Alty battle to keep Reeves (From Messenger Newspapers)

Alty battle to keep Reeves

12:28pm Wednesday 18th April 2012 in Alty FC news

ALTRINCHAM are battling to hang on to prolific marksman Damian Reeves and have held talks with him about signing a new deal at Moss Lane.

Lee Sinnott revealed how one of his first tasks as Alty boss was to secure Reeves’ signature on a season-long contract, and he is clearly determined to try and repeat the trick after a campaign that has brought the former Leeds United Academy striker an astonishing 43 League goals.

"I have known Damian since he was 13 or 14, and we have always had a good, honest working relationship," he said.

"When I walked into the job here, I knew how important it was to get him under contract, so we would have him for the entire season, at least. Otherwise, another team could have come in at any stage and put in seven days’ notice.

"There was interest from the division above us, but, fair play to Damian, he had enough faith in what we were doing to sign the contract. And just look at what’s happened, as a result. His goalscoring has been phenomenal, and it goes without saying we want him here again next season.

"We have had dialogue with him about that for a few months now, and our supporters can rest assured we will be doing everything we can, within the realms of Altrincham FC, to keep him here.

"As things stand, there has been no contact from any other club. But let’s not kid ourselves, there may well be interest from an even higher level than the division above. If there is, it will be Damian’s decision, and we will respect that. In the meantime, we continue talking to him, in the hope he might yet remain an Alty player next season."

An entertaining 1-1 draw with FC Halifax on Saturday was marred by controversy, as Alty’s Leighton McGivern was sent off for two yellow cards, apparently stemming from the same incident, just seven minutes after going on as substitute.

"It wasn’t at all clear, and we will have to wait for the referee’s report," said Sinnott. "There is even a suggestion the first card could have followed a free-kick a couple of minutes earlier, when it appeared Scott Phelan had been booked. I think swearing was involved for the second yellow, though Leighton was adamant it wasn’t aimed at the ref. Either way, if you’ve already been booked, you need to take a step back."