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General Category => Altrincham FC First Team => Topic started by: Mrs Warbouys on May 16, 2017, 09:23:47 PM
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Poole a superb signing for this level
Altrincham's Press and Media Officer John Edwards writes, "Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson has pulled off a major coup for next season by beating a host of clubs to the signature of James Poole and making the Salford City frontrunner one of three new arrivals in as many days.
The recently-appointed Alty boss has wasted no time stamping his mark on the club's fortunes by snapping up winger John Johnston from Salford and following up with the capture of Poole and Nantwich's cultured centre-back Ben Harrison.
Johnston has already outlined his eagerness to team up again with Parkinson, following a loan spell at Nantwich, while Harrison has been backed to become a firm favourite with Alty followers for his commanding presence and ability to bring the ball out of defence.
But it is the acquisition of Poole that is most likely to take the eye after the 27-year old one-time Manchester City Academy prospect spearheaded Salford's rise into the Vanarama National League North just over 12 months ago.
Describing how decisive action from Parkinson pointed him towards The J.Davidson Stadium, Poole told Alty's club website, 'The manager got in touch with me as soon as it was announced I was leaving Salford and made me feel really, really wanted here, and that went a long way towards making my mind up.
'He told me his plans for the club, what his expectations were, what he thought of me as a player and where I would fit into the overall team pattern, and to hear him say all that was really nice. It played a huge part in me becoming an Altrincham player.
'He seemed to know my game inside out, which a lot of managers at this level wouldn't have at their fingertips. He knew all my strengths and what formation would best suit my game, and he told me exactly how I would fit in and what he would expect of me.
'It wasn't a difficult decision, because his football philosophy is completely in line with mine. The confidence he has in himself as a manager, and in the way he sets his team up, was just as impressive. It was great to hear someone backing himself like he clearly does.
'It's fair to say my phone has been busy since the announcement about leaving Salford. Quite a few people have made enquiries, and there have been offers, but absolutely no-one showed the level of interest or desire to get me to their club as the Altrincham manager did.
'His vision for the club and the team and stressing how much he wanted me to be part of it was the reason I'm here now. It means the world to me to have that level of faith placed in me.
'I like to see myself as a proper footballer. Technique is probably a strength in my game. That and being creative, getting the best out of other players around me, particularly within the framework of a style of play that suits me. I had one season in the Evo-Stik with Salford, and we got promoted and had an FA Cup run, so the same again next season would do nicely.
'I'll be aiming for goals and assists, and I'm confident I can do that and contribute to a successful season for Altrincham.'
Poole was part of the City side that beat Chelsea to win the 2007-08 FA Youth Cup, and he went on to make nearly 100 appearances for Hartlepool before having a brief spell at Bury and joining Salford in September, 2015.
Warrington-born 26-year old Harrison underlined his growing reputation as a ball-playing centre-back with a remarkable solo goal in the FA Cup against Stourbridge last season, sidestepping two challenges before rifling a shot into the top corner. It was voted Nantwich's goal of the season and can be viewed on here
'Ben is a sought-after footballing centre-half, and we have fought off stiff opposition to bring him to Altrincham,' said Parkinson. 'I'm delighted he has chosen to join us, and I'm confident he will become a firm favourite with the fans. That goal against Stourbridge was something special, well worth a look. Our fans will love it, and I'm confident they will take to him in a big way.'"
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Very happy with this!
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Yes, had a feeling James Poole might sign. Didn't see Ben Harrison coming though - thought he'd end up in the Conference National at least!!!
It's safe to say, we mean business.
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If we can follow this up with the news we've released Owens,Hobson,Evans and McDonald I might start getting optimistic!
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Two excellent signings.
Getting a bit of a buzz
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If we can follow this up with the news we've released Owens,Hobson,Evans and McDonald I might start getting optimistic!
Any views on Heathcote ,McWilliams and Lawrie?
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Welcome Ben and James.
Look like excellent signings but I'm also very encouraged by Pooles comments about Parky.
He had no need to say all that but to hear that we have a manager who is clued up and done his research is very reassuring. Should be a given I know but the last barmpots have left me a bit scarred.
Keep it up.
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Too many false dawns in the last eighteen months for me to get worked up about signings. I want to see wins in league games first.
It's not these lads fault, or Parkinson's. The fault lies elsewhere
Come on Alty.
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If we can follow this up with the news we've released Owens,Hobson,Evans and McDonald I might start getting optimistic!
Any views on Heathcote ,McWilliams and Lawrie?
