ALTRINCHAM manager Graham Heathcote's preseason preparations have moved into overdrive this week after the club's shock return to the Blue Square North.

The Robins had seemed destined to start the new campaign in the Blue Square North after suffering relegation heartbreak last season.

But they were remarkably handed a second reprieve in as many years at Saturday's Conference AGM when Boston United were demoted from non-league's top flight on financial grounds.

That leaves Heathcote with just two months to put together a squad capable of surviving in the division and with some difficult decisions to make.

A revised playing budget was set at an emergency board meeting on Tuesday evening and the Alty boss was hoping to wrap up the signing of experienced defender Darren Tinson as SAM went to press on Wednesday.

He has also been in contact with a number of other possible signings but the difficulty will be in deciding which of last season's squad must now leave to make way for the new faces.

Heathcote told SAM Sport: "The budget's now been set, which will enable us to go out and get some players in who will strengthen the squad.

"That's all I can ask for and all I have asked for year on year. It's all about whether we can improve.

"We're a bit behind the game because of the six weeks we had when we thought we would be playing in the Blue Square North but I've started speaking to players and there has been some interest.

"The squad will have to change now. That unfortunately means releasing a couple of players and then I think we'll need around six new faces to be ready for next season.

"But even though players might be leaving, I want people to remember the loyalty they have shown to this club.

"That was probably the only good thing that came out of our initial relegation to the Blue Square North, that these players committed to the club regardless of what level we were playing at.

"I can only thank them for that."

Of last season's squad, only Lewis Chalmers has yet to make a decision on his future.

Talks will open with the 21-year-old England non-league international when he returns from Tanzania, where he is currently playing with the Middlesex Wanderers touring side.