NEWS ARCHIVE
June, 2026
30 June 2026
ALTY PUT FRIENDLY TICKETS ON SALE
Altrincham FC announce that "Tickets are now on sale for our opening home friendly of the summer against long-time rivals Macclesfield.Prices for The J.Davidson Stadium clash on Saturday, July 25th have been set at £10 for adults (supporters aged 18 and over) and £5 for juniors (supporters aged 17 and under).
- The CSH Bar & Fan Zone will open at 1:30pm
- Kick-off is at 3pm
- Segregation will be in place
- Season tickets are not valid for home pre-season games
- New mandated rules from the National League mean under-14s must be accompanied by an adult
- To purchase your tickets simply click here and select the relevant section and price category.
Further ticket information for our second and final home pre-season game, against Manchester United under-21s on Friday, July 31st (7pm), will be announced in the coming days".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Hartlepool United "confirm the signing of Charlie Penman following the expiry of his contract with Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 19-year-old defender has agreed a one-year contract at Victoria Park until June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year...
The left-footed centre-back joins Pools following a five-year spell with Brighton... after arriving from Blackpool in 2021... [He gained] senior experience on loan with Aldershot Town, where he made nine appearances...
He also featured regularly for Brighton’s Under-21 side during the 2025/26 campaign... Across his time on the south coast, Penman made 85 appearances for Brighton’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides...
Standing at approximately 6ft 6in, Penman arrives at Victoria Park as a commanding left-footed defender...
Charlie Penman said 'I’ve had five brilliant years at Brighton and learned so much both on and off the pitch, but now I’m ready for the next challenge and to establish myself in senior football'".
At the other end of the country, Eastleigh "announce the arrival of striker Hady Ghandour, who joins the Spitfires on a permanent deal...
Ghandour joins the Spitfires following a three-year spell with fellow Hampshire side Aldershot Town. During his time with the Shots, he made 58 National League appearances.
The 26-year-old’s professional career began with Charlton Athletic... Ghandour made a permanent move to Maidstone United in 2022...
In 2021 he was called up to Lebanon’s senior team for their World Cup qualification matches against the United Arab Emirates and South Korea".
Harrogate Town "announce our fifth summer signing, as goalkeeper Rory Watson joins on a one-year contract.
The 30-year-old joins Town after spending the last three seasons at York City.
'I’m ecstatic. I heard about the deal towards the end of last week and had a conversation with the gaffer and it felt like the move fit both parties,', Watson said...
The shot-stopper left Hull City to join Scunthorpe where he would go on to make 85 appearances for the Iron.
Watson would go onto to join Wrexham and then Doncaster before joining his hometown team, York City in 2023.
While at York, Watson rejoined Scunthorpe on loan in the 2024/25 season before spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Darlington, where he made 17 appearances".
Down on the south coast Worthing "announce the signing of experienced winger Ashley Nathaniel-George upon the expiry of his contract at York City.
The 31-year-old becomes the third addition of the summer following the acquisitions of midfielders Noor Husin and Tyrique Clarke.
Nathaniel-George has been reunited with manager Adam Hinshelwood, with the pair working together at York City after Hinsh recruited the winger from Maidenhead United in 2024.
In the 2024/25 season, the diminutive winger scored six times for the Minstermen in the fifth tier...
Comfortable playing on either flank, Nathaniel-George has racked up over a century of appearances in the National League for the likes of Wealdstone, York and Hartlepool while also turning out 75 times in League Two".
Meanwhile, at Woking "welcome back Josh Kelly on a new two-year deal, with an option for a third year.
Josh returns to the Cards after an impressive spell during the first half of last season, where he made 24 appearances and scored five goals before an unfortunate injury sustained on Boxing Day against Eastleigh prematurely ended his campaign.
Kelly quickly established himself as a key figure in Woking’s attack.
Director of Football Jody Brown said, 'Josh offers something different to many forwards in the way he looks to get on the half turn and beat people, as well as linking with others off of one and two touch. He’s versatile and can play wide, as a 9 or as a 10.
'I’m not sure we saw the best of him during his loan with us, his match sharpness took a while, and we ourselves weren’t firing on all cylinders, but we still saw glimmers of his ability...
'He’s proven at this level, he’s been part of successful teams before, and we think he can get back to his very best during the next two years with us'".
Following ten player signings in a week, off the field Tamworth , under new owner Abdullah Ashraf, announce that "Award-winning journalist and PR specialist Robert Beasley has spent his entire career working in top flight football and will now bring that expertise and experience to The Lamb.
A stellar career at the top of UK journalism saw Beasley meet and interview some of the biggest names in football including Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Jose Mourinho, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas.
He also has a deep knowledge of how elite clubs are managed and function, whether it’s in the boardroom, dressing room, press room or marketing and commercial offices.
Ashraf explained the move saying 'We brought in Robert early this year to help with the recent takeover of the club and I was so impressed by his valuable contribution that it seemed natural to make it a long-term deal...
'It’s a far reaching role. He will oversee the media team at Tamworth as well as help promote our sporting interests here in the USA, especially Oklahoma United'"
Beasley said of his new boss, "We hit it off immediately, worked together superbly and the blend is perfect. He’s the young guy with a plan who is going to the very top while I’m, hopefully, the wise, old consigliere who’s been there and seen it all before!".
Tamworth add that "Beasley burst onto the English football scene as a 21 year old providing live broadcasts on top flight football matches for national tv outlets the BBC and its commercial rival ITV. Later he spent 22 years working for Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper empire in the UK where he held key roles as Chief Football Writer of the News of the World and Chief Sports Correspondent of The Sun.
Throughout this time Beasley was also a regular on Murdoch’s sports and news channels at SKY TV and other TV channels across the UK and beyond".
29 June 2026
ALTY OLD BOYS
The Northern Premier League teams of the season include several Alty Old Boys.
Right: Kyle Brownhill in his Alty days.
In the NPL Premier, DEAN FURMAN of Warrington Rylands is named as a substitute, whilst in the NPL West, DAVID FITZPATRICK (Avro) and KYLE BROWNHILL (Stalybridge Celtic) are named in that division's eleven.
Also, ANDY DALES makes it into the NPL Midlands team of the season selection
The NL Paper reports that in the NPL Premier former Altrincham FC chief scout and current "Hyde United boss MICHAEL CLEGG" has been ruthless in releasing players with "just seven players... retained from the misfiring side that sat in the NPL relegation zone upon Clegg's arrival in January"
Under Clegg, Hyde "comfortably secured safety but he concluded that "I think we had too many people who were too comfortable here... It was just too nice and comfortable for too many people and people weren't working hard enough".
However, old boys WILL HALL, JACK REDSHAW, and DONTAI GABIDON remain with the club.
National North: The NL Paper also has a full-page interview with former Alty boss NEIL YOUNG who has announced his departure from Marine. He arrived at the Crosby-based club "in September 2018 and led their return to the NPL Premier Division in 2022 before an historic promotion up to National League North... in 2024... before Young moved into a Director of Football role".
The NLP reminds us that "Young has had seven promotions with four clubs". Apart from Marine, those clubs were Cammell Laird, Colwyn Bay and Chester. Neil is not retiring but is not sure what his next job will be".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Southend United "confirm the signing of Lewys Twamley on a two-year contract with a club option for a third.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder joins the Shrimpers off the back of a prolific season with Merthyr Town in the National League North.
Twamley played in all 46 of the Martyrs’ league games, scoring 16 goals and assisting a further 14, and earning a place in the 2025/26 National League North Team of the Season.
'“This is a very proud moment for me and my family,' said Twamley. 'It’s a big step in my career and I can’t wait to get going...
A product of Newport County’s academy and a former Wales Under-19s international, Twamley first joined Merthyr – then of the Southern League Premier Division – in 2023.
15 goals in 21 games to begin Merthyr’s title-winning 2024/25 campaign saw Twamley earn a move up to the National League with Yeovil Town, but he returned to South Wales six months later...
In total, Twamley bagged 39 goals in 109 games for Merthyr before becoming Kieron Dyer’s fifth signing for the Shrimpers".
Hornchurch "announce the signing of defender Frankie Moralee from Bromley.
The young defender joins the club following loan spells AFC Whyteleafe and Cray Wanderers – gaining valuable first team experience.
Manager Daryl McMahon said... 'He brings real quality as a youngster who joins the other youngsters we have got that we are looking to develop. He is a good size, with a good physical stamp, who reads the game and we’re looking to helping develop his career now and moving forward. ..
Carlisle United report that "Martin Foyle, Head of Recruitment, will depart the club to take up a new opportunity with Port Vale.
Martin joined the Blues just over a year ago and now returns to a club where he has enjoyed a long association, including making almost 300 appearances as a player.
Carlisle United Sporting Director MARC TIERNEY said 'Martin has been a valued member of the football club and we would like to thank him for his contribution during his time with us.
'He leaves with our best wishes as he takes up this new opportunity with Port Vale, a club where he has strong connections, and he will always be welcome back at Brunton Park.
'“We have been preparing for this transition for some time, with a clear recruitment structure already in place. A further update on the department will follow in due course.'”
Meanwhile, at Aldershot Town the club asks "Shots fans, do you want to be in a film…?
The EBB Stadium will become home for a special sports filming production towards the end of July, heading into August!
This is where YOU come in, the production company are looking for a high number of sports fans to put their names forward and be involved in the production, as a back of shot extra!...
More details will follow in due course".
28 June 2026
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
Last summer saw Altrincham unwillingly lose their three leading strikers of the previous season as Regan Linney, Alex Newby and Justin Amaluzor all moved on to other clubs.
Above: The trio of unplanned summer 2026 departures were those of Isaac Marriott, Olly Crankshaw and Tylor Golden.
In addition to the release of captain Lewis Baines, this summer has now witnessed the exodus from the club of another trio of players who the club wished to retain on new contracts; Isaac Marriott, Olly Crankshaw and Tylor Golden.
Marriott had made 147(+17) appearances, Crankshaw 26 (+17), Golden 86(+13) and Baines 141(+9).
Underlining the changing of the guard, 2026 had earlier also seen the release of another club stalwart in Elliot Osborne, released in January after 165(+28) appearances.
SILENCE WAS NOT GOLDEN
The absence, until yesterday (Saturday) of any news concerning the outcome of the close-season discussions between the football club and out-of-contract defender Tylor Golden (left) was a growing concern to Altrincham FC supporters.
Then, a brief statement from Altrincham FC confirmed the worst; that "full-back Tylor Golden is departing The J.Davidson Stadium for pastures new ahead of the 2026/27 season, after turning down a new, improved contract with the football club.
In his two seasons with Alty, Tylor featured in 99 games and won [one] goal of the season in 2024/25 for his debut strike against Woking, before claiming the Union Golf Road Fans' Player of the Year award last season.
We thank Tylor for his efforts during his time with Alty and wish him well for the future".
Footnote: During his two full seasons at Altrincham, Tylor made 86(+13) appearances and netted five goals.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that there was a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon in which Connah's Quay Nomads won 0-1 at Queen of the South. Although details of their lineup are, as yet, unclear, the Nomads have signed former Robin MIKEY STONE.News of another Altrincham signing who never actually made an appearance comes from Forest Green Rovers who "announce the signing of JAMES BERRY on a season-long loan from EFL League One side Wycombe Wanderers.
This exciting 25-year old midfielder joins us following a successful loan at Chesterfield last season in League Two, playing 33 games and getting five goals and four assists in the process.
The gaffer [Robbie Savage] had this to say about James, 'It’s a dream come true to be reuniting with James and bringing him to Forest Green.
'He is undoubtedly one of the best talents I have ever worked with, and his ability is unquestionable...
'The best James I know, the one who helped Chesterfield to get out of the National League before a move to Wycombe, will be a huge asset to the club.
'At this point in his career, he wants to play every week, score goals, have fun, and play with a smile on his face.
'I’ve no doubt that because of the relationship I have with him, we can make that happen together.
'He’s another exciting, edge of the seat player to have at The New Lawn this season, and you fans are going to love him.'"
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Tanworth "manager, Andy Peaks has added some formidable firepower to his forward line with the exciting signing of hotshot striker Jake Hutchinson.
The 24 year old won the golden boot after firing Folkestone Invicta to the Isthmian Premier Division title last term after netting 28 goals in all competitions and 24 in the league...
It has certainly been a busy week for Peaks who has signed 10 new players since the club was taken over by American businessman Abdullah Ashraf last week. Hutchinson was his ninth recruit and was swiftly followed by Riccardo Calder who was signing number 10.
Calder has also become the third player to be signed from Brackley Town, following in the footsteps of teammates Morgan Roberts and Tyler Lyttle in making the switch to the Staffordshire club.
Calder said 'I’ll always bring energy on and off the ball! I love to be positive and direct whenever I get the chance to'...
The Lambs boss added 'Ricky can play anywhere down the left side, he’s so strong and physical with a lovely left foot! He loves to take on his man, be direct and get balls in the box'”.
Earier in the day, Tamworth had reported that the "Lambs’ boss Andy Peaks has taken his tally of new signings to EIGHT this week with the arrival of centre half Tom Parkes and full back Tyler Little.
Parkes joins The Lambs from fellow National League side Hartlepool United while Lyttle arrives from Brackley Town, where he played alongside our first signing of the summer Morgan Roberts.
The highly experienced centre back has made more than 300 appearances in EFL League Two and over 100 in the National League...
Lyttle kicked off his career in the academy at Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining Bristol Rovers and making his professional debut in League Two.
Peaks believes... 'Tom has a wealth of experience and he’ll be a great role model for the younger lads. He’s brilliant in both boxes and everything seems to find his head...
'Tyler is a player I’ve admired for a while, he nearly signed for the club in my first year here... He is a good defender with a lot of energy, works really hard and has a brilliant set piece delivery'".
The 25-year-old striker has agreed a two-year contract at Victoria Park until June 2028, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year through to June 2029. The deal is subject to the relevant approvals.
The South Shields-born forward arrives following an outstanding campaign with Halifax, scoring 22 goals in 43 National League appearances...
Harris progressed through the youth systems at Hebburn Town and Burnley... Following senior loan spells with Nelson, Colne and Warrington Town, he joined Sunderland in September 2020... going on to make three League One appearances for the Black Cats.
A loan spell with Barrow provided further Football League experience before Harris joined Gateshead in 2022, where he made 30 appearances...
Harris joined Spennymoor Town in the summer of 2023... before earning a move to Halifax ahead of the 2025/26 campaign...
A powerful centre-forward, he combines strong aerial ability, intelligent movement and effective hold-up play with an instinctive eye for goal".
A one year option was exercised for an additional contract year, for which the player has been informed within the normal administrative process of the FA and importantly within the FA timescale for 2026".
Arthur returns following an extremely successful loan spell last season, where Arthur was instrumental [in] our side that won promotion to the National League for the first time our history.
His performances also earned in a spot in the Enterprise National League South’s Team of the Year.
Daryl McMahon said... 'It’s been a long summer of conversations with him. There was obviously other interest in Arthur as well because of the fantastic season he had for us last year, culminating in him achieving a personal accolade of getting in the team of the season, which is an unbelievable achievement for a young goalkeeper...
'To have him back with us permanently is a big coup for us...
'I’m delighted to he’s chosen to come back to us and again it shows our strength, which we’ve been able to do after the last year or two, in terms of taking players on loan and getting them to want to stay with us permanently and helping them develop'".
The 20-year-old joins following the expiry of his contract at Derby County, where he came through the Rams’ academy and captained their Under-21s.
A left-footer capable of playing both centrally and on the left side of the backline, the Welshman becomes Kieron Dyer’s fourth signing of the summer...
Cox said... 'It’s such a big club so when I first heard of the interest, I was really excited, and now I just can’t wait to get going.”
'He [Dyer] has a real interest in developing young players like myself, so that’s something that really drew me into joining the Club.'
Tall in stature and aggressive in challenges, Cox’s development through Derby’s academy has been assisted through loan spells at Wealdstone, Walsall, and most recently Solihull Moors".
Sims has enjoyed a successful couple of seasons with the U’s since arriving in 2024, becoming a regular fixture in the Sutton side whilst establishing himself as a terrific shot stopper in between the sticks.
Having initially joined from Braintree Town, whom he spent two seasons with after a brief stint at Welling United, he originally had to bide his time behind Steve Arnold in the Sutton net... before finally [he] nailed down the number one spot to end the 2024/25 campaign...
The former Canvey Island, Southend United and Blackpool product, who enjoyed loan spells at Skelmersdale United and Lancaster City prior to his permanent exit from Bloomfield Road, earned plaudits for his reflexes, reactions and penalty-saving ability as the U’s last line of defence, with his performances leading to him being named joint-Player of the Season alongside Lewis Simper.
Sims then followed this up with another string of superb displays in 2025/26".
27 June 2026
Right: Aidan Barlow has faced Altrincham in the past; one such occasion was in Rochdale's visit to the J. Davidson Stadium in April 2025. Here he is pictured in the foreground as Rochdale visited Altrincham.
The 26-year-old joins The Robins following his departure from Rochdale...
Neil Gibson's delighted to have got Aidan into the club [saying] 'We were interested in Aidan as soon as he became available and when I met him I knew he was a player I wanted to work with.
'Aidan's a fantastic footballer, with great technique and tactical awareness and he's someone who really fits the style of play at Alty.'"
Aidan’s Background: After coming through the ranks at Manchester United and being capped at u17 and 18 level by England, Aidan spent time on loan in Norway with Tromsø before joining Doncaster Rovers in 2021.
Two years at the Keepmoat Stadium followed, then a year in the National League with Eastleigh, ahead of two seasons and over 70 appearances for Rochdale".
In Australia's NPL Victoria Oakleigh Cannons reached the 89th minute of a dour game at Heidelberg United before mustering their only shot on target - and it was enough to earn them 3 precious points in their quest to finish the regulation season in top spot. CONNOR HAMPSON played the full match. Cannons can't be overtaken in the current round of games, but if Hume City win at Dandenong Thunder today they will remain just one point adrift. Having won 11-0 last week, 3rd placed Avondale lost ground with a surprising 3-1 defeat at Dandenong City.
Irish Premier Division: Although St.Patrick's still have two games in hand on both Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians, they look unlikely to catch either of their Dublin rivals after they lost 2-0 to the latter side. Bohemians made light of being reduced to 10 men just before the interval when they were already a goal up. BARRY BAGGLEY was withdrawn after 68 minutes.
Rowley took over as the National League side's manager in November from Southern Premier League South side Walton and Hersham.
In mid-May, the Surrey club, who went on to win promotion to National League South, accused Rowley of making 'repeated attempts to influence contracted players regarding their futures.'
The club went on to say it would be making a complaint to the FA.
However, in a statement on Friday, an FA spokesperson told BBC Sport 'We can confirm that there is no ongoing investigation into Yeovil Town FC or any members of its staff... We haven't received sufficient evidence to support a further investigation into this matter.'
In the weeks following the accusations, Yeovil signed winger Mason Obeng and midfielder Johl Powell from Walton and Hersham".
Meanwhile, Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Loick Ayina on a season-long loan from Salford City.
The 23-year-old defender arrives at Huish Park... having progressed through the Huddersfield Town academy system before signing professional terms at the club.
Ayina gained important first-team experience through loan spells with Boston United, Dundee United and Ross County, including a combined 24 appearances across two spells in the Scottish Premiership...
After leaving Huddersfield in 2025, he signed for Salford City...
Ayina adds pace, physicality and defensive depth to Billy Rowley’s squad".
Handley joins The Lambs after spending four seasons at Merthyr Town FC, who spent last season in the National League North...
The versatile defender, who can also operate in midfield... made an impact in both boxes, finding the net on seven occasions... as well as a determination to keep clean sheets.
He said 'I’m a hardworking player who likes to contribute in both boxes'...
Lambs boss Andy Peaks says 'He’s a bright young man who has proven his quality in the National League North... What stands out about him is his commitment, versatility and defensive astuteness'...
Joining Handley as part of the playing staff for this season is former Birmingham City academy product, Tommy Fogarty.
Fogarty has been capped 16 times for Northern Ireland at Under 21 level... He said 'My career highlight so far is keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against an England Under 21 side full of Premier League players'.
The Defender spent last season on loan from Birmingham at Morecambe and Boston United where he came to The Lamb as an opposition player. Fogarty explained... 'I’m hoping to bring an energy that can push for success and a mindset that can help the team achieve the best defensive record possible.'
The manager is certainly looking forward to welcoming Fogarty, saying 'Tommy is a strong and aggressive defender who loves defending! His versatility, attitude and winning mentality will be a big boost for us this season'",
An accusation of this nature is not something that should ever be taken lightly, and I genuinely cannot believe it reached this stage. It was an allegation that had the potential to ruin my career and everything I have worked so hard to build. All of that could have been taken away based on something that simply was not true.
I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates and everyone at Boston United for supporting me throughout this process and for helping ensure that the truth came to light...
For nearly three months, I had to sit back and watch people make comments and assumptions about me that were completely untrue. My wife also received messages that were not only false but deeply upsetting to read. That was one of the hardest parts of this entire ordeal.
I am relieved that I can now move forward, put this behind me, and focus on what matters most.
A special thank you to Darryl, the Chairman, who has been unbelievable from the very beginning and never once doubted the type of person I am".
Also at Solihull Moors comes news of "the signing of midfielder Jamie Andrews ahead of the 2026/27 season...
Andrews began his career at West Bromwich Albion, where he progressed through the Club's academy before signing his first professional contract in July 2021.
The midfielder gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Leamington FC and Yeovil Town, starting every game during his time with the Glovers. Following both loans, Andrews was recalled by West Brom and made his first-team debut in January 2023, starting in the Baggies' 4-0 FA Cup victory over Chesterfield.
He joined Woking on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024 and went on to make 53 appearances, including 38 starts, for the Cardinals last season...
Andrews becomes the fourth addition to Millington's squad this summer".
Daryl and Anton both came through the youth teams at West Ham United, as seen in the image below. Now they will be reuniting as we embark on our debut season in the Enterprise National League.
Daryl McMahon said 'I’ve known Anton for a long time, probably since I was 12 or 13 years old. He’s gone on to have a fantastic career and top of that as well he’s a top, top person with great enthusiasm with a great knowledge of the game...
He is someone we think has huge potential as a coach and we’re delighted to have him on board'".
Olly spent nine years at Molineux and is well accustomed to Aggborough having played regularly for their U21 side during his time there, gaining his first senior experience with a loan spell at Notts County.
Comfortable as a holding midfield player but also capable of playing in defence, the 22-year-old left Wolves in 2024 to join Solihill Moors, where he made 82 appearances across the last two terms.
38 of those outings came for the Moors last season...
The player said 'I’ve been to a few [Harriers] games before; the fans and everything about the club, as soon as I heard about it, I really wanted to grasp it and get it done'">
The 21-year-old midfielder has agreed a one-year contract at Victoria Park...
The Welsh youth international arrives at Pools having spent a decade within Manchester United’s academy before joining Sheffield United in January 2021... His continued development saw him break into Sheffield United’s senior environment during the 2024/25 season, making appearances in both the Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
In February 2025, Hampson joined Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic on loan before spending the 2025/26 campaign with... Boston United...
