LEE Sinnott has wasted no time launching his plans for next season by issuing a retained list that includes two shock omissions.

Just 48 hours after bringing the curtain down on the 2014-15 Vanarama Conference campaign, the Altrincham manager sprang a surprise by naming experienced midfielders Peter Cavanagh and Sean Williams among five players who have been released.

Steven Gillespie pays the price for a disappointing debut season, while fellow-striker Kyle Perry and reserve keeper David Parton make up the list of players to leave.

Reflecting on Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Braintree, Sinnott said: "We played some nice football in the first half, but the crux of the problem was we defended poorly and gave away easy goals.

"Two came from crosses, one a misplaced back pass and another that was Keystone Cops, the way the ball got through. Since the Southport win, there’s been a sense of relief at being mathematically safe that has taken a bit out of our game.

"But I don’t want to be too hard on the players, because they have put a lot in over the last nine months.

"I just told them to remember this game when they report back, because it illustrates what is needed in this league.

‘I would like to place on record my thanks to the fans who travelled down. They were in good voice and gave the players a wonderful send-off at the end, which was magnificent. The support we’ve had home and away is very much appreciated. Maybe we’ve left them tearing their hair out at times, but hopefully we’ve entertained them along the way and made them proud with some of our results.’

The J.Davidson will be a hive of activity this weekend, with the annual beer festival running from Friday to Monday. As an added attraction, the ground hosts Manchester United against Chelsea in an under-18 fixture on Saturday at 11am, followed by Alty Reserves kicking off at 3pm and a live band in the evening.

Alty Ladies have a 3pm kick-off on Sunday, while there is a family fun day on Monday from 12-6pm, complete with bouncy castle, tombola and cake and sweet stalls