Altrincham FC, nicknamed The Robins, was originally founded in 1891 and has been known by its present name since 1903. While the club’s fortunes have risen and fallen over the decades, its golden era came in the 1970s.

Some of the club’s most famous days have come in the FA Cup, where Alty built a fearsome reputation as non-league giant-killers. In 1974/75 they held Everton to a third-round draw at Goodison Park before narrowly losing a replay hosted at Old Trafford. They also held Spurs to a third-round replay in 1978/79 and did the same with Orient in 1979/80. Their best FA Cup run came in 1985/86, when they reached the fourth round. The club also lifted the FA Trophy in both 1978/79 and 1985/86, and finished runners-up in 1981/82.

Altrincham still hold the record for the most Football League sides knocked out of the FA Cup by a club that has never played league football – 17 in total – with scalps including Sheffield United, Blackpool, and Birmingham City.

It was no surprise, then, that The Robins were invited to be among the founding members of the nationwide fifth tier – the Alliance Premier League – when it was created in 1979. Of that original cohort, only Boston United, Wealdstone, and Yeovil Town join them in the 2025/26 National League. Alty were champions in each of the Alliance’s first two seasons but, with no automatic promotion to the Football League in place at the time, were denied the rewards their form deserved.

In 1980, they came heartbreakingly close. Under the Football League’