GRAHAM Heathcote insists his future at the club is still under discussion despite Alty's 2-1 triumph over bitter rivals Northwich on New Year's Day.

The Robins gained revenge for their miserable Boxing Day defeat to Vics in an eventful game at the Victoria Stadium, thanks to goals from Ryan Shotton and Joe O'Neill.

Northwich, however, ended the game with just eight men after both Josh Wilson and Ryan Brown were sent off and Jake Speight left the field injured after his side had already used all their substitutes.

But despite ending a six-game losing streak to restore hope at the club, the Alty boss remained adamant that scheduled talks with the board over his role at Moss Lane will still go ahead.

Speaking exculsively to SAM Sport, Heathcote said: "(Victory over Northwich) is just the start. It was a typical derby game and I was pleased with the attitude shown by all the players.

"But I will still sit down with (chairman) Geoff Goodwin and the board when he gets back from holiday this weekend to discuss where we go next.

"It's been a really tough Christmas and I've found it hard to deal with some of the derogatory remarks being made by fans over the last couple of weeks.

"It hurts and I don't think you ever learn how to deal with that. But, for now, I'm just getting on with doing the job and putting together a group of players who can keep us in this league.

"Five players have come in already but there will be more arrivals and more departures.

"We've all been working really hard to change things and I have to thank (club secretary) Derek Wilshaw for basically giving up his Christmas to complete all the paperwork for the new signings in time to get them playing on Tuesday."