Robins saved from relegation

11:45am Saturday 9th June 2007

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ALTRINCHAM FC chairman Geoff Goodwin hailed his club's "great escape" after they were saved from relegation for the second year running.

Despite finishing in the Conference drop zone, the Robins will remain in non-league football's top flight next season after gaining a reprieve at Saturday's Conference AGM.

Their escape came as a result of the ongoing problems at beleaguered Boston United, who were demoted to the Conference North on financial grounds.

Only recently relegated from League Two, Boston are currently struggling with massive debts and have been locked out of their own ground.

They also controversially entered into administration during the final game of last season and it is thought the terms of their Company Voluntary Agreement are a major reason for their demise.

It is the second consecutive year Alty have been saved at the last minute.

In 2006 the Robins looked destined for relegation after being slapped with an 18-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, only for Scarborough to be sent down instead, also on financial grounds.

Chairman Geoff Goodwin believes the latest decision provides vindication for the ethical way in which the Moss Lane club has been run since recovering from the verge of bankruptcy five years ago.

He told SAM Sport: "It's the great escape.

"I do feel sorry for Boston but that's football isn't it?

"It's justice for us because we have aimed to do the right thing at this club, rather than running it into debt to chase the dream.

"I had set my mind for a season in the Blue Square North so this has come as a massive shock. You just don't expect a reprieve second time around.

"Fair play to the Conference for doing the right thing though.

"I'm sure there will be a few more clubs following behind Boston unless people change the way they are run. What's the point in having a budget you can't afford?

"This club is on its way back to where it used to be."

Alty's great escape will provide a major boost both on and off the pitch.

Not only will the Moss Lane faithful continue to enjoy top non-league football, the club will also benefit from the Conference's bumper new television and sponsorship deal.

From next season, the competition will be screened live by sports channel Setanta and will benefit from a sponsorship deal with betting website Blue Square.

However, despite the significant revenue boost, Goodwin advised caution ahead of the new campaign.

He said: "We have to remember that we didn't get survival on the pitch this year so there is a lot of work ahead of us to make sure we don't have to worry about any of this next time.

"This league is very tough for part-time clubs. Last time all the part-time clubs were in the bottom five and I'm sure it will be a similar situation again.

"We can't get carried away with ourselves. Everyone needs to stay focussed and get behind the team so we can build on this."

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