Words Brian Flynn | Pictures Jonathan Moore

A quick New Year's loan update as we enter the second half of the 2023/24 season...

Alex Newby’s loan from Colchester United has been extended by a month until the end of January (subject to FA ratification). Alex scored within five minutes of his debut in the 6-1 rout of Ebbsfleet United on September 23rd and has started all 15 National League games since his arrival and the FA Cup tie against Oldham Athletic.

Five National League goals gives the former Chorley and Rochdale player a strike rate of one every three games, an excellent return for a winger.

Since joining Altrincham, the team has progressed from 11th to 6th place in the Vanarama National League and Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel are delighted to have extended Alex’s loan for a further month.

Marcus Dackers has returned to Salford City, following the expiration of his loan at The J.Davidson Stadium. Marcus scored the first goal in the 6-1 demolition of Solihull Moors on his debut on November 25th and started in all four National League games until the end of the year, as well as the FA Trophy win at Halifax last month.

At 6’ 7” tall, Marcus helped us in achieving one of Phil Parkinson’s main objectives for the season, namely, to win more headers in both penalty areas.

We would like to thank Marcus for making a positive contribution during his time at Altrincham and wish him well on his return to Salford City, where he will be aiming to become part of The Ammies plans, once a new manager is appointed to replace the recently departed Neil Wood.

Amaar Hussain has joined Clitheroe on loan for a month (subject to FA ratification). The 19-year-old was one of our first Academy graduates in 2022, but suffered an anterior cruciate
ligament injury, whilst on loan at Alsager Town, which required surgery.
Fast forward 12 months and, Amaar, who also had a successful loan spell at Hyde United last season, returned to action as a substitute in the 4-0 Cheshire Senior Cup win against Stalybridge Celtic at the end of November and is now ready to help Clitheroe in their bid to gain a place in the play-offs in the Northern Premier League-West Division.

The Lancashire side, managed by former Trafford boss, Danny Caldecott, are currently three points outside the play-offs with a game in hand and have attracted a season average of almost 800 to league games at their EcoGiants Stadium, the highest in the division.

Everyone at Altrincham Football Club wishes Amaar well in his time at Clitheroe.

Owen German’s loan at Warrington Rylands has been extended until the end of the season (subject to FA ratification). Owen, one of four Academy graduates from last summer, has been on loan at The Blues since October, making an impressive debut in a 1-0 home victory over Hyde United and was awarded Man of the Match in a 1-1 draw with Basford United in November.

Michael Clegg’s side are currently second in The Northern Premier League-Premier Division, behind Radcliffe, so Owen has the opportunity to develop in a team that is very firmly in the promotion race in a very competitive division.

We wish Owen all the best in his venture to try to help Warrington Rylands continue their very swift upward curve and reach National League North for the first time in the club’s history.