receive voting forms for the Player of the year vote next season.

• The Club shop will be relocated to a larger site next season.

• A T shirt with a photo inserted by the Gestetner process was displayed. This system will be available next season through an arrangement with sponsors Gestetner.

• The majority of the social events organised by SAFE had been successful

• SAFE will be entering a float in the Altrincham festival and help is required.

• The AGM thanked the Committee and particularly Peter Read for their work during the last year.

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The gallant losers.

Below is a photo of the SAFE team which lost to "The class of 78" which were those Alty player who were in the team which won the 1978 FA Trophy at Wembley

Cliff our photographer apologises for the quality of the photo which is not up to his superb standard. It was a lousy night, dark and raining, the white blobs are drops of rain caught in the time the shutter was open.
For those of you who do not know the ring master Paul Johnson (no relation) who organises the Alty email ring site is kneeling on the front row on the extreme left facing the picture.
I regret I can not give you the names of the others apart from the organiser of the match Bill Coop who is fifth right from SAFE Chairman Peter Read on the extreme left and 5 left from SAFE Secretary Alan Brotherton, the other one in "civi" clothes third from the right.
It would be nice if someone could provide all the names.

I had to make some compromises on the size of the file, which is larger than I would like, but as I thought it would be nice to thank those who played for SAFE and as its the end of the season I thought viewers would be prepared to accept a longer down load time than usual.  Since then I have discovered thumbnails!

Double click to enlarge