2017/18 National League North

[BigDaveCUFC]

of their first team regulars of last season as such their squad of 14-15 players they regularly used, i think working it out 7 have left and they kept 8 players, means they have to rebuild half of their squad, most of it seems to be defence so they have to hope the 4-5 defenders that come in can instantly gel together as a unit.

Should add that they will be a tough very good side, but possibly a side already gelled, with an odd addition or two, may well take advantage of them probably needing time to gel.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

of their first team regulars of last season as such their squad of 14-15 players they regularly used, i think working it out 7 have left and they kept 8 players, means they have to rebuild half of their squad, most of it seems to be defence so they have to hope the 4-5 defenders that come in can instantly gel together as a unit.

Should add that they will be a tough very good side, but possibly a side already gelled, with an odd addition or two, may well take advantage of them probably needing time to gel.

They will be training full-time though and will have plenty of time to get to know each other also if you have experienced players that are playing below their level like Livesey and Hogan I don't see it being an issue.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Confirmation of our new investment -

Alfreton Town are delighted to announce that former Grimsby Town director Lee Mullen has joined the club providing added investment and will occupy a director role within the club.

Lee, a winner with his wife Susan of the EuroMillions lottery in 2011 joins the Reds with immediate effect.

Lee invested in his local club Grimsby in 2015 and witnessed fantastic success for the Mariners who reached the Conference National play-off final in May 2015 losing out to Bristol Rovers. Another two finals would follow in May 2016; the first against Forest Green, secured promotion to the Football League after a six year absence before facing Halifax Town in the F.A. Trophy.

Lee left Grimsby in January but is still a shareholder at the club and he spoke to Press Officer Amar Sharma after joining the Reds:

“I had a fantastic time at Grimsby, it was great to not only support your local club but actually get involved. The aim was to get into the football league and the job was done. I want to thank Grimsby for the opportunity, I have great memories there. But good things do come to an end and I have decided to move on.”

“I am a massive football fan and I was looking for the next opportunity to get back involved with football and Alfreton was a project I was definitely interested in. It’s such a well-run family club and meeting Wayne and discussing the history of the club and the way forward was a massive draw for me, everything fitted so well. Wayne has done an amazing job and I can’t wait to get started and work with everyone at the Reds.”

When asked about the next steps at Alfreton, Lee was positive:

“We will announce a new manager soon but we still have things to sort out and the future is definitely bright here. I have arrived at the club to bring new investment, bring my knowledge of the game and players, the fans can certainly be excited because we all are.”

“I am very happy to be here and to get started on working to get Alfreton as high as possible. Wayne has been excellent and we want to turn the Reds into a force again. I arrive to help make that happen and with the added investment we can attract the players we need, build a strong squad and mount a challenge and mount a consistent challenge. It’s a very exciting time for all of us.”

Reds Chairman Wayne Bradley was delighted to have added investment into the club:

“It is with delight that Alfreton Town FC welcomes Lee Mullen to the club and the Board of Directors. It is the intention of the board to generate a positive reinvention of matters at the club.”

“With added vigour, focus and desire I can see a bright horizon for the club. Supporters can look forward to the shaping of a team for the season ahead briefed to challenge in the division, whilst continuing to work within safe budgetary confines. These are very exciting times here at the Reds and we move forward with added positivity and we look forward to the season ahead.”

The Reds will be making further announcements regarding the 'Released and Retained' list in the coming days.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Stockport sign Warburton from us tonight.

Not sure if a good signing for them (based on fact Salford took him last summer and he was awful for them) but that is one major killer blow for us.

We really struggle without a support striker, our form with/without Morgan/Warburton was frightenly different.

