NL 2025/26 Squad Update and Pre-season: Altrincham

29th July 2025 3:07 pm

Alty’s mixed bag as Gale blows strong

Altrincham’s pre-season was a mixed bag of strong attacking displays and defensive inconsistencies. They opened with an impressive 3–0 win over Warrington Town, pressing high and linking up well in attack, with Nuttall, Crankshaw, and Gale on target. A narrow 2–1 defeat to Radcliffe followed despite Gale’s early strike, as defensive lapses cost them control. The Robins bounced back in the Isle of Man tournament, beating FC Isle of Man 3–1 in the third-place play-off thanks to goals from Ward, Gale, and an own goal after an early setback. Their final outing ended in a 3–1 defeat to Darlington, where they dominated much of the second half but were undone by clinical finishing.

James Gale emerged as the standout performer, scoring four goals in four games and quickly establishing himself as a reliable finisher with strength and composure. Crankshaw and Ward also linked up well with midfield support from Raymond and Osborne, showing promising signs in attack. The full-backs – Banks, Golden, Reed, and youngster Edwards – impressed with their energy and contributions on both ends of the pitch.

Overall, Phil Parkinson’s side showcased glimpses of an intense pressing style and attacking fluidity, but defensive lapses and set-piece vulnerabilities remain areas to address before the season kicks off. The integration of trialists and young players added depth and competition for places, leaving Altrincham with positives to build on and lessons learned from their two defeats.

Pre-season results at a glance

Warrington Town 0–3 Altrincham
📅 July 12 | ✅ Win
⚽ Nuttall, Crankshaw, Gale
📝 A dominant opener with high intensity, sharp pressing, and strong link-up play. Raymond impressed creatively, while Crankshaw and Gale showed immediate attacking threat.

Altrincham 1–2 Radcliffe
📅 July 18 | ❌ Loss
⚽ Gale
📝 Gale scored early, continuing his hot streak, but defensive lapses saw Alty surrender the lead. Youngsters gained useful minutes, but the team lacked control in key phases.

Altrincham 3–1 FC Isle of Man (3rd place play-off)
📅 July 20 | ✅ Win
⚽ Own Goal, Ward, Gale
📝 Alty recovered from a shock early goal to dominate the second half. Ward’s clever header and a stoppage-time Gale goal capped a strong team performance. Full-backs Banks, Golden, Reed, and youngster Edwards stood out.

Darlington 3–1 Altrincham
📅 July 26 | ❌ Loss
⚽ Gale
📝 Despite large spells of second-half pressure and chances, Alty were undone by clinical Darlo finishing. Gale made it 4 goals in 4 games, while Jameson (Darlington GK) denied Alty multiple times.

Key performers

James Gale — 4 goals in 4 games, scoring in every match since his debut. Brings strength, composure, and a clinical edge in front of goal.

Tactical notebook and insights

Attack clicking: Gale, Crankshaw, and Ward forming a promising trio; good link-up from midfielders like Raymond and Osborne.
Defensive lapses: Goals conceded from set-pieces and moments of slackness (esp. vs Radcliffe & Darlington).
Squad depth improving: Trialists and youngsters (Raymond, Edwards, Reddin, Bailey) gaining valuable minutes and showing potential.
Promising energy and pressing: Notably vs Warrington and Isle of Man, with early signs of Parkinson’s preferred high-intensity style.

Updated squad list

Signings since July

Luke Hutchinson (goalkeeper, Bolton, season-long loan)
Charlie Kirk (Barrow)

Altrincham have strengthened their squad with a further two key additions ahead of the new season. Experienced winger Charlie Kirk joins after an impressive pre-season trial, bringing over 300 Football League appearances and a reputation for creativity and attacking flair. At 27, Kirk is seen as a high-calibre signing capable of unlocking defences and replacing the departed Alex Newby’s influence on the left flank.

Meanwhile, Luke Hutchinson arrives on a season-long loan from Bolton Wanderers to fill the number one spot while Ethan Ross recovers from injury. The highly rated young goalkeeper has EFL experience with Marine and Crawley Town and is expected to provide a reliable presence between the sticks as he continues his development. Both signings add quality and depth, bolstering Phil Parkinson’s promotion-chasing squad.

Departures since July

Owen German, Alfreton (loan, January 2026)

Earlier in the summer

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)
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), Elliot Osborne (MID), Owen German (MID — now departed on loan), Isaac Marriott (MID), Olly Crankshaw (MID), Kahrel Reddin (FWD), Lucas Weaver (FWD), Matty Kosylo (FWD)
Departed: Regan Linney (Carlisle United), Alex Newby (York City), Justin Amaluzor (Grimsby Town)
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)