Season's Greetings

Hearty seasonal good wishes to everyone connected with our club. Players, team officials, committee members, helpers and supporters.

Alas, because of the weather, we haven't had the opportunity to be together in recent times so fingers crossed that Monday's game against Alresford will take place.

If it does then perhaps you could plan to 'linger for a while' in the clubhouse after the game to sort of make up for having to cancel our Christmas party last Saturday.

Don't forget that our regular New Year's Eve family disco get together is on again from 8.00pm to a small hour. This really is one for all ages with children, teens and family groups most welcome. Adults £5 just to cover the cost of the disco with under 18's free. This has become a really fun and enjoyable event particularly for those who are unable or unwilling or just 'past it' to go on the razz down town!

Well done to all players and managers of all three teams as we continue to make progress on the pitch. My thanks also to those individuals who are supporting the club financially - even if simply through the 100 club.

We have set out this year to try and be more reasonable and responsible in covering players' travel expenses and introducing a very modest first team win bonus. To fund this requires 'new' money (ie other than that we raise to run the club as always). Four club members have contributed in a very generous way to cover these costs up to Christmas. We now need to widen that net to keep these new funds coming in - so don't be embarrassed to contact me! Ten new people offering just £1 a day would be a start and make a difference.

So, on that thoughtful note.....CHEERS

Mr Chairman

Season Under Way

And so the new season is well under way - and with it have already come the rich mixture of emotions that being involved in Alton Town brings...

We've been saddened by the news of the passing of Trevor Hill and repeat our condolences to Dan, his mother and brothers.

We've welcomed back John (Robbo) Robson as first team manager with Clive Ventham stepping aside into an assistant manager role. This gives me the opportunity of thanking Clive for his long-term past successes, commitment and devotion to the club and we look forward to him continuing his love affair with us.

We've enjoyed the highs of an FA Cup win and the lows of a couple of poor displays, but hope lives eternal.

We're now on the lookout for a reserve team manager (while Dave Hawtin and Nigel Rhodes temporarily fill in to support Glenn Murphy in this role.) Shaun Flanighan decided not to continue as reserve team manager during the close season. Shaun enjoyed a successful season with the reserves and introduced some younger players from the south of the county who continue to make progress at the club. We are grateful to Shaun for that and for his enthusiasm both on and off the field.

Yes, a mixture of emotions as always but it doesn't stop us looking forward with hope. Hope on its own probably won't work - that's why determination, a willingness to work and a positive outlook towards all those who contribute towards our great club are essential ingredients.

Much cheer

Jim
Chairman

NEW MANAGER

A quick note to let you know that we have appointed John Robson (Robbo) as first team manager following Clive's decision to step down after successfully maintaining our premier league status for the past 5 or 6 seasons - no mean feat and for which we are most grateful.

Robbo is an experienced ex-pro with a variety of clubs including Aston Villa and has had successful management spells at a higher non league leave with the likes of Worthing and Salisbury as well as with Wessex sides Winchester City and Gosport Borough.

Robbo previously managed Alton Town and won us the Hampshire league twice - the second of which gained us the step up to the Wessex Premier in 2001 - so it is a welcome homecoming!

Cheers

Mr Chairman