Ah well, summer will always be killer here with smallest budget, but really hoped only Ryan hall would end up off

 

[Harrier94]

Did not see Mani D getting a club at this level, let alone Salford. He's got a cracking agent, a 2 year deal as well.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/salfordcityfc/news/manis-an-ammie-1803168.html

 

[Lucky Bobble]

Brackley website says we’re delighted to be staying in Conf North. Not quite sure why … perhaps because so many of the players live in / near Nuneaton? I wanted to move South – competition looks much less fierce – how can anyone compete with the likes of Salford who’ll probably walk the league? Aim is for one of the now 6 playoff places I guess … realistic target as we’ve kept most of our best players from last year. Just need a reliable 20 goal a season striker … but who doesn’t?

As I’m new to the forum can someone ‘educate me’? Pardon my ignorance here, but why do so many people on the forum seem to take a pop at Brackley? Obviously it’s a nonsense that they’re in Conf North rather than South, but hardly our fault. Crowds are small – but with the exception of North Ferriby we’re the smallest town represented in the either Conf North or South I think (13,000) … so our crowds will hardly be big. The club is in the highest league it’s ever been, run by decent people, with a good manager and we’re competing with teams with population centres at times ten times our own. In any case there are eight average worse attendances in Conf North & South (albeit I know the away support boost our average numbers). Yes we’re small, but the clues in the name ‘non-league’ & it’s not the fault of the ‘little’ sides if some of the former league sides fallen on hard times have a superiority complex. I know Halifax have a bee in their bonnet about that promotion final ticketing a few years back … but they did win and perhaps it’s time to move on. I presume that all those fans who don’t like little teams doing well despair at the exploits of the likes of Bournemouth and Leicester in recent years too – ‘little’ sides compared to the Premiership bigwigs. I’ve been watching Brackley for 12 years now, and before that Telford United when I was growing up, but never really disliked any other non-league teams since I thought we're all in the same tinpot looking out? Maybe I’m missing something….

 

[Harrier94]

I don't like you cos you beat us twice this year and I had to endure a crap performance in the rain. Otherwise, I don't really have a problem with Brackley.

 

[JE93]

Massive couple of days for Darlo. Mark Beck, Phil Turnbull and Nathan Cartman all committed to the club for next season. Means we retain most of our squad. Looks like our manager Martin Gray will be staying too. We're a CB or 2 away from being a real force in this league next season, even with the FT teams. Great day to be a Darlo fan after a difficult couple of weeks.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Brackley website says we’re delighted to be staying in Conf North. Not quite sure why … perhaps because so many of the players live in / near Nuneaton? I wanted to move South – competition looks much less fierce – how can anyone compete with the likes of Salford who’ll probably walk the league? Aim is for one of the now 6 playoff places I guess … realistic target as we’ve kept most of our best players from last year. Just need a reliable 20 goal a season striker … but who doesn’t?

As I’m new to the forum can someone ‘educate me’? Pardon my ignorance here, but why do so many people on the forum seem to take a pop at Brackley? Obviously it’s a nonsense that they’re in Conf North rather than South, but hardly our fault. Crowds are small – but with the exception of North Ferriby we’re the smallest town represented in the either Conf North or South I think (13,000) … so our crowds will hardly be big. The club is in the highest league it’s ever been, run by decent people, with a good manager and we’re competing with teams with population centres at times ten times our own. In any case there are eight average worse attendances in Conf North & South (albeit I know the away support boost our average numbers). Yes we’re small, but the clues in the name ‘non-league’ & it’s not the fault of the ‘little’ sides if some of the former league sides fallen on hard times have a superiority complex. I know Halifax have a bee in their bonnet about that promotion final ticketing a few years back … but they did win and perhaps it’s time to move on. I presume that all those fans who don’t like little teams doing well despair at the exploits of the likes of Bournemouth and Leicester in recent years too – ‘little’ sides compared to the Premiership bigwigs. I’ve been watching Brackley for 12 years now, and before that Telford United when I was growing up, but never really disliked any other non-league teams since I thought we're all in the same tinpot looking out? Maybe I’m missing something….

First off welocme to the forum, Good to see another team represented on here.

And who do you want to win when Brackley play Telford. And what did you think to last seasons game at the New Bucks Head?

