Words John Edwards

Altrincham's outstanding recent form has been officially recognised after Neil Gibson was named Enterprise National League manager of the month for September.

Neil was voted the National League's top boss after seeing off competition from three other nominees to win the coveted prize ahead Saturday's Emirates FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with FC United of Manchester at The J.Davidson Stadium (tickets here).

What a fitting accolade for the Alty manager after the way he led his in-form side into the play-off places with a return of five wins and one defeat during September.

As he reflected on an award that was delivered to The J.Davidson Stadium earlier this week, the gaffer was keen to stress it had been a team effort, as he said:

"It feels really, really good to have got this, but I see it not so much as a personal thing but more as recognition for the club as a whole after the run we have been on through the month of September.

"I know recipients of these awards always say this, but it is a fact that I've got such a tight group of staff and a squad of players who deserve so much credit for what they've done in games out on the pitch.

"The results we have picked up are a reflection of how hard our staff and players have worked and how well supported we are by everyone associated with the club off the pitch.

"It's all credit to the way we have responded to what was a tricky start to the season. Looking at September, the Woking game hurt us, but it's great credit to the staff and players for the way we dusted ourselves down and set about putting things right.

"We've got a very small group of staff at the club, but a very good one. My assistant Lee Jones is absolutely first class, Kyle Taylor as head of performance, Thomas Cadman head of medical and Andy Firth doubling up as goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach.

"It's a tight five-man team of full-time staff members, and they all do a great job."

Three successive defeats at the start of the campaign soon seemed a distant memory as Alty embarked on a spectacular upturn in form and fortunes with a 2-1 home win over FC Halifax Town on August 28th.

A 2-1 win at Forest Green Rovers followed three days later, and then it was into the golden month of September, in which a setback at Woking was the only blemish as the Robins reeled off wins over Eastleigh, Hartlepool United, AFC Fylde, Hornchurch and Gateshead to put the boss in pole position for an honour that duly came his way.

Great stuff, Neil - everyone at the club would like to add their congratulations for an award that is thoroughly deserved.