The midfielder becomes the latest addition to Lee Clark’s squad this summer, joining Jordan Hugill, Jack Nolan, Brooklyn Ilunga and Corey McKeown at Victoria Park, while Luke Charman, Jack Hunter and Adam Smith have also committed their futures to the Club
Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said... 'What has impressed me most is his attitude and his desire to improve. He’s hungry to learn, willing to work hard and determined to make the most of his ability'">
The 23-year-old former Middlesbrough youngster has joined the Pilgrims on a two-year contract, having gained National League experience in Morecambe and Wealdstone colours last season.
He started the campaign with the Shrimps, before going on to make his mark during a loan spell with Wealdstone...
He has experience north of the border with Airdrieonians. The London-born midfielder will officially join the Pilgrims on July 1".
The right-sided defender signs on Tyneside until 2028 after departing Sunderland...
The 20 year-old spent the first half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Northern Irish side Cliftonville appearing 18 times before joining FC Halifax Town on temporary terms in January 2026.
Lavery wouild spend the rest of the season.. with the Shaymen, making nine appearances".
Kalambayi came through the ranks at Brentford before joining AFC Wimbledon where he made his professional debut. The 26-year-old made 88 appearances before making the move to Dagenham and Redbridge in 2024.
During his time with the Daggers, he played 56 times gaining valuable experience of National League South. Kalambayi has experience working with the gaffer, Adam Murray, playing under him during a successful season for Kidderminster Harriers last campaign...
Assistant manger Andy Taylor said 'PK's game suits the way that we want to play. He's a really physical aggressive, ball winning defender. He's athletically very good. he's used to playing the way the gaffer wants to play, which I think is a big plus.'"
26 June 2026
The 22-year-old, who is leaving Tranmere Rovers, spent the vast majority of 2025/26 on loan with Linfield in the NIFL Premiership, making 26 appearances for The Blues...
Sam said... 'I’m a quick, very attacking player who can play as a striker or winger and I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and get them off their seats'...
Neil Gibson [added]... 'He's a player whose progress I've watched closely from my time at Tranmere. A player with a huge amount of potential and dynamism, who can play down the middle or out wide and he's someone who suits the style of play we want to implement. Sam's young and hungry and is exactly the type of player who will excite our fans'...
Sam's Career Background: After coming through the ranks at Prenton Park, Sam signed his first professional contract with Tranmere in 2022, and made six appearances for Rovers, as well as enjoying loan spells with Bootle in the NPL West and Oldham Athletic in the National League, before last season’s stint in Northern Ireland".
It's a rebrand that marks an exciting new chapter in the charity's journey and reinforces the commitment to creating positive change across Trafford and beyond.
The new identity reflects the organisation's evolution from a community sports provider into a dynamic and impactful charitable foundation delivering a wide range of programmes that support health, wellbeing, education, employability, inclusion and community development.
The rebrand was officially unveiled during a launch event at The J.Davidson Stadium on Wednesday, attended by over 70 guests including local businesses, council representatives, partners, funders and community stakeholders. Attendees heard about the Foundation's achievements over the last year, its strategic vision for the future, and plans to expand its impact across the region...
Simon Dow, Head of Community said 'This rebrand represents far more than a new name and logo. It reflects who we are today and where we are going as an organisation. Alty FC Foundation captures our ambition to be a leading force for positive change within our communities, while remaining true to our roots and our connection with Altrincham Football Club...
'Our vision is to continue growing our programmes, reaching more people, and working alongside partners who share our commitment to creating stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities'.
The Foundation's work spans a diverse range of programmes, including youth engagement, disability sport, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, employability support, holiday provision, community outreach, and educational projects...
The organisation is now inviting businesses, organisations and individuals to become partners, supporters or Friends of the Foundation as it embarks on this exciting new chapter".
Elsewhere we learn that "The Mitre Ultimax Pro is the official match ball for the 2026-27 Enterprise National League season. This ball features a modern visual update to the iconic Ultimax design, incorporating bold geometric graphics in a mix of dark and vibrant colors.
It is designed for elite performance, with enhanced flight aerodynamics, exceptional touch, and durability. The ball is thermally bonded with HyperSeal technology, ensuring superb shape retention, durability, and zero water absorption.
Its Hyperflow grooves are specifically designed for inflight stability, and the Hyperfoam mid-layer offers optimal power, close control, and a responsive feel. The ball is tested for precision, power, and speed, ensuring nothing holds players back on matchday".
Coward replaces the outgoing Jack Pearce, who is stepping down after five years in the role.
The new chair has a wealth of experience in sports administration, having had two spells as interim chief executive of the Football Association (FA) and general secretary of the Premier League.
Coward, 60, has also held posts in athletics, horse racing and golf, and been chair of the Cricket Regulatory Body.
'I am delighted that the National League Board has selected Nic to become our next chair,' said National League CEO Phil Alexander.
'He has a wealth of experience across football and multiple sports at the highest levels, and I look forward to him bringing that deep experience and expertise to the National League'.
The new National League season will begin on the weekend of 8 August, with fixtures for that and National Leagues North and South announced on 10 July"
Having come through the age groups at Leeds, the winger signed his first professional deal with the club in the summer of 2024. Comfortable on either wing, Douglas was utilised by both the under 18s and under 21s squads before signing his professional contract...
Last season, Douglas spent the first half of the season with the Leeds under 21s squad, however signed on loan for John McGrath’s Buxton side on Boxing Day. The winger went on to make 26 league appearances for the club...
Whilst at Leeds in the first part of the season, Douglas featured in the National League Cup fixture against The Shaymen, playing the full 90 as he had done the previous season as well".
A fitting exchange during National Armed Forces week, we were delighted to loan this shirt, as a thank you for providing the space to shoot our 2026/27 army dedicated shirt launch!
This special edition fully signed shirt will now sit proudly in the museum for years to come!
Representatives from the Army Military Museum group said: “With the military at the heart of Aldershot, and a fantastic football team leading the way, we are thrilled to showcase this special shirt and kindly thank The Shots for their donation”.
This shirt will be on display very soon, so keep an eye out for that!"
22-year-old shot-stopper Collin Andeng Ndi... the Italian-born goalkeeper, helped the Shrimpers win the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium, saving two penalties in the shoot-out... Andeng Ndi has penned a two-year contract with a year's option...
Manager Luke Williams said 'Collin will come in and really push Alex Bass. We have some real competition in that area of the pitch...
Andeng Ndi, who has made 117 appearances in all competitions for the Shrimpers since graduating from the club's Academy system...
[He said] 'I really enjoyed my time at Southend, I played a lot of games in the first team and I feel it is the right time to make this move and it is one that I am excited about'...
The 22-year-old moved to England when he was 14 before joining Southend's Academy".
The 23-year-old versatile winger joins... on a one-year contract... A product of the Birmingham City academy, Hurst signed his first professional deal with the Blues at 18... before making the switch to Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2022... playing 45 games in his first League Two campaign...
He also had a stint at Scottish Championship side Queen's Park...
Hurst linked up with the Iron back in January and made four starts and one substitute appearance during his loan spell, suffering an injury in the final of those appearances at the Attis Arena...
The winger joins the Iron as our fifth permanent new recruit ahead of the new campaign".
This time it is "defender Kai Mauro.
The 19-year-old has linked up with the Pilgrims from Spanish side Cadiz C – and arrives on an initial one-year-contract, with a further year's option.
Mauro will officially join the club on July 1 – pending the completion of the formalities of international clearance and Football Association and National League approval.
He has 10 full international caps to his credit so far – having appeared in domestic club football in both Gibraltar and Spain".
25 June 2026
It states, "There is no escaping the disappointment of last season's relegation. Everyone connected with the football club felt that disappointment deeply. However, what has been equally clear throughout the summer is the resilience, unity and determination that exists throughout Barrow AFC.
The response from our supporters has once again been outstanding. Despite the challenges of last season, season ticket renewals are tracking at a very similar level to previous years, which is a fantastic show of loyalty and commitment. Shirt sales have already surpassed last year's figures at the same stage, providing another hugely encouraging sign of the support behind the club...
We have received an extremely encouraging response from both existing and new sponsors, demonstrating the confidence that our partners continue to have in Barrow AFC and its future.
The commercial side of the club remains extremely busy, with strong demand for room hire, functions, celebrations and funeral receptions. The continued support from the local community is vitally important and helps ensure the club remains sustainable and ambitious moving forward.
We would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to our fantastic group of volunteers including the GMV, who have once again been incredibly busy throughout the close season...
The first team will return to training locally on Fridays ahead of home fixtures. We believe this will further cement the connection between the football club and the community....
Adam Murray and his staff have assembled an exciting and talented group of players, creating a real sense of positivity around the squad being built... We are hopeful of bringing another couple of players into the football club before the campaign gets underway, while there may also be further departures...
Tthe club has secured a new training ground as Adam looks to draw a line under last season and create a fresh environment and culture throughout the football department...
There is a real togetherness around the football club and we are genuinely excited about the future">
Meanwhile, the NW Evening Mail reports that "Barrow AFC chairman Paul Hornby admitted there was no way back for former chief executive officer Iain Wood even before relegation from the Football League was confirmed...
'At that Q&A I remember it vividly. Chris Altree asked me the question "What is it you see in this guy?" and I didn’t answer it, I sidestepped it because at that point I knew we were in a shambles, and I knew exactly what needed to happen. Ultimately, he (Wood) has presided over it, and ultimately, he had to pay the price. His position became absolutely untenable.
'It wasn’t even a conversation among the board, it was a two-second conversation... He was just part of that melee. It all had to be ripped apart. They all had to go.'
Asked if that club would look to go back down the road of having a CEO at the helm, Hornby was adamant in his response. He said 'No, not at all. I think one thing if you look at the bigger picture, we lost everything that made Barrow great...
'We used to go to places under [manager, Ian] Evatt, and they used to look down their nose at us. I remember going to Notts County "and look at our shiny stadium," but... in the last two or three years we have tried to be that Notts County. We’ve tried to spend so much money to be shiny, and this and that and the other'".
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder arrives at Huish Park following an outstanding campaign in the National League South, where he was named Dagenham & Redbridge’s Player of the Season after registering 15 goal contributions in 35 league appearances.
Haigh joins the Glovers having attracted significant interest from a number of Football League clubs...
A creative and energetic midfielder capable of playing across the attacking positions, Haigh combines technical quality with an eye for goal".
Pozo arrives from Lincoln Red Imps, subject to international clearance and Football Association and National League approval, having made 25 appearances for his country to date.
The 21-year-old made his debut against North Macedonia in 2022 and has reached the quarter of a century mark prior to his arrival at the Jakemans Community Stadium.
Pozo has signed an initial one-year contract, with a further year's option, and is the club's second arrival of the summer, following fellow midfielder Gavan Holohan's switch from Hartlepool United.
Chris Agutter has finally got his man at the third time of asking, having tried to sign the midfielder with previous clubs, and he boasts an array of technical and physical qualities which he’ll add to the centre of the park, complimenting the likes of Jake Taylor, Manny Osadebe, Charlie Carter, Charlie Bell and Ronny Ruiz who already make up the midfield department at Gander Green Lane.
Hailing from Belgium, Mussa began his career in his homeland with Pro League giants RSC Anderlecht... before being signed by KV Mechelen at the age of 14.
Five years in the Antwerp province, which included a brief stint at Pro League side Waasland Beveren, preceded a move across Europe at the age of 18, with Mussa settling in the Midlands with Walsall... [before] joining Dover Athletic ahead of the 2020/21 campaign...
The midfielder went on to enjoy a far more fruitful spell at Weymouth... Weymouth were relegated... at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and this led to Mussa’s exit after just a single season in Dorset. A move to London brought him to Dagenham & Redbridge where he impressed across a two-year stint... before returning south with a switch to Torquay United... Having played a crucial role in midfield under Paul Wotton, Mussa... [made] a move to Wealdstone... before opting to depart Grosvenor Vale in order to pursue a new opportunity".
Bunker, 23, will make the permanent move to Brunton Park with his contract at Forest Green Rovers set to expire at the end of the month...
Harvey came through the ranks at the Gloucestershire-based outfit, where he signed his first professional contract in July 2020 at the age of 17... He went on to make 149 senior appearances and scored 11 goals, despite operating primarily at the base of midfield...
He gained valuable first-team experience through a number of loan spells, featuring for Chippenham Town, Weymouth and Scunthorpe United while still progressing within his parent club."
Atay arrives from Norwich City and brings over 18 years of coaching experience to Roots Hall.
His coaching career has included spells at Aston Villa, Ipswich Town and Norwich City...
During his time at Ipswich Town, Atay worked alongside Head Coach Kieron Dyer in the club’s Under-18s, establishing a strong connection that sees the pair reunite at Roots Hall.
'Kieron has had a big influence on my coaching career; we're good friends and have the same beliefs in how football should be played and how to get wins,' said Atay...
Dyer commented on the appointment... 'He understands how I want the game to be coached and played. It’s also nice to know Adz turned down an offer to coach at a higher level because he believes in the project we are building here'...
Atay [added]... 'I've got personal ties to Southend with both my mother growing up in Southend and my father-in-law also growing up in Southend too, so there's a little bit of a connection there, which is quite nice!'”
24 June 2026
Following this, he proceeded to go out on loan to a host of other clubs, including Southport, Fylde and Altrincham, before making his first permanent transfer to Hartlepool in early July 2021. Making 24 appearances across all competitions for the Pools in League Two.
After the year in the north-east, he joined the Iron for the first time on a free transfer in July 2022... making 38 appearances in his first year and receiving a clean sweep of the club’s 2022-23 end-of-season awards...
During his first stint in claret and blue, the Australian-born defender would make 77 appearances, scoring once, before joining the then National League side Oldham Athletic ahead of the 2024-25 season. In his first season with the Latics, Ogle would help them gain promotion back to the EFL before aiding them to a mid-table finish last campaign".
The 38-year-old took over on a temporary basis in February when Brian Sorensen was sacked and led the Toffees to an eighth-placed finish in the Women's Super League.
With the club just four points off the bottom when he took over, Phelan picked up three successive WSL wins in an impressive start to his interim spell.
Having joined Everton as a player at the age of eight and progressed through the club's academy without making a senior appearance, he returned as a coach in 2012".
The 18-year old becomes the latest success story of the U’s Academy after just a single season with the first team – a mark of his quality, potential and most importantly his attitude – completing his rapid rise from the youth setup to become one of the first names on the team sheet in 2025/26, and he now makes the switch to a Spireites side who finished sixth in the fourth tier last term...
He initially featured for the first team [at Sutton] in a handful of Surrey Senior Cup games during 2023/24... He signed his first professional deal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and became a regular part of the team, racking up 45 appearances... with the arrival of Chris Agutter seeing Eccleston flourish.
His performances saw him end the campaign by being named the club’s Young Player of the Season...
Eccleston upon his exit added...'It’s been I think six years now and I’m very proud to play for this club, and I wish you all the best for the future'".
Bakare most recently played for Cheltenham Town. He joined the club in August 2024 and made 31 League Two appearances there before departing in February 2026.
The 24-year-old began his professional career at just 17, when he signed his first deal in football with Morecambe.
Following just over a year with Morecambe, the central defender joined Cardiff City... In 2023, Bakare signed with Canadian Premier League club Vancouver FC...
Last season, while at Cheltenham, Bakare gained some loan experience with Gateshead. He made seven National League appearances for the Heed.
Upon joining the Spitfires, Bakare said 'The manager has been really adamant on me coming down here and making sure that I get the best out of my football and maximise my potential'".
Also at Eastleigh the "club is excited to announce that Coby Killick has signed a professional contract with the club.
Killick joined the Spitfires at 13 years old...
After featuring on the bench three times last season, Killick made his debut for the Spitfires on the final day of the season...
Killick said 'I have grown up around the club, and I have been a massive fan for ages, so to finally sign a professional contract at the club is a really good feeling!'”
The 29-year-old joins us on a season-long loan from Forest Green Rovers in readiness for the National League campaign ahead.
Coming through the ranks at Coventry, Harries made nine senior appearances for the Sky Blues before featuring for Cheltenham and Swansea ahead of a switch to Bristol Rovers, who’d paid an undisclosed fee for his services in 2020.
He spent several seasons there as The Gas returned to League 1, Harries moving into non-league in 2023-24 with Aldershot, a near 50-game season there coming before a move to Woking. Impressive performances for the Cards in 2024-25 saw him feature 27 times before Forest Green came calling, his switch midway through the term seeing him play 14 further times for his new club.
Harries endured a frustrating season last term with limited game time but arrives in DY10 determined and with a point to prove".
Forest Green Rovers confirm that "Harries only made one league appearance last season, and a loan has been agreed so he can go and get some regular first-team action".
Yahya joined Rovers in July 2025 from Isthmian League club Eastbourne Borough F.C.
He played 14 games for FGR, scoring one goal before joining Brackley for a brief loan spell in February this year".
The versatile left-wing-back arrives at The Vale offering considerable experience in the top-flight of the non-league game.
'Joe has good energy, gets up and down the pitch and him being left-footed is a bonus,' said Stones' boss Gary Waddock of the former Coventry City youth-teamer who has over 100 National League appearances to his name.
The 25-year-old came within a penalty shootout of being promoted to the Football League in May 2024, in the middle of a two-year spell at Solihull Moors.
His consistent form between 2023 and 2025 earned him a move last summer to Boreham Wood, where he made nearly 40 appearances throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Added Waddock... 'He'll give us balance on the left side and is a consistent performer.'"
Meanwhile, the Stones are bidding farewell to Anthony Georgiou, who leaves The Vale by mutual consent.
The 29-year-old - who joined from Leyton Orient in 2023 - made over 80 appearances in the royal blue of Wealdstone">
And, likewise, the BBC confirms that "Manchester United have decided not to enter the EFL Trophy or National League Cup for the 2026-27 campaign.
United sources say they have taken the decision because of a combination of returning to the Uefa Youth League following the senior side's qualification for the Champions League and running a slightly smaller than normal professional development phase group of players, who transition between the under-18 and under-21 sides".
23 June 2026
Goalkeepers: Max BEDDOW, Louie FALLON
Defenders: Joel BAILEY, Lewis BANKS, Sam BARNES, Jake COOPER, Eddy JONES, Matty KOSYLO, Charlie OLSON
Midfielders: Kian BRECKIN Tom CRAWFORD, Anthony FORDE, Owen GERMAN, Otis KHAN, Remi RAYMOND
Forwards: Jimmy KNOWLES, Kahrel REDDIN, Lucas WEAVER
Players who are out of contract and "in discussions": Tylor GOLDEN, Charlie KIRK, Ethan ROSS
Harry initially joined the club in 2020 and then rejoined the Urchins in 2024, making 98 appearances over the two spells.
He has been a mainstay in the defence since rejoining the club, making 27 clean sheets in that time and firmly becoming a fan-favourite.
Due to the club’s transition to a full-time model, unfortunately Harry will be unable to continue at the club.
On Saturday, the 18th of July, we take on Farnborough, with both the men’s and women’s teams in action ON THE SAME DAY!
You can be a part of this day for just £1! That’s right, £1, supported by The Army, this won’t just be one or two fixtures, this will be a whole day of fun and entertainment!
This isn’t just about the beautiful game.
Come and test your reactions on some interactive games, meet serving soldiers up close, and get a real insight into what life in the Army looks like today".
Barrow announce that "With this season's home shirt taking on a unique look to celebrate the Club's 125th anniversary, the away kit returns to something instantly recognisable to supporters. Bold, traditional and proudly blue, this is a kit that reflects the identity of both the Club and the town.
Manufactured by Puma, the shirt is presented in a striking royal blue, a colour synonymous with Barrow AFC throughout our history. The all-blue design is completed with matching blue shorts and blue socks, creating a clean and powerful look that will be worn on the road throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
A standout feature of the shirt is the subtle wave pattern woven throughout the fabric. Inspired by the waters of the nearby Irish Sea, the flowing design serves as a tribute to Barrow's proud maritime heritage and the town's close connection to the coastline.
While the anniversary home kit offers a special departure from tradition, the away strip firmly roots itself in the Club's modern identity".
The partnership will see Fanbase work closely with clubs across the National League to deliver a modern, flexible and connected approach to ticketing. By bringing ticketing, communication and fan engagement into a single platform, the league and its clubs will be better equipped to understand and connect with supporters, while improving the overall matchday experience.
As clubs continue to grow both on and off the pitch, the ability to capture and utilise fan data, deliver more relevant communication and create seamless supporter journeys is becoming increasingly important. This partnership reflects a shared ambition to raise standards across the league, supporting clubs with the tools needed to drive engagement, revenue and long-term sustainability".
Frazer joined the club in November 2023 to take on the role as Club Physiotherapist, overseeing the club's medical department ... and treating injured players...
Frazer will continue to assist the club in ensuring continued physiotherapy coverage for the first=-team during the transitional period in which the club will wok to appoint a successor".
22 June 2026
USL League : Corpus Christi's lack of goals had been a prime factor in their poor start to the season, but SAM ROSCOE and his colleagues came good against visitors Sarasota Paradise to win 4-1.
The National League 2026-27 season opens on Saturday, 8 August 2026. On the last twenty opening days of a league season, Altrincham have been at home on 14 occasions (70%).
The NL Paper also has a full-page interview with former Altrincham chairman MARK HARRIS, who has resigned his post as President of the Northern Premier League in the wake of his repose to an online spat with an FC United of Manchester supporter.
Mark is now working in conjunction with the Ossett Town chairman in establishing a consultancy to advise non-League football clubs.
And former Alty keeper PHIL JACKSON also features in the NL Paper as he "has embarked on an epic challenge in memory of his late wife Jen.
Phil and a group of friends are tackling the Greater Manchester Ringway, a 200-mile (322 km) walking trail along the county’s boundary, between June 11-25...
They are raising funds for Cancer Research UK after Jen died in June 2025 following a six-year battle against ovarian cancer.
And Phil, 66, who played for Cheadle Town, Altrincham, Ashton United, Rhyl, Mossley, Irlam and Abbey Hey, has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support he has received, especially from within football".
AT Chester FC the club "confirm the appointment of JAMES WILLIAMS as the club’s Head of Physical Performance...
He has enjoyed roles at Motherwell, Glasgow Hawks, Wigan Athletic and Leigh Leopards, before moving into the position of Sports Science Intern under Phil Parkinson at Altrincham last season.
He later moved into the role of Head of Performance at the National League outfit before his switch to the Deva Community Stadium this summer...
Phil said...'James has gained valuable experience working under my previous Head of Sports Performance at Altrincham, where he really learned his trade and demonstrated the ability to lead and excel within his field'".
With their third UEFA Conference League campaign fast approaching, Rhys Griffiths’ side are strengthening their squad ahead of a two-legged clash against Andorran outfit FC Santa Coloma in July...
The latest recruits are Ryan Hill and Eduino Vaz, who join from National League clubs Aldershot Town and Sutton United, respectively.... Penybont have continued their busy summer recruitment drive by securing two significant additions from the National League, including the captain of Aldershot Town...