I will be honest I am not the biggest fan of Brackley. Think its the fact the ground is very basic, its in the arse end of nowhere and its a long journey. And you dont travel in great numbers even for a small town.

Having said that we have never lost to you and have a better record v you then Gloucester so its not all bad

 

[Lucky Bobble]

I don't like you cos you beat us twice this year and I had to endure a crap performance in the rain. Otherwise, I don't really have a problem with Brackley.

To be fair you were the best team I saw at St James' Park last year - fast, slick accurate passing style not oft seen in the non-league - only team to dominate us, yet we sneaked out a lucky 2-0 win. Wanted either you or Salford to go up to reduce the strength of the division

 

[Lucky Bobble]

First off welocme to the forum, Good to see another team represented on here.

And who do you want to win when Brackley play Telford. And what did you think to last seasons game at the New Bucks Head?

I will be honest I am not the biggest fan of Brackley. Think its the fact the ground is very basic, its in the arse end of nowhere and its a long journey. And you dont travel in great numbers even for a small town.

Having said that we have never lost to you and have a better record v you then Gloucester so its not all bad

Thanks for the welcome. 'Arse-end' rather depends on where you're based ... I remember a not dissimilar though when I visited Alfreton for a playoff match with Telford some years back.

100% support Brackley over Telford these days and embarrassed to say I didn't always wish the Bucks well in the 2015/16 relegation scrap we' were both in. But having watched Telford week in week out in the glory days of the 1980s, they'll always will have a place in my affections. They seem to be struggling at the moment ... fan owned clubs seem to only be able to reach a certain level as Darlington also seem to be encountering. I feel for them too, really liked the Darlington fans I met who made it all the way down to the 'arse end' that is Brackley this season - they deserved a better outcome to the end of the season.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Gan on then DSL, give the details on Paul Marshall who we signed off you today.....good and bad

 

[Southern Shayman]

Gan on then DSL, give the details on Paul Marshall who we signed off you today.....good and bad

Played for us in our last play off winning side at this level and in the National. Neat and tidy left footed central midfielder. I really rated him - one of those players that ticks the ball over and will do well in a passing side like yourself IMO. Best played on the left of a midfield 3

 

[DarkSithLord]

Gan on then DSL, give the details on Paul Marshall who we signed off you today.....good and bad

Not many good points I am afraid. He was probably one of the worst members of our squad. Slow,Lazy and unreliable for us. Got to the stage at Gloucester where our fans we chanting for him to be subbed off.
Not many posties unfortunately as I dont believe he was ever fully match fit with us. Hopefully he can rediscover what he showed at Halifax for you guys.

What I will say though is I think he was chief among those who hated our managers guts last season after Nicky left and I think that had a big say in his performances or lack of.

 

[SomeMightShay]

The conference North is getting beyond ridiculous now with the amount of money being thrown around. There's at least six sides now that have a 'spend what it takes' attititude to entice players and three or four that should be able to attract players based on footfall income and the tradition of their club name. That means half a dozen sides are going to burn through money just to finish in the top ten. And now Alfreton. I have nothing against the club but they are going to have to spend well above their station to just even keep on the peripheral of the play-offs. Then what happens if it takes two three or four years to make that step? How long before the emperor gets bored with his new clothes? Rumours are they have signed Craig Disley who should/could be playing for a top ten National side. Madness if true.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Toughest league in football is conf north id say, due to the spending. And i think spennymoor are another rising bankrolled club to add to list.

I didn't expect a good review from you DSL, mostly because someone struggling to get in your last years side must have played poor. Glad to see the shaynan review as it suggests a good player is there, but Alfreton just sadly for them couldn't bring it out of him.

End of day Curzons season depends on signing underperforming talented players and our manager getting more out of them than elsewhere......so shall see

 

[B2TF]

Come away now SS & SMS, we don't have to talk to these guys anymore.

 

[DOLF87]

Harrogate town have signed George Thompson from FC United. Highly rated according to their fans on twitter.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Harrogate town have signed George Thompson from FC United. Highly rated according to their fans on twitter.

