Words: John Edwards

John King's name will live on at The J.Davidson Stadium after the club decided to dedicate the sponsors' lounge to the memory of a player and manager whose impact on Altrincham's fortunes is without equal.

As a firebrand captain of Tony Sanders' all-conquering side of the late-70s and early-80s, he took the Robins to the pinnacle of non-League football, and, as manager, he kept them up there, challenging for honours on all fronts.

In recognition of that immense contribution, the club are delighted to announce that our hospitality venue at the ground will now be known as The John King Lounge.

What a fitting and thoroughly deserved tribute to a larger-than-life Robins legend who Tony Sanders turned to for on-the-field leadership after recruiting players who would themselves go on to become household names at Moss Lane.

It was a squad full of strong characters and no little ability, but Kingy was very much the leader, the talisman they all looked up to and who managed to instil, in roughly equal measure, confidence in them and fear in opponents.

The black beard and blazing eyes as he drove his side on is an image that endures to this day in the minds of many an Alty fan, and it will continue to after the latest honour to be bestowed on him.

The renaming is part of a relaunch of the club's matchday hospitality offering for the new campaign, with a more premium service planned in a stylish lounge that will be adorned with iconic nostalgia-filled John King photography and quotes.

It is hoped the King family will officially open the new-look lounge at the start of next season, after an invitation was issued to them, and they have been made aware of the news, with John's son David King saying he was "delighted" and adding "that's brilliant from the club."

Confirming a development that should make the lounge an even more appealing setting for Robins fans to enjoy the finest hospitality whilst following the team's fortunes, Alty director John Coyne said: "As a club steeped in history, it felt only fitting that, when we were looking to rebrand our main matchday hospitality space, we named it in honour of a club icon.

"The sponsors' lounge has been a real success story over the past three seasons, and as we enhance that hospitality experience, the John King Lounge will prove to be an even more fantastic space for us on a matchday."

In all, John King clocked up over 200 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals, and made a name for himself that extended way beyond the Altrincham area for the way, over the course of 90 minutes at least, he showed scant regard for lofty reputations during the Robins' fabled FA Cup giantkilling exploits.

It was with great sadness that we learned of his passing in February last year, but his name is now woven into the fabric of Moss Lane with the advent of the John King Lounge as the home of hospitality packages for the 2024-25 season and beyond.

For more information on our Seasonal Hospitality package for 2024/25, please email sam@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk.