You're not going to believe this, but we actually
interviewed John King and Graham Heathcote. It seemed like a
good idea, given the pair's controversial spell in charge of
Barrow in the early nineties, and the fact that both Barrow
and Altrincham were playing in the UniBond that season, the
first time that both teams had been in the same league since
Barrow lost their Conference place under the management
of... well, you know who. So for the first question, with
reckless disregard for our own safety and with our usual
tact and sensitivity, we went straight for the
jugular...
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- What effect has relegation from the Vauxhall
Conference had on Altrincham, its supporters and the
town?
Nobody likes to be relegated. But you have to be positive
and believe you can get back, though we know the UniBond
is a very tough league.
- Do you hope to retain the same players, coaching
and managerial staff or will you be making some
changes?
The squad of players needs to be strengthened. We are
satisfied with all other aspects of the club. Stability
within the club is very important.
- What do you think your prospects are in the
UniBond?
As we said, it will be hard coming down from a higher
league, as we are sure Barrow have already found.
Everyone wants to beat you, just like the Nationwide
League side that goes down into the Conference.
- How big is the gap in standards between the
UniBond and the Conference?
The top six to eight sides in the UniBond would hold
their own with maybe a little strengthening.
- How well do you think Barrow will do this
season?
You'll be up there challenging. With the backing Barrow
get from their fans they are capable of being a major
force in non-League football.
- How well do you think Macclesfield will do in
Division Three? And what about Leek in the
Conference?
Macclesfield will need to find their feet. Leek should
hold their own as they have strengthened in the
summer.
- At one stage last season, around Christmas time,
Altrincham were comfortably placed in mid-table. What
went wrong in the second half of the season?
Basically, you could offer all sorts of reasons as to why
we were relegated. But clearly, we didn't score enough
goals. This is a position that is very difficult to sort
out without having to pay a lot of money for the right
sort of player.
- Moss Lane, Altrincham's ground, is situated in a
location close to the town centre, which must be of
interest to land and property developers. Do you have any
plans for ground redevelopment, or are you severely
constrained by the availability of finance?
No. The ground has a grading and is up to Football League
standard.
- Do you expect your average home attendance to be
affected by relegation? Do you have any idea by how
much?
If we can be successful in the UniBond we can expect an
increase in attendance. Fans obviously want to watch a
winning team.
- The last time Barrow played Altrincham was in the
FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round last season. What are your
recollections of both those games, the 1-1 draw at Holker
St and Altrincham's 4-0 victory at Moss Lane?
We expected to draw at Barrow. It was a difficult, but a
very good cup tie. The first half of the replay was also
very tight, but in Cup games, once you are behind you
have to push forward and this can sometimes expose you at
the back.
- You were both in charge at Barrow from December
1991 to May 1992. Then John, you left and Graham took
over as manager until December 1992. You were not
exactly, er, how can I put this, the fans' favourites.
How do you feel now about your time in charge at
Barrow?
We both enjoyed our times at Barrow, though people may
find that strange. It was always going to be difficult
taking over from the legendary Ray Wilkie. People forget
that it was Ray who recommended us and who took us up
there. His great team (FA Trophy winners) was coming to
an end and replacements had to be found. It happens to
all clubs and often fans are reluctant to accept that
their favourite players have to leave. The fans at Barrow
are very passionate and totally committed to the football
club, as the attendances show. Any non-League club would
love to have the numbers Barrow get watching them. That
is why we say Barrow could and should be a major force in
non-League. Their support deserves it.
- Thanks very much for answering our questions. Good
luck in the UniBond, but we have to hope that Barrow just
pip Altrincham to the championship!
Have a good season.
Issue 031 - September 1997
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