Richard is Alty's reserve keeper. He was at Manchester City (released 1998) before moving to Hyde United and Runcorn. Alty signed him in early September 2002 and he made his league debut against Marine that month. He remained first-choice keeper till he badly injured his shoulder at Harrogate (31/8/03). He did not return to action till 6 January 2004, as Stuart Coburn had returned in the interim to re-claim the no.1 jersey. Richard is an excellent shot-stopper and had League of Wales experience with TNS in March 2004 but he returned to Altrincham's books for most of the 2004-05 season. He signed UniBond forms with Woodley Sports c20 August 2004 before joining Bangor City but returned to Alty once more in early February 2005. Even so, he was on the bench for TNS against Liverpool in European competition (7/05) but has also re-signed for Alty for 2005-06. Appearances to June 2005: 47.

In 1997/98 season Stuart joined Altrincham from Trafford, whom he had joined in 1994/95 after spells at Irlam Town and Maine Road. He had one Conference season (99/00) with Alty but he played only 9 league games due to injury and his absence probably cost the club survival at that level. In May 2002, despite being Altrincham's player of the season, the lure of Conference football took him to Leigh RMI on a 2-year contract. Leigh surprisingly released him in October 2003 after he had been their player of the year in 02/03. He rejoined Alty on 17 October 2003 and made his (second) Alty debut at Hyde on 21 October 2003. After an impressive series of performances Stuart underwent a hernia operation in May 2004 but was fit to star again in season 2004-05 when once again he enhanced his reputation, not least with some important penalty saves. Appearances to June 2005: 265, 1 goal.

Chris, an Altrincham postman, signed from Ashton United in late May 2001, after being at Alty previously in 1997 when he made just one substitute appearance. Before coming to Moss Lane in 1997 he had played at Congleton Town with his unrelated namesake, Danny Adams. Chris moved from Moss Lane via Nantwich Town to Trafford and has also played at Droylsden, Northwich Victoria and Oldham Athletic in his career. In 2001-02, he was ever-present till sidelined by a hernia injury in December but he returned in August 2002 only to be released by Bernard Taylor after just two league games in 2002-03.

Chris returned to Alty on the appointment of Graham Heathcote as manager and made his third 'debut' for the club on 15 October, 2002 at Burscough. From then he has been the regular left-back. Chris has also played 50 minutes in goal, at Harrogate in August 2003 but was sidelined by a shoulder injury in January 2004 and then broke his right arm in February 2004 and was out for the rest of the season. In 2004-05 he turned out both at left-back and in left-midfield and was ever-present till injured in late January, after which he returned to play consistently well and earn the Tom Earley clubman of the year award in 2005. Picture by Terry Rowley. Career appearances for Alty at June 2005 - 153(+1), 3 goals.

Steve Aspinall was signed in early July 2003 from Vauxhall Motors, where he had been during much of the previous two seasons. Steve is the son of John Aspinall, who played for Tranmere Rovers and Altrincham in the 1980s and went on to manage Bangor City. Though Steve originally played as a central midfielder for Alty, he performed so well at right-back when Gary Scott was injured, that he kept the position even when Gary regained fitness. Steve is the first-choice penalty-kick taker and regularly takes free-kicks and corners. Towards the end of 2004-05 an ankle injury sidelined him for several games and he underwent an operation on it in the summer.

Steve started his career at Poulton Victoria and was also on Tranmere's books and has also played for Runcorn, (whom he joined from Bamber Bridge in December 2001), Chorley, Winsford, Vauxhall Motors and Macclesfield Town. Appearances to June 2005: 95+3, 13 goals (inc. 11 pens).

Flixton-born Kirk is a former Man. United Reserve and, in 2002-03, was a first-team squad member at Old Trafford (assigned squad no.28). He is a left-back/midfielder, who had a spell in the USA before returning to play for Altrincham Reserves in October 2004. After joining United in 1997, Kirk gained first team experience whilst on loan from United to Royal Antwerp, with whom he spent 2001-02 season. In 2002-03 he went on loan to Scottish club, Livingston. In May, 2003 he moved from United to Blackpool on a free transfer before going to Halifax Town, also on a free transfer, in September 2004. He underwent a cartilage operation in December 2004 but made his Alty debut as a late sub at Kettering on 19 Feb. 2005. Appearances to June 2005: 4+5, 0 goals.

