Alfreton Away Days 2018/19

It’s one of the exciting parts of the otherwise dull patch of endless time, stretching from the end of one season to the beginning of the next, waiting to find out which new teams your side will face in the next campaign.

And sometimes, for step 2 and below, the regional factor can come in to play and spice things up further, just ask any Hereford fan…

Next season will include more travelling for Reds fans, a further 243 and a half miles, adding on another 5 hours 41 minutes on the road. But it’ll be worth it to see Heaths men make the push for promotion…. right?

With the National League Table finalised ready for August, let’s take a look at the new opponents, along with the ones departing.

 

NEW SIDES

Altrincham

A return at the first attempt for the Evostik Champions, who finished bottom of the Conference North, condemning them to back to back relegations. Last season was more fruitful, with 28 wins from 46 games, 95 points and 101 goals scored.

Distance: 161 mile round trip (3 hours 29 minutes)

Hereford

Since it’s rebirth in 2014, the club have won all three leagues they’ve competed in, beginning in the Midland League Premier, something of an unknown quantity heading into their 4th season as a club. Most surprising however, is their entry into the Northern section of the league. A fair trek for most of the other 21 teams!

Distance: 244 mile round trip (4 hours 45 minutes)

Ashton United

The Play-off winners have won promotion to Step 2 for the first time in their history. They have played a single season in the then Conference North, having finished 14th in 2003/04 season, with the league expanding. They did play Alfreton that season, with the Reds winning the Division One Championship the year previous.

Distance: 129 mile round trip (3 hours 4 minutes)

Guiseley

Managed by Former Alfreton favorites Russ O’Neill (Joint Manager with Marcus Bignot) and Paul Clayton (Assistant), and having recently recruited Niall Heaton, a reunion is on the cards when the relegated Lions make the short trip to the Impact.

Distance: 146 mile round trip (3 hours 3 minutes)

Chester

Another ex Football League side, City are competing at this level for the first time since 2012-13. Any lack of experience however will be re balanced with joint-managers Morley and Johnson joining from last seasons champions Salford City. Yep… They’re back.

Distance: 210 mile round trip (4 hours 10 minutes)

 

Total: 890 miles (18 hours 30 minutes)

 

LEAVING

Salford City

Many fans breathed a sign of relief when they were confirmed champions. Fair to say they weren’t the most liked side in the division, coupled with their spending power, you’d be hard pushed to find any sides sad to see them leave.

Distance: 173 mile round trip (3 hours 26 minutes)

Harrogate AFC

Their first season as a full time side paid off with a play off win over Brackley. Amazingly, they’ll compete in a higher division than local rivals York City for the first time in their history, after playing them competitively for the first time during their promotion season. They’ll play in Non Leagues top flight for the first time in their history next season. A year for firsts then!

Distance: 151 mile round trip (2 hours 52 minutes)

Gainsborough Trinity

145 years in the same division has come to an end. The club has never been promoted since being founded in 1873 and until this season had never been relegated. If ever a club found itself in uncharted territory, it’s the Holy Blues.

Distance: 94 mile round trip (2 hours 16 minutes)

Tamworth

It’s been a strange decline for the Lambs since relegation from the Conference Premier at the end of the 2013/14 season. they finished 7th in their first and second seasons, 9th in the third, and a steep dip down to 21st last time out. That first season could’ve nearly been back to back drops and an instant return. September saw the club in the bottom three, but a 12 game winning run later left them narrowly missing out on the play offs.

Distance: 82.4 mile round trip (1 hour 46 minutes)

North Ferriby United

A bizarre state of affairs. Having had a superb time under the new Alfreton boss Billy Heath, it’s all gone downhill in recent years. Promoted as Champions in 2013, they finished second in their first season of Conference North football in 2014, won the FA Trophy in 2015, Promoted again in 2016 before the departure of Heath. They’re now back where it all started 5 years ago following back to back relegation.

Distance: 146 mile round trip (2 hours 29 minutes)

Total: 646.5 miles (12 hours 49 minutes)

 

Chris Moyses is the new Alfreton Town Manager.

The 51 year old replaces John McDermott, who was sacked by the club earlier today.

Moyses most recent managerial position was at Lincoln City, guiding them to a 13^th placed finish in the National League 2015-16 season, resigning due to ‘other business interests’.

He was initially caretaker manager of City for a month, before being given the role on a 12 month rolling contract in December 2014. He announced his intention to resign at the end of the season in April 2016.

When leaving the Imps he said ‘The club is in a good place. Whoever takes the reins will inherit a decent, strong set of players ready to challenge next season”.

The club then hired Danny Cowley and gained promotion to the Football League, as well as reaching the FA Cup quarter finals.

He replaces John McDermott who joined the Reds in May last year alongside Director Lee Mullen. However despite fresh investment and a squad overhaul, the club sit one point above the drop zone.

5 Candidates for the Alfreton Town Managers job

With the news that John McDermott has left the club, here are 5 potential management choices who could take over at the Impact Arena.

 

Martin McIntosh:

The Buxton boss finished his career at Alfreton and knows the chairman from his playing days. Moving from the Bucks is not just a short trip geographically, but in footballing terms it’s one step up the ladder.

 

Hopkins & Kirkwood:

The Gladiators had a terrific season last year, but have struggled to get consistency with key injuries this term. The duo have none the less enjoyed relative success at the
Reds local neighbors.

 

Chris Moyses:

Rumored to be a friend of Lee Mullens. The former Lincoln boss has been out of the game since May 2016 when he resigned to focus on a separate business of his. The squad he left was taken on by Danny Cowley, and went on to win the National League, alongside an FA Cup run which saw them knock out Premier League opponents en route to the Quater Finals.

 

Gary Mills:

Former Alfreton Town Player-Manager. Out of work since being sacked by York City early in the season. He kept Alfreton out of trouble for two seasons where consecutive budget cuts were made. The Reds were 13th when he left for Tamworth. It’d be interesting to see what he could do with the current, larger budget.

 

Nicky Law:

There have been calls of ‘Bring back the Law man’ in recent weeks from the stands. mayn people have pondered how the squad would look with Nickys remarkable eye for talent, along with the larger chequebook. Players like a Vardy who were spotted by Law before Fleetwood would have been made possible with this seasons budget, alongside the players who did make it to the Impact like Flint, Bradley and France.

 

 

BREAKING: McDermott SACKED by Alfreton

Alfreton Town Manager John McDermott has been sacked by Alfreton Town Football Club with immediate effect after eight months in charge.

It follows a poor run of results, leaving the Reds just one point above the relegation zone. Assistants Karl Lenighan and Chris Millington have also left the club.

It is believed a replacement was lined up prior to the victory away to North Ferriby, but the club decided to axe the 48 year old following a last gasp draw against relegation rivals Darlington on Saturday.

McDermott watching on from the sideline during his last game as Manager

 

 

John joined the club from Cleethorpes Town, where he was ‘Director of Football’ during the clubs FA Trophy run to Wembley, following six seasons as Assistant Manager at Harrogate. However his first season in the top job has been less successful than many had hoped.

Alfreton sit 18^th in the National League North Table, with just eight wins from 25 matches this season. The last home win was back on the ninth of September.

There had been a great deal of hope and expectation around the ground with Johns arrival coinciding with the fresh investment of Euromillions winner Lee Mullen, however fans see the club in yet another relegation battle, despite a much improved squad on paper.

National League North Table, following a 1-1 draw vs Darlington

Recruitment has been brought into question by some, with loanee Pierce Birds debut marking the 40^th player to be used in the squad this season, that’s not including the likes of Mason Springthorpe, who were signed and released before making it into a matchday squad.

There have also been several one game wonders. Clappinson, Lavelle-Moore, Shariff, and Williams just some of the players to play one or two games for the Reds this season.

Fans have also questioned the logic of signing players such as centre-back Luis Morrison who are yet to kick a ball this season, and then signing defenders on loan as cover when first teamers are injured or suspended.

However some argue the squad itself is ample, but lacks motivation. Daniels, Shiels, Wood, Elliott, Westcarr, Platt all put fear into the opposition no doubt. They have a skillful, talented group at the Impact, but that hasn’t been reflected in performances, and, more importantly, results.

Any manager coming into the club will surely look at the squad and feel confident with what they have. The first job, will be getting them to play with the desire and passion that has been lacking in recent weeks. It also looks likely that any overhaul will only be made possible by players leaving the club before any new recruits arrive.

Dutch pleads guilty to fraud.

Former Chesterfield, Sheffield United and Mansfield midfielder Paul Holland has pleaded guilty to fraud and use of false instruments, at a hearing at Derby Magistrates court.

The charges relate to November 2016 through to March 2017, where Holland, affectionately known as Dutch by fans, abused his position as manager of Ilkeston FC, now reformed as Ilkeston Town FC, for financial gain.

Above: Ilkeston’s New Manor Ground

The 44 year old agreed a deal with former club Aston United for hire of the pitch at the New Manor Ground, home of the Robins, but forged the signature of club secretary Andrew Raisin, and diverted payments to his own bank account. He stepped down as head coach in February and had been involved with the club since its rebirth in 2010.

He pleaded guilty and was given two sentences of 24 weeks, to run concurrently, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation, a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85. He will also undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.

Holland was capped at England U21 level and was previously manager of Mansfield Town after retiring from playing. He was replaced by Shaun Goater during last season.

Competition in Goal for Alfreton

Alfreton have completed the signing of Goalkeeper Chris Elliott on a one-year-deal.

The keeper has featured for the Reds over the course of pre-season, and is the second shot stopper to sign this summer, following Mason Springthorpe.

Above: Elliott replaces Springthorpe vs Rotherham

Elliot, 24, has most recently plied his trade in Scandinavia, representing Swedish sides Bodens BK and IFK Holmsund over the last three years. He has also previously had spells with Bradford, Harrogate and Consett.

He becomes the clubs 16th signing since the arrival of John McDermott as manager, and will offer competition for a place between the sticks.

Snodin completes Alfreton Jigsaw

John McDermott has completed the signing of Left Back Jordan Snodin.

The former Hyde and Matlock defender began his career with Leeds United, and becomes McDermotts 15th signing this summer.

The 23 year old  joins on a one year deal, after being released by Maltby Main this summer. He is the son of former Doncaster and Everton player Ian Snodin, and Nephew of Glynn Snodin.

Above: Morrison and Snodin complete McDermotts new look Alfreton side

Snodin was a second half substitute during the 5-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, and after the game Reds manager John McDermott told me a left back was top priority;

“We looked at Tom Allan at left back, we needed a left back in. I thought he did really well.

“But it’s all about budgets. I don’t want square pegs in round holes”.

Snodin completes Alfretons brands new starting 11, following signings in every other position, the final position of Left Back is now ticked off.

Fans will be able to see the new signing this evening as Alfreton Town host Rotherham United. Kick off at the Impact 7.30pm.

 

 

Alfreton Town FC Trialists vs Swanwick PR: 5 key players to keep an eye on!

Above: Alfreton XI in action against Swanwick PR

An Alfreton XI ran out 3-0 winners against local side Swanwick Pentrich Road on Saturday at ‘home’ at Hucknall Rolls Royce.

The side was predominantly trialists, invited by manager John McDermott, who took charge of the Reds for the first time since his summer appointment.

One familiar face was that of Oli Cox, who signed from Swanwick towards the back end of last season. He played the full 90 under the name ‘Trialist 5’. A handful of academy players featured in the second half, including Brough, Evans and goalkeeper Josh Stredder all introduced at the break. Jake Wright (CM) and Zia Douglas (FB) were brought on during the second half, playing their first game in front of the Alfreton supporters. Everyone else was nameless however, all being invited trialists.

Before we look at some of the stand out players from the weekend, here’s a reminder of who John McDermott has so far brought to the Impact:

 Aswell as the nine signings illustrated, four  players have been retained. Allan and  McGowan could easily slot into the centre-half  vacancy whilst Westcarr and Adam Smith will  have to contest the new arrivals for a spot in  the starting 11.

 Westy would surely have no problem with that,  finishing last season as top goalscorer for what  was, in honesty, a struggling side. Smith may  have difficulty, after an injury hit season,  further tarnished with off the field issues. Allan  could potentially fill in at Left Back, which is  the only truly vacant position left in  McDermotts side.

5 key players:

Trialist Number 2: Liam Bateman, Age 22

Right Back. Impressed the fans with his ability to move past a man and make in rows down the right hand side. Seems a pacey player, able to use some eye catching trickery to beat a man. Never caught out at the back, but happy to go forwards, the ex-Kettering and Aston Villa man could be a useful asset for McDermott.

Trialist Number 6: Luis Morrison, Age 22

(Left, far right) A tall, well built centre-half,who got many fans talking during the game. Reaction from pitch side seemed positive, with supporters saying he was exactly the type of player needed for the coming season. Height and physical presence doesn’t seem to be in abundance as yet, The former Arsenal defender, most recently of Altrincham, could balance that up quite nicely.

Trialist Number 7: Connor Mason, Age ?

The winger opened the scoring at the weekend, twisting and turning in the area, showing great footwork and agility, before slotting neatly past the keeper. Previous club(s) unknown, but could be the highly rated One highlighted by the gaffer post match, so we may heard more about him in the coming weeks.

Trialist Number 9: Brad Kay, Age ?

A tall, young Centre Forward. Released by Oldham Athletic this summer along with three others, who were to be kept on, until Latics Manager John Sheridan had other ideas. Rounded off the scoring by latching onto a Morgan Brough through ball and finishing with ease. Has an eye for the unusual, attempting numerous backheels throughout the game.

Trialist Number 10: Andre Johnson, Age 21

Started his career at Derby County. The former Rams striker netted the opener after creating openings out wide. Caused plenty of problems for Swanwick, with neat footwork on the wing, and the mindset to run in from the wing to the area. Quick feet and an eye for goal. Knows the area well, having previously played for Matlock, Heanor and Worksop.

Ilkeston FC Wind up, in two senses….

Today seems to be the end of Ilkestons resident football club.

Either it’s taken me 7 years to publish this article, or it’s happened again. Sadly it’s the latter. Chairman Nigel Harrop has today been told by a court in Liverpool, enough is enough.

Harrop, who has lead the slowly sinking ship of the Robins had announced just hours before the hearing that a deal had been agreed to sell the club, but the court were not interested.

It seems the legal powers that be share the views of many long suffering Il’son fans, who feel it’s a case of too little, too late. Much too late….

Departing Captain Matt Baker shares the fans skepticism, saying he doesn’t believe a word Harrop says;

“We (players) won’t believe anything until it actually happens. When I read the news about the takeover I thought ‘I’ve heard it all before’.

“I understand why fans might think today’s a good thing, they want the club in their hands and I understand why”.

However, things could get interesting, with the current owner Mr Harrop appealing the decision with the deal to sell to ‘All Eight Sports Management’ on the cards.

All Eight, owned jointly by Gustavo Moure and Clem Leech, of Spain and South Africa respectively, are a relatively new company, registered in March of this year, the same month of the players boycott over pay, or lack of. The same month also, that Chairman Nigel Harrop said a takeover deal was ‘imminent’.

Speaking to Colin, an employee of AESM, about todays ruling, he told me; “It is not what we were expecting. We had hoped our intent to resolve the clubs issues would have led to the creditor allowing us time to negotiate.

“We are working to ascertain whether the ruling is good or bad news. If we are unable to save the club it is bad news”.

A view not shared by all Robins fans, it seems.

Following the news breaking, Social Media was naturally vocal in the Erewash Town, and fans seem split on todays decision.

In a poll, 50% of fans are disappointed in the news, with the other half further split between it being the best outcome (39% or undecided (11%) This was reflected in peoples comments, ranging from ‘supporters don’t want them’ (referring to new owners) and ‘Feel for the fans’.

However, the Ilkeston FC Supporters Group have announced they intend to form a community owned club in the town, to the delight of many disgruntled Robins Fans.

The new name is set to be ‘Ilkeston United Community Football Club’ and was discussed in great detail by the group, chaired by Duncan Payne, as a replacement should the club be liquidated for the second time in 7 years.

This is where it gets interesting, as the group say, regardless of the appeal verdict, they are going ahead with the move. Furthermore, they intend to play their football at the New Manor Ground.

Should they be successful, it would mean fans have a choice between supporting the 7 year old reformed club, or a brand new fan owned, community club. Given the atmosphere and opinions of fans this season, it would be likely the majority would move to ‘United’, which would cause a fair few headaches for any potential new owner. More to the point, with this announcement, will the ‘deal in principle’ be scuppered? Will the potential new owners want to buy a club already in turmoil if half of its fans, and with it gate receipts, sponsorship, merchandise etc leave the club?

In any outcome, the club(s) will need to be found a new league, and be formed with full squads ahead of August should they wish to compete this season, a tall order.

Cleethorpes Director of Football is new Alfreton Town Manager

Russ O’Neills successor is former Harrogate Town assistant boss John McDermott.

McDermott, who played solely for Grimsby Town throughout his playing career, which spanned 20 years and just shy of 650 games, stepped down from his position at Harrogate due to ill health, which he is ‘now over’.

After leaving Wetherby Road in January, he linked up with close friend Marcus Newell as Director of Football of The Owls, and has helped them on the road to this years FA Vase Final, which is played this Sunday at Wembley

Also joining the Reds is new investor Lee Mullen, who won the Euromillions back in 2011, and invested in his hometown club of Grimsby 4 years later.

Having donated £10,000 towards the play off final preparations, he then purchased £50,000 of shares in the club, of which he is a supporter. Having been voted onto the board, Lee then became a Director of the club later that year.

However at the start of 2017, a falling out between himself and the club saw him ‘take a back seat’ and begin watching closely local non league side Cleethorpes Town. He then brought in McDermott, who he knew being a fan of Grimsby, as the clubs record appearance maker.

With Harrogate Town making the move to full time, players are expected to arrive at the Impact through John, and join their ex-assistant manager and new investor Mullen ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Luke Shiels is one of 3 supposedly already signed for the Reds.