ON August 12 I was one of the 996 at Moss Lane looking forward to Alty’s first home game back in the conference.

The group of friends I sit with in the stand have been supporting our local team for many years and were looking forward to being back in the ‘big time’.

The first shock came when the teams were announced, with several of our best players being left on the bench!

If this was part of the manager’s master plan, it failed.

Lincoln scored after only 12 minutes and from then on we were always on the back foot and playing catch-up.

When Lincoln scored, instead of trying to motivate the team, Mr Sinnott retreated to the dug-out and disappeared from view in the stand.

In stark contrast, the Lincoln manager and his assistant were both extremely vocal and animated, constantly shouting instructions and communicating with their players.

The total silence from the Altrincham bench was deafening.

We know as part-time players we will always find it hard against full-time pros.

Being negative from the start however and not beginning with our best players was a mistake and for Alty, fans’ attack has always been the best form of defence.

To their credit, the players kept going in spite of a total lack of encouragement from the manager and his assistant.

Not good enough Mr Sinnott – your players and fans deserve better from you.

From a lifelong Altrincham supporter.

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