The first thing I need to do in this update is congratulate Altrincham FC Women on their outstanding run in this season’s Women’s FA Cup.

As disappointing as Sunday’s result was, they deserve an enormous amount of credit for getting as far as they did against some really tough opposition, and especially having to navigate four straight away ties. Even when going two down early on against York, a team two tiers above, they never gave up, continued to fight and gave everything for the shirt until the final whistle. They, and we, should all be very proud of what they have achieved. 

It was nice to see Neil Gibson and Lee Jones at the game showing their support. Maybe the men’s first team squad should have shown up too, not only to support the girls but to see their courage, commitment, fighting spirit and give everything attitude.

They certainly could have all learned something after what happened at Telford! I can assure you the Board and I share the disappointment and frustration of what happened on Saturday. 

Injury Update

We really have been hit hard this season with injuries but that's something we have to accept and deal with in football. While I don’t want to make excuses, injuries have clearly hampered our progress to a certain degree. 

Ethan Ross is continuing with his rehab, but there is no update yet as to when he will be available for selection

Billy Sass-Davies is making really good progress, however we cannot rush things and I hope to be able to give a clearer update on when we may see him on the pitch in the next update

Lewis Banks is progressing well after knee surgery and we are realistically looking at March for his return

Billy Waters is back in training and fingers crossed we hope to see Billy back in the squad for Friday’s game with Rochdale

Sam Reed’s progress has been good, but again it’s too soon to give any accurate indication of when he will return, although we are hopeful for February

Louie Fallon is almost back to full fitness and should be available for selection after Friday’s game 

Kahrel Reddin will be back training later this week and should return to the matchday squad at the latest next week

Sam Barnes is likely to be available by the end of January

Fans' Forum

The Fans' Forum is planned and will happen within the first six weeks of the new year. It can be relatively difficult getting everyone together in person, however, we have a few suitable dates and will make an announcement on the date and the format in early January.

In the mean time, we’ll be opening the CSH Bar to home ticket holders from 5:30pm on Friday for an informal Meet The Board session ahead of the Rochdale game. Myself, Sam Mackenzie, John Coyne and Phil Adams will be available from 5:45pm to answer any questions you have, and you’ll also have the chance to bid on Kahrel’s match-worn shirt from the win at Truro City in November. 

Fan Zone

Due to the growing popularity of the Fan Zone during home matchdays we’ve made an application to extend it for next season. This will give us a larger area with more serving hatches and a small stage.

It is of course the FAN Zone, so please take the time to look at the plans and if any supporters have ideas about how we can improve any aspect of it please let us know, any ideas will be considered. 

Finally, we have a very tough run of fixtures coming up and I hope that after Saturday the players have looked at themselves in the mirror and accept those standards are not the ones required to play for this club.

I expect, come Friday evening, they are ready to show everyone they have not only the ability, but the heart and the courage to get this club back to where it should be.