NL 2025/26 Preview: Altrincham

6th July 2025 9:47 pm

Altrincham FC: 2025/26 Season Preview – Build or Bust?

After a campaign that promised so much but faded late on, Altrincham FC enter the 2025/26 season with hopes of kicking on—but questions still linger. A 9th-place finish in 2024/25 marked another solid showing under Phil Parkinson, and a respectable FA Trophy quarter-final run suggested progress. But a limp end to the season and the loss of key players has fans asking whether Alty can take the next step—or risk plateauing again.

Last Season in Review

League Position: 9th
FA Trophy: Quarter-final (lost to Rochdale)
FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round (lost on penalties to Solihull Moors)
Average Attendance: 2,088
Standout Player: Regan Linney (departed for Carlisle United)

Despite a competitive first two-thirds of the season, Alty took just 9 points from their final 10 games, slipping into the bottom-six of the league’s form table. The abrupt drop-off stalled a potential play-off push, and while FA Trophy hopes kept spirits up, it wasn’t enough to fully mask the inconsistency.

Summer Business

Altrincham have been one of the busier clubs in early summer, and while the squad is not yet complete, fans are broadly encouraged.

The recent contract extension of Ethan Ross, who some regard as the National League’s “best goalkeeper” (pictured above), was seen as a huge coup but the loss of Regan Linney, voted in to the National League’s coveted “Team of the Season“, tempers the enthusiasm slightly.

There is a strong sense that defensive structure is falling into place. The re-signing of Jake Cooper has been widely praised, with Banks and Golden offering flexibility for a wing-back system.

In midfield, fans are content—particularly with Marriott’s return helping to lock down the centre of the park.

The squad has a youthful makeup, with Matty Kosylo (33 in August) the only player over 30. Now in his sixth season at the club, the veteran has taken on a player-coach role. In a recent Alty TV interview, he acknowledged wanting a better return in goals and assists, but his presence on and off the pitch has added valuable experience to the dressing room. As the club looks ahead, Kosylo’s blend of on-field grit and off-field guidance will continue to be vital as Altrincham push for further progress.

The attack has undergone a significant reshuffle. Regan Linney, top scorer and fan favourite, has moved to league rivals, Carlisle United, but incoming striker Jimmy Knowles has brought real optimism.

A proven goal-getter in the National League North, Knowles is seen as a potential breakout star. His familiarity with Keaton Ward and James Gale—all three having previously played together—could bring immediate cohesion in the front line.

Still, supporters remain vocal: a right winger and another proven forward are top priorities.

Signings and retained list

New signings: Billy Sass-Davies (Defender, Hartlepool United), Sam Reed (Defender, free agent from Sheffield Wednesday), Keaton Ward (Forward, Boston United), Jimmy Knowles (Forward, Accrington Stanley), James Gale (Forward, Mansfield Town), Luke Hutchinson (goalkeeper, Bolton, season-long loan), Charlie Kirk (Barrow)
Retained: Ethan Ross (GK), Louie Fallon (GK, Youth graduate), Lewis Banks (DEF), Joel Bailey (DEF), Lewis Baines (DEF), Jake Cooper (DEF), Tylor Golden (DEF), Lucas Edwards (DEF, Youth graduate), Remi Raymond (MID, Youth graduate), Tom Crawford (MID), Owen German (MID — now on loan to Alfreton) Elliot Osborne (MID), Isaac Marriott (MID), Olly Crankshaw (MID), Kahrel Reddin (FWD), Lucas Weaver (FWD), Matty Kosylo (FWD)

Departure list

Departed: Regan Linney (Carlisle United), Alex Newby (York City), Justin Amaluzor (Grimsby Town), Owen German (Alfreton, loan until January 2026)
Released: James Jones, Eddy Jones, George Wilson, Harvey Randle, Rob Lainton, Matt Penney, Remi Thompson, Regan Griffiths
Loans returned: Caleb Anson (Norwich City), Charlie Olson, Brandon Powell (Blackburn), Joe Nuttall (Oldham), Jake Bickerstaff (Wrexham), Callum Dolan (Fleetwood)

Looking ahead

Manager Phil Parkinson remains a cornerstone of Altrincham’s identity, providing tactical consistency and a calm hand during a period of significant squad turnover. His adaptability—shifting between back threes and fours as needed—has kept Alty competitive even with a modest budget. Fans trust his eye for talent and his ability to develop players, but there is also a sense that the coming season will test his ability to evolve the attack without Linney, while integrating younger players and maintaining standards.

The overall feeling? Encouragement, tempered with realism. Compared to recent pre-seasons, this summer’s business has been prompt and intentional.

“We still need to strengthen our starting XI and bench considerably if we’re going to look like we’re moving forward rather than running to stand still.”

Moss Lane has quietly become one of the National League’s more enjoyable away days, with the club’s commitment to engaging families and younger supporters reflected in steadily rising crowds. The players and staff have emphasised the difference the home support made during the playoff push two seasons ago, and a strong home record will be essential if Altrincham are to build momentum. Off the pitch, the club’s visibility in local schools and initiatives such as open training sessions have strengthened ties, building a foundation that matches on-field ambition.

Key Concerns:

Light in wide attacking positions
Depth still thin for a play-off push

Trialists are expected in pre-season, but fans are clear: key areas can’t be left to chance.

2025/26 Prediction: 10th (Play-Off Fringe)

Strengths:

Tactical continuity and stability under Parkinson
Strong midfield and emerging defensive depth
Promising attacking chemistry (Knowles–Ward–Gale)

Weaknesses:

Linney’s goals will be hard to replace
Still missing wide creativity

While there is optimism around the incoming trio of Knowles, Ward, and Gale, many supporters believe the squad still needs an additional forward or winger to fully replace the goals and direct running lost with Linney’s departure. Knowles looks a promising focal point, but Alty remain light on wide options who can consistently isolate defenders and stretch the play, especially if Kosylo’s minutes are managed carefully in his player-coach role. If the club can add a proven wide threat or an experienced forward before the season, it could be the difference between another campaign on the play-off fringes and a genuine push for the top seven. 10th.