Hill’s new teammate at Penybont, Eduino Vaz, arrives from Sutton United... Vaz spent much of last season on loan in the National League South with Hampton & Richmond Borough...
He had made four appearances for Sutton United in the opening half of the campaign before heading out on loan.
His previous clubs include Chelmsford City FC, Barnsley FC, and Aveley FC".
He reminds us that "The journey began in 1984 and as I look back over the past 42 years I have a lot to be thankful for and memories to treasure. John Bayliss, Dave Baxter and myself stepped in when the club was on its death bed and with careful guidance the Lambs have risen to the top table of Non League football. With new investment coming into the club, hopefully we can see Tamworth with a Football League club in the very near future...
For me, getting to the finals of the FA Vase and FA Trophy stand out, as well as some great FA Cup games against Bournemouth, Stoke City, Norwich City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. We have seen many promotions - always as champions, and triumphs in the Birmingham Senior Cup too...
We are a community club and back in 2016 a large investment in the pitch and the building of the classrooms enabled us to start our Academy, Scholars and Women's teams. This has seen the club in use everyday of the year...
We have seen some ground improvements over the past few years with new floodlights, refurbished clubhouse and Fan Zone. But to be a club that is challenging for the Football League we need new investment in the ground. With Abdullah coming in as the new custodian of the club I want to wish him every success".
21 June 2026
On Friday we looked at the Alty career of Isaac Marriott; today we revisit 27 year-old Olly Crankshaw's spell at the J. Davidson Stadium.
A winger, he had started out at Preston North End before having spells with Ramsbottom United, Clitheroe and Colne as well as for Morecambe under-23s.
From there he joined Curzon Ashton and then Wigan Athletic, in early 2019, before he was loaned back to The Nash.
A loan move to Dundee followed, a year later. He left Wigan for Bradford City in February 2021 before joining Stockport County.
Ollie returned to Scotland in January 2023, again on loan.
He had made more than fifty appearances for his previous employer, Stockport County, before leaving for Altrincham.
However, in only his second appearance for Altrincham, he suffered an ACL injury which prematurely ended his season and caused him to miss the start of the 2024-25 season as well.
From September 2024 he did make 2(+4) starts in all competitions but was sidelined once more in November and did not appear again until the opening game of 2025 in the FA Trophy against Woking.
After two league starts, a further period of absence from the league squad followed, from late January 2025 onwards.
In 2025/26 he started the opening game of the season but made only four league starts and five appearances from the bench in the first 15 National League games.
However, when Neil Gibson was appointed manager he started games more regularly and netted seven goals in ten league games in between 29 November 2025 and 3 February 2026.
But after that, he only started four of the final 16 league fixtures and was only in the matchday squad in two other matches in that series of games.
Across his three seasons at Altrincham, he made 26(+17) appearances and netted 10 times in all competitions.
Neil (right) managed the Mariners for seven seasons, transforming the fortunes of the club and leading us into the National League North for the first time in our history.
He was appointed the club’s inaugural Director of Football after the end of the 2024/25 season and played a key role in Marine securing a third season at Step 2.
Neil said 'After careful consideration, I’ve decided to step down from my role at the club...
'As a team, we have regularly punched above our weight and overcome the odds, which has lead us to win so many big matches, and achieve so much success in that time...
'I’m very grateful for my time at the club, and for the role I’ve been able to play from where we were when I arrived in 2018.
'Now I’m looking forward to what comes ahead, and my next possible football chapter'".
Mair, 25, joins the Blues on a one-year deal, with the club holding an option to extend by a further year.
The Scottish shot-stopper spent the second half of last season on loan at Brunton Park, having joined the club in January.
Mair began his career at Aberdeen before joining Norwich City as a youngster...
Loan spells followed during his time with the Canaries, including at King’s Lynn Town, Notts County and Gateshead, before he joined Morecambe.
He moved to Carlisle on loan last season and featured against Brackley Town on the final day of the regular season, as well as in a number of behind-closed-doors fixtures, giving the club the chance to take a closer look before making the move permanent...
Head Coach, Rob Elliot added 'I’ve worked with Archie before at Gateshead and know what he can bring. He is a goalkeeper with good presence, confidence and the ability to play with the ball at his feet'".
The 24-year-old joins with a distinct familiarity to the area, having grown up in nearby Slough. Conor is a product of Reading FC’s academy...
It would be the Hatters who next signed Lawless in 2022... A sole season was spent primarily on loan to Farnborough and Dulwich Hamlet, the young midfielder managed to partake in the side’s Premier League promotion celebrations at the end of the year.
Lawless has spent the last three seasons with Dagenham & Redbridge".
In addition, Aldershot Town "announce the signing of Tyrese Dyce, who arrives from Slough Town.
A product of the academies of both West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland, the now-25-year-old established a name for himself as an accomplished Premier League 2 winger, making 39 appearances in England’s elite development league...
Although still a proven utility player to this day, first-team football has seen Dyce deployed in a predominantly defensive capacity, impressing in the back-lines of Spennymoor Town, Maidenhead United, and of course, Scott Davies’s Slough".
The experienced centre-back arrives at the Attis Arena with a wealth of National League and EFL experience...
Born in Doncaster, the 32-year-old began his career with the Iron’s academy before gaining valuable experience in non-league football with the likes of Bradford Park Avenue, Frickley Athletic and Gainsborough Trinity, along with stints at Gateshead and Alfreton Town before he signed for Lincoln City in 2015.
He originally signed a one-year deal with Chris Moyses' side, making 31 appearances and thus extending his stay. He would spend the first part of the following campaign on loan at Southport before returning to Sincil Bank to make 13 appearances en route to promotion to the EFL...
A final year extension with Lincoln would soon see him loaned out, this time to Eastleigh, before he joined Port Vale in January 2018 for an undisclosed fee.
In the summer, he would next move to Harrogate Town... Another undisclosed fee would follow as he signed a three-year deal at Solihull Moors for what would be a club record sale for the Sulphites... Howe was awarded a two-year extension...
In his final season at Damson Park, he would be appointed club captain... York came calling in the summer of 2023 where he would join for yet another undisclosed fee... He now [comes] back to the club where his footballing journey began. The move also sees Callum link up with his younger brother, DECLAN HOWE, at the Attis Arena, with the pair set to pull on the claret and blue together for the first time in their senior careers".
20 June 2026
It starts with Mark Luby "updating everyone on Altrincham Football Club's position regarding the possibility of a new stadium development within Trafford, following recent public comments made by Sale Sharks owners and Altrincham FC investors Simon and Michelle Orange...
We are in dialogue with Sale Sharks regarding matters of mutual interest and the future sporting landscape within Trafford. At this stage, there are no decisions to announce...
Should discussions ever reach a stage where decisions affecting the future of Altrincham FC need to be considered, there would be a comprehensive and meaningful consultation process with our supporters before any decision was made".
Meanwhile "Work is continuing around The J.Davidson Stadium...
The Pop Side will be in full use again for the new season. It's been a real bug bear of mine that we haven't been able to use it fully in recent seasons, and with the eyesore of all the scaffolding. However, work has recently been completed and the whole Pop Side will now be open for our supporters to use on matchday.
Above: The J. Davidson Stadium
Fan Zone Expansion - Work is progressing really well. The space and capacity that is being added will allow us to offer more fans the opportunity to enjoy the pre and post-match atmosphere. We're also putting an away fan zone in place as I'm very keen to improve the experience for away fans and encourage more away fans to visit Alty.
Hospitality Lounge - Work on what will be a revamped and redesigned hospitality lounge is going really well...
Golf Road End Roof - I did mention recently on Radio Alty that we were looking at replacing the Golf Road End roof. It remains high on the list of ground improvements, but with a limited timeframe and contractor availability in short supply it's simply not been possible to sort out this off-season.
New LED Floodlights - The new floodlights have now been installed...
New Staff Additions/Roles Our new CEO, Andy Duff, started at the beginning of the month, he's settling in really well...
John Coyne, in his new role as Head of Football Operations, is progressing well alongside Neil {Gibson] and Lee [Jpnes] on the recruitment side as we head towards the start of pre-season. We believe it won't be too long before we have a number of new signings that we can all get really excited about.
Season Tickets. I've been in touch with Union Golf Road on this subject, especially in regards to the 18 to 21-year-old category no longer being available... I do appreciate that compared to last season some of these increases look very high, but I would counter that by saying before this season the pricing was extremely low".
Irish Premier Division : BARRY BAGGLEY was a 61st minute substitute for St.Patrick's, who had an astonishing 42 goal attempts against relegation threatened visitors Sligo Rovers. However the game was still goalless at the end of the regulation 90 minutes. The Dublin side eventually struck twice in a minute in added time to win 2-0.
The 31-year-old brings fantastic pedigree to the Deva Community Stadium after a number of successful stints both in the National League and the EFL... Recent years have seen Billy take in spells with Doncaster Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Altrincham before his switch to CH1 this summer, becoming Phil Parkinson’s ninth summer signing.
Parkinson said 'I’m really pleased to introduce our latest signing, Billy Waters. Billy joins us with a wealth of experience having played for clubs including Oldham Athletic, Cheltenham Town and Crewe Alexandra, alongside a number of other successful spells elsewhere in the game. Wherever Billy has been, he’s found a way to make a real impact.
'What excited us most wasn’t just his goalscoring record, but the experience and know-how he brings. He’s been around successful dressing rooms, understands what it takes to compete at the top end of leagues and has genuine experience of promotion campaigns. Those qualities are invaluable over the course of a season.
'To be able to bring a player of Billy’s calibre and pedigree to Chester is a real coup for the football club'"
Footnote: Parkinson also signed Waters as a loanee at Altrincham but he only ever made three appearances, all from the bench, and failed to record a goal.
The 28-year-old joins with an extremely impressive pedigree at National League level, scoring 20 goals for Gateshead in his most recent step-one season.
Marcus – or ‘The Bear’ as he is otherwise known – joins the Shots having most recently claimed a League Two winner's medal, having made 16 appearances for Bromley during a wildly successful 2025-26 campaign.
Looking for a new challenge and more consistent playing time, Dinanga arrives as a marquee striker in Scott Davies’ side, with the manager having this to say about his new frontman.
'Getting Marcus on board is a huge coup for us as a football club after having a number of offers from other National League clubs. Jonah and I initially had a few options that we were considering, but once we sat down and spoke with him, it was clear that we only had one target...
With a goalscoring record that speaks for itself, everyone at Aldershot Town would like to welcome Marcus to the club".
But Aldershot Town also report "that, following lengthy discussions, Ryan Hill has decided to part ways with the club joining Penybont FC for an undisclosed fee.
Ryan signed with the Shots from Dagenham & Redbridge in June 2025, and brings an end to a memorable year-long stint in North East Hampshire. In October, Ryan was handed the captain’s armband, a duty he retained for the remainder of the season.
The 2025/26 season saw Ryan deployed in near-every out-field position over the course of the campaign... His performances across the season earned him the official Aldershot Town Player of the Year award...
Ryan leaves us to take on a new challenge west of the border, joining Welsh Premier League side Penybont FC. The decision comes after several discussions with manager Scott Davies, who had this to say...
'Ryan only had a contract that runs up until the end of the last game this season. From the off he made it pretty clear that at his age it was far from ideal being in a situation with only 10 months left on his deal...
'It’s totally understandable from Ryan’s positioning but frustrating from our point of view at the same time. Myself and the club made it clear that we weren’t in a position to hand out new and improved contracts this summer to players that have remained at the football club'">
The Paddington-born midfielder began his football journey at Arsenal... Loan spells with Sky Bet Championship sides Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic, as well as UD Ibiza, followed... before making a permanent move to Mallorca-based CD Atlético Baleares in February 2024.
He made 14 appearances for Los Balearicos... and then departed for the Greek side PAS Giannina in August 2024... in Super League Greece 2.
A return to England followed, signing for Morecambe on August 24 2025...
Head Coach, Rob Elliot said 'He's someone that the club have monitored for a while and I've always thought he was a very good player with fantastic athleticism and real technicality...
Sporting Director, Marc Tierney added 'Miguel is a player who fits our recruitment profile and is someone we have monitored closely for a considerable period'".
Charlie joined the club last summer and amassed 8 goals and assists for the Bluebirds across 38 appearances in all competitions across the 2025/26 season...
Speaking on McCann's departure, Adam Murray said 't is unfortunate that we have lost Charlie but he stated early that he wanted to stay in the EFL. We tried to keep him here and he has been very professional throughout the process.
Umately he had his eyes set elsewhere. It's important that for whatever the reason, the squad is built around people that want success for our football club. We’ve got a good deal for Charlie'".
The soon-to-be 29-year-old midfielder, who was voted the club's player of the year in April, has opted to embark on a new opportunity elsewhere - and will leave on June 30...
He was part of the team which won promotion back to the National League in 2024 and he has subsequently gone on to play regularly... since their return to the top flight of non-league football...
With experienced midfielder Gavan Holohan being United's only confirmed new signing so far, further announcements will follow over the coming days".
Jonathan has a wealth of experience, having played for the likes of Coventry, Bradford, and Preston North End, and making 157 appearances for Celtic, earning three league championship winner's medals, three Scottish League Cup winner's medals and a Scottish Cup medal in the process.
His coaching experience is equally impressive, a CV that includes West Brom, Middlesbrough, Preston, Stoke and the New Zealand national team.
For the last couple of years, Jonathan has been the GK coach at Auckland FC, seeing them win a Premier Plate and a Grand Final... Jonathan left New Zealand this year and returns to English football with FGR".
We’re delighted to announce that Daryl McMahon has signed a new long-term contract and will now also become a part of the club’s ownership group.
Since joining us in January 2024, Daryl has achieved club history by securing two promotions in three-seasons, leading us to the National League for the first time in our history...
Daryl McMahon said 'I’m delighted to be able to agree a new contract with the club and become a member of the ownership of the club... I have felt at home and have loved every minute of being at the club...
Chairman Alex Sharp added... 'We will be making some exciting player announcements in due course, but today I am delighted to make one of the most important announcements for Hornchurch Football Club in recent times and that is that Daryl McMahon has agreed to be our Manager for the next 3 years and will become part of the ownership group of the club, as we look to build a sustainable pathway to deliver EFL football for Hornchurch within the next 5 years...
'With the addition of Mark Hammond as C.E.O. and Rob Lee as Director of Football to the existing club structure, I firmly believe we are perfectly positioned to drive the club forward and I am incredibly excited to see where we can take this together'".
On the player front, Hornchurch "announce the signing of defender Tom Dallison from Ebbsfleet United.
Tom joins the Urchins with a significant pedigree having played for Crawley Town and Colchester United in the Football League...
Manager Daryl McMahon said 'He is a player with lots of experience of the Football League and the National League. He brings a wealth of experience while being at a good age for us to join the club.
Tom adds physicality to the back line, with an extra bonus as well that we’ve signed a left-footed defender, that gives us more balance. That is something we haven’t really had in the two and half years I’ve been here and Tom definitely gives us that'".
Comprising "Chairman - Abdullah Ashraf, Director - Nathan Walter, Chief Executive - Scott Rickards". The club has provided biographical and career details of the Board members.
"Abdullah Ashraf is a multi-sector entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Dawn Capital and Dawn Sports & Entertainment, two rapidly growing platforms operating across commercial real estate, professional football, and global investment. He oversees a commercial real estate portfolio exceeding $100 million in assets under management and has acquired, disposed of, and brokered more than $250 million in real estate transactions. In parallel, he holds ownership interests in Oklahoma United FC in the United States and Truro City FC in England...
Executive director Nathan Walter will work closely with chairman Abdullah Ashraf to drive Tamworth Football Club forward. Nathan’s experience will certainly be invaluable to the club as he already has more than 15 years of executive leadership experience across sports, real estate, and business operations. Significantly Nathan’s career already includes roles as President and Chief Executive Officer within professional US football...
Scott Rickards has Tamworth Football Club’s DNA running through his veins. He’s supported the club since boyhood, had two spells as a senior player at The Lamb and has also been caretaker manager, assistant manager and coach. Most recently he’s fulfilled the role of General Manager and played a major part in the successful running of the club in challenging times.
What’s more construction firm The Altair Group, where he is a director, is Tamworth’s main shirt sponsor and stadium sponsor".
19 June 2026
Isaac was the longer-serving of the two players at Altrincham, having stayed for four and a half seasons, a period only surpassed by Matty Kosylo of the remaining squad
Central midfielder Isaac was born on 11 October 1999 and joined Altrincham from Bradford (Park Avenue) "for an undisclosed fee" in a move announced on Christmas Eve 2021.
A former Huddersfield Town product, a club he joined as a nine year-old, he was loaned to Larne in Northern Ireland in January 2019 before joining the Bradford club on loan in 2019-20 season. He made 25 appearances for the West Yorkshire club that season before returning to Huddersfield.
Following his release by Huddersfield Town in summer 2020, he returned to Yorkshire and signed for Bradford (Park Avenue) where he had made fifteen appearances in 2021-22 before signing for Phil Parkinson at Altrincham. At Bradford he also played as an attacking midfielder and was rewarded with several goals.
However he completed ninety minutes just once in the first eight league fixtures of his Alty career, only actually appearing four times in that period. But once he had regained fitness he became an ever-present starter for the final sixteen games of the 2021-22 campaign.
A pre-season injury in summer 2022 meant that Isaac missed the start of the 2022-23 season and it was league game 18 before he started a game, on 8 November 2022. However, he soon re-established himself as a key figure in the team and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension, announced at the end of March 2023.
A serious ankle injury curtailed Isaac's appearances in March 2024 and a remedial operation ended his season prematurely as well as causing him to miss the opening weeks of the 2024-25 campaign. After a brief return a further injury lay-off saw him sidelined in January 2025 before he returned to league action in March.
In 2025/26 Isaac was the only player to start all of the club's first sixteen league fixtures, the 16th game being Neil Gibson's first in charge. He was only a used sub for the next five fixtures but re-established himself thereafter, starting every league game except one until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
In all he made 147(+17) appearances for the club, scoring three goals in the process.
Said director of football John Coyne, 'Very early in the process we identified the type of players we wanted, both in terms of ability and character. Several of the players who have agreed new deals are entering what we believe will be the peak years of their careers.
'As a result, we have made a conscious decision to secure a number of them on longer-term contracts... It allows us to build year on year rather than continually starting again each summer.
'A number of our youngsters have committed their futures to the club as well'".
He said 'I'm delighted to be signing for my fourth season at this massive football club. I've loved my time at the club so far'".
Lewis arrives at Aggborough on the back of a good personal season at National League level – though relegated with Braintree Town, he bagged ten goals in the league, reaching double figures for the second successive season having done so with Woking in 2024-25.
The 27-year-old counts QPR and Gillingham among his other clubs in England and also spent two seasons abroad in Italy with Como and Athletic Carpi.
14 goals in 59 games for Woking came before his switch to Braintree last summer and, despite the Iron’s peril, he ended the National League season as one of its form players, the majority of his goals coming in the final months of the term".
During his various loan spells, spanning over two seasons, Makai has 47 appearances for the club.
Speaking on the deal, manager Daryl McMahon said;
'It is great news for us to be able to bring Makai to the club permanently. He has done fantastic for us on loan and another young player with huge potential. He goes into the squad and adds athleticism and quality".
Scott Rickards has today been appointed as chief executive of Tamworth FC to complete a remarkable story of loyalty and dedication to the club. Rickards, a childhood fan, has gone from the terraces to the boardroom during a 25 year association with The Lambs.
He’s also played for the club, coached them, been assistant manager, caretaker boss and most recently general manager.
Tamworth’s new owner Abdullah Ashraf announced the major appointment today and a delighted Scott said...
'The new owners are very driven people and their vision and plans are really exciting, not only for me, but also for the fans.
'I’ve been really impressed by Abdullah and our new director Nathan Walter. Even before the takeover was completed we were having detailed discussions about their priorities and ambitions. It quickly became clear that we share the same passion to make things happen while also being fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
'These are exciting times. They are openly promising a new dawn for the club...
Community is certainly a key issue for Rickards, who added 'I have always felt the community aspect was the missing piece here when it should be at the heart of our club. That’s why we will be working tirelessly to make sure that sense of community and belonging is felt within every section of this club and make people proud to be associated with what we are building here'.
Rickards is not the only new appointment at Tamworth as the new owners waste no time in changing the dynamic at The Lamb. He explained: “The new owners have already implemented an immediate increase to our staffing levels which will be a huge help in achieving our goal of taking Tamworth to new heights.'
Archie Baynham has been promoted into the general manager’s role, Josh Beasley has been appointed to lead the Media and Communications team and Sophie Payne will become Hospitality Manager. Julie Kempinski has joined the team as Office Manager, Finance Manager & Commercial Manager. Robin Lamb has taken on a part-time position as Retail Manager and Rhian Dolman has been appointed to the newly-created position of Supporter Liaison Lead & Match Day Coordinator Lead".
Oldaker joins for an undisclosed fee from EFL League Two outfit Swindon Town, and links back up with head coach Kieron Dyer after the pair worked together to earn promotion from the National League with Chesterfield Town [sic] in 2023/24...
Hartigan arrives following the expiry of his contract at Barnet, having captained the Bees to the 2024/25 National League title and to an eighth-place finish in League Two...
Southend United head coach Kieron Dyer commented 'Both have had promotions from the National League, both are capable of playing to a really high standard in League Two, and probably would be one of the best pairs in that league, so to get them in and joining the project is a massive coup'".
The 26-year-old defender arrives at Huish Park with significant non league and Football League experience, having progressed through the academy system at Arsenal before joining Cambridge United...
During his time at Cambridge, Norville-Williams gained senior experience through a series of loan spells in non league football with St Neots Town, Royston Town, Hitchin Town, Harlow Town and Cambridge City...
He went on to represent Hayes & Yeading United and Farnborough... In 2024, he joined Dorking Wanderers... before choosing to join the Glovers ahead of the new season".
A versatile midfield option to add to the Iron’s ranks, Richards started his career in the Notts County... Within a matter of months, Richards would join the Pilgrims for the first time on a short-term loan deal. After returning to County, the now 28-year-old midfielder would enjoy a loan spell with Sligo Rovers before making the permanent switch to Gainsborough Trinity...
Richards would firstly make the move to King’s Lynn Town where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career... before making the switch to National League North side Brackley Town, for whom he was a consistent starter...
Richards would attract the attention of Boston United yet again, making the permanent move to Boston in the summer of 2023...the workhorse midfielder would make over 135 appearances... and [was] named as the Pilgrims' player of 2025-26 in their end of season awards".
18 June 2026
First The Bluebirds confirmed "the arrival of 26 year-old, energetic midfielder Isaac Marriott on a free transfer.
He joined Altrincham in 2021 and has since been a stalwart with the Robins, racking up over 150 appearances in an Altrincham shirt...
Manager Adam Murray said 'He’s somebody we know we can rely on week in and week out. He’s known for his aggression, he’s very front footed but technically very good. He comes with a really good reputation. Sometimes you talk to someone and it just clicks and we knew straight away that he was a great fit for us'...