Heathcote would be a decent squad player,McWilliams I meant to include in the players I hope get released and Lawrie just will get a new deal whatever I hope for as he must have some juicy info about Rowley that keeps guarenteeing him new deals every season.
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If we can follow this up with the news we've released Owens,Hobson,Evans and McDonald I might start getting optimistic!
Any views on Heathcote ,McWilliams and Lawrie?
Can all go for me, not good enough
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Not seen McWilliams because iv stopped going because of Rowley,Heathcote and Lawrie should go
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Very happy with this. Nice to see us signing players from Salford. I know you can't make complete judgements on players just off their former clubs, but I feel a lot more optimistic than I did this time last year. Could we finally be about to piss a tinpot league? We can but hope.
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Those with good memories may recall that, after Witton Albion knocked us out of the FA Cup 0-2 at Moss Lane in October 2011, I said on this forum that we should look at signing their tremendously influential 20 year old centre back and captain.
Almost six years later......welcome Ben !
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If we can follow this up with the news we've released Owens,Hobson,Evans and McDonald I might start getting optimistic!
Any views on Heathcote ,McWilliams and Lawrie?
Can all go for me, not good enough
THIS
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I know I will be in the minority here but..... I think McWilliams could be worth retaining. I'm sure Parky and Sorvil could bring the best out of him...
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I know I will be in the minority here but..... I think McWilliams could be worth retaining. I'm sure Parky and Sorvil could bring the best out of him...
McWilliams is capable of much more. Keep him...for now. He has to prove his worth.
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I think the main thing to be taken here is that (for once), these are two players who've played the previous season (and played well) and are generally rated as being decent players.
Which is a great improvement on the likes of Hobson and Hattersley who's signings produced much mirth from Stockport fans, ditto Charlie Joyce and Southport fans.
As York Alty says, it'll take some output before I can judge them and it's not Poole's fault I want to see he hasn't mentally retired first but as least they fit the basic criteria of a signing if nothing else.
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I know I will be in the minority here but..... I think McWilliams could be worth retaining. I'm sure Parky and Sorvil could bring the best out of him...
McWilliams is capable of much more. Keep him...for now. He has to prove his worth.
Was about to reply to Ray but you have said it
Think McW has something to offer - likes to overlap
Lawrie - an enigma - nice fella but should have been released three seasons ago for both his sake and the clubs
As others have said - a few recent false dawns to get too excited following a series of absolute duff signings from Young, Harvey et al
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I'm delighted with this. Along with Johnston, these are the sort of acquisitions we should have been making at the beginning of last season. The fact that we're still a club capable of making them at Northern Premier League level highlights just how bad a job Neil Young actually did.
When you remember that we could be adding Chris Lynch in to the mix of post-Salford players, plus the handful of Nantwich lads and our veterans who are already acquainted, its beginning to look like Phil Parkinson is going to be putting together a squad that should blend together nicely.
We set the non league circle alight tonight, dozens of comments re. Poole and 'how have they pulled that off?' Its nice to be relevant for a positive reason again. Lets hope it all works out!
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More great news
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Let's just wait and see till we've played 5league games before we stick the boot in
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I can't quite believe we've managed to pull off the signing of Poole - I could have been sure he'd be Stockport-bound, or even Curzon - such is the fall down the pecking order we've suffered.
His comments on Parky fill me with a lot of confidence that he actually - shock horror - has a plan. It was this time last year that Youngy was outlining his plan to fling as much mud at it until something stuck.
Pooley, Miller (if he can stay fit) and Johnston along the front line, as well as this lad at the back, sounds like a great start to me.
Re: McWilliams, Lawrie etc - I'd be happy to keep them on as squad players, providing they are just that - squad players.
We're not going to be able to sign 16 first-teamers, so we might as well retain some of what we've got. Gambling speculatively on lads to sit on the bench will never work - we'll end up with the same dross we had last season.
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Let's just wait and see till we've played 5league games before we stick the boot in
there should be no sticking the boot in at all for me for months at least . We can't lose another manager
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Let's just wait and see till we've played 5league games before we stick the boot in
there should be no sticking the boot in at all for me for months at least . We can't lose another manager
Precisely. I like what I'm seeing on the playing side, even though I'm still angry about a lot of "off the field" stuff. I'll be starting on an away games only basis. And if it looks good I might force myself to home matches by September.
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It may be that neither Lawrie nor McWilliams are required, if a few more of the Nantwich lads join their former gaffer...
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We've got some good connections within the team already - Johnston and Pooley are good mates as far as I'm aware, and Johnston has obviously been with the Nantwich lads already.
Should hopefully have a really gelled squad by Game 1.
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For the games I saw McWilliams I thought he was consistent and committed, he overlapped very well and can cross. Keep him for me, even as a squad player. Lawrie- time to move on, well should have moved on seasons a go. Clear out Hobson, Evans and Owens, nowhere near good enough. I just hope we can keep the following players fit - Miller ( huge player now Clee has left) , Densmore ( must be his last opportunity) and finally Hannigan ( top defender ). Midfield of Richman, Taylor and Moult if fit and firing on all cylinders SHOULD boss this league. We defo need another centre mid, centre back, 2 strikers and left back.
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I never saw McWilliams, but was concerned by an accusation from the acting management that he failed to play to instructions.
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I never saw McWilliams, but was concerned by an accusation from the acting management that he failed to play to instructions.
Folks saw at least two voices from the touchline, and add in GH in training sessions. I am unsurprised some got confused about their instructions.
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Mcwilliams was quite good when we first signed him. I can't blame him if his performances went downhill as the season wore on.
As for Lawrie, I certainly see why a lot of people see now as his time to leave. But if Parky does decide to keep him on, perhaps we could see a James Lawrie back at his best. In a dominant, attacking team with good players around him he has the ability to really shine. I could be wildly wrong but I'm interested to see what decisions are made in the coming weeks.
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hobson ,mcdonald evans and owens to sign anyone see them staying ?
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hobson ,mcdonald evans and owens to sign anyone see them staying ?
Hopefully not.
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JJ and Pooley are two top players, sad to see them go from Salford now we are going full time.
Excellent signings for Alty. Glad they found a home with you.
JJ in particular is the style of player you will love, leaves it all on the field and runs for fun, very fast. Came back to his best form at the end of this season gone.
Pooley is cultured and intelligent striker, good team player and passer too. Only gripe with him is gets knocked off the ball too easily by brutish defenders. Otherwise, superb.
If he is still available, I would look at signing Craig King too, assuming he is not staying at Salford, great midfielder.
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hobson ,mcdonald evans and owens to sign anyone see them staying ?
Hopefully not.
As you know I'm a firm advocate of retaining players where possible - however I hope these lot never set foot inside Moss Lane again.
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Looks like we're splashing that investment cash already. :o
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Looks like we're splashing that investment cash already. :o
Still waiting on news of that
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Looks like we're splashing that investment cash already. :o
Still waiting on news of that
I think we've had some indication. Why are all these decent players dropping down leagues to play for us?
I know the manager seems like a good bloke, but it can't just be that.
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Looks like we're splashing that investment cash already. :o
Still waiting on news of that
I think we've had some indication. Why are all these decent players dropping down leagues to play for us?
I know the manager seems like a good bloke, but it can't just be that.
English Rupees talk.
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It could be new investment certainly, but Nicky, Reevesy and Goodall weren't on peanuts (so could be that). Hope it is linked to the investment though.
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Not necessarily. I was discussing James' options with his uncle a couple of months ago when he told me James wouldn't be going full-time and it was soon apparent that there was a reasonable chance he could sign for us. When you weigh up his options they were probably us, Stalybridge and Stockport. We couldn't see him being interested in travelling over to Southport or Chester and there aren't many other part-time options in the local area.
JJ is probably down to the manager as being based further south there were probably quite a few more teams to choose from.
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It's really refreshing to see players coming here due to an ambitious young manager
Who cares what we are paying them as long as we perform.
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It's really refreshing to see players coming here due to an ambitious young manager
Who cares what we are paying them as long as we perform.
This is it. For the first time in a long time it feels like we actually have a proper strategy as to the squad we are building, it's a good blend thus far of youth, experience and quality coming in. It's essential though for me, there's no mucking about next season after consecutive relegations and we still need to know where this new cash is coming from and if any strings are attached to the Chairmans position as part of it.
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Not necessarily. I was discussing James' options with his uncle a couple of months ago when he told me James wouldn't be going full-time and it was soon apparent that there was a reasonable chance he could sign for us. When you weigh up his options they were probably us, Stalybridge and Stockport. We couldn't see him being interested in travelling over to Southport or Chester and there aren't many other part-time options in the local area.
JJ is probably down to the manager as being based further south there were probably quite a few more teams to choose from.
Stockport train 3 times during the week (unless they have a midweek game, but then obviously he'd be involved in that), which might have ruled out Stockport with his scouting commitments for City.
Having said that, I assumed he'd end up somewhere like FCUM - in the advent of Salford City they seem to have gone awfully quiet over in Moston ::)
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James and all his family are massive City fans, don't think there was any chance of him signing for FC!