Many thanks to Richard for answering the latest ‘Who Are Ya?’ questions ahead of our game against Altrincham.
Many thanks to Richard for answering the latest ‘Who Are Ya?’ questions ahead of our game against Altrincham.
How Long Have You Supported Altrincham?
Since 1985. I lost interest for twenty years, which was rekindled a couple of years ago.
Last Season’s League Finish?
17th, which I think most fans would have gladly taken before the season started. I can’t help feeling it could and should have been a bit higher, as we dropped a lot of points to teams that finished in the bottom 6. Still, I enjoyed the season – every win was an event.
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
He has to be praised for winning promotion, then keeping us up last year. He does come in for a lot of stick from certain sections of the club forum, some of which is justified IMO. I think he has his blind spots, and he has a habit of repeating his mistakes. Recruitment of players has proved a bit of a disappointment this year and last.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
I think it will be a struggle, but I think we should have enough to stay up. I would love a run in the FA trophy and maybe a round or two of the FA cup. It seems that cup competitions now are seen as an inconvenience by the ex-league clubs, but I have had some great days out in both competitions.
One(s) To Watch?
Honestly, there isn’t really anyone you’d put in that category. Michael Rankine has done well since he joined this season, and is already a favourite of the fans. Damien Reeves has a tremendous scoring record for us, but is right off the boil. James Lawrie is talented but inconsistent.
You signed Josh O’Keefe in the summer, who’s an ex-Imp. How has he done?
I thought he was a strange signing. One is always wary of players with limited recent game time and loan spells at other clubs. As you do, I had a look at the forums of the clubs he’s played for previously. I wasn’t particularly encouraged by what I read, and he’s not done anything to change my mind! He’s been poor so far.
It’s fair to say you’ve generally done the business against the more fancied sides with wins against Tranmere, Grimsby and Cheltenham but let yourselves down against the likes of Guiseley and Southport. What do you think is the reason for that?
This happened throughout last season too. We dropped points against all but one of the bottom six; Nuneaton and Telford did the double over us, Alfreton came within seconds of doing the same. There were FA cup and trophy defeats to lower-league sides also (as there were the year before).
I really wish I knew why it happens! Last Saturday’s game against Braintree was typical of the phenomenon. A game we might have been expected to win, but we absolutely fell apart. We could have lost 7-0.
After 10 games, what do you consider to be Altrincham’s strengths and weaknesses?
We have the handy habit of upsetting the bigger sides, and we are very difficult to peg back if we get in front.
Not enough goals, and the midfield is weak IMO. There is a nasty habit of conceding goals very quickly, from nowhere.
Top Five Predictions?
Cheltenham
Wrexham
FGR
Grimsby
Eastleigh
Bottom Four Predictions?
Kidderminster
Torquay
Southport
Welling
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
It’s different for you than for us isn’t it? Ex league clubs always struggle to come to terms with life in non-league, with expectations being a lot higher. Reading the forums last year, there seemed to be a lot of discontent. That said, things seem a little more optimistic so far this season.
As far as the team is concerned, I confess I haven’t really taken much notice yet, although Matt Rhead is obviously the player most likely to wind up the opposition’s fans.
I thought Lincoln looked quite decent last year at Alty (our first home game back in the National). The fans were noisy and created a good atmosphere. Some of them should have kept their shirts on though.
Score Prediction?
We are on a run of 8 consecutive away defeats. If Lincoln score first, then I can see 3-0 or 4-0.
Random Fact About Your Club?
‘Cup Fever’, a 1965 film starring Bernard Cribbins, Susan George and most of the then Man United team, was filmed at Altrincham FC.
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