Born in Liverpool, Mark is a centre-back who originally joined Altrincham in 1996 and returned to Moss Lane in December 1998 after a brief spell at Barrow. He then re-established himself as first-choice centre-back and also played occasionally in 1999/2000 at right-back and in midfield. A very popular and whole-hearted player, nick-named 'Mad Dog', Mark is an excellent tackler. He had a fine season in 2001-02 and firmly re-established himself again as a first-choice centre-back. He assumed the captaincy in 2003 but picked up a hairline heel fracture in the first game of 2003-04 and was out for several weeks. Despite returning to action, the injury continued to cause problems and his season was further disrupted when an ear infection sidelined him in December 2003/January 2004. However, he is now re-established as a regular at centre-back and made his 300th appearance in January 2005. He is the club's senior professional. Appearances to June 2005: 298+19, 11 goals.

Aged 19, George is a tall centre-back/right-back who established himself in 2004-05 after emerging from the Reserves. He was formerly at Blackpool FC and Morecambe (reserves and first team) and has also represented the Lancashire FA. After coming on as a late sub against Lancaster in Nationwide North on 29 January 2005, he made his full Alty debut on 1 February 2005 in the Cheshire Senior Cup at Vauxhall. However, his first league start was as a right-back at Kettering on 19 February 2005. Appearances to June 2005: 16+5, 0 goals.

Karl signed for Alty on 24 July 2005 after pre-season trials. He was with Oldham Athletic as a schoolboy and also played for Manchester Boys alongside Wes Brown. He then joined Swansea City as a YTS trainee and earned a contract during which he made one appearance for the first team. In 1999 he left on a free transfer for a brief spell at Haverfordwest. After a trial with Brighton, he signed for Macclesfield in summer 1999 and played in central midfield. He spent much of 2004-05 at Halifax Town but in March 2005 he moved to Northwich Vics having been earlier sidelined at The Shay by injury. Six-footer Karl, who hails from Cheetham Hill, made his Alty debut as a sub at right back in a friendly against Morton on 16 July 2005 but he has since also played at centre-back.

Gary Talbot originally signed for Alty towards the end of the 1998/99 season from Winsford United. He is a commanding centre-back and an excellent header of the ball who is also a threat to opponents' goals at corners and free-kicks. His former clubs include Rhyl, Barnton, Wilmslow Albion and Witton Albion. He was sold by Alty to Northwich for a fee of £2,500 on 25 January, 2001 in the wake of Alty's financial rescue package, announced earlier that week. He became the Vics' captain by the end of that season but was released and re-joined Altrincham for the 2002-03 season when he was a regular first-teamer and occasional captain. He has played consistently well for Alty once again in 2004-05 and captained the side on several occasions. Appearances by June 2004 - 232(+3), goals 17.

Peter signed from Hyde United for a small fee in July 2002. He had joined Hyde United, where he became captain, from Bollington Athletic in July 1998 and was used as a striker. Having served a suspension, he made his league debut in the fourth game of the 2002-03 season when he appeared in central midfield and scored a goal. Peter soon established himself in the first team and played well in various positions, occupying every outfield role except left-back. He is a whole-hearted player wherever he plays but is probably at his best in central defence. Peter became captain when Mark Maddox was suspended in August 2004 and retained this role even after Mark's return, when he moved into midfield. Peter left for Northwich Victoria on 3 December 2004 but returned in 2005 close season. Appearances for Alty at June 2004 - 154, goals 6.

Lewis is a young midfielder who, as well as possessing a good touch, is strong in the air and has a long throw. He made his youth team debut in the last match of 2002/03 season and went on to captain that side on occasions. After being a regular for the Reserves in 2004-05, Lewis was an unused sub in the FA Trophy match at Gainsborough on 27 November 2004 and made his full debut on 28 March 2005 against Hinckley. By the end of 2004-05 he had become a regular member of the first-team squad. Appearances to June 2005: 4+10, 0 goals.

Central-midfielder Steve rejoined Altrincham in early June 2005 from Stocksbridge Park Steels, whom he had joined from Worksop Town. Steve was previously at Moss Lane from late 1999 to May 2002. He was appointed Altrincham captain on 27 January 2001 on the departure of Gary Talbot. Surprisingly released by Alty, he joined Worskop Town in May 2002 having made almost 200 appearances for The Robins. Steve had originally joined Altrincham from Hull City, for whom he had started 18 league games. Before that he was the youngest player ever to play in the Sheffield United first team, for which he made 1 full and 3 substitute appearances, before moving on to Belle Vue where he played 18 full games for Doncaster Rovers. Steve then drifted into Sunday league football before being signed by Bernard Taylor in 1999. He turned down a £20,000 move to Southport in December, 2000. Though generally a central-midfielder, he had a spell for Alty in 2001-02 at right-back. He is also a proficient taker of corners and free-kicks and has a good long throw. Appearances to June 2005: 193+4, 17 goals..

A tough-tackling central-midfielder, Liverpool-born Eddie was a junior at Everton, who released him in May 1997, after he had played for their Reserves and had been included in their Premiership squad during 1996-97. Following spells with Winsford United, Northwich Vics and Chorley, Eddie joined Altrincham from Marine in mid-June 2004. After a minor knee operation in the summer, Eddie made his debut in a friendly on 4 August 2004 and then started all of the early 2004-05 league games. By October, after regaining fitness, he was playing impressively and, following the departure of Peter Band, was named team captain. A knee injury affected him again towards the end of the season and a cartilage operation was carried out in summer 2005 but now (July 2005) a cruciate operation is needed, which will keep Eddie sidelined for at least 6 months. Appearances to June 2005: 51+1, 5 goals.

Nehru is an ex-Hyde midfielder, signed by Alty after impressing in pre-season to 2005-06. He was with Moss Amateurs in the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League before being signed by Mike McKenzie for Hyde in July, 2001. In 2002 Nehru opened a music studio at the Millennium Power House, in Moss Side, Manchester which is open to local youngsters wishing to learn about the music industry.

Former semi-pro international right-sided/central midfielder, Richard signed from Northwich Victoria on 4 February 2005 and made his debut the next day in the FA Trophy. He made his league debut two weeks later at Kettering. Richard started at Marine (1992-96) and went for £20,000 to Crewe Alexandra in 1996 before injury led to his joining the Vics in 2000. Richard made some 200 appearances for the Vics and also can claim to have scored England's first ever international Futsal goal. He gradually regained fitness as the 2004-05 season drew to a close. Appearances to June 2005: 13+5, 1 goal.

Altrincham signed JAmes, a left-sided midfielder, from Vauxhall Motors on 15 July 2005. In 2004-05 he played 44 games for the Motormen and scored 7 times. A former Liverpool Schoolboys player, he joined Liverpool FC as a left-back before moving to Tranmere Rovers in March 2001. In summer 2001 he suffered a broken neck in training and the Birkenhead club eventually released him, in spring 2004, after he had made 6 first-team appearances. He had 2 games at Macclesfield (25 March to May 2004) before being released and joining Vauxhall for 2004-05 season. He is 5'10" tall, weighs 12 stone and was born in Bootle.

Val joined Altrincham Reserves during 2004-05 having been out of the game since leaving Halifax Town in April 2004. He had joined the Shaymen, for whom he made 19 appearances and scored 2 goals, from Northwich Victoria on 4 December 2003. Val started his career at Hyde United after moving from local amateur football. In June 1998 he joined Northwich and later moved to Hednesford Town. After a brief loan spell at Southport, he joined the Vics again in October 2001 and was their captain at the start of the 2002-03 campaign. In autumn 2004 Val impressed in the Alty Reserves and made his first-team debut on 23 October 2004. He immediately established himself as a strong-tackling regular in central midfield where he formed a formidable partnership with Eddie Hussin. Val also scored some crucial goals in the 2004-05 promotion play-offs. Appearances to June 2005: 35+2, 6 goals.

Colin is a skilful right-sided wing-man whose former clubs include Rochdale, Morecambe, Chorley and Bamber Bridge. More recently he was at Lancaster City (from Nov. 2000) before moving to Stalybridge in May 2003 and then on to Northwich Victoria in November 2003. In February 2004 he returned to Stalybridge for £3,000. After spending the summer training with Southport, who did not sign him, Colin rejoined the Vics in early August 2004, but almost immediately made his Alty debut in a friendly against Blackburn Rovers on 6 August before signing for the Robins four days later. He made a strong, early impression at Moss Lane and established himself in the team on the right flank but the end of the season saw him having to play on through injury. Appearances to June 2005: 52+5, 9 goals.

Stephen was a junior with Manchester United before having a loan spell at Bournemouth. He then progressed via Bristol Rovers to Chester City, for whom he played in the Conference in 2001-02, before being released in May, 2002 and joining Alty. Stephen made his UniBond debut on 17 August 2002 and established himself as a virtual ever-present starter. He is a versatile player who has appeared at centre-back, full-back and, in 2003-04, regularly in central midfield for Altrincham. In 2004-05 has played at left-back as well as in left- and central-midfield before breaking his leg at Worcester on 30 October 2004. Stephen was back in training in January 2005 but was not fit enough to resume for the first-team before the end of that season. Career appearances for Alty at June 2004 - 112(+8), 1 goal.

Gary (left) made his debut for Altrincham on 3 October 2000 as a midfielder (v. Stalybridge). Born in Liverpool, he began his career at Tranmere Rovers but moved to Rotherham United on 7 August 1997. Gary then played for Marine and Leigh, who released him after he had made 9 Conference appearances. After two games in Alty's midfield, his first appearance for Altrincham at right-back was at home to Leek Town (10/10/00) and he opened his scoring account with two goals at Hyde (16//10/00)> Gary played for the Unibond XI against the F.A. XI (22/11/00). Defensive experiments meant that he was an irregular rather than ever-present member of the team at the end of 2000-01 but he became a regular starter in 2001-02, either at right-back or in midfield, until injured in March 2002. He made a brief return at the very end of the 2001-02 season but re-established himself as the regular right-back for 2002-03 and 2003-04 till injury curtailed his appearances in late August 2003. On his return he played mostly in right midfield until a non-football facial injury sidelined him in February 2004 but he recovered to reclaim his place in April 2004. However, a knee injury sidelined him in September 2004 before he returned in October. In early 2005 was playing in left-midfield or left-back but in summer 2005 was awaiting a leg operation. Appearances by June 2004 - 193(+18), goals 9.

Lutel made his debut for Alty on 28 July 2005 in a friendly against Lincoln City and signed non-contract forms for Altrincham the next day. Lutel's early career was at Selby Town, Yorkshire Amateurs and Scarborough before he joined Guiseley. From there he moved to Hyde in 1996. He joined Bury from Hyde in 1998 but they released him at the start of the 2000-01 campaign. Lutel next joined Accrington Stanley where he had a prodigious scoring record. In November 2004 he went on three-months' loan to Droylsden but picked up an injury. He is a St Kitts & Nevis international.

Altrincham FC signed Colin Little, whose last club was Halifax Town, on 5 July 2004. Colin, a two-footed striker, is a local lad, born in Wythenshawe. He signed for Hyde United in August 1995 but moved to Crewe Alexandra for £50,000 on 6 February 1996. He made 193 appearances for Alex and scored 33 goals before going on loan to Mansfield in October 2002, where he played 5 games. He then went on loan to Macclesfield in December 2002, for whom he eventually signed on a free transfer in May 2003. He made 26+8 appearances and scored 7 goals for Macc. before joining Halifax Town in March 2004, for whom he played 8 games and scored twice. Alty fans may wish to forget that Colin scored two of Crewe's three goals in their Cheshire Senior Cup Final win, 3-0 over Alty at the Drill Field, Northwich in 2002 and that he also got the winner as Alex won 3-2 against Alty in the CSC 1st Round in September, 2002. Colin was previously at Alty as a junior as well as being at Wythenshawe Town, Rossendale United and Hyde United before joining Crewe. He had also had a brief spell at Bury. His Alty career started impressively with 38 goals in the 2004-05 season. After intially playing on the left, he now normally starts up front. Appearances to June 2005: 56, 38 goals.

Kieran (left) is a pacy striker, with good control, who joined Altrincham with his twin-brother Kelvin in April 2003. Kieran made his first-team debut, as a substitute, in the UniBond League Cup match at Workington on 18 November 2003 but suffered a broken arm and head injuries on his impressive full debut at Whitby in April 2004 but he recovered fully for 2004-05 season. However, his appearances have been mainly limited to a substitute's role to date. App's to June 2005: 6(+44), 3 goals.

For Marcus HALLOWS, see Squad of 2004-05.