www.altyfans.co.uk

Old news for those that go the games but it was good to always have an outlet upfront on Corners \ free kicks v Rushden, The thing I used to hate when GH was in charge was that we'd put everyone back to defend and instantly put ourselves under pressure.. By leaving just man upfront it means usually 2 defenders will stay back to watch them.

Granted more often the not the player left upfront doesn't get the ball but the player can run and just put a little pressure on the defenders and not enable an easy ball to be put back in.

The unity and never give up attitude by the players was superb. IF we had lost that game I don't think anyone would have left thinking the players did not try.

Think what I am trying to say is that the improvement I have seen from Bath City to Rushden is brilliant.. I know its only one game but it bodes well for staying up.

As Ecky says everyone can go in work proud today.. That's fans, players and everyone at the club. Been a great xmas \ new year.

Just got a text from Mad Dog (Mark Maddox) saying he was laughing (toned down for forum ) about the KP moments. He says he has many but wanted me to put on this ....

Here is the message ...

I was sent off against Alfreton at Moss Lane and thought I would miss the play offs if we were in them and I was gutted. I came out the changing rooms to be on my own and Bill Coop was trying to console me when Kenny walked past ... "I don't know why you try and tackle Mad Dog you are sh*t at it" Cheers Kenny I thought that was my strong point ....

He adds Kenny is a LEGEND !!!

Also at Bernards Mums funeral he was singing at the top of his voice during mass ..., it was hilarious and even Bernard was laughing...

Sat here 100+ miles away and feelin guilty that I have not got the money to go to games I am looking at ways I can help this club from a distance.

Firstly who do I contact in regards to fund-raising within the supporters club ?
Secondly, who else would like to join me in working towards the future of this football club ?

I am not saying I expect a millionaire to walk in or indeed say that the work done by promoting this football club is not good already but the more heads the better.

I can't support the club at matches but would like to get on board and support the infrastructure at a distance and build this club up again to where it was before I was born

Some say accept our fate esp with Utd and City (plus many other clubs) on our doorstep but I say why not try and aspire to the best we can be. We ask the players to try their hardest and I think its about time I did that to. Yes I have sometimes gone missing but I have always tried to stay connected and attend when I can but the fact is its not that simple.

I think what I am saying is that I would feel guilty for asking the players \ managers to do their bit if I am not doing mine.

So how can I help Flynny, et all ?

I am going quote an ex chairman "The past does not equal the future" and thats why I need to stop having a bee in my bonnet about the Carole Nash money and whats its been used for but to think of ways to get more investment in. No use worrying about what has now gone but to think about ways of getting more in to help the club continue to well financially.

Out of his depth but the latest of my Alty related horses you can bet on...

http://sports.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/Navigation?byocList=r210003629&evListFilter=214559253

http://sports.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/Virtual-Horses/RaceclubsVirtual-Horses-Betting/Raceclubs-r210003629

20:36 Race Overview:  1m Maiden 3Y C (Ladbrokes Race Club)
There is no overview for this market

Current Odds
Moss Lane Flyer 11/5
 Livin On A Prayer  6/5 
 Poor14firm  9/2 
 Rubino Liquido 33/10 
   
So far one race and one place....
McKenna Magic has lost some form just as we have got some so won't be racing for a while so we can keep doing well
 

I am not one to single out players for abuse as I don't think that helps, there could be many factors behind why a player could under perform or maybe perform to his ability and not be good enough.

All I have to say is that after yesterdays game the following has been in my head, and wanted to wait before coming on:

IF you can hand on heart say you are trying 100% then you are just not good enough then that is not your fault, you have been given the opportunity to play for Alty in the Conference National and maybe that is a step too far for you ? Maybe this is the highest your career can take you and I am sorry that someone has brought you in above your level and basically embarrassed you, bit like someone employing me as a UN peace keeper, wouldn't be my fault it would be my employer but I wouldn't turn it down.

IF however you believe yourself to be a conference premier player (or above) then its time to pull up your socks and prove it. Whether its to keep Alty up or to get yourself a better contract somewhere else then so be it. At the moment all your doing is letting yourself and the people around you down. This will be the highest level you will play for one season only as no other club will touch you. Draw inspiration off Senior and Young who have gone on to full time contracts. All you are doing is embarrassing yourselves and this is something you need to change for yourself and not the fans or anyone else but for you and your career.

If you are not good enough but give 100% then its not your fault, if you are good enough but are not giving 100% then its up to you.

For those that are just grateful to be playing Conference National football, enjoy it cos it'll be your only season in it. For those that believe that they are better than bottom of it encourage yourself and others to get on the game and give it all. I know if it was my career I would be trying my hardest to be the best I can be.

A little side note for Robbie Lawton, coming over at the end of the match showed guts and bottle but most importantly showed appreciation and as fans all we can't ask for more than is 100% and if everyone is giving it then its not your fault but Graham Heathcote's for allowing you to be shown up week in and week out by not being of the standard required.

Eastbourne Borough are a club similar to ours with players that should be of the same calibre to ours, and they won 5-0......

So what you made of lads ? Are you good enough ?... If not sorry for the rant, If you are then lets step it up and get out this rut.

Random I know but after the thread of where you are from I was wondering are there many of us in the 'middle' ? I know the 'Southern' section is well supported but how about the 'inbetweeners?'

In my opinion there are three options, and all would involve a board statement...

1) The board come out backing Graham to the hilt, reassuring the fans, players and most importantly managment
2) Graham and the club part company and Altrincham get someone else in
3) The board give Graham an ultimatum, what they expect from upcoming games and he has to deliver (This done in private), then go to option 1 or 2 depending on outcome.

When looking at it calmly its easy to see but hard to decide in my opinion.

Personally I think its time for a change, BUT I have been proved wrong many a time and would love to eat my words IF it meant Alty improve.

I feel like my opinions are just going to start going round in circles, and I know the 'replies' that annoy me \ make little sense to me, and I want this decided on the NOW with where Altrincham are expected to be NOW and in the future.

If the current situation is acceptable \ what is expected by the board of Altrincham FC then there is no case to answer, please state this as Graham Heathcote is doing the job that is expected of him and people are over reacting, inc myself ??

I, like everyone  including the management want this first win and to kick on from it.

I URGE all players to do this for Graham (to shut people like me up), for the board, For us ... or maybe just for yourselves. The support you get is always excellent.

You want motivation ... DO IT FOR THE PERSON THAT PICKS YOU IN THE TEAM !!!