As the dust settles on another eventful, enthralling season for Altrincham, the memories are virtually all positive, even if the most recent one is tinged with a modicum of regret at what might have been.
We were so close to going up, so agonisingly, tantalisingly close to what would have been a truly remarkable second successive promotion after coming within eight minutes of eliminating Chorley and marching into the play-off final before being pegged back by an equaliser and then pipped on penalties.
It was drama all the way, and while the heroics may have ended in heartbreak, it surely makes the coming weeks and months all the more intriguing for Alty followers, as manager Phil Parkinson turns his thoughts to bolstering his squad for a tilt at going one better next season.
Phil will assess where he wants to strengthen and identify the targets he feels can do it, and the board will do their utmost to finance his plans. That's the time-honoured close-season procedure for clubs up and down the country, but it's a little different at The J.Davidson Stadium.
Signings will be made by Phil, and funds will be provided by the board, but we are taking the process a significant stage further by inviting supporters to play a part in shaping the manager's strategy by making their own contribution directly into his playing budget.
It's an exciting opportunity for fan power to help drive what will hopefully be another concerted push for promotion, and it's available to each and every Alty supporter, who need only subscribe to the club's Patrons Scheme to personally enhance Phil's spending power.
It really is that simple. Join the Patrons Scheme, and the club will ensure every last penny of the £50 it costs will go into the playing budget.
There are plenty of benefits for signing up, not least a name check in every Robins Review match programme and free entry into a draw for hospitality packages, but the real reward has to be the knowledge you have personally improved the chances of Phil and his assistant Neil Sorvel bringing the players they want to the club.
Alty's board made a big commitment to Phil and Neil in the 2018/19 season to ensure they would be armed with a competitive playing budget, and they duly produced the goods by capping a fantastic season with two epic play-off encounters with Blyth Spartans and Chorley.
With thoughts now turning to next season, and a shared desire to keep moving forward, it has been decided all proceeds from the Patrons Scheme will go directly on the squad to boost the playing budget for Phil and Neil.
It is hoped as many supporters as possible will either renew or join the Patrons' Scheme for next season, which will be the 15th season that it has run.
For the cost of £50, your name will appear throughout the coming season in the matchday programme and on the new website as a Patron of Altrincham Football Club, as well as under the players' picture in the Manchester Glass Sponsors Lounge.
In addition, at the start of the season, every member will be entered into a prize draw, and this season we hope to award 10 hospitality packages for four supporters each to attend a nominated game as sponsors.
If you are interested in becoming a Patron for next season, please forward a cheque, payable to Altrincham Football Club, for £50. Alternatively, you can pay by card by phoning the office (0161 928-1045). If you require any further information please do not hesitate to enquire by e-mail.
Thank you once again for your support – it’s very much appreciated.
And a big thank you to the following people who have already joined the Scheme for the forthcoming season:
