www.altyfans.co.uk

Or http://wrtvx.blogspot.com/

My first game for a while today - two poor teams, they were marginally worse than us. True - GH got a lot of abuse from a section of fans but his alleged offensive reaction (and I didn't see it myself) is a step too far. He's lost the fans, seems to have lost the players and, despite his long association with the club, I think his departure is inevitable. The board seem a sensible bunch - I'm sure they can attract a more than competent successor.

The team needs a leader on the pitch as well as a trusted leader off it.

Circumstances dictate that I cannot get to games anything like as often as I wish these days but as a supporter of 30 years plus (ex-season ticket holder) and someone who follows the fortunes of the club closely I thought I'd give my two penn'orth. Whatever his failings, GH is Alty through and through and I believe should have a role at the club - it is whether that is as manager that can be justifiably debated. I have witnessed both sides of his devotion to Alty - when he was a player a fan on the terraces gave him a bit of stick and as he held off 2 opposing defenders by the corner flag he argued (somewhat abusively) about how he and his teammates had won 2 leagues titles for fans like him and they should get behind the club. On another occasion, during his time in charge with John King, I called into the ground during the summer to renew my season ticket and on my way out as I let on to him he insisted I be shown around the ground to see all the new improvements that were being made at the time - his pride in being part of Altrincham FC was (and still is) undeniable. Given the team's playing record over the past 3 seasons, the time probably is right to let someone else have a go at managing the playing side of things but we should not underestimate what GH has given to Alty for most of his adult life. Those who work at the club day in day out know the value of of people like GH which is why full support will always come from there. We should be careful not to hound out someone who, after all, is an intrisic part of OUR club.

Paul.

They showed that edition of MOTD on (I think) ESPN Classic not long ago and I noticed that Alty chant - that was a special 3rd round day - didn't Wimbledon win at Burnley (non league vs old 1st Division) and Leatherhead lead Leicester 2-0 at Filbert Street before losing 3-2?

Paul.

Thanks for the info Brian - shame that the 78 final footage has disappeared. Maybe one day...

I have an interesting 30 minutes radio recording of a show on BBC Radio Manchester immediately after the 1978 Trophy semi-final 1st leg against Runcorn - it features Tony Sanders fielding questions from supporters on a phone-in and the presenter in the studio. The mood was a little despondent after a 0-0 home draw but Sanders seemed optimistic about the 2nd leg as we had been without Jeff Johnson (suspended) and John Rogers had gone off ill during the game - I remember Mickey Brooke playing up front for the last half an hour in that game. If I remember correctly Barry Whitbread (then Runcorn) was supposed to have been suspended for the 2nd leg but they somehow managed to get him free to play which was annoying as we had lost Jeff for the first match. Didn't matter of course - Mal Bailey, what a hero!

I also have a recording of the radio match reports from throughout the 1-1 draw with Spurs as I didn't actually go to the game. Must dig that out - its buried in the loft with all my other Alty memorabilia going back to the early 60s...

Cheers,
Paul