FAN'S VIEW: ALTRINCHAM FC SEASON PREVIEW

We spoke with Altrincham fan Alex about his hopes and fears ahead of the club's 2015/16 season.

HOW DID YOU FEEL THE 14/15 SEASON WENT FOR YOUR TEAM?

14/15 was excellent. We were one of the favourites to go down due to the nature of our promotion in 13/14 (last minute of extra time) and that we were part time with a limited budget. We finished 17th and were safe with four games left. 

HAVE YOU BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE ADDITIONS MADE DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?

We have made the additions we feel are necessary and don't sign players for the sake of signing. Michael Rankine looks like a fantastic player, movement, pace and presence. Will link up perfectly with Damian Reeves (our top scorer and superb player). We have also signed Anthony Griffith (yes, the Montserrat international) who previously played at Port Vale and Shrewsbury among others, so he has plenty of experience in the centre of midfield. In Jordan Sinnott (son of our manager Lee), we have a player with pace, strength and a wicked free kick and crossing ability. Tim Deasy is a goalkeeper we have previously seen at Moss Lane and looks like he will challenge our legendary keeper Stuart Coburn for the number one spot. Josh O'Keefe, who played for Kidderminster last season, looks to add strength and agility to our midfield. George Bowerman, formerly of Accrington Stanley, has scored plenty of goals in his career so far and we hope he can maintain this.

ARE THERE ANY AREAS YOU FEEL STILL NEED STRENGTHENING?

I believe we still need another winger. Last year we had Nicky Clee and Ryan Crowther but they had injury problems and we had to move players around and out of position. They adapted very well but I feel that, in case anything serious occurs, we can always do with a back-up. I am happy with our squad, they seem to have blended well and each have experience, which is ideal if we are going to have a good season.

ARE THERE ANY FIXTURES THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FORWARD TO?

I always look for Macclesfield Town at home and away. They are our local rivals and last year the two league games (and one FA Trophy match) were excellent, full of incident and great action. James Lawrie (my favourite player and Northern Ireland international) scored a wonder goal from 30 yards in the last minute. We had not played them in 17 years so to win like that after all that time was incredible. It was a late and cold September Tuesday night game but the place was on fire. We also have Guiseley joining us from the Conference North, who we beat in the last minute of extra time in the play-off final in 13/14. We play them away on the first Tuesday (11th August) which is their first home game at this level so that is a fixture which will be feisty.

WHICH OPPOSITION TEAM DO YOU HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?

Grimsby. I've always liked the team and the supporters. We drew 0-0 there last year and our teams was applauded off by their fans after an excellent defensive display. Likewise when they travelled to Cheshire, a 1-1 draw this time (we scored in the last minute, again), the atmosphere they provided was fantastic. The banter and general behaviour of their many fans was brilliant and I am looking forward to seeing them challenge for promotion again. They were really unlucky to lose on penalties at Wembley last season in the play off final.

WHICH PLAYERS AMONG YOUR SQUAD SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR THIS TERM?

Our squad is excellent. With pace, strength and experience, I'm sure we can have a successful season. Two players stand out for me: Michael Rankine (striker) is someone I eluded to in a previous question. He played against us last season and was fantastic. Agility, strength and leaping ability. What else could you ask for? Luca Havern (centre back). Our 'first name on the team sheet' guy. I was delighted when we re-signed him for this season as I thought a league team would snap him up. Their loss. Pacey, superb tackler and a commander in the back line. A real fan favourite.

WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'LL END UP AT THE END OF THE SEASON?

We're a better squad and have a years experience now and we can kick on and aim high. However, we can also crumble like other teams have suffered 'second season syndrome'. Our fans are nervous but our manager has mentioned '20/20' this summer. This means scoring 20 more and conceding 20 fewer. If that happens, we will be looking for top half. That would be absolutely excellent.