WE'RE delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Mackenzie as the permanent CEO of Altrincham FC.

Sam's involvement with the Robins began in 2021 as Director of Partnerships & Sponsorships, before initially taking on the extra responsibilities of CEO, in an interim capacity, from December of last year.

She's now fully focused on driving the club forward as the 2024/25 season moves ever-closer.

"I am honoured and proud to be entrusted with this senior position at Altrincham Football Club," Sam said. "I have made friends whilst at Altrincham and I thank them all for supporting me in the role. My goal is to continue to build on our already strong presence in the local community.

"To represent women in the football industry. To work with our Community Trust to deliver outstanding initiatives that reflect our community needs. To help the transition of the women's team from AFC Community Sports to the Football Club; they are heading for great things. To support our juniors as they build a strong and sustainable football pathway for our local children and young adults.

"I will respect the history of the club whilst looking to tomorrow as we modernise the way we work and push boundaries. Our volunteers, players, management, staff, partners, investors, Altrincham, Directors, fans and all local stakeholders can work together to deliver a football club that sits at the heart of Altrincham and makes it proud.

"We are stronger together as we build a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy and come together at Altrincham FC. There will be challenges maybe drama, smiles and possibly tears... but we are one. The future is bright, the future is red and white.

"I look forward to the season starting and building on the success Phil and Neil delivered so brilliantly last year. Our squad is solid and I know the football will continue to give us lots to cheer about. If you can, please buy a season ticket. Thank you to everyone who already has, it makes a big impact.

"I can't wait to see you all!"

Co-Chairman Bill Waterson is delighted Sam agreed to take on the role permanently.

"In Sam's three years on the board of Altrincham FC as Partnership and Sponsorship Director, she has taken the club's relationships with our strategic partners to an entirely new level, developing new, strong commercial relationships and deepening existing ones, and in addition strived to do the same for Altrincham FC Community Sports, where she also sits on the board.

"For Sam to now assume the Chief Executive role at the Club is a natural extension of her work to date, and she will bring a combination of an outstanding work ethic, unparalleled drive and ambition and a superbly well connected network to the position.

"As Alty look to continue our rise, I am delighted we have Sam Mackenzie at the helm for this next chapter, as the new season fast approaches."

The messages of congratulations and glowing testimonials have added to the huge sense of positivity surrounding Sam's appointment (Sam is pictured on her first day with the club).

"Congratulations to Altrincham FC on their inspiring appointment of Sam Mackenzie as their CEO. Sam is a trailblazer in football. She has shown how with vision and determination it is possible for football to change a community for the good.

"She has brought strong and resilient leadership to the club, and I am really looking forward to seeing her impact in this new era" - Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair, The FA

"The appointment of Sam Mackenzie as CEO is a great move by the Altrincham board. The club has made strides since Sam joined the club in her commercial role and similarly during her time as interim CEO.

"She will support the on-field push for promotion next season, whilst ensuring a professional approach to growth off-field, particularly around fan engagement and the work the club does in the community" - Chris Brindley MBE, Business Club speaker

"I am delighted that Sam has been made CEO. She is an outstanding ambassador for the club who makes a huge effort to liaise with the local community.

"One of the main reasons McHale and Co. have renewed its shirt sponsorship is because of the efforts of Sam to engage and promote us, as she does with the other sponsors and she does a great job of running so many aspects of the club that it totally makes sense that she is permanently appointed as CEO. The club will go from strength to strength with Sam as CEO" - Adam McHale, Partner, McHale & Co.

We'll have more updates from Sam, including an Alty TV interview, ahead of the start of the new season on August 10.