An excellent signing. Always impressed me when I have seen him play.

 

[SomeMightShay]

Toughest league in football is conf north id say, due to the spending. And i think spennymoor are another rising bankrolled club to add to list.

I didn't expect a good review from you DSL, mostly because someone struggling to get in your last years side must have played poor. Glad to see the shaynan review as it suggests a good player is there, but Alfreton just sadly for them couldn't bring it out of him.

End of day Curzons season depends on signing underperforming talented players and our manager getting more out of them than elsewhere......so shall see

Paul Marshall is definitely a Marmite kind of player.

 

[DarkSithLord]

The conference North is getting beyond ridiculous now with the amount of money being thrown around. There's at least six sides now that have a 'spend what it takes' attititude to entice players and three or four that should be able to attract players based on footfall income and the tradition of their club name. That means half a dozen sides are going to burn through money just to finish in the top ten. And now Alfreton. I have nothing against the club but they are going to have to spend well above their station to just even keep on the peripheral of the play-offs. Then what happens if it takes two three or four years to make that step? How long before the emperor gets bored with his new clothes? Rumours are they have signed Craig Disley who should/could be playing for a top ten National side. Madness if true.

We will not spend above our means. Wayne has always said that and does not intend on changing that. Fair dos to Wayne for realising that in order to compete at this level we must go out and find investment. And for delivering on that.

We will take it season by season. We very rarely hand out 2 year deals and I cannot see that changing. Unless Wayne has promises that Mullen is in it for the long haul.

 

[Bluandwite]

Harrogate town have signed George Thompson from FC United. Highly rated according to their fans on twitter.

Very good signing, should still be with us really if not for a stupid Burr gaffe.

 

[SomeMightShay]

We will not spend above our means. Wayne has always said that and does not intend on changing that. Fair dos to Wayne for realising that in order to compete at this level we must go out and find investment. And for delivering on that.

We will take it season by season. We very rarely hand out 2 year deals and I cannot see that changing. Unless Wayne has promises that Mullen is in it for the long haul.

What's Lee Mullens doing with his money then? Using wads of it to cushion the padded seats in the directors box?

Do we have to retire the term 'bankrolled' now and replace it with the phrase 'outside invested'?

 

[Luke Imp]

Carl Piergianni has signed for Salford on a two-year deal, although he's currently in Australia, where he's been for a year.

Initially gave up football a year ago at Boston because he thought he'd missed his chance to get back into FT football so it's a way back in for him and not a surprise he's taken it.

 

[DarkSithLord]

What's Lee Mullens doing with his money then? Using wads of it to cushion the padded seats in the directors box?

Do we have to retire the term 'bankrolled' now and replace it with the phrase 'outside invested'?

I am not denying we are bankrolled. Of course we are otherwise we would never have made it as far as we did but we are NOT beankrolled behind our means a la Eastleigh, FGR etc. We stay within our means and do not have any debts.

 

[DarkSithLord]

John McDermott confirmed as the new Alfreton manager as expected

 

[DarkSithLord]

Very happy with the appointment. Although having experience only as an assistant I believe he has the creditals to make it as a First Team manager which unfortunately Russ did not have. He has experience at this level having been assistant at Harrogate and has many contacts.

Exciting times. Look forward to us aiming in a positive direction and challenging again

 

[GuiseleySteve]

Very happy with the appointment. Although having experience only as an assistant I believe he has the creditals to make it as a First Team manager which unfortunately Russ did not have. He has experience at this level having been assistant at Harrogate and has many contacts.

Exciting times. Look forward to us aiming in a positive direction and challenging again

Well his time at Harrogate will have taught him plenty about what NOT to do!

 

[DarkSithLord]

Well his time at Harrogate will have taught him plenty about what NOT to do!

Yeah. Dont give money to Weaver to splash!

 

[Swedes]

Southport have appointed Mark Wright as Head of Development. I did a little bit of sick in my mouth when I read the news.