Altrincham Are To Explore Switch To Full-Time Football

Manager Phil Parkinson said this summer that a switch to professional status is the logistic next step for the National League North club.

Director Bill Waterson has this morning outlined the next stage for the Evo-Stik NPL Premier champions as they consider the move.

They are to explore the idea in the coming months and the club’s statement made clear that they will only become full-time if everything adds up.

“Altrincham Football Club have a long and proud tradition as a part-time club, arguably, through our history, the best there has ever been,” Waterson said.

“However, it is becoming increasingly clear that if we are to achieve the objectives outlined in the Strategic Review, a move to full-time status may be necessary.

“Clearly, this will not happen this season – we have a great management team and a hungry squad of players signed up and already underway in the Vanarama National League North. But we are beginning to prepare the groundwork for the next 12 months and are looking to have an informed debate with our fanbase to discuss this fundamental and potentially irreversible change.

“If made, the move to full-time football would not be for its own sake or simply for a change in status. It would be undertaken to accelerate the objectives of the five-year plan and as a stepping stone to achieving a place in the Football League. It will therefore happen when the
time is right, and when all the necessary prerequisites are in place.

“We, as a responsible board, will not take this decision lightly, nor will we treat it as “a leap in the dark”.

"We will be as well informed as possible about all the factors that need to be considered, and we will discuss it in advance with our supporters. In addition, we will make certain the commercial transformation that is clearly essential has been completed before reaching any decision, with improved revenue streams as a prerequisite to making the change.”