Isaac said 'A big thing for me is the [club's] will to be ambitious, I want to come in, hit the ground running and try [to] show everyone what I’m capable of. Hopefully the way I play can bring a bit of spark and energy to the team.'"
Capable of operating across the front line, Crankshaw arrives at Holker Street with a wealth of experience in both the EFL and National League...
It was during his time with Curzon Ashton that Crankshaw's performances attracted the attention of EFL clubs, earning him a move to Wigan Athletic. He made his senior debut for the Latics in 2020 and went on to make 25 appearances for the club...
A move to Bradford City followed before Crankshaw joined Stockport County, where he enjoyed some of the most successful seasons of his career. During the 2021/22 campaign, he scored 10 goals as Stockport secured promotion from the National League...
The 26-year-old spent last season with Altrincham FC, where he once again demonstrated his attacking quality by scoring nine goals in the National League. His pace, versatility and proven ability to contribute goals make him an exciting addition to Adam Murray's squad...
Manager Adam Murray said... 'We believe he will be a big part of what we are trying to achieve here. He has an X-Factor, he's someone that can score goals and create too. He had options to go into the football league but he decided he wanted to jump into our journey here at Barrow. He doesn't just bring a lot of creativity, he's also a big character who wants success'".
So far as Altrincham is concerned, we have "known knowns"; eight of the thirteen players reported in May to be "out of contract, in discussions" have since signed up for 2026-27. They are Joel Bailey, Lewis Banks, Sam Barnes, Jake Cooper, Tom Crawford, Owen German, Matty Kosylo and Eddy Jones.
We also know that Isaac Marriott and Olly Crankshaw are departing, so ten of those thirteen are "known knowns".
That leaves three "known unknowns", namely players who were at Altrincham last season but who are unaccounted for as regards 2026-27; they are Tylor Golden, Charlie Kirk, and Ethan Ross.
In addition we have other "known unknowns", new players (hopefully) signed by the club this summer. So far, however, no new signings have been announced since the end of last season.
And, of course, there could be "unknown unknowns" too. That is items "we are completely unaware of and cannot anticipate"!
Bury FC "confirm that goalkeeper RUSS SAUNDERS (right) will be leaving the club.
Russ joined the Shakers in October 2024 as emergency cover for Mitch Allen. What began as a short-term arrangement quickly saw Russ become a valued member of the squad and goalkeeping group.
During his time at Gigg Lane, Russ made five first-team appearances and served as an excellent deputy to Allen.
Off the pitch, he played an important role in mentoring Mitch and the club’s younger goalkeepers, bringing experience, professionalism and support to the group".
As such, Keith will take overall control of all operational matters and report directly into the Board of Directors.
Keith will be supported by Bob Trafford, who will become Deputy Chief Executive Officer, together with a Senior Management Team comprised of Amanda Penney, Lindsay Brown and Rachael Brown...
Curle boasts a stellar 24-year playing career at the very highest level, notably captaining Manchester City between 1991 and 1996.... His subsequent transition into the dugout saw him amass nearly 600 games as a Manager across the English Football League.
Keith’s notable managerial successes include leading Queens Park Rangers to the Premier League as Assistant Manager in 2011... He has also managed in high-pressure environments at Sheffield United, Notts County, and Carlisle United...
Keith is also a League Manager’s Association Mentor which encompasses managers, coaches and players...
Beyond his undeniably extensive football career, Curle has quietly built a formidable reputation as an astute entrepreneur. He has spent decades operating a successful, hands-on property development portfolio and running Keith Curle Sports Management Ltd – a specialised firm focusing on player recruitment strategy, corporate operations, and contract consultation",
The 20-year-old centre-back arrives at Huish Park after a strong rise through the professional game, with experience across both academy and senior football environments. Kingdon joins the Glovers having attracted interest from multiple clubs in the Football League and National League, with Yeovil winning the race for his signature.
Kingdon enjoyed a productive loan spell at Rochdale during the 2024/25 season, making 16 appearances...
Since joining Cardiff City, he has featured in the EFL Trophy, making three appearances and notably captaining the Bluebirds against Arsenal U21s, highlighting his leadership qualities at a young age.
Prior to his move to South Wales, Kingdon was part of an impressive youth setup at Manchester United... He also gained valuable experience in the Under-21s, as well as through the club’s Pro Experience Scheme, including a training spell with Altrincham.
Comfortable on the ball and composed in possession, Kingdon is a modern centre-back who has built a reputation for his leadership".
The Albania youth international joins a Mariners side who finished seventh in League Two last season...
Pruti initially joined Sutton from Slough Town in May 2025 and went on to be a regular presence in the heart of the U’s backline, originally under Steve Morison before stamping down his spot and key leader in defence under Chris Agutter...
Prior to joining the U’s, Pruti had played in the youth setups at Stevenage and Burnley, before carving out his career in the non-league with stints at Abbey Hey, Hanwell Town and Loughborough University, as well as a first stint with Slough which preceded a move to Brentford B.
His time at the Gtech Community Stadium subsequently led to a permanent switch to League Two side Hartlepool United after five months in County Durham, but he had impressed nonetheless in the fourth tier, shortly before joining Farnborough initially on loan, before making the move permanent.
This then preceded a successful return to Slough; his form in the National League South earning him a move into the fifth tier with Sutton".
The BBC announce that "Grimsby have signed Sutton United defender Edon Pruti for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old, who was capped by Albania up to under-21 level, scored three goals in 36 National League appearances last season.
'I'm delighted to be here. As soon as I heard there was interest from Grimsby Town, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to be,' he told the club website., external
'Watching from afar last season, you could see what the manager has built here and the direction the club is going in.'"
17 June 2026
Right: Whilst an Altrincham loanee from Barrow, Elliot Newby was pictured by Mike Ripley taking on a Gloucester City opponent in 2017.
The 30-year-old arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with a wealth of experience across both the EFL and National League, having most recently represented Barrow...
Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Newby came through the youth system at Bolton Wanderers before beginning his senior career with Barrow.
He has since enjoyed spells with Altrincham, AFC Telford United, Chorley, Stockport County and FC Halifax Town, building a reputation as a dangerous attacking player capable of operating across the front line.
During his career, Newby has achieved promotion from the National League North with Chorley and won the National League title with Stockport County...
Manager Adam Lakeland said 'We are adding yet more quality to our group, a player who is proven above the level we are going to be playing at next season...
'I like how direct he is, how aggressive he likes to be with the ball at his feet, the way he carries the ball, and with two good feet'...
Newby said... 'You can really tell that the club wants to push on in an upwards direction'">
Interim chairman Graham Wood has described former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole as the ‘standout candidate’ to become new Gateshead manager... Cattermole penned a two-year deal at the International Stadium to officially kickstart his senior managerial career on the south bank of the Tyne.
The 38-year-old was believed to be in line to be named as manager of the Heed’s National League rivals Hartlepool United last month before they turned their attention towards appointing former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark.
However, Cattermole remained determined to make a breakthrough into senior management after holding various roles at Middlesbrough, Burnley, Bristol Rovers and the Northern Irish FA in recent years...
[Cattermole ] said 'It’s something I’m really excited about; the opportunity to get a crack at first-team management, especially at Gateshead as well. I think you’ve proven over the years that you’ve given that platform to first time managers...
Cattermole has also revealed... 'My vision for the team is going to take time, it’s not going to be quick,' explained the new Heed boss... 'How I’ll carry myself as a manager here will be consistent and the players will see that, they’ll feel that and I’m sure they’ll learn from that... I’m not coming in and saying it’s all this way or that way – let’s build something together'".
Footnote: Cattermole succeeds Rob Elliott who left on 27 May 2026 and joined Carlisle United
Sbarra returns to Damson Park having enjoyed another hugely successful spell with the Club last season, finishing as the Moors’ top goalscorer and once again becoming a firm fans’ favourite.
Joe’s connection with Solihull Moors stretches back to his first loan spell in 2019 and, since then, he has gone on to make 188 appearances in blue and yellow, scoring 41 goals...
A superb footballer on the pitch and a gentleman off it, Sbarra has played a key role in some of the most successful periods in the Club’s history...
Chris Millington, First Team Manager, added 'Me and the rest of the staff are really excited to have Joe in the ranks. He is a fantastic addition to the squad, he brings goals and excitement on the pitch and he has a great presence around the club off the pitch'".
Footnote: Sbarra was released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, having spent two years there after leaving the Moors in 2024.
The 24 year old real estate investor has bought the club through his successful US firm Dawn Group International (DGI) and wasted no time in making his intentions crystal clear. He says his main ambition is to achieve promotion into the Football League for the first time in the club’s history.
Keen football fan Ashraf said: “I’m exceptionally excited and blessed to be the next custodian of Tamworth Football Club!... I intend to make the dream of Tamworth playing in the EFL a reality!”
The dramatic transatlantic deal completes months of intense negotiations to reach an agreement to buy the club and gain approval by the Football Association, Football League and the newly formed Independent Football Regulators...
He added 'I will be very "hands-on" at Tamworth and won’t be an absentee owner watching on from across the Atlantic. I’ll be flying over frequently to support the club and push forward my plans to advance Tamworth FC on and off the field. I hope to quickly become a familiar face in the stadium and fans will soon realise just how passionate I am about our club!'
The DGI founder and CEO already owns a football club in the US, having been instrumental in the foundation of his hometown side, Oklahoma United FC...
He continued 'I guarantee that I will do everything in my power to push Tamworth Football Club to new heights. I’ve really enjoyed attending matches and visiting the town in recent months'...
Ashraf has an impressive business track record which includes having acquired, disposed of, brokered, financed, and been directly involved in more than $250 million in commercial real estate transactions across the United States."
The 21-year-old arrives for an undisclosed fee on the back of an impressive season at The Walks Stadium...
Williams said after signing a two-year-contract with the club, 'It was great to hear the Manager’s ambition and trust in me, so I was really eager to get it done'...
Williams started his career at AFC Wimbledon, where he had been on the books since age seven and would make his debut in 2023...
Capped at U19 level for Wales, Williams has also enjoyed loans at Eastbourne, Woking and Dorking...
Added Assistant Manager Paul Thirlwell, 'He’s a combative midfield player with good energy, technically good and one we feel will fit into the group well'".
Having trained at the back end of last season, Ollie’s aim was to return to pre-season with the group and be available for selection from the beginning.
Unfortunately he has now however suffered a small setback with a PCL tear to his opposite knee which has no correlation to the previous ACL injury.
Trying to get ahead and stay ahead of the curve, Ollie has been training on a daily basis and this is where the injury was sustained. Ollie will now begin rehab on getting his knee in the best shape possible before returning to action in a few months time".
Having started his career amongst the youth ranks at Blackburn Rovers, Brennan would experience his first taste of men's football with loans to firstly AFC Fylde before attracting interest from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2022, moving to the DW Stadium before being loaned out to Welsh giants The New Saints...
Brennan would earn himself a permanent switch back to Fylde upon the expiry of his contract with the Latics, where he spent just four months before dropping into Step 2 with John McGrath's Bucks.
During his time with Buxton, the 24-year-old would play 85 times across a one-and-a-half year spell, notching an impressive return of 59 goal contributions in that time...
Brennan joins United on a three-year contract".
Digie joins with a wealth of experience in the National League having spent two seasons at Tamworth. The defender has also had spells with Alfreton and Altrincham, having initially started his career at Kidderminster.
In the 2025/26 season, Digie made 44 league appearances for the Lambs and enjoyed his most successful personal goalscoring tally with five to his name.
Manager Adam Murray, speaking on his new signing, said 'He's established at this level. When you look at his defending data, he's one of the highest at this level. He's a Captain and a massive personality and we think he's going to add a lot to the group'...
Digie said 'It's an ambitious club and I'm looking forward to the season starting now'".
16 June 2026
'Barrow-in-Furness born Newby has been with the club for several years across two spells, most recently since arriving in 2023.
During Elliot's time with the club he's contributed towards 26 goals across 175 appearances".
Footnote: Newby is believed to be joining Morecambe in National North.
Ashley signed professional terms with the Shots in September 2023, having progressed through the Aldershot Town Academy, and went onto make 22 appearances for the Shots, scoring 2 goals.
Ashley has worked hard, battling back from the injury sustained in January 2025.
We wish Ashley all the best in his career, thank him for his time here at Aldershot, and look forward to seeing him make his return to action from afar."
Williamson has been part of the Mariners' backroom staff since January 2026, initially joining voluntarily to assist Ian Watson and Carl Magnay. Since then, he has joined the Club on a full-time basis as Director of Performance and Culture".
Footnote: In October 2023 Williamson left Gateshead to become manager of League Two MK Dons. A year later he became head coach of Carlisle United but was sacked 18 months later.
A spell as first-team coach at Glasgow Rangers followed before he and head coach Russell Martin were sacked last October.
Williamson takes over at South Shields after their manager Ian Watson was appointed as the new boss at Rochdale.
15 June 2026
Indeed, ten of the last eleven opening-day fixtures of the season for Altrincham have been games played at home but before winning in 2024, they had failed to win any of the previous ELEVEN home fixtures between 2007 and 2023 which opened a league season.
Ironically, they did win three of their away fixtures in this sequence!
Whilst the home record on opening day is pretty dreadful, away from home, perversely, Alty have won 50% of their six opening day fixtures on the road in the same period.
Another curious feature of opening day is that the last six such games have been against teams from 200 miles away or more.
Right: Kahrel Reddin celebrates his goal in the 3-2 win over Aldershot Town in the opening game of 2025-26 season.
The overall record since 2007 is:
The details are as follow:
Clayton has agreed a two-year contract at Victoria Park, with the Club holding the option of a further year, subject to the relevant approvals...
He joins First Team Head Coach Lee Clark’s backroom team alongside First Team Coach Gary Liddle...
Clayton arrives at Pools following a distinguished playing career spanning almost two decades and more than 500 senior appearances across the Premier League, Championship and English Football League.
A product of Manchester City’s Academy, Clayton established himself as one of the Championship’s most respected midfielders during a career that included successful spells with Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough...
Across six seasons at the Riverside Stadium, he made 213 appearances, helped Middlesbrough secure promotion to the Premier League in 2016 and went on to represent the Club 29 times in the top flight.
The former England Under-20 international also represented Birmingham City, Doncaster Rovers, Bradford City and Rochdale during a career that saw him work under a number of highly respected managers, including Simon Grayson, Aitor Karanka, Tony Pulis, Garry Monk and Neil Warnock.
Clayton previously played under Lee Clark at Huddersfield Town following the Club’s promotion to the Championship in 2012, with the pair now reunited at Pools more than a decade later".
14 June 2026
Ross brings a wealth of experience in non-league football and boasts deep local roots, making him the perfect fit for the trickies. A fantastic addition to Lee Duckworth’s backroom team as we prepare for the season ahead".
Speight was in July 2023 in Altrincham's "first-team set-up" on the coaching side.
The former Manchester United Academy talent brings a wealth of quality, step-level experience, and genuine goal-threat to the Vics' frontline. Comfortable playing across the front three or as a central forward, Rokka is expected to inject a perfect blend of creativity and pace into the squad.
Rokka arrives at the club with an impressive footballing resume, having consistently proven his quality across the North West non-league circuit. He is a player well-known to local football fans, most notably for his standout performances with our cross-town neighbors Witton Albion.
His explosive early-career form at Radcliffe Borough—where he won the league's Young Player of the Season award—earned him a high-profile move to professional football with Tranmere Rovers. Vics fans will also recognize his threat from a successful stint with Runcorn Linnets, alongside valuable experience gained at clubs like Macclesfield Town, Atherton Collieries, and Stalybridge Celtic.
Vics manager Lee Duckworth was thrilled to secure his latest target... 'What a talent Elliot is! He’s a wealth of experience playing in the higher levels of non-league. He’s a creative attacking player who can unlock any defence and will provide a fear factor to many defences next season'".
Langley joined the Vics partway through last season from Nantwich Town and made an immediate impact at the heart of the defence. He featured 18 times for the club...
Duckworth said 'He’s been looking to move into the management side and so it was an easy decision to bring him on board. He’s great with the lads and has a wealth of experience at good levels within the game'".
Yet another Alty old boy is the subject of a report from Northwich Victoria as "Former Vics center [sic] back Danny Jarrett becomes Lee [Duckworth]'s new Assistant Manager... Jarrett has returned to the club, stepping into the dugout as our new Assistant Manager for the upcoming season.
Jarrett, who wore the green and white with distinction during his playing days, brings a massive amount of footballing knowledge back to the club...
'I’ve known Danny for over 20 years as a teammate and a friend,' Duckworth said". Recently Jarrett was assistant manager of the now defunct Altrincham FC Reserves.
The 22-year-old moves to Roots Hall after scoring 10 goals in 44 National League South appearances for Maidenhead United last season.
Popoola had spells in the youth set-ups at Watford and AFC Bournemouth at the start of his career and has also played for Stockport County, Tonbridge and Buxton.
'We had to fend off a few league clubs for his services, but he believes in our vision for where we feel the club is going,' Dyer told the club website.
'He is a player who I feel will get the fans off their seats, with his pace, power and skill, and hopefully he is the first of many signings still to come'".
Having joined the Owls at the age of seven, Maltby quickly progressed through the youth ranks, going on to be named as captain for the under 18s. In 2023, the defender signed his first professional contract with the club, and signed an extension the following summer. In August 2024, Maltby joined Scarborough Athletic in the National League North. Initially a one-month loan, this was extended through to December.
Having returned to Sheffield Wednesday due to injury, Maltby returned to Scarborough in February for the remainder of the season... The defender was named as the club’s young player of the year. Last season, Maltby made his debut for Wednesday as a half time substitute against Oxford United in the Championship".
Join us for an unforgettable evening as Chantelle delivers heartfelt messages, insight, and connection from the spirit world in a warm, respectful, and captivating live event. Known for her accuracy, compassion, and engaging style, Chantelle brings comfort, clarity, and a truly memorable experience for believers and the curious alike.
A unique night of spiritual connection is in store, with live audience readings throughout the evening to those in attendance. Whether you’re seeking reassurance, curiosity, or simply a fascinating night out, this is an event not to be missed...
About Chantelle 'I am a Psychic Medium guided by spirit. My spiritual journey began at a young age, and over the years, I have developed a strong connection with the divine. Helping people through my readings is my passion and purpose in life... I hope my words and presence inspire you to seek the light and find the answers you've been searching for'".
The 24-year-old defender arrives at Huish Park with a wealth of experience, having already made over 150 senior appearances across the Football League, National League and League of Ireland. A fan favourite at Gander Green Lane, Muller attracted interest from a number of National League clubs, with the Glovers winning the race for his signature despite Sutton’s efforts to retain his services.
Muller featured 30 times for Sutton United last season, establishing himself as a regular in the heart of the defence...
A product of the Millwall academy, Muller made his professional debut against Huddersfield Town in 2020 before earning a new contract with the Lions the following year. During his time at The Den, he also gained experience in the Scottish Premiership during a loan spell with St Johnstone.
The centre back later enjoyed a spell with Dundalk in the League of Ireland Premier Division before returning to England with Sutton United in 2024.
Comfortable at centre back, right back and across the defensive line, Muller brings leadership, composure and proven experience to Billy Rowley’s squad".
'Being a Carlisle fan myself, to work at the stadium every day it's a dream come true,' he said.
Ground staff play a crucial role in ensuring the playing surface is in the best possible condition throughout the season, with much of their work taking place away from the spotlight... Working alongside Head Groundsman David Mitchell, who has been at the club for more than two decades, Ben is continuing to learn...
Alongside maintaining the first team playing surface, the ground staff look after the training pitch behind the ground and the facilities at the Sheepmount...
The role is physically demanding and often requires long hours in all weather conditions. From scorching summer days during renovation work to cold, wet winter mornings, dedication and commitment are essential qualities for anyone working in the industry....
'It's my dream job and you're pretty much doing anything for the club,' he said. 'Throw anything at me and I'll do it'".
13 June 2026
The 25-year-old central defender made 21 appearances for Alty last season, after moving to The J.Davidson Stadium on a free transfer in August...
Sam said... 'I’ve loved my time at the club so far and it has really helped me to get my enjoyment of playing football back. I’m excited to work with the gaffer again and to help the squad achieve a positive 2026/27'.
'He's got an exceptional attitude and he's already working with Kyle, our new S&C [strength & conditioning] coach, to make sure he's in the best possible shape when pre-season begins.'”
Footnote: Unfortunately Sam appears to be banned for the first two fixtures of next season after being charged with an offence after an incident at half-time following his red card at Woking. Injury and suspension limited him to 900 minutes on the pitch in the National League last season. He made 9(+11) appearances in the National League in 2025-26.
Sam's arrival at Altrincham was revealed on 15 August 2025 and he made his debut against Hartlepool United on 19 August 2025. After seven successive league appearances, the concussion protocols cost him several matchday involvements. and further injury kept him out of action in the December/January period. This followed his release by Barrow in summer 2025 after a season at the Holker Street club.
An ACL injury had cost him the 2022-23 season before his move to Barrow in 2024.
Sam's earlier career was with Blackburn Rovers where he came through their youth system.
Sam's renewal brings the current squad total to eighteen, with the futures of Olly Crankshaw, Tylor Golden, Charlie Kirk, Isaac Marriott and Ethan Ross yet to be announced by the club.
As for the Academy team competing in the National Football Youth League's NW Championship1, on 6 May at Wyke Community Sports Village they lost 2-1 to FC Halifax Town U19> Mensah scored the Robins' goal
The squad comprised... Savior Abanwa, Theo Bunting, Harry Cain, Rafael Fereday, John Gbolagun, Josh Herreaman, Benjamin Mensah, Joshua Obamwonyi, Archie Rowlands, William Sneyd, Connor Summerfield. Subs; Afernee Denise, William Molloy.
But a week later, on 13 May, at home, they beat Liverpool FEFA NWC 4-1 at Egerton Sports Club
Liverpool FEFA NWC 1, so finished eighth in the twelve-club division, a three-points points deduction not affecting their finishing position.
Knowles (2), Renshaw and Sneyd scored the Alty goals.
The line up was: Christopher Antoniades, Josh Herreaman, Charlie Hough, Ryan Knowles, Kian Leckey, Kian Mattison, Benjamin Mensah, Charlie Noble, Joshua Obamwonyi, Raion Rowe, Harley Renshaw. Subs: Savior Abanwa, Harry Cain, William Sneyd
and Thomas Tattersall.
It’s a homecoming in the truest sense. Rob’s professional journey began right here at Hornchurch FC before he went on to become one of the most celebrated midfielders of his generation. Over a glittering career spanning more than two decades, he made 298 appearances for Charlton Athletic — helping them win promotion to the First Division — before joining Newcastle United in 1992, where he went on to score 56 goals in 381 appearances for the Magpies, cementing his status as a true club icon and fan favourite.
He also represented Derby County, West Ham United, Oldham Athletic, and Wycombe Wanderers... He earned 21 caps for England, competing at the highest level international football has to offer.
Now, Rob returns to where it all started — bringing a wealth of experience, elite-level insight, and a deep personal connection to the club that gave him his first opportunity...
Rob Lee said 'Hornchurch will always hold a special place in my heart. This is where my dream began, and I’m honoured to come back and help shape the future of this club'".
Muller initially arrived at Gander Green Lane ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and departs as Sutton’s current longest-serving player, joining the club in July 2024... before joining Salisbury on loan in August 2025 after being frozen out of the side under Steve Morison.
However, the arrival of Chris Agutter brought an astonishing resurgence in South London, having played nine times across a successful two months in Wiltshire. After being recalled, he went on to become one of the most important players in the side under the former Worthing boss, racking up a further 30 appearances during 2025/26 as a defensive midfielder...
Prior to his move to Sutton, Muller had begun his career with Millwall...
Despite an offer of a higher contract at Gander Green Lane, Muller has opted to depart South London".
The highly-rated defender arrives at Damson Park after progressing through the ranks at Nottingham Forest, where he gained valuable experience in Premier League 2 and was in the squad for several Europa League games with the first team.
Still only 21, Hanks is regarded as an exciting young talent...
[Manager Chris] Millington said... 'He’s a versatile defender who we have been tracking for a number of months. Justin is an important signing in this new era.'”
First up is "academy graduate Toby Nelson [who] will once again be a part of the first-team squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The now-20-year-old has been with the club since July 2022 after joining from Crystal Palace...
Sharing his responsibilities between both the First and B team last campaign... Toby featured in 15 matchday squads across the 2025/26 Enterprise National League season".
Also signing on for Aldershot Town is "central defender Jack Matton, who joins on a season-long loan from Wycombe Wanderers.
Having turned 20 at the end of May, Jack exits his teenage years having already accrued an excellent variety of experience, from previous non-league loans to first-team minutes with the League One club.
Matton joined the Chairboys in July 2024... Matton has since enjoyed further temporary spells at Bracknell Town, Hanwell Town and Tonbridge Angels, occurring either side of a dream first-team debut for his parent club in the EFL Trophy, claiming a goal and a clean sheet...
[Manager] Scott Davies [said]... 'At 6ft 4”, Jack will be a real presence within our back line and I’m grateful to our friends at Wycombe for entrusting us with the next stage of his development.'”
The third player signing at Aldershot Town is "goalkeeper Charlie Patmore, who joins us having most recently played for Bedford Town of the National League North...
Charlie joins the first-team as backup to the recently added Nick Hayes... Having previously played for Rayners Lane, Chesham United, Hendon and Southall, the 23-year-old possesses significant experience at both Step 3 and Step 4 level, and continues a rapid rise through the non-league pyramid, having only made the switch to Bedford in February of this year">
12 June 2026
In what was the country's first international tournament final appearance since 1962, our number 10 - who won the tournament's Best Player Award - featured from the start as Pakistan recorded a 2-0 win against Afghanistan to claim the trophy in the capital Malé.
During the group stage, which began on June 1st, Otis started in the 0-0 draw with Bangladesh's Olympic squad and the 2-0 victory against Afghanistan, as well as coming off the bench in the 3-0 win over the tournament hosts.
In two seasons at Farley Way, Zak has scored 35 times in 81 appearances, and his retention is a massive coup for Ryan Beswick as he fought off higher-level competition for the coveted forward.
'It was an easy decision for me once I knew that the gaffer was staying' said Goodson, continuing ;I’m really enjoying my football at Quorn after having a few previous seasons at clubs where I didn’t enjoy it.
'Having played in the NPL before, I know what to expect'".
David has been watching Altrincham for the past 70 years, making him one of the club’s longest supporting fans.
He has been a season ticket holder, vice president and patron for over 30 years, sitting in the main stand. He is a Gold Member of the 2025/26 RoyAlty scheme.
He will be sadly missed by his son-in-law, granddaughter Lydia and grandson Daniel who he attends every home game with".
An important player for the club, the defender [had] made 80 appearances since joining two seasons ago".
And equally briefly FC Halifax "confirm that Jevon Mills will leave the Club upon the expiry of his contract
A vital part of the dressing room throughout the 2025/26 campaign, seeing Town through 6 consecutive wins and a run of 7 games unbeaten".
With Maguire being under the age of 24 and having been offered terms of re-engagement by the Pilgrims, the clubs remain in dialogue regarding a compensation figure. Should agreement not be reached, it will be decided by an FA tribunal.
He signed from Sheffield United in the summer of 2024 and despite missing spells of the most recently-completed season through injury, still managed to contribute nine goals and nine assists".
There isno similar equivocation from York City who "announce the signing of Frankie Maguire, who will join the Minstermen upon the expiry of his contract at Boston United... on the 1st July
Frankie began his career through the ranks of Sheffield United, where he enjoyed three loan spells at Bradford Park Avenue, Chester, Kettering and Chorley.
He featured over 50 times whilst out on loan before he made the permanent switch to Boston United in 2024".
The left-sided defender has been linked with the Glovers since the weekend when it was confirmed he was not staying at Southend...
Describing his own playing style, he added, “I will give 100% every week, I am a ball-playing centre back who loves to defend'...
A left sided defender by trade, but comfortable in any central position across the back line, Gubbins has Championship experience with QPR and a full season in League Two under his belt with Accrington a few years ago".
Also at Huish Park, Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Jos Barker on a two-year deal from Walton & Hersham.
Barker now reunites with manager Billy Rowley, having worked under him during his time at Walton... Hhe adds further depth and competition in the goalkeeping department".
The 24-year-old has agreed a one-year contract at Victoria Park until June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year through to June 2028...
McKeown becomes the fourth addition to Lee Clark’s squad this summer and the third new arrival this week...
Since joining Spennymoor Town from Blyth Spartans in November 2022, McKeown has made 150 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals...
A product of the Blyth Spartans pathway, McKeown made 53 senior appearances after breaking into first-team football as a teenager... It was during his time at Croft Park that he first worked under current Pools Head Coach Lee Clark...
McKeown’s arrival continues a busy summer of recruitment activity at Victoria Park, with Jordan Hugill, Jack Nolan and Brooklyn Ilunga already joining the Club, while key players Luke Charman and Jack Hunter have also committed their futures to Pools.
11 June 2026
Before moving onto those changes, John wrote that "As always, we will only announce signings once everything is fully completed. That means agreements reached, paperwork signed, medicals passed and, importantly, the players have been in front of the Alty cameras... We want a team that is aggressive, energetic and entertaining to watch. We want a style of football that supporters can enjoy and one that puts bums on seats....
Several of the players who have agreed new deals, some of whom have already been announced, are entering what we believe will be the peak years of their careers. As a result, we have made a conscious decision to secure a number of those players on longer term contracts...
We have a clear picture of what we want the squad to look like and remain focused on adding further quality in the weeks ahead.
Off the pitch, we have also made some important additions to our football operations team...
We were delighted to persuade Kyle Taylor to join us from Liverpool FC as Head of Physical Performance..
At the end of this month, Mark Lockyear will leave his role as Club Secretary. I would like to thank Mark for his contribution during his time with the club and wish him every success for the future.
Replacing Mark will be [current part-time kitman] Steve Foster (left)... Steve joins the club on a full time basis in a hybrid role as Head of Football Administration and Full Time Kitman.
As part of our ongoing drive to professionalise as many areas of our football operation as possible, this appointment makes a great deal of sense. Steve brings exceptional attention to detail, significant professional experience and a deep understanding of the club.
In addition to taking responsibility for football administration, he will oversee our relationship with Puma and continue leading the kit and equipment operation. Supporters will know Steve as the person who quietly gets things done behind the scenes, and I am delighted that we have been able to bring him into the club on a full time basis".
Now Altrincham FC confirms that defender Joel Bailey and midfielder Owen German have joined that category whilst goalkeeper Max Beddow has signed his first professional contract, for 2026-27.
That brings the squad total to seventeen, listed below with their league appearance statistics for last season...
The following players, who were reported as being in contract renewal discussions, but of whom the outcome of those discussions has not yet been announced, are:
Meanwhile, the Lancashire Evening Post reports that "Morecambe make defender their sixth signing of the close season.
Central defender LEWIS BAINES (right) is Morecambe’s latest new face after agreeing a two-year deal at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
The 27-year-old will join the Shrimps once his contract at Altrincham expires at the end of the month."
The 27-year-old defender arrives at Huish Park with a wealth of experience, having made over 150 senior appearances across the Football League, National League and League of Ireland.
Davies played 27 times for Carlisle United last season...
He began his development with Crystal Palace before joining Brighton & Hove Albion...
Following his departure from Brighton, Davies established himself as a regular in the Football League with Crawley Town, making 75 appearances across two seasons before moving to Aldershot Town...
A switch to Dundalk followed in 2023... before returning to England with Carlisle United ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Comfortable across the back line but most often deployed at right back, Davies is known for his athleticism, defensive consistency and willingness to get forward".
The club made an offer for Louis to remain at the International Stadium... However... Louis has decided to accept an opportunity elsehwere". He was later unveiled at Carlisle United, see below...
Harrogate Town confirmed their "second signing of the Summer with the arrival of Will McGowan, for an undisclosed fee....
McGowan [said] after signing a two-year contract with the club, 'It’s a step up in level to what I think is a great club and a perfect opportunity for me to prove myself.'
McGowan started his career at Sunderland before moving on to Doncaster Rovers’ Academy.
A move to South Shields in 2021 provided the Newcastle-born midfielder his first regular senior action, before joining Blyth Spartans one year later.
In 2024 Gateshead secured the services of the up-and-coming talent on a three-year contract, quickly sending him on loan to Darlington to further his development."
The 20-year old spent time out on loan at National League South side AFC Totton last season...
Director of Football Jody Brown said... 'When we (Jermain Defoe, Paul and I) met Ashley he came across well and illustrated the confidence and drive to further develop his career here at Woking.
'He can beat people on the inside or outside, breaks well in attacking transitions, and has good end product, plus the versatility to play 2 or 3 different attacking positions.'
Storey has previously worked alongside Head Coach Rob Elliot and has become a trusted member of his backroom team, operating as a player-coach last season.
Having worked with him at Gateshead and Crawley Town, Storey brings strong knowledge of the way the Head Coach wants his teams to work, both on and off the pitch.
He was named Interim Assistant Manager at Gateshead in October 2023 before later gaining the role permanently in June 2024, playing an important role during a successful period for the club...
He joins the club in a full-time coaching capacity and will not have any playing duties...
Louis Storey said 'I’ve worked closely with Rob before and I know the standards he sets every day'...
Sporting Director, MARC TIERNEY added 'Louis brings strong values, excellent coaching expertise and a proven ability to build positive relationships with players...
Head Coach, Rob Elliot said 'Louis is someone I know and trust... He understands how we want to work, the standards we expect every day and the environment we want to create for the players'".
The 22-year-old left-sided player has agreed a two-year contract at Victoria Park... Ilunga arrives on Teesside with more than 100 senior appearances already to his name across the Football League and National League despite still being only 22 years of age.
A product of the Milton Keynes Dons Academy, Ilunga ... [made] his senior debut in League One during the 2020/21 season...
After making 23 first-team appearances for MK Dons across all competitions, Ilunga secured a permanent move to League Two side Bromley in January 2025.
He made 17 appearances following his arrival during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign before adding a further 30 appearances in all competitions last season...
Comfortable operating at wing-back, full-back or further forward on the left-hand side, Ilunga arrives at Pools with a reputation for his athleticism, versatility and attacking intent...
The signing of Ilunga represents another important addition in shaping Lee Clark’s squad for the season ahead, following the arrivals of Jordan Hugill and Jack Nolan".
10 June 2026
Those players are listed below with the league-only appearance statistics for the club in 25/26 season in brackets after each name.
Watson, who hails from the North East, is a highly regarded young coach who has earned recognition for his progressive football philosophy, player development, and leadership qualities...
Ian said 'The club really aligns with me as a person and also shares the same beliefs in terms of the game model'...
Watson’s senior coaching career began in 2019, when he was appointed as Assistant Manager to Mike Williamson at Gateshead, winning the National League North title in 2022 and reaching the FA Trophy final the following year.
That success... earned the pair a move to MK Dons in October 2023. They took the club from 16th to the League Two playoff semi-final in that same campaign.
Watson then joined Williamson at Carlisle United in September 2024, remaining as First Team Coach after the latter’s departure. He rejoined MK Dons a month later... before taking up the Manager’s role at South Shields in May 2025...
They reached the Promotion Final... only to miss out on promotion to the National League after defeat to Kidderminster Harriers in the final itself.
Our Co-Chairs Cameron Ogden and Simon Gauge also commented 'Ian is a coach that we have been tracking for some time and has been in high demand this summer'".
The 25-year-old forward has agreed a two-year contract at Victoria Park...
Nolan becomes the second new addition of the summer following the arrival of Jordan Hugill...
Nolan arrives at Victoria Park following a standout campaign in which he recorded 27 goal contributions in the National League... finishing as the leading goalscorer and Player of the Season [at Morecambe] with 19 goals and eight assists in the league...
Nolan arrives at Pools with more than 170 senior appearances to his name, alongside a record of 38 goals and 30 assists across the EFL and National League...
Nolan’s arrival represents another significant step in Pools’ summer recruitment strategy following the signing of Jordan Hugill and the retention of key players Luke Charman and Jack Hunter...
Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said... 'We’re building a squad that is packed with attacking threat and Jack adds that in abundance'".
Aldershot Town "announce the signing of 21-year-old winger Hakeem Sandah, who joins from Farnborough FC.
Hakeem, or ‘Haks’ as he prefers to be known, has enjoyed a storied young career thus far, gaining experience through the youth academies of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Huddersfield Town before joining Colchester United, making three appearances for the League Two side in all competitions across the 2024/25 season.
After loan spells with both Maldon & Tiptree and Walton & Hersham, Sandah opted for a permanent move to Farnborough last summer...
A right-footed winger capable of playing on either flank, Sandah’s goal catalogue shows he is accomplished in one-on-one situations, with end product to match. Scott Davies had this to say... '“We definitely battled hard against other National League clubs to get him through the door'".
Aldershot Town's second signing of the day was experienced "goalkeeper Nick Hayes, who joins the club after having most recently played for Hartlepool United.
The 27-year-old has an incredibly impressive CV at National League level, accruing 102 National League appearances across spells with Southend United, Solihull Moors, Barnet and Hartlepool United...
Manager Scott Davies is delighted to get his first-choice keeper through the door... 'Hayes is a huge coup for us as a football club... At 27, we believe he’s reaching the prime years of his career and fully believe that we have a standout goalkeeper within the division'".
9 June 2026
In the second week of May thirteen out-of-contract players were named as being in "new contract discussions".
So far, five of those players have been confirmed as receiving new contracts; captain Tom Crawford, and four of last season's defenders in Jake Cooper, Lewis Banks, Matty Kosylo and Eddy Jones.
No new signings have been announced with a striker (to compete with last season's top scorer Jimmy Knowles) and resolution of the goalkeeping situation being priorities.
Loanee keeper Luke Hutchinson has returned to Bolton Wanderers and former first-choice Ethan Ross has not played for 16 months through injury, leaving Louis Fallon in pole position.
The teenage keeper has not let Alty down in his handful of appearances but Neil Gibson may look for a more experienced goalkeeper if Ross is not fully recovered.
Enterprise National League
Emirates FA Cup
National League (NL) clubs enter at the Fourth Round Qualifying which takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026.
For information, rather than out of potentially misplaced optimism, the rounds leading up to the entry of Premier League and Championship teams are:
Isuzu FA Trophy
NL clubs enter at the Third Round.
The former England international arrives in South Essex from Chesterfield, where he established himself as a key figure of Paul Cook’s staff as First-Team Coach.
Prior to his role at Chesterfield, Dyer had coached at his boyhood club Ipswich Town with coaching roles spanning across the Under-18s, Under-23s, and First Team...
Dyer was selected due to his coaching credentials, leadership qualities, tactical understanding, commitment to player development and alignment with the long-term vision for Southend United...
Dyer said upon joining the Club 'Southend are the biggest club in the National League and deserve to be a league club. I’m really excited to get started and hopefully get this club into the Football League, where it belongs...
'We will fear no one in this league. We will try to dominate the ball and play with such a high intensity; it’s one of my non-negotiables'...
Oliver Gage, Director of Football, said... 'What stood out throughout the process was his clarity of thought. He has a very clear understanding of how he wants his teams to play, how he develops players and how he builds a high-performance environment'">
Also at Southemd United "Joe Gubbins will leave the Club upon the expiry of his contract to explore another opportunity.
The 24-year-old re-joined the Shrimpers as a free agent ahead of the 2024/25 season after a previous loan spell in 2021/22, going on to make more than 80 appearances.
The defender played a key role in our FA Trophy victory, scoring in the penalty shootout to ultimately help us win our first-ever domestic trophy in 120 years".
The midfielder arrives at Huish Park following an outstanding spell with the Swans, where he scored 21 goals in 39 league appearances last season and hit double figures in both of his last two campaigns, including a standout 2025/26 season in which Walton & Hersham stormed to the Southern Premier South title.
Powell began his career at Millwall before moving into the Charlton Athletic... He also gained valuable experience on loan at Maidstone United.
Following his departure from Charlton, Powell continued his career in non league football with spells at Dulwich Hamlet, Tonbridge Angels, and Dover Athletic...
He linked up with Billy Rowley when he joined Walton & Hersham in 2024, and now reunites with his former manager at Huish Park as part of the Glovers’ new-look squad".
Former chairman and owner Graham Wood is to stand in as interim chairman.
'I thank the board for their support and understanding as I take this decision to step back,' said McWilliams in a statement, 'But the time has come to put my health first'.
McWilliams has been involved with the club since 2019 and, in May last year, stepped up from his role as vice-chairman to replace Neil Pinkerton.
Gateshead are also currently without a manager after Rob Elliot left last month to take over at Carlisle United".
A player familiar to our new manager, the versatile right sided defender played a vital role in the success of Murray’s Harriers team last season, as they secured promotion to the National League through the play-offs.
Previously, Walker climbed through the ranks at Millwall before signing for Hastings United for the 2024/25 season..
His time at Kidderminster Harriers saw him make 38 appearances across the 2025/26 campaign...
Murray said 'He brings blistering pace to our squad and we believe this is something that has been missing. He will get people off there [sic] seats'".
Meanwhile, the BBC reports that Barrow will not compete in the National League Cup...
The Bluebirds have cited 'significant travel and operational costs', as their reason not to participate in the competition as they instead concentrate on league performance upon their return to the National League after six years".
8 June 2026
The NL Paper reports that in the Northern Premier League, "Warrington Town's new recruit BEN ELLIOTT (right) arrives at Cantilever Park with an unusual feat from last season". Elliott was the top scorer last season at two different clubs, Prescot Cables and West Didsbury & Chorlton!
And in the NPL Division One West, Atherton Collieries have made seven summer signings. Amongst them, "Up top, Colls have landed... ex-Leek Town man, LOUIS POTTS".
The 32-year-old central defender - who passed the 200 club appearances mark late last term - is among nine players confirmed for Season 2026/27 in the famous royal blue of Wealdstone.
Five fellow fan favourites remain under contract with the Stones: Supporters Club Player of the Season winner Deon Woodman, Players' Player of the Season Micah Obiero, Junior Stones, Player of the Season Dante Baptiste, defender Connor McAvoy and midfielder Dylan Kadji.
'Cookie' is joined on the 'Retained List' by three players who - like him - have signed new contracts: experienced striker Olafela Olomola, defender Mason Barrett and young forward Jeffrey Sekyere.
All other players not mentioned above remain in talks with the club, with more news to follow soon...
Wealdstone would also like to offer its gratitude to the loan players named below... [including] JACK HINCHY".
The awards were presented during Saturday evening’s awards ceremony as Fylde’s talented pair were widely recognised by their fellow competitors as deserving winners following an outstanding 2025/26 campaign.
The year saw Craig Mahon lead the Coasters to an immediate return to the fifth tier following relegation in 2024/25. And in his first full year in management, Mahon led the Champions to a record-breaking third NLN title, whilst reaching the centurion mark on the final day of the season.
Mahon’s side also broke both the home and away record for consecutive league wins, whilst displaying a wonderful brand of football and continuing to prioritise our academy pathway.
With 19 out of 24 National League North teams taking part in the voting for the awards, Mahon earned 53% of the votes to take the coaches award".
We will provide more information as and when we have it."
7 June 2026
Seniors' World Cup Final : Once LEE ELAM'S corner was headed home after only 4 minutes, England took control of the match against France, and eventually ran out 4-0 winners. KEVIN ELLISON left the field to a standing ovation after 86 minutes.
One wonders whether he will be part of the Vauxhall Motors set up next season - the club have slashed their playing budget, and manager Danny Holmes has resigned despite having earlier agreed a new contract.
Last season Tom Jones was one of two sports therapists at Altrincham, alongside Thomas Cadman.
In light of these, the Board of Directors can confirm that Mr Smethurst has temporarily been relieved of all duties associated with the Football Club whilst legal guidance is sought.
Whereas we can completely and unequivocally understand that these reports will be unsettling, the Board of Directors would like to assure everyone of their belief that they are wholeheartedly acting within the best interests of the Football Club and in a bid to safeguard its continued success.
However, the BBC added that "A co-owner of Macclesfield FC has been suspended following his arrest on suspicion of a coercive control offence.
Robert Smethurst was arrested in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on 19 May on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour...
Asked to comment by the BBC, Smethhurst confirmed his arrest and said the allegations against him had been 'an absolute load of rubbish'.
He added 'I'm absolutely gutted, devastated. I want my club back.. I hope the whole of Macclesfield gets behind me and we pull together and put me back into a position where I feel that I actually belong.'
Cheshire Constanbulary said 'On Tuesday 19 May a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour in Wilmslow. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.'
Smethurst bought the club out of insolvency in 2020... but has since diluted his shareholding.".
Speaking to BBC Radio York, Weaver stated "It was a sad and harsh way to finish the season... I don’t want us to suffer a hangover, so we’ve had time to stomach it, but we have to move on and build on the progress made in the last third of the season...
“We've just got to be positive and make sure that we hit the ground running in pre-season. We want to fight and show what we’re about."
At Harrogate, eight players left the club following the xpiry of the ir contracts this summer. Weaver explained that "We wanted to refresh the squad and bring more goals into the team and bring more excitement to the fans...
“We didn’t score enough last season, so we will be looking to add width to our game, as we need natural delivery from both sides. We want someone who can affect the first ball and be really aggressive, but who can also get between the posts and score goals."
The BBC commented that "Among the players who remain under contract are Jack Evans and Shawn McCoulsky, who Weaver is convinced will have a big part to play next season... [of Evans, Weaver said 'He’s a typically Harrogate Town player, who will give his all for the badge and for the fans, so It’s important that we build around him. He’s a brilliant guy and he’ll lead the charge in the fight back.
'Shawn came back from injury and showed a lot in the last few games of the season, so we’ve got hopes that he can come back and be at the front of the running.'”
Commited is Cumbria’s leading IT support provider, helping more than 2,500 schools and businesses thrive through reliable, secure and innovative technology solutions...
The special shirt collaboration is part of Commited's involvement in the Acronis #TeamUp programme, where the global cyber protection company works with IT providers to support elite sports organisations in their region.
Will Gardner-Brennand, commercial director, of Commited, said 'We’re proud to help organisations across the region, and what better way to celebrate that than through the universal language of football by strengthening our partnership with Barrow AFC'".
For just £10 per entry, supporters can enter a draw to win a unique Carlisle United experience, including a personalised squad shirt, a dedicated biography on the club website, inclusion on the matchday programme squad page, a photo opportunity with the first team squad and the title of Honorary Squad Member for the season.
The initiative has been developed by the Supporters' Trust with the backing of Carlisle United and aims to provide an affordable, supporter-focused opportunity while raising funds to support the club.
Supporters can purchase entries through the Carlisle United Supporters' Trust shop, with multiple entries permitted. Entries must be purchased by someone aged 16 or over, although the winning entrant may nominate another person, including a young supporter, to receive the honorary experience.
The draw will close at 5pm on Thursday 30 July 2026, with the winner being selected on Friday 31 July ahead of the start of the new campaign..
The Honorary Squad Member title is honorary in nature and does not include any playing, registration or employment rights, financial remuneration, squad privileges or cash alternative. The successful entrant will hold the title for the 2026/27 season only".
Brogan has been with Scunthorpe United since 2024, also gaining further game time at Telford and Leamington in that time.
Still just 24, the combative, goal scoring midfielder has a varied non-league CV that also includes spells at Solihull and Hednesford.
He was part of the Iron side that won promotion from National League North in 2025 and, though regular game time there was more limited last season, he enjoyed a superb second half of the term on loan with Leamington where he scored seven goals in 23 games...
Brogan is a free agent after leaving Scunthorpe at the end of the season",
The striker, who stands at 6ft3in, reunites with Chris Agutter following their time together at Worthing, and will offer the Head Coach a towering physical presence in the forward line at Gander Green Lane.
Having spent the bulk of his early career in Essex, Babalola began with stints at Woodford Town, Romford, Brentwood Town and Concord Rangers, notably leading the line alongside Chris Haigh and Lewis Simper in the FA Trophy Final against Harrogate Town, before joining Hampton & Richmond Borough in 2022... Four months in the capital then preceded a brief return courtesy of a loan move to Aveley, before making the switch to Cheshunt in 2023.
Two stints in Hertfordshire, courtesy of moves to the Ambers and Potters Bar Town, sandwiched a spell at nearby Haringey Borough, before returning back across the North London border to enjoy a prolific spell with the Scholars...
However, Babalola opted to move back to familiar territory with Billericay Town – his sixth Essex-based side... before moving to fellow Isthmian Premier team Bowers & Pitsea...
Despite this, a move to West Sussex resulted in a jump up the divisions, joining National League South outfit Worthing in 2024. The imposing forward reached double figures for goals in his first season with the Rebels...
He subsequently followed this up with a further eight goals in 14 appearances in 2025/26, before impressing in Worthing’s televised defeat against Forest Green in the Emirates FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round. As such, Robbie Savage opted to bring him to The New Lawn less than a week later, with Babalola going on to appear 24 times for the club, scoring four times...
Chris Agutter added, 'A monster of a man, big, powerful and so strong – a proper target man centre forward that the Amber Army will love watching'".
Also joining Sutton United is "experienced central defender Jordan Moore-Taylor, who will officially join the Club on the 1st of July following the expiry of his contract with Forest Green Rovers.
The 32-year-old arrives at the VBS Community Stadium with a wealth of EFL experience... A product of the Exeter City academy, Moore-Taylor made over 180 appearances for the Grecians...
Moore-Taylor joined MK Dons in 2018, reuniting with former Exeter manager Paul Tisdale... In 2020, Moore-Taylor signed for Forest Green Rovers, where he would spend six seasons... During his time at The New Lawn, he was appointed club captain and helped guide the club to the League Two championship in the 2021/22 season".
Following significant new investment, our recent appearance at Wembley Stadium in the Isuzu FA Trophy Final, the securing of a new lease at Grosvenor Vale and plans for a future new stadium, the club is entering a transformative period of growth both on and off the pitch.
The successful candidate will lead all commercial, operational, financial and strategic aspects of the club, working closely with ownership and the Board to help shape the next chapter of Wealdstone FC's journey...
This role represents one of the most exciting CEO development opportunities in English football and is ideal for a senior football executive ready to take full responsibility for leading a football club for the first time".
The 23-year-old defender joins the Moors following his spell with Boston United, where he made 33 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign, starting 28 matches as the Pilgrims secured their National League status.
Carson began his career in the Liverpool academy before joining Burnley's youth set-up in 2019. The defender later moved to Reading, where he spent two seasons...
Following his departure from Reading, Carson joined Grimsby Town, making 13 appearances for the Mariners, while also gaining valuable experience during loan spells with Radcliffe and Alfreton Town.
Carson becomes the first addition to Chris Millington's squad as preparations continue for the new season".
6 June 2026
A fifth name can now be added to that list as Altrincham C announce that "Eddy Jones [right] has agreed a new deal to remain at The J.Davidson Stadium.
Since first arriving at the club from Stoke City, Jones has developed into one of the National League's standout left backs and has played a key role in the club's recent success...
{But in 2024] he suffered an ACL injury that brought his campaign to a sudden halt.
Following months of rehabilitation, he returned to action at the beginning of December 2025 and was virtually ever present through to the end of last season...
Eddy Jones said 'I'm delighted to be staying at Altrincham. This is a club that has always shown belief in me and somewhere I've enjoyed every minute of my football.
'Getting back playing regularly again was a massive personal achievement after the injury, and I'm excited to build on that heading into next season. There's a great group here and I can't wait to get going again'.
Manager Neil Gibson added 'Eddy's quality is obvious for everyone to see. He gives us balance, energy and real quality down the left hand side, and he was excellent for us after returning to the team.
'The way he applied himself during his recovery and then performed week after week when he came back says everything about his character'...
Director of Football John Coyne commented 'Eddy has been an outstanding player for this football club over a number of seasons now... To return in December and perform at the level he did for the remainder of the season was hugely impressive. We're delighted he's agreed to stay and believe he has some of his best football still ahead of him'".
Footnote: Last season Eddy added 18(+5) appearances in all competitions to his tally of appearances for the Robins. In all he has now made 136(+11) appearances and scored four times.
Now Chester FC announce the signing of "versatile left-back Sam Reed after his release from Altrincham!
The 23-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a two-year-deal at the Deva Stadium...
The gaffer [Phil Parkinson] previously signed Reed for the aforementioned Robins last summer, signing for the National League outfit from Sheffield Wednesday’s youth setup.
Blues boss Phil Parkinson said 'He can play on either side as a full-back, operate in midfield, or play further forward on the wing, which gives us excellent flexibility across a number of positions.
'More importantly, he’s a top football player and very fast. He’s comfortable on the ball, intelligent in his decision-making, and someone who can impact games in a variety of ways. Players with Sam’s technical ability and versatility are difficult to find, so we’re fortunate to have been able to bring him to the football club.
'One thing you’ll notice with a lot of the younger players we’ve brought into the building is a common trait. They all have a real desire and ambition to get back to, or reach, the EFL. Sam is no different. He’s hungry, driven and determined to push his career forward, and that’s exactly the type of mentality we want in the group'...
Sam said 'The gaffer came to me really early in the off-season to tell me that he really wanted me here. I’m very much what people would call a modern full-back, I like to drive forward and pass the ball. I really like the style of play that the Gaffer uses'".
Chester FC has a video interview with Reed.
It headlines this as an "INCIDENT OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF MATCH OFFICIALS BUT REPORTED TO THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FAST TRACK) – NON-STANDARD CASE: Mr Samuel Barnes, Player, Altrincham FC...
Breach of FA Rule E1 and E3.1 - It is alleged that during the half time interval, following your dismissal in the match, you acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words in or around the match officials’ changing room.
Regulatory Commission Decision
However there then appears to have been an "Appeal Board...
The grounds upon which The FA appealed were that the Commission:
APPEAL BOARD RESULT:
So it seems that Barnes will be banned for the first two games of next season. He is one of the remaining players listed as in discussions with Altrincham about a contract for next season.
In Australia's NPL Victoria, CONNOR HAMPSON played the full game at home to St.Albans, but Oakleigh Cannons dropped vital points.
Having been behind after a howler by their goalkeeper, they fought back to lead after 56 minutes, only to concede a late equaliser against the run of play. Cannons remain top of the league, but are only a point clear of Hume City, who have taken 19 points from the last 21 available.
South Korea K League 2 : MARCUS DACKERS was dropped to the bench by Daegu for their home match against Paju Frontier. With the game goalless after 66 minutes, he might have hoped to be called into action, but instead they threw on the 39 year old Brazilian Edgar and, within a minute, he scored what turned out to be the only goal of the match.
Marcus finally got onto the pitch in the 101st minute and still had time for a 4 minute cameo.
Seniors' World Cup In England's semi-final match, when LEE ELAM crossed from the left for KEVIN ELLISON to finish tidily at the far post, England were 3-0 up just before the break. Australia pulled a goal back just after the hour, but soon found themselves 5-1 down, and a converted late penalty was scant consolation.
In the Final, England will play France. Their semi-final with the USA finished goalless, but the Americans converted only once in the shootout to lose it 2-1".
.
Our high regard for Jimmy is such that, as a forward-thinking Football Club, we have always had succession plans in place should he move on, particularly after last season’s promotion.
A number of candidates have been identified, and discussions are well underway. We aim to complete this process promptly to give ourselves the best possible preparation time ahead of our Sky Bet League Two campaign. We will keep supporters informed every step of the way".
Also, Rochdale have issued an open letter from Jimmy McNulty in which he writes that "after 11 incredible years at Rochdale AFC, my chapter has come to an end" .
Just three other managers will be starting their second successive full season in the NL; Luke Garrard (Boreham Wood), Robbie Savage (FGR) and Andy Butler (Scunthorpe United).
The above situation has arisen because...
In little more than one calendar year, there have now been THIRTY managerial departures from clubs who have or will have played in the National League during 2026.
All of those thirty changes have occurred between 26 May 2025, when Neil Gibson left Wealdstone, and 5 June 2026, a period of just one year and eleven days. That is one departure every 12 and a half days during that period.
The 30 departures from clubs who have, or will have, competed in the National League in 2026 comprise:
Departures in the close season between the end of the 2025/26 season and the start of the 2026/27 season:
Changes during the 2025 close season:
Departures during the 2025/26 playing season:
The TWENTY-ONE departures in 2025-26 season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...
In addition, another category should be noted:
Managers appointed in close season 2026 to fill vacancies created during 2025-26 season.
The 34-year-old centre-forward has agreed a one-year contract at Victoria Park through to June 2027, with the Club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year until June 2028...
Hugill becomes Lee Clark’s first signing as Hartlepool United Head Coach and arrives at Victoria Park with one of the most accomplished playing CVs in the National League, having made more than 450 senior appearances, scored 94 career goals, recorded over 300 Championship appearances and played in the Premier League.
The striker returns to Hartlepool more than a decade after a memorable loan spell in 2015, when his four goals in eight appearances helped secure the Club’s Football League status...
After emerging through the non-league game, Hugill established himself at Preston North End... before earning a £10 million move to Premier League side West Ham United in January 2018.
He would go on to represent Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City and Rotherham United, while also playing a key role in Norwich City’s Championship title-winning promotion campaign in 2020/21.
Hugill joins Pools following a three-and-a-half-year spell with Rotherham United... He worked closely with Head Coach Lee Clark during his time at Rotherham United"
Clark said "To attract a player of his calibre, experience and reputation is a real statement of intent from Pools".
Hartlepool United have also published an interview with Hugill who stated “It’s where I wanted to come. I wanted to be part of the project that’s going on and I wanted to come home. That’s why I’m here".
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a 2-year deal at The New Lawn, becoming our third signing of the summer transfer window.
Ewing made 49 appearances for Scunthorpe last season, scoring 3 goals and establishing himself as a key figure in their midfield throughout their National League campaign.
First Team Manager Robbie Savage said... 'I've known him for a while through the Wales youth set-up and being friends with [my son] Charlie, so I already know the character and quality he brings. He's a player who fits exactly what we want to build here, and I think the fans are really going to enjoy watching him. It's going to be great to work with him every day; he's got a bright future'".
In the USL League One, Corpus Christi's wait for their first league win of the season was finally satisfied as they came from behind twice to beat visitors Portland Hearts of Pine 3-2. They were 0-1 down at the break, and having equalised found themselves 1-2 down in added time. A 95th minute own goal put them level - and 3 minutes later SAM ROSCOE scored his first goal for the club to clinch victory.
The win lifts them off the foot of the table at the expense of Westchester and New York Cosmos, although those 2 sides are only a point behind. Westchester have 2 games in hand, and Cosmos have 1. The South Texas club's goal difference is still the worst in the division.
Dolan "says the opportunity to work with Paul Wotton again made his move to Harriers an easy decision... The attacking midfielder became the first new signing of the Wotton era at Aggborough after following the manager from Torquay United, where the pair worked closely together...
'I know Paul really well, football level and personal level,' Dolan said. 'He’s someone that I look up to. He’s played a lot of league football games, he’s managed at a lot of good clubs.
'So I’m delighted to be back with him. When I found out he was coming here, we’ve been in regular contact... We share the same morals probably most importantly,' he said. 'So we’re both passionate, we work ridiculously hard and we are both winners'" he concluded.
Meanwhile, prospective buyer and Huddersfield Giants rugby league club owner Ken Davy has announced he will 'not be progressing' his interest in purchasing the stadium and its surrounding estate — though he has indicated he may consider a rental arrangement instead.
Reform UK had pledged to review the future of The Shay at the first Cabinet meeting of the new municipal year, scheduled for Monday, 13 July...
The Shay serves as the home ground for Halifax's two professional sports clubs — football's FC Halifax Town and rugby league's Halifax Panthers".
The Irishman boasts a wealth of Football League experience primarily through spells at Gillingham, Macclesfield Town, Walsall and Bradford City...
He made 42 appearances for [Gillingham] in total before joining Cambridge United, spending a period out on loan at Newport County, before making a permanent switch away from the Abbey Stadium in 2019.
Osadebe opted to join a financially stricken Macclesfield Town, who were forced to part ways with the midfielder... taking him to Walsall, a place where he made 91 appearances...
He then went on to make it more than 200 Football League appearances with spells at Bradford City, Forest Green Rovers and Barnet, either side of a brief stint in the National League due to the Green’s relegation in 2024...
He appeared 41 times ... before earning a move back into the fourth tier with Dean Brennan’s newly promoted Bees".
Stadium sponsorship offers a unique platform for brand exposure, community engagement, and partnership.
We can also confirm the finalisation [end] of our relationships with both Newfoundland & Labrador, and KeyIn College. Our two-year connection to the Canadian province was a fantastic experience for everybody involved and we appreciate their support during that time...
A deep dive into our new sleeve sponsors Fibrus, as well as more information about our back of shirt sponsor Cumbria Roofing will be available this week...
We can confirm to supporters that Holker Street will be referred to as Holker Street across website, social and written club publications from this point onwards, until a new stadium sponsorship should be found".
Having started every National League fixture during the 2025/26 campaign, Laurie departs Damson Park having been an outstanding servant to the Club and a key figure both on and off the pitch throughout his time with the Moors"
The 24-year-old centre-half is yet to agree personal terms with the Scottish Premiership runners-up but, if the transfer goes through, it would be a club record sale.
York City's previous record was set in 1999 when Sheffield Wednesday paid £950,000 for Richard Cresswell.
Fagan-Walcott began his career at Tottenham Hotspur and had loan spells at Dundee and Dunfermline Athletic.
He moved to York City on loan in 2024 before signing a permanent deal in January 2025".
The new LED system will provide improved lighting performance and efficiency while also reducing energy consumption and minimising unnecessary light spill beyond the stadium footprint...
While the overall appearance and structure of the existing floodlight gantries will remain unchanged, the underlying lighting technology itself will be comprehensively modernised through the installation of new LED units and associated electrical upgrades.
The Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the Cards Trust for their generous financial contribution, as well as the Premier League Stadium Fund for their support towards the project".
4 June 2026
Phil adds that in the competition they play games in four quarters not two halves and a player who goes off can come back on. There's a requirement for there to be 3 players from each of 3 different age groups on the pitch at any given time as well.
A big player for the club over the last two seasons, thank you for your service and good luck in the next stage of your career!"
Later, the Lancaster Guardian reported that "Morecambe manager Adam Lakeland has brought in a familiar face...
Central defender Will Smith has been announced as Morecambe’s first summer signing...
The 27-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Shrimps, upon the end of his contract with FC Halifax Town...
A former youngster at Barnsley, Smith also featured for Harrogate Town, Scunthorpe United and York City prior to joining Halifax two years ago...
Smith said 'The size of the club is a big factor, I came in last week and the stadium is nice, it’s big. The club has got history, it’s got the feel of a proper football club.
'Behind the scenes, they’ve got some big plans and a very good vision for the next three years which made my decision easier and I’m excited'...
Lakeland added that Smith "has unwavering commitment to his teammates, he loves to compete, he can play and, in the opponents’ box, he has a real desire to get on the end of things and score goals.
'In my mind he will be one of the best central defenders in this league'".
The versatile defender recently departed Ross County having spent last season with the Scottish Championship outfit.
Capable at the heart of defence and on the right, Ben has crucial National League experience thanks to a hugely beneficial spell with Tamworth. He made 25 appearances for the Lambs on loan from Sunderland in 2024-25
22-year-old Ben had joined the Black Cats from Shrewsbury Town in 2022".
It’s the seat you know by heart. It’s the stand you call home. It’s catching up with familiar faces on your way to the stadium, taking your place amongst the noise, and being part of a community brought together as one, by Southend United.
As we look ahead to the 2026/27 season, we do so in a landmark year for the football club. 120 years of Southend United...
For the 2026/27 campaign, we are freezing season ticket prices. It’s our way of recognising your loyalty as we celebrate our history, continue building for the future, and look to create more lifelong memories together".
The wing-back arrived in South London in the summer of 2025 and was a regular in the team prior to Chris Agutter’s appointment in October before playing a little over an hour in the Head Coach’s maiden match in charge away at Braintree Town.
He then suffered an injury in training which kept him out for the next four months, before returning to action in the Surrey Senior Cup Quarter-Final against Horley Town, and in total appeared eleven times for the U’s last season.
Vincent also spent the backend of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Dorking Wanderers, initially joining the club on a one-month deal, before extending it until the end of the season. He played 14 times during his stint at Meadowbank, helping them reach the play-off semi-final, and returned from injury to appear on the bench against Maidenhead United, before coming on after half-an-hour in the semi-final defeat against Torquay United".
3 June 2026
The final stages of the first half of ‘March of the Day III’ on Wednesday, sees the walkers calling at Manchester United FC; Swinton Lions RLFC; Altrincham FC; Wythenshawe FC; Stockport County FC.
On Wednesday afternoon, 25-30 Altrincham FC walkers, including the 2025/26 Manager’s Player of the Year, Matty Kosylo, Director of Football John Coyne, former Manchester United and England international, Viv Anderson, and ex Lancs cricketer Ian Davidson, will join Gary, Ged and around a hundred fellow walkers from The J.Davidson Stadium, walking to Wythenshawe FC’s Hollyhedge Park ground in Sharston.
Kevin Sinfield, the legendary former Leeds Rhinos and England Rugby League Player, who has raised over £11 million for Motor Neurone Disease in memory of his best friend and colleague, Rob Burrow, will be walking from Swinton Lions RLFC (Heywood Road, Sale) to The J.Davidson Stadium and on to Wythenshawe FC and Edgeley Park.
Altrincham FC is delighted to be playing an important role in this event, particularly as Motor Neurone Disease has very sadly taken two former Alty players, Mark Maddox and George Melling, as well as lifelong fan, Jez Spruce, from us.
If you would like to donate, please visit here.
Lee (right) played 21 times for the Robins in 2008-9 before moving on to Northwich Victoria. Finishing his playing career at Bradford club Albion Sports, he became manager of Eccleshill United, having 2 terms in charge.
He has since left, and that club have relocated for the new season and become Keighley Town. Neither he nor Kevin were among the scorers as England won 2-0.
Off the field, in National South ASHLEY HEMMINGS has been released by Dagenham and Redbridge. He's 35 now, so wherever he ends up it will probably be short term.
The 25-year-old worked closely with the Aggborough boss at Torquay United...
Callum featured for Altrincham and Oldham earlier in his career but found particularly impressive form in non-league for Warrington Rylands, a bag full of goals helping to secure his move to Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee.
Loan spells with Oldham and Altrincham followed before a permanent switch to Torquay...
'He’s a player I trust,' Wotton said... 'He can play in three positions, in midfield, as a ten and he can play wide. He wants to win and will put his foot in, but he’s got ability as well. He’s somebody I think an awful lot of, and I’m thrilled to get him through the door.'”
Harriers also have a video interview with Dolan.
Waterfall arrives following Chris Doig's departure to Northampton Town – and takes his first steps into a senior management role following a stellar playing career.
The 35-year-old has played for a variety of clubs – appearing over 100 times apiece for Gainsborough Trinity, Lincoln City and Grimsby Town.
He captained Lincoln to the National League title in 2017 and helped Grimsby win the National League play-offs in 2022 – the latter under the management of [current Boston manager] Paul Hurst.
The holder of the UEFA 'A' Licence, Waterfall will officially link up with the Pilgrims ahead of their return to pre-season training at the end of June.
The club would like to thank Worksop Town for their co-operation in facilitating the new appointment – with Waterfall cancelling his playing contract at Sandy Lane to begin a new chapter at the Jakemans Community Stadium."
Dale Johnson, Football issues correspondent and Dan Roan, Sports editor report on the BBC website that "Southampton met Ipswich in the penultimate game of the season, with both teams going for second place.
In preparation, Ipswich trained at Eastleigh Football Club.
One of the first-team coaches told another analyst that Eckert said at an earlier match preparation meeting that 'someone should go to Eastleigh to look at Ipswich'.
The assistant coach approached the junior analyst intern about travelling to Eastleigh "as the boss is adamant that someone needs to go".
The junior analyst intern felt uncomfortable doing this and said "no" to the suggestion.
Another analyst said in his evidence that he grouped himself with the younger members of the analysis team who were being pressurised into carrying out the spying, and he felt pressurised himself.
This other analyst asked to be provided with an Eastleigh kit and a legend - an explanation of his supposed role at the National League club - and made the trip to observe the training sessions.
Someone present at Eastleigh that day video-recorded the whole session and it was sent to Southampton. From that footage, Southampton were able to predict the exact Ipswich team for the fixture".
Following an incredible year of success for our Men’s First Team, both Danny Ormerod and Luca Thomas have been nominated for player awards within the National League North, whilst Head Coach CRAIG MAHON is in the running for the Manager of the Year... after leading Fylde to an immediate return to the fifth tier in his first full year in management".
Josh arrives from Gateshead, where he worked closely with Rob as Head of Analysis and Recruitment...
During his time at Gateshead, Josh played an important role behind-the-scenes, supporting the club’s work across analysis, match preparation and recruitment...
Head Coach, Rob Elliot said 'Josh is someone I know well and trust. He has a strong understanding of how we want to work, both on the training pitch and in the way we prepare for matches and assess players'...
Sporting Director, MARC TIERNEY added... 'He brings experience, a strong working relationship with Rob, and a clear understanding of the level. His work will support the coaching staff and the players as we look to build on the progress made last season'...
First Team Analyst Glenn Boden, who joined the club in 2024, will depart".
In addition to his contract extension, Taylor has been appointed as club captain, a testament to his leadership, professionalism, and the immense impact he has made since arriving at Sutton United.
Taylor played a pivotal role in the club’s fortunes last season, helping to transform the team’s prospects after joining when the U’s were at the foot of the table. His performances earned him the admiration of supporters and teammates alike, culminating in his well-deserved Player of the Season award...
Jake Taylor said 'I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club so far and have loved being part of what we are building... I’m incredibly proud to captain this football club'...
Manager Chris Agutter said 'When Jake Taylor joined the football club, Sutton United were bottom of the table staring relegation in the face – his impact since joining us has been massive. He has all the traits we want to see in a Sutton United player. A reflection of his team-first mentality is that he played the last eight weeks of last season injured, but due to circumstances we needed him to do a job, and he did so without batting an eyelid. He is a proper player and a proper man'".
Many of you have noticed that the club’s social media channels have been quieter than usual. While we understand that this has caused some frustration, there are
reasons behind this.
As supporters are aware, Tamworth Football Club has been progressing through a club takeover during the last few months. This has involved significant amounts of work behind the scenes with many important details being handled to ensure the best possible future for the football club.
As we approach the final stages of this extensive process and await official confirmation from the governing bodies of the completion, we are now getting closer to be able to share further information with supporters on player announcements, pre-season friendlies, season ticket information, commercial announcements and much more as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season."
Arriving in October and inheriting a Rebels outfit that was languishing in 15th position after 10 games played, Hinshelwood’s third spell in charge has seen the 42-year-old galvanise the group, culminating in an unprecedented achievement.
By the end of 2025, a drastic upturn in form yielded an astounding 12 victories from 13 matches in the league...
Academy product Brad Dolaghan’s return to Woodside Road proved to be a romantic one, as the once hotly-tipped prospect turned into a local hero by firing his club to the league title. 23 goals in 40 appearances resulted in the 21-year-old deservedly claiming the Golden Boot award...
While the majority of Makowski’s abundance of goals and assists were recorded in a Slough shirt, 13 goals and nine assists to be specific, the Polish forward crucially contributed in the final quarter of the 2025/26 term for the Rebels of West Sussex...
With both Makowski and Dolaghan under the age of 23, alongside representing half of the four-player shortlist for the Player of the Season award, they are also both leading candidates for the Young Player of Season prize".#
2 June 2026
In a move that underlines the club's continued investment in player performance, availability and long term development, Kyle has been recruited as Head of Physical Performance and is already making his presence felt.
June 1st is his official starting date, but he has already begun working behind the scenes on individually tailored fitness programmes aimed at ensuring each player is physically prepared for the demands of a National League campaign.
Neil benefitted from Kyle's expertise at Connah's Quay, where they won the Welsh FA Cup in 2018, reached the final the following year and embarked on a trailblazing Europa Conference League campaign...
[Said Neil Gibson], 'I'm thrilled to have Kyle on board... We all know the damaging effect injuries can have on the rhythm and momentum of a season. Such are the demands of the modern game that the risks are greater than ever, so it's impossible to overstate the importance of this appointment.
'Having worked alongside Kyle, I've seen for myself how good he is at devising plans that will give individual players the best chance of coping with everything a long, hard season can throw at them. He has a level of experience and professionalism that can only stand us in good stead as we prepare for another season'...
Kyle's reputation as a leading exponent of modern techniques for maximising performance levels has been honed during spells with the likes of Tranmere Rovers and Swindon Town as well as three years at Anfield as an influential figure within the renowned Liverpool Academy. He places a strong emphasis on physical development, fatigue management, and return-to-performance, while integrating evidence-based practice into the realities of modern football...
'My aim is to create an environment that supports the individual needs of each player, helping develop robust athletes who can consistently perform at the intensity required by the manager's playing style, while building strong relationships with both players and staff'" stated Kyle.
He had been on the Board since mid-July 2025 when Altrincham FC announced a "Board Restructure and New Appointments... that have been in planning for some time".
Those "new apppointments" included Gary Corbett who it described as "a long-time colleague of recent investors Simon and Michelle Orange, and he resumes a familiar role at Altrincham, having previously served as a director between 1991 and 1994".
Simon and Michelle Orange are co-owners of Sale Sharks rugby club. Back on 1 May 2025, Altrincham Today reported that "Altrincham Football Club has secured a significant new round of equity investment worth £1.45m as the club continues its pursuit of promotion to the Football League...
The lead investors in this latest funding round are Simon and Michelle Orange, who are already well-established on the North West sporting landscape as the majority owners of Sale Sharks Rugby Club".
Corbett's departure means that, over the past two years, ten directors have left the Board of the Football Club.
Therefore, the current Board comprises:
Under contract: Levi Amantchi, Josh Anifowose, Ash Boatswain, Callum Bone, Sam Bowen, Billy Chadwick, Pete Jameson, Will McGowan, Dom Telford, KEATON WARD
Options exercised until the end of 26/27 season: Adam Desbois, David Ferguson, Brad Nicholson
Options exercised until the end of 27/28 season: Fenton John
Terms offered: Harry Chapman, Josh Home, Tyrelle Newton, Kenton Richardson, Louis Storey, Ben Williams
In discussions: Jacob Butterfield, Joe Grayson, Preston Leech, Lucas Lowery
Not offered new terms: Max Melbourne, Certer Milmore, Connor Pani, George Shelvey, Oli Thompson"
Most recently he finished the 2025/26 season as Hartlepool's top goalscorer scoring 12 times in 40 appearances.
Reid has had spells with Stockport County, Oldham Athletic and Wealdstone and arrives at Barrow as the first signing for Adam Murray.
Speaking on the first addition to his squad, Murray said, "To go out there and get someone of Reidy's stature, he's a proven goalscorer at this level".
Off the field, Barrow confirm that a new official club website will launch from Monday 1st June 2026, ahead of the Club’s 125th anniversary season... with supporters set to see a fresh new digital look for Barrow AFC heading into the new campaign.
The new website has been designed to provide a cleaner, faster, and more modern experience for supporters, while simplifying several areas of the Club’s digital operations behind the scenes. While visually refreshed, supporters should expect no major changes to how they access tickets, retail, or club information online... There is no guaranteed set 'switch-over' time, it will be gradual from Monday onwards.
As part of the changes, all video content will move fully onto the Club’s official YouTube and social media channels. Due to broadcast and replay rights agreements, all match highlights and full match replay content will now sit with DAZN. The club can confirm that commentary of games which has previously been supplied by BBC Radio Cumbria will still be provided to the new video service via DAZN in the same way...
The previous website formed part of the EFL’s central digital systems. The move to a standalone platform gives the Club greater flexibility while also reducing operational costs. With video and streaming services now handled externally, there is no longer a need for the more complex video systems previously required."
He said 'I wasn’t expecting something coming up so quickly with the Gateshead chapter finishing. When you have an opportunity like this, you can’t turn it down...
'As a coach you want to work with good players and there’s definitely some really good players here. When you put all that together, the size of the club, the community, the fan base and then the talent on the pitch, it just seems like the club's going in the right direction...
'We want to win games of football, but we want to do it in a way that’s aggressive and we want to play attacking football... I’m big on trying to be front-footed on the press and being aggressive both with and without the ball, that’s because as a goalkeeper, you’re always wanting the ball to come to you...
'We know that we want to get promoted, and we know we want to get out of the National Leagu... The big thing for me and the thing I look for is, how hard do the players work?'">
The 25-year-old defender joins on a two-year deal from Harrogate Town.
Asare began his football development at age 8 in the Fulham FC youth academy, spending over a decade with the club before departing.
He signed for Oxford City in 2021 and made 41 appearances. Asare signed for Maidenhead United in 2022 and made 86 appearances over his two-year spell at the club.
In July 2024, he joined League Two side Harrogate Town and made 34 appearances in his first season. In the 2025/26 season Asare made 16 appearances for the Sulphurites...
Director of Football Jody Brown said 'We looked at Zico prior to bringing Aaron in last summer, but he wasn’t available – He’s comfortable both sides, and at 25yrs old he brings a great deal of EFL and NL experience, still has potential to improve, but already has many of the qualities we want from our full backs'".
Long journeys for work and young families rarely mix well, thus the 33-year-old former Notts County star is set to sign for a club closer to his Cotswolds home [Bath City].
A truly versatile operator, Enzio has racked up a huge number of admirers drawn from right across the supporter base and club officials - all of whom will remember fondly his leadership, consistency and flexibility; an ability to play in many positions with fantastic ability, aptitude and courage.
'What a true professional on and off the pitch,' said Wealdstone chairman Rory Fitzgerald... 'He's a leader and a gentleman and an individual I personally value very highly'".
Mark joins us from Bromley where he was instrumental in Bromley’s recent success as they reached the Football League for the first time in their history and have gone onto flourish...
Our chairman and owner Alex Sharp said 'I had been a long time admirer of Mark’s work at Bromley but when I met him in person I was first struck by his passion and obsession for football and I knew immediately he would be the person who could help fulfil my ambition of driving Hornchurch FC into the Football League, in a sustainable way by growing the club organically from the bottom up, with as much focus off the field as on it...
'His infectious personality, drive and ambition were what made the decision so easy for me to appoint him as our CEO'".
The 24-year-old has joined fellow midfielder Noor Husin in joining the Reds this summer... following an impressive campaign with Slough Town.
Opting to swap from the Rebels of Berkshire to the Rebels of West Sussex, Clarke was an ubiquitous member of Slough’s squad under the stewardship of now Aldershot Town manager Scott Davies.
A Saint Vincent and the Grenadines international, the all-action midfielder missed only one league match last season... ‘T’ was also a key part of Slough’s magical Emirates FA Cup run [playing in the defeat of Altrincham!], as they reached the Second Round proper...
Starting out at Yeovil Town’s academy, our latest recruit has also represented Weymouth, Dorchester, Welling and Wingate & Finchley across his career...
'Tyrique is someone who plays with lots of energy in the middle of the pitch and is an excellent ball-carrier, two areas I thought we needed to bolster,' Hinsh stated".
1 June 2026
The central defender will enter his sixth season with the Robins looking to build off a strong second half of 2025/26 and add to his 128 appearances for Alty since initially joining on loan from Rotherham United in 2022.
Jake Cooper said 'I'm really pleased to be continuing my career with Alty. It's a club I've thoroughly enjoyed playing for over the last four and a bit seasons.'...
Manager Neil Gibson said, 'Jake's a player who's done really well for us from the minute we walked through the door at Alty and I'm delighted he'll be part of the squad again for the new season. He's someone who is growing as a leader within the group'"
Footnote: Injury delayed Jake's first appearance last season but although Phil Parkinson then named him on the bench six times, he did not make his debut in 25/26 until Neil Gibson started him in the new manager's first match in charge on matchday 16 of the season. So all of his NL appearances came in the final 31 fixtures of the season, a spell in which he was a virtual ever-present.
In Sunday's NL Paper Neil spoke to the paper's Matt Badcock. "I wasn't able to show too much of my 'Neil Gibson identity of a football team' at Wealdstone. It was more about being pragmatic... [it] was very dependent on us staying in the National League. I think it's the same at Altrincham... It [was] about how do we make sure Altrincham Football Club is safe as quickly as it can be...
"When you recruit in January, as much as the players we brought in definitely had an impact, especially Josh Grant, Declan Howe, Otis Khan and Liam Humbles, it's also not necessarily the right time to be recruiting too many
"This summer is one where we can sign players that fit our identity and see an Altrincham that plays in a way my teams have played previously".
The NLP summarises Gibson's idnetity as being "a team able to dominate possession with purpose, attacking and entertaining".
"Towards the end of last season we saw the best of Isaac Marriott and Tom Crawford again and then we saw the cleverness of Otis Khan and Liam Humbles. That was a nice blend of good footballers".
Intriguingly the NLP reveals that its conversation with Gibson was taking place "while one new signing undergoes his medical". As yet that player's identity remains unpublicised.
So thirteen players are currently on the books.
That leaves nine of those who are out of contract whose futures have not yet been confirmed by the club, namely Joel Bailey, Sam Barnes, Olly Crankshaw, Owen German, Tylor Golden, Eddy Jones, Charlie Kirk, Isaac Marriott and Ethan Ross.
The NLP explains that "England retained the trophy last year in bizarre circumstances having actually lost the final on penalties to Australia... But the Aussies had knowingly played a suspended player... and the Three Lions were named the winners".
Much closer to home, Cheadle Town "announce the appointment of PAUL TURNBULL (above, right) as First Team Player/Manager of Cheadle Town Football Club.
Paul joins the club bringing a wealth of passion, ambition and valuable Non-League experience, having previously managed in the North West Counties Football League with Stockport Town FC. The former Stockport County player now takes charge as we begin an exciting new chapter, both on and off the pitch.
Joining Paul in the dugout will be Assistant Manager CHRIS ROWLEY and Sports Rehabilitator Oliver Brockbank, who will form part of the new management team".
"As we prepare for our Centenary season, Aldershot Town FC we want to share thoughts on our mouth-watering home games against both Portsmouth and Oxford and a unique commemorative game against Farnborough!"
Manager Scott Davies ecplained that "these two games will be vital to my young squad and an opportunity to really test themselves”.
The club added that "The Farnborough game (18th July) is a special game as it brings together the two teams to celebrate the military history and presence in the area. Named our Army Engagement fixture!
With a low-cost admission of just £1, we want to see as many of you as possible enjoy the whole day of engagement!...
'We are really looking forward to a new era at the EBB' said owner Deane Wood. 'I’m delighted that we have 3 really strong home games during July. We are celebrating 100 years of football at the Recreation Ground this year and have lots planned'".
On Saturday evening Hartlepool United were still announcing "the signing of Will Harris from FC Halifax Town.
However, after Hartlepool's announcement, FC Halifax Town issued a statement which proclaimed. "Contrary to a recent announcement from another party, FC Halifax Town can confirm it holds the player registration for player, Will Harris.
Hornchurch "announce that Arthur Nasta has re-joined the club on a permanent deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The rebuilding of the team at another Essex club continues as Southend United "announce the signing of defender Daniel Cox on a two-year contract with a club option for a third.
Sutton United "confirm the departure of Jack Sims, who will exit Gander Green Lane following the conclusion of his contract on 1st July.
ALTY'S SECOND SIGNING
Just hours after announcing their first summer recruit, Altrincham FC
"announce midfielder Aidan Barlow [as] our second new recruit ahead of the 2026/27 season.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on the USL League One, in which SAM ROSCOE and his Corpus Christi teammates earned a decent point with a goalless draw against 4th placed visitors AV Alta. Despite having only 27% possession, they managed 13(5) goal attempts against 8(3) by the team from Lancaster (not Giant Axe, but Antelope Valley in California).
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The BBC reports that "The Football Association (FA) will not investigate allegations that Yeovil Town boss Billy Rowley tried to poach players from his former club.
At Tamworth "Andy Peaks is thrilled to confirm that Tom Handley and Tommy Fogarty will be part of the Tamworth squad for the upcoming National League campaign.
After an FA investigation into an alleged discriminatory mark, Conor Wilkinson of Solihull Moors states that "I am pleased that I have been cleared of all charges. From the very beginning, I maintained my innocence and had confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail. While this has been a difficult and challenging process, I am grateful that the matter has now been resolved and that my innocence has been confirmed.
Hornchurch "announce that Anton Ferdinand will be joining Daryl McMahon’s backroom staff as a First Team coach.
At Kidderminster Harriers "Paul Wotton has further boosted his squad with the signing of versatile former Wolves man Olly Tipton.
Hartlepool United "confirm that Owen Hampson has joined the Club following the expiry of his contract with Sheffield United.
Boston United "have added midfielder Terrell Agyemang to their squad...
Gateshead "confirm the signing of Tommy Lavery on a two-year contract.
Barrow AFC "confirm the signing of defender, Paul Kalambayi as the newest arrival to Holker Street.
ALTY ANNOUNCE A SIGNING
Altrincham fC announces that "Sam Taylor becomes the first of our new signings this off-season after the forward agreed to a deal with the Robins.
ALTY FC FOUNDATION
Altrincham Football Club and Altrincham FC Community Sports are proud to announce the rebrand of the football club's official charity to Alty FC Foundation.
Over the past 12 months alone, Alty FC Foundation has engaged with thousands of individuals through initiatives designed to improve lives, reduce inequalities, and strengthen communities. The transition to Alty FC Foundation provides a clearer representation of the breadth of work being delivered and the ambition for future growth.
NEW BALLS
On its Alty Twitter the club depicts the new matchday ball to be used by the National League in 2026-27. No longer smooth all-round, it features grooves in its surface...
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The BBC reports that "The National League has named Nic Coward as its new chair, taking up the post from 1 July.
FC Halifax Town "are delighted to confirm signing of winger Connor Douglas, following his release by Premier League side Leeds United.
At Aldershot Town, "After a successful shirt launch at the Army Military Museum before our Remembrance fixture last season, club representatives Michael Lipscombe who conducted the launch and Commercial Director Mark Butler returned to loan a piece of Aldershot history to be displayed in the museum alongside our promotion-winning shirt, which is already on display!
Peterborough United announce "their third summer signing with the arrival of Southend United goalkeeper for an undisclosed fee...
Scunthorpe United "welcome back attacker Kyle Hurst, who joins the club on a permanent basis following his departure from Doncaster Rovers.
For the second day running a Gibraltar international has been announced as a new signing at Boston United.
ALTY'S PRE-SEASON
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Barrow have issued a "Chairman's Update to Supporters".
Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Joe Haigh on a two-year deal from Dagenham & Redbridge.
Boston United "have agreed a deal to sign Gibraltar international midfielder Nicholas Pozo.
Sutton United "confirm the signing of Omar Mussa, who arrives on a permanent deal following his departure from Wealdstone earlier this month.
Carlisle United "announce the signing of midfielder Harvey Bunker on a two-year deal.
Southend United "announce the appointment of Adem Atay as Assistant Head Coach.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Scunthorpe United "announce the return of REAGAN OGLE on a free transfer, signing a contract effective from July 1st on a one-year deal following his departure from Oldham Athletic.
A versatile defensive option to add to the Iron’s ranks, Ogle started his career at Accrington Stanley... Ogle (left) would be loaned out to Wealdstone United [sic], where he made a handful of senior appearances for the Stones...
The BBC reports that "SCOTT PHELAN (right) has been appointed permanent head coach of Everton Women following an interim period last season.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS
Sutton United "onfirm the departure of Junior Eccleston, who joins League Two side Chesterfield on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.
Eastleigh "announce the arrival of defender Ibrahim Bakare, who joins the Spitfires on a permanent deal.
Kidderminster Harriers "have reinforced their back line with the signing of experienced defender Cian Harries.
And Forest Green Rovers also "confirm that attacker Yahya Bamba has joined EFL League Two side Newport County on a permanent transfer.
Wealdstone "confirm Joe Newton as its first summer signing ahead of Season 2026/27.
TEAMS DECLINE NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP PLACE
Gloucestershire Live reports that both "Yeovil Town and Forest Green Rovers decline to enter National League Cup
Both clubs have confirmed they will not be entering this season".
ALTY SQUAD 2026-27
As we await the announcement of new signings and the conclusion of contract discussions with last season's squad, the Altrincham first-team squad currently comprises:
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Hornchurch "confirm that defender Harry Gibbs will be departing the Urchins this summer.
Aldershot Town "are proud to support the Armed Forces Week and events that will take place over this weekend!...
As they celebrate their 125th anniversary, Barrow will be wearing black and white stripes this season, the colours of the club’s strip back in 1901.
FC Halifax Town report that "The National League is proud to announce Fanbase as its new ‘Ticketing and Fan Experience Partner’, marking a major step forward in the evolution of ticketing fan experience technology across one of the most competitive and widely supported leagues in British football.
Gateshead
report that "Frazer Bell has departed his role as Club Physiotherapist to take up a role at Carlisle United.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports...
Back in England, the NL Paper confirms that MICHAEL GYASI (right) has left King's Lynn Town and joined Bedford Town.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Y Clwb Pel Droed reports that "Penybont have continued their busy summer recruitment drive by securing two significant additions from the National League, including the captain of Aldershot Town.
Tamworth former owner Bob Andrews "looks back on his wonderful Tamworth jou[r]ney!"
THE DEPARTED DUO: 2. OLLY CRANKSHAW
On Wednesday, Altrincham and Barrow separately announced that both Olly Crankshaw and Isaac Marriott were both leaving the Robins to join the Bluebirds for the 2026-27 season.
Phil Parkinson's signing of Olly Crankshaw (pictured left, on his Altrincham debut) from Stockport County, for an undisclosed fee, was announced on 30 August 2023.
FORMER ALTY MANAGER MOVES ON
Marine report that they saddened to announce that Director of Football NEIL YOUNG is to leave the club at the end of June.
ALTY OLD BOYS
On "X" ISAAC MARRIOTT posted a farwell to Altrincham supporters, saying "Just wanted to put a message out [to] the alty fans, loved my time over the past 5 seasons but it’s time for a change. I wish everyone the best for the upcoming season & beyond".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Carlisle United "announce the signing of goalkeeper Archie Mair on a permanent contract.
The relentless signing of new players continues apace at the Recreation Ground with three more new faces announced in the last 24 hours. Following yesterday's confirmation of Marcus Dinanga's arrival, Aldershot Town "announce the signing of midfielder, Conor Lawless, who joins us from Dagenham & Redbridge.
Scunthorpe United "announce the signing of defender Callum Howe on a two-year deal effective from July 1st, when his current contract expires at York City.
ALTY CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE
Altrincham FC has issued a "Chairman's Summer Update".
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on Australia's NPL Victoria in which CONNOR HAMPSON played the full game as Oakleigh Cannons ensured they would remain top of the league after the current round of matches by beating visitors Melbourne City U23 3-1.
Chester FC "announce the signing of experienced forward BILLY WATERS (left) on a two-year-deal!
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Aldershot Town are "delighted to announce the signing of striker, MARCUS DINANGA, who joins from League Two champions Bromley.
Carlisle United "announce the signing of Miguel Azeez from Morecambe for an undisclosed fee... on a two-year deal, becoming the first addition of the summer and of Head Coach Rob Elliot's tenure.
Barrow "confirm the departure of midfielder Charlie McCann, who joins Cheltenham Town for a permanent transfer.
At Boston United, "Despite the club's best efforts to secure his services for the coming season, Jordan Richards will leave... on the expiry of his contract.
News of former Alty goalkeeper MATT GOULD's father comes from Forest Green Rovers who "announce that Jonathan Gould will be joining Robbie Savage’s 1st Team coaching staff as set-piece and GK coach.
Hornchurch report that "Daryl McMahon has signed a new long-term contract and will now also become a part of the club's ownership group.
Tamworth introduce the club's new Board to supporters.
THE DEPARTED DUO : 1. ISAAC MARRIOTT
On Wednesday, Altrincham and Barrow separately announced that both Olly Crankshaw and Isaac Marriott were both leaving the Robins to join the Bluebirds for the 2026-27 season.
Before his spell in Northern Ireland with Larne, Isaac has also had loan spells at clubs which included Brighouse Town and Warrington Town.
CONTINUITY THE AIM AT ALTY
John Edwards writes in the Sale & Altrincham Messenger that "Eddy Jones, Jake Cooper, Lewis Banks, Matty Kosylo and skipper Tom Crawford have already accepted new terms, and now 25-year old former Blackburn Rovers and Barrow centre-back Sam Barnes has added his name to the Robins’ 2026/27 squad by signing another contract.
With exciting prospects Louie Fallon, Remi Raymond (right), Owen German and Joel Bailey also earning new deals and academy graduate goalkeeper Max Beddow landing his first professional contract, the accent is on providing manager Neil Gibson and his assistant Lee Jones with a squad that can keep delivering beyond next season...
ALTY OLD BOYS
At Scunthorpe United former Alty "defender ROSS BARROWS has agreed terms to remain with the club for the 2026-27 season...
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Kidderminster Harriers announce that there is a "New striker on board at Aggborough" as they "confirm a deal has been agreed to sign striker Lewis Walker from 1st July.
Hornchurch "announce the return of Makai Welch, who will be joining the Urchins on a permanent deal following the expiration of his contract with Leyton Orient.
Tamworth reveal that a "Boyhood fan becomes Chief Executive of Tamworth Football Club
Southend United "welcome the midfield duo of Darren Oldaker & Anthony Hartigan to South Essex.
Elsewhere, "Jordan Norville-Williams Joins Yeovil Town from Dorking Wanderers... on a one-year deal with an option of a further year.
Scunthorpe United is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Jordan Richards who will join the club following the expiration of his contract with Boston United...
ALTY LOSE TWO TO BARROW.
The day after signing former Altrincham defender Kennedy Digie from Tamworth, relegated Barrow have announced the signing of two of the Altrincham squad from last season.
Marriott (left) played 51 games for National League side Altrincham last season and at 26 years-old has amassed over 200 senior appearances...
Shortly afterwards on Wednesday, Barrow confirmed "the arrival of versatile forward Olly Crankshaw (right) to the Club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
ALTY's KNOWN KNOWNS, KNOWN UNKNOWNS and UNKNOWN UNKNOWNS
In the immortal words of United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. "There are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don't know we don't know".
Left to right Golden, Kirk and Ross.ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports...
NW NEWS
Macclesfield FC "formally announce the appointment of Keith Curle as our Chief Executive Officer... to spearhead the Club’s long-term strategic and commercial vision.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Yeovil Town "announce the signing of JACK KINGDON from Cardiff City on a one-year deal with an option of a further year.
Sutton United "confirm the departure of Edon Pruti, who has completed a permanent transfer to Grimsby Town for an undisclosed fee.
ALTY OLD BOYS
As expected, Morecambe "announce the signing of winger ELLIOT NEWBY on a two-year deal with the option of an extra year...
ALTY MEDIA APPOINTMENT
On X, Tom Jolley writes "Delighted to be stepping into the role of media officer at @altrinchamfc for the upcoming 2026/2027 season. Alongside a small team, we’ll be coordinating media communication and development for the upcoming campaign and i’ve got to say i’m itching to get back on the mic!".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS
On Tyneside, the Chronicle Live reports that "Lee Cattermole unveiled as Gateshead manager... The forrmer Sunderland and Middlesbrough star has been confirmed as the new boss at the International Stadium
Solihull Moors "welcome Joe Sbarra back to the Club on a permanent basis ahead of the 2026/27 National League season...
American businessman Abdullah Ashraf is the new owner and chairman of Tamworth Football Club.
Harrogate Town "welcome our fourth signing of the Summer as midfielder Morgan Williams arrives from Kings Lynn.
Aldershot Town have issued an "injury update on Ollie Harfield:
Scunthorpe United "announce the acquisition of highly rated wide-man Luke Brennan from National League North side Buxton for an undisclosed fee.
Barrow report that manager "Adam Murray strengthens his squad with the signing of 29-year-old defender, Kennedy Digie.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Barrow AFC reported that "ELLIOT NEWBY (right) has left the Club following the mutual termination of his contract, allowing him to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Aldershot Town "confirm that Ashley Akpan has now left the club to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere in football.
A former Gateshead manager is the subject of an announcement from National North club South Shields "that Mike Williamson will step into the role of Head Coach with immediate effect...
OPENING DAY
The National League 2026-27 season opens on Saturday, 8 August 2026. On the last twenty opening days of a league season, Altrincham have been at home on 14 occasions (70%).
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan eports that in the USL League One, SAM ROSCOE played the whole of Corpus Christi's 1-0 home win against Richmond Kickers. Although they missed a first half penalty, the Texan side were dominant, and had 5 shots on target - which is the best they've managed in any match this season. They've finally climbed out of the relegation zone, although all 3 clubs below them have games in hand.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Hartlepool United "confirm the appointment of Adam Clayton as Assistant First Team Head Coach.
ALTY OLD BOYS
A raft of Alty Old Boys is now employed by "The Trickies", the current nickname for Northwich Victoria whose latest annnouncement is that "ROSS SPEIGHT has joined the club as our new First Team Coach!
On the playing front, Northeich Victoria report that "Former Manchester United Academy prospect, ELLIOT ROKA (right) signs for Vics...
Meanwhile Northwich Victoria aLso "announce that central defender JOSH LANGLEY (left) has committed to the Trickies for the upcoming season, stepping up into a dual player-assistant role on Lee Duckworth's management team.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The BBC tells us that "Southend United have made forward Josh Popoola their first signing since the appointment of Kieron Dyer as head coach.
FC Halifax Town "confirm our first summer signing with centre back Mackenzie Maltby, who joins from League One side Sheffield Wednesday.
Scunthorpe United "will welcome renowned spiritual medium Chantelle Giles back to the Attis Arena on Friday, July 10th...
Reported here yesterday as leaving Gander Green Lane, Yeovil Town now confirm "the signing of Hayden Muller on a two-year deal from Sutton United.
Carlisle United have spoken with "Assistant Groundsman Ben Welsh to discuss his role behind the scenes at Brunton Park...
ANOTHER DEFENDER EXTENDS HIS STAY
Altrincham FC confirm that "Sam Barnes is the latest first team player to commit his future to the Robins after agreeing a new contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Manager Neil Gibson [said]... 'We saw so much potential in Sam last season and we know the pedigree of the player is there. He had an extremely unlucky season, but we saw what he was capable of when he came back in after his injury - a really confident, ball-playing central defender who's mobile, quick and can play high up the pitch. He really suits the style of defender I want at the football club.
BOTH ACADEMY SIDES END SEASON ON HIGH NOTE
The Academy side which plays in the National League U19 Alliance finished the season eleventh in the twelve-strong NLFA North Division, thanks to a final fixture 2-0 win on 6 May at home to South Shields.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that in the Irish Premier Division, BARRY BAGGLEY played the first 80 minutes as St.Patrick's won 2-0 at home against Drogheda.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Hornchurch "announce the appointment of Rob Lee as our new Director of Football.
Sutton United "confirm the departure of Hayden Muller, who has joined a fellow Enterprise National League club following the conclusion of his contract.
Solihull Moors "confirm the signing of Justin Hanks...
Aldershot Town have signed another trio of players for the coming season.
OTIS WINS AWARD
Altrincham FC announce that "Midfielder Otis Khan [pictured, right] was part of the Pakistan squad that clinched the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament title in the Maldives last night [Wednesday].
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY has joined Hednesford Town, who have reportedly gone full time. The Pitmen are also employers of MONTEL GIBSON, another Alty Old Boy.
Elsewhere, Quorn Football Club "are delighted to confirm the retention of top scorer ZAK GOODSON (left). With 23 goals in 39 matches last season, Zak won Player’s Player of the Season, amongst a host of others including Man of the Match during the County Cup Final.
"DAVID" WHIPP R.I.P.
Altrincham Football Club "is sad to learn of the passing of Charles Whipp, known as David, at the age of 83.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Two departures from The Shay have been announced by FC Halifax Town. Firstly in a brief encomium we read that"Adam Adetoro has left the club upon the expiry of his contract.
Boston United "midfielder Frankie Maguire is poised to join EFL newcomers York City.
The 22-year-old, who scored 15 goals in 76 appearances for the Pilgrims, will officially link up with the Minstermen from July 1.
Gloverscast confirms that "Yeovil Town have announced the signing of former Southend United defender Joe Gubbins on a two year deal.
At the other end of the country, Hartlepool United "confirm the signing of Corey McKeown following the expiry of his contract with Spennymoor Town.
OFF THE PITCH CHANGES AT ALTY
John Coyne (right) , Director of Football at Altrincham FC has announced a number of significant changes at the J. Davidson Stadium.
Joining Kyle in a new role is Thomas Cadman (right), who becomes our Head of Medical [sic]. Thomas has spent the last four years within the club's physiotherapy department and has worked alongside a number of lead physios during that time. He knows many of the players well and has built up a strong understanding of the demands of National League football...
We are also welcoming a familiar face into a new full time position within our football operations team.
THREE MORE ACADEMY GRADUATES SIGNED UP FOR 26/27
As reported yesterday, Altrincham's publicly confirmed squad numbers stood at 14 players, including two Academy graduates in goalkeeper Louie Fallon and midfielder Remi Raymond.
Above: Newly confirmed as having contracts for 2026-27 are (left to right) Joel Bailey, Max Beddow and Owen German.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports...
USL Cup : Corpus Christi travelled to Alabama, and were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at Birmingham, failing to muster a single shot on target. SAM ROSCOE played the full game.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Archie Davies on a two-year deal following his departure from Carlisle United.
Gateshead have confirmed that "Player-coach Louis Storey will depart the club.
Storey is not the only one leaving Gateshead as "Will McGowan has joined Harrogate Town for an undisclosed fee... having made 17 appearances ... since joining the club in the summer of 2024 before spending two loan spells with Darlington".
Woking "announce the signing of Ashley Clarke on a two-year deal from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
Carlisle United "announce the appointment of Louis Storey as the club’s new Assistant Head Coach.
Hartlepool United "confirm the signing of Brooklyn Ilunga following the expiry of his contract with Bromley.
THE SQUAD SO FAR
As things stand, at least so far as announcements have been made, the Altrincham first-team squad comprises 14 players.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS
Rochdale, promoted to EFL2 this summer, "announce the appointment of Ian Watson as our new Head Coach on a three-year contract.
The 40-year-old joins from National League North side South Shields, where he made an immediate impact in his first full season as Manager, leading the Mariners to the Promotion Final.
Hartlepool United "confirm that Jack Nolan will join the Club following the expiry of his contract with Morecambe.
Aldershot Town have been the most active recruiters in the NAtional League this summer and on Monday they announced a further brace of signings.
EIGHT FUTURES UNKNOWN
As of Monday night, the future of eight of last season's Altrincham squad remained uncertain, at least so far as supporters are concerned.
IMPORTANT DATES
League and cup fixture dates for the 2026-27 season have now been announced and they include...
* Clubs may request to move their Bank Holiday Monday (28 December) fixture to Tuesday 29 December (7.45pm) or their Saturday 2 January fixture to New Year's Day (1 January), subject to mutual agreement between both clubs within seven days of the fixture release.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Southend United "announce the appointment of Kieron Dyer as the Club's new Head Coach on an initial two-year contract with a club option for a third year.
Gubbins is expected to turn up in Somerset from where Yeovil Town "announce the signing of Johl Powell from Walton & Hersham on a two-year deal.
The BBC reports that "Gateshead chairman Bernard McWilliams has stood down from his role due to ill health.
Barrow report that "George Walker becomes the second arrival of the summer, joining the Bluebirds on a one-year deal.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Two graduates of the Altrincham youth team have been on the move during the close season.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Wealdstone report that "Jack Cook headlines Wealdstone FC's 'Retained List' after agreeing fresh terms for a sixth season at The Vale...
AFC Fylde "announce that CRAIG MAHON has been awarded National League North Manager of the Year, whilst Danny Ormerod has also been awarded both the NLN Player and Young Player of the Year accolades.
"Following negotiations, FC Halifax Town can now confirm the following players are under contract for the 2026/27 season:
ALTY OLD BOYS LIFT SENIORS' WORLD CUP!
Phil Jordan reports...
ALTY THERAPIST JOINS BARROW
On "X" Barrow AFC extends "A very warm welcome to our new Lead Sports Therapist Tom Jones, who joins Mark Leather’s Medical Department from Altrincham".
NW NEWS: MACCLESFIELD CO-OWNER ARRESTED AND BAILED
Macclesfield FC announced that they were "aware of reports circulating regarding the position of Robert Smethurst within the Football Club.
With this in mind, it would be improper to divulge any further information at this time.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
In Simon Weaver, Harrogate Town boast the current longest serving manager at one club in English national football.
Meanwhile at Barrow the club "announce Commited (formerly Hudson Hill Consulting) as our new Front of Shirt Partner for the next two seasons...
Carlisle United Supporters' Trust "have launched a brand-new Honorary Squad Member initiative, giving one supporter the opportunity to become part of the Blues' squad story for the 2026/27 season.
"Max Brogan is the latest arrival at Kidderminster Harriers after agreeing a deal to join the squad.
Two more signings have been announced recently at Sutton United where the "U"s "confirm the signing of Temi Babalola, who joins on a permanent transfer from Forest Green Rovers for an undisclosed fee.
Wealdstone "announce the launch of its search for the club's new CEO... as we pursue our long term ambition of building a sustainable football club who could reach the Football League.
Solihull Moors "confirm the signing of defender Matty Carson ahead of the 2026/27 season...
EDDY JONES STAYS
Altrincham's retained list also included 13 players who were out of contract but were in discussions with the club about remaining at the club.
Of those thirteen just four had been named by midweek as having signed new contracts, namely Tom Crawford, Matty Kosylo, Lewis Banks and Jake Cooper.
SAM REED REJOINS PARKY
Whilst one left-back, Eddy Jones, was recommitting himself to Altrincham, another left-back, brought in as his replacement, was moving on to another club, following the manager who had signed him at Moss Lane. The Altrincham retained list this summer revealed that Sam was out of contract and had not been retained.
Injury limited Reed's appearances to 11(+10) appearances in the National League, plus a further two appearances from the bench in cup competitions.
BARNES BANNED
The third Altrincham defender in the news today is Sam Barnes.
Sam Barnes (right) was controversially sent off in Alty's away game at Woking on 31 March 2026 for executing an overhead kick which the referee deemed worthy of a red card. He then served a three-match ban. However, the FA has now reported a further disciplinary measure against the Alty defender, dated 1 May 2026
ALTY MONTHLY DRAW
Congratulations go to the winners in the Altrincham FC Monthly Draw for May 2026...
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports...
ROCHDALE BOSS GOES
Promoted Rochdale "confirm that Head Coach Jimmy McNulty has left the club to join Sky Bet League One side Stockport County...
THIRTY GONE IN JUST OVER A YEAR
There will be 24 clubs kicking off the 2026/27 season but, amongst them, there is just one manager who has completed the last two full seasons in the National League and is still in charge of the same club at that level for 2026-27! He is Andy Peaks at Tamworth.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Hartlepool United "confirm the signing of Jordan Hugill following the expiry of his contract with Rotherham United.
Forest Green Rovers "announce the signing of Oli Ewing from Scunthorpe United.
5 June 2026
GREEN AGAIN AT THE JDS
Just a month ago the pitch at the J Davidson Stadium was completely brown as the playing surface had been removed and new grass had been seeded. Now the grass is growing strongly and the pitch has returned to its green state, as seen below.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that in the Seniors' World Cup, information is still sketchy, but KEVIN ELLISON and LEE ELAM both appear to have started England's final group game, in which they comfortably beat USA 3-0. In the semi final they will play the runners up in Group B, who look likely to be Australia, while the USA look almost certain to be facing France.
Back in England, in the National League, Kidderminster Harriers have an interview with CALLUM DOLAN (right) following his arrival at Aggborough.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Huddersfield Examiner reports that "Plans to sell Halifax's The Shay Stadium have been "stopped", according to a social media post from the newly installed ruling group on Calderdale Council.
Sutton United "confirm the signing of Manny Osadebe, who joins the club on a permanent deal following his departure from Barnet.
Barrow announce that "After four years, our partnership with SO Legal comes to a conclusion this summer... This marks the beginning of an exciting new opportunity. The club is now welcoming expressions of interest from businesses looking to become our new Stadium Sponsor....
Solihull Moors report that "Following several weeks of discussions between the Club and Laurie Walker regarding the 2026/27 season, we have unfortunately been unable to reach an agreement that works for both parties.
Until the National League AGM on Saturday, 6 June, York City technically remain a National League club. On Thursday, 4 June, the BBC reports that "York City have accepted a seven-figure bid for defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott from Heart of Midlothian, BBC Radio York has confirmed.
At Woking "the Club will undertake a significant floodlight upgrade at the Laithwaite Community Stadium during the 2026 close season, with the existing floodlighting system being converted to modern LED technology...
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports...
Seniors' World Cup: Although neither KEVIN ELLISON (right, in his Alty days) nor LEE ELAM started England's second group game, in which they beat Taiwan 4-1, they were probably among the rolling substitutes allowed by the rules of the competition. The final group game sees them play the USA, who have also won their first two games.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
FC Halifax Town issued a brief statement saying the=at the club "can confirm that Will Smith has left the club upon the expiry of his contract.
At Kidderminster Harriers
"Ben Crompton is our second new signing of the summer after agreeing terms with the Reds.
Unlike at Altrincham where season ticket holders can no longer reserve a particular seat, at Southend United "Every Shrimper has their place at Roots Hall.
Sutton United "confirm the departure of Liam Vincent, who will make the move to East London joining Dagenham & Redbridge.
KEVIN SINFIELD AND VIV ANDERSON TO WALK FROM ALTY TODAY
Altrincham FC press and media officer Brian Flynn writes that "‘March of the Day III’ is a 350-mile six day walk around 47 football and rugby league stadia between Liverpool, the home base of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation and the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease being built through the Leeds Hospital Charity...
Altrincham FC will play a big part in the first half of the walk, with former Alty players, Gary Scott (left, with Mark Maddox) and Ged Kielty walking for 3 days to complete the first half of the walk at Stockport County’s Edgley Park ground on Wednesday evening around 6pm...
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that regarding the Seniors' World Cup, whilst the information available is sketchy, it can be confirmed that England's starting lineup against hosts Thailand included not only KEVIN ELLISON, but also LEE ELAM.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS
The "old boys" theme continues as promoted Kidderminster Harriers' new manager "Paul Wotton has made his first new signing as Harriers boss with the acquisition of attacking midfielder CALLUM DOLAN
And another ex-Alty loanee has landed an off-field post at Boston United who "have appointed LUKE WATERFALL as the club's new assistant manager.
Though in no way implicated in Southampton's reported spying on their opponents, their local neighbours Eastleigh have been cited as one of the locations where the Saints' espionage took place.
AFC Fylde "announce that ahead of this weekend’s National League Annual General Meeting, we have had several nominations for the respective awards ceremony.
Carlisle United "confirm that Josh Lucas will join the club as part of Rob Elliot’s first team backroom staff.
Sutton United "announce that 2025/26 Player of the Season Jake Taylor has signed a new contract with the club, keeping him at Gander Green Lane until the end of the 2027/28 season.
A "Club Update" has been issued by Tamworth regarding "the current progress of its official take over.
At Worthing manager "Adam Hinshelwood has been shortlisted for the Enterprise National League South Manager of the Season award, while Wiktor Makowski and Brad Dolaghan are in the running for the Enterprise National League South Player of the Season & Young Player of the Season accolades...
ALTY STRENGTHEN OFF THE PITCH
Altrincham FC "have taken another significant step in strengthening their football operations ahead of the 2026/27 season by appointing fitness and conditioning expert Kyle Taylor to a key role in manager Neil Gibson's backroom staff.
ALTY DIRECTOR RESIGNS
Companies House has confimed the "termination of apppointment of Gary John Corbett" as a director of Altrincham AFC, with effect from 27 May 2026.
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Gateshead have issued their retained list for next season.
Across the country on the west coast, Barrow "announce Alex Reid as the first arrival of the summer. The 30-year-old joins the Bluebirds with a wealth of experience across the National League.
Still in the northern sector of the National League, Carlisle United "spoke to Rob Elliot for the first time, after he was appointed as Carlisle United’s new Head Coach...
At Woking, The Cards "announce the signing of Zico Asare.
Wealdstone report that "Enzio Boldewijn leaves Wealdstone Football Club with sincere thanks for his contribution across two memorable seasons... with the Dutchman having clocked up 100 appearances in the famous Royal Blue.
Hornchurch "announce the appointment of Mark Hammond as our new Chief Executive Officer...
At the other promoted club from National South, Worthing, "Adam Hinshelwood has further bolstered his options in the middle of the park with the capture of energetic midfielder Tyrique Clarke.
JAKE STAYS AT ALTY
Altrincham FC "announce Jake Cooper (right) is the fourth player to agree a new contract to remain at The J.Davidson Stadium for the 2026/27 campaign.
NEIL'S NEW CHALLENGE
In the past two seasons, Altrincham boss Neil Gibson has proved himself adept at saving two clubs heading towards relegation from the National League. He saved Wealdstone on the last day of the 24/25 season and likewise turned around Altrincham's 25/26 season.
In both cases he joined a club which was already well into a league campaign and, therefore, he inherited a squad built by a previous manager. This time, as 26/27 approaches he has the luxury of building a squad of his own with only two of his predecessor's signings already contracted for the coming season; they are the wingers Lucas Weaver and Kahrel Reddin.
THE SQUAD
As we enter June, the Altrincham squad members confirmed for 2026-27 comprises the six players who remained under contract plus four of the thirteen listed in mid-May as in "new contract discussions. The four confirmed contract renewals concerned Tom Crawford, Matty Kosylo, Lewis Banks and Jake Cooper. In addition three players for whom the club had options on their contracts have also been confirmed, they are Louie Fallon, Jimmy Knowles and Remi Raymond.
Above: The six players whose contracts, at the end of 2025/26 season, already extended into 2026/27 season, left to right we see Kian Breckin, Anthony Forde, Otis Khan, Charlie Olson, Kahrel Reddin and Lucas Weaver. ALTY OLD BOYS
The NL Paper reports that Vauxhall Motors' KEVIN ELLISON is "among the veterans in Thailand aiming to win England's ninth Seniors' World Cup".
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS
Aldershot Town explain that their town's history played a part in determining one of their pre-season friendly opponents.
The games against Championship side Portsmouth (15th July) and League One Oxford United (21st July) feature games against higher league opposition at home as we tone up for the 26/27 season!"
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