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So who was the odd one out then?

Of the 12 players who featured in the first of the Tottenham FA Cup ties, only John Owens and Barry Howard were clean shaven.

I would have thought we were probably rather tach heavy in those days?!?

You're not wrong!

Just dug out the programme from the 1979 FA Cup tie against Tottenham and the Alty team photograph shows the following players with facial hair:

Stan Allan (moustache);
Jeff Johnson (moustache);
Mal Bailey (beard);
Peter Eales (beard);
Graham Heathcote (moustache);
Mickey Brooke (beard);
John Rogers (moustache);
John King (beard);
John Davison (moustache);
Ivan Crossley (beard).

Have Alty ever fielded a more hirsute team?!

If the statement "About the ony benefit members get from their membership" is not a political one I don't know what it is. It certainly isn't a factual one, since the main benefit you get from being a member of STAR is the knowledge that your membership fee is helping the club.

But on that basis, surely I could simply achieve the same warm feeling by just giving the club a £10.00 note each season instead and not even bother to renew my STAR Membership?

I have to say that I am confused about exactly what STAR offers these days (and, yes, I am still a member!).

Any guidance?

The aforementioned Andy Newell is now a Football League Assistant Referee.

He officiated at a number of Man Utd Reserve Fixtures

My research had already unearthed that information......but the question remains: was he Mike Newell's brother?

Calling Flynny....

Management Guru,

Did you ever visit Nantwich's old ground to see Alty play there in the 1970s?

The Ashington question remains........any older fans can confirm? Certain we played there about 1969?

During the inaugural season of the Northern Premier League (1968/69), Alty played at Ashington on Easter Monday, 7th April 1969 (having faced them at Moss Lane only three days earlier on Good Friday).

Don't forget, GH has mentioned he is also looking for a big lad up front so if he dins someone that fits the bill we'd be stronger in attack than we've been for years.

Anyone got Tunna's telephone number?

Thoughts....Christ that's some team!

I'm hamstrung by only having seen the 91 side. i find it hard to believe there have been more committed determined leaders than Paul Rowlands that year. I should imagine Mal Bailey was of similar ilk. If you judge him to be better I'll take your word for it. Otherwise the Rowlo and cultured Owens partnership would sound good.

It seems strange that none of the midfield from 91 would get a gig. For me Nicky Daws has to be involved. I would be inclined to do a slight reshuffle. Dawsy right midfield, Jeff Johnson pushed up in place of John Rodgers. I remember Johnson as a striker anyway but never saw Rodgers.

Having said that I find it hard to doubt Bailey and Rodgers place in the team. And as ATS said elsewhere, I'll let you break the news to them 

Ballers,

As I once was a central defender in my youth, Mal Bailey was always one of my Moss Lane idols....particularly after his headed goal at Runcorn in the 1978 FA Trophy semi-final second leg!

I even forgave him when he adopted that horrendous perm.....