Gary Johnson’s men return to league action in front of the BT Sport cameras on Saturday when Altrincham come to Plainmoor.
Who’s the Boss?
Phil Parkinson has been at the helm since April 2017, when Altrincham has been relegated to the Northern Premier League. Parkinson gave up his job as a sports science lecturer to focus on his managerial role at the Greater Manchester club, and has since guided them back up the footballing pyramid to the National League.
His first management role was at the club where he concluded his playing career – Nantwich Town. Parkinson enjoyed much success with the Dabbers, where he was appointed in February 2015.
In 2016, Parkinson guided Nantwich to the FA Trophy Semi-Finals, and a year later his side contested the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Play-Off Semi-Final where they slipped to defeat against Spennymoor Town. It was within a matter of days that Parkinson made the switch to Altrincham.
After winning promotion to the National League via the National League North Play-Off Final in 2020, the Robins went on to finish 17th upon their National League return, before an improved 14th place finish followed in 2021/22.
How have they been doing?
It’s been a slow start to the season for Altrincham, who went nine games without a win, with their first of the season coming in the form of a 1-0 victory against Aldershot on 24th September.
However the Robins have recently picked up some league form, with three wins out of their last five and are currently residing in 16th place on 14 points.
Player to Watch
Ryan Colclough originally signed on a short-term deal following his departure from Scunthorpe United in November 2020, before signing on permanent terms one month later, and going on to score 8 goals in 28 appearances that season.
Altrincham’s number 11 has made 13 appearances for the Greater Manchester side so far this season, scoring 3 goals. Last season the 27-year-old scored 11 in 41 appearances for the Robins.
Described as a ‘free-scoring winger’, Colclough predominantly plays in a left side midfield role and has previously played for the likes of Crewe Alexandra, Wigan, MK Dons, and Scunthorpe.
Played for Both
Harry Perritt came through the youth ranks at Accrington Stanley before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2021. Perritt came to Plainmoor on loan in October 2021 making his debut in a 2-0 win against Kings Lynn Town. The defender made eight appearances for United and after his loan spell ended he joined Altrincham for the rest of the 2021/22 season, in a loan spell that saw him play 12 games and score one goal for the Robins.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United 2 – 0 Altrincham, Tuesday 12th April 2016, National League.
A goal in each half from Luke Young and Shaun Harrad secured a 2-0 win for United back in 2o16, with Young’s strike being his first league goal since October 2014.
Young fired United into the lead on 17 minutes with a powerful strike from 25 yard out, which saw the side lead 1-0 at the break. In the 59th minute the advantage was doubled as Nathan Blissett flicked the ball on for Shaun Harrad to make it 2-0, and secure the three points for United.
Vanarama National League | Torquay United v Altrincham | 22/10/22 | KO: 5:20pm | Tickets | Official TUFC Radio