Cod Almighty | Article
by Sam Kinnaird
31 July 2011
In a nutshell
Just ten years ago Alfreton were a whopping seven leagues below the Mariners in the footballing pyramid... how times change.
History
Alfreton Town were formed way back in 1959 after a merger between Alfreton Miners Welfare and Alfreton United and slowly worked their way up the Midlands Leagues. In the 2002/3 season Alfreton, or 'The Reds' completed a staggering title triumph which included a 17 game winning streak, and 26 unbeaten. This meant back to back promotions into the Northern Premier League and a fourth placed finish the following season earned them a place in the newly formed Conference North.
Alfreton Town players and fans celebrate the 1969-70 season Derbyshire Senior Cup Final victory
Their record scorer is local lad John Harrison, who bagged 303 goals in 560 appearances in the 1960s and 70s. Of course, new town goal machine Liam Hearn moved to Blundell Park from Alfreton, and Scott Garner had an encouraging loan spell at the Impact Arena earlier this year. Their gaffer is Nicky Law, who enjoyed little success during his doomed tenure at the helm with Town in 2004.
Last season
Well, last season the Reds simply stormed to the Conference North title, with Hearn hitting 30 goals for the club as they cantered to a 92 point finish.
Next season
Some key players from Alfreton's Conference North title, including Hearn, midfielder Simon Weaver and 'keeper Chris Mackenzie have left during the summer, so Alfreton could find early life tough in their new surroundings. However, The Reds have brought in no fewer than six new faces including Fleetwood winger Jamie Mullan and Eastwood defender Adie Hawes, so all is not lost. Ex-Mariners Greg Young and Nathan Jarman, and former trialist Nathan Arnold are all in the ranks. Once a trainee at Derby, defender Theo Streete m
oved to the club from Solihull Motors in February after winning player of the season in 2010, and played a reserve match as a trialist for Town under Alan Buckley in 2007. Perhaps their best player though, is striker Chris Senior, who knows the leagues well after spells with Darlington, Halifax and Altrincham.
The Impact Arena, Alfreton
The club are an improving one and sides from the 'feeder' divisions should have no fear in pastures new; just look at Fleetwood, Newport and Bath.
Statistics
Squad Size: 19 players
Betting: Most bookies have Alfreton down as perennial mid-tablers, with odds around 40/1 for a title win and 9/1 to snap up a play-off berth.
Apart from the football
Once a thriving coalmining Town, Alfreton is now clinging to life through the huge Thornton's Chocolate factory just to the south. You can even take a tour round the sweet, chocolatey sights for just a few quid. If that doesn't tickle your taste buds, go and have a look at the splendid sights of the nearby Peak District, the second most visited national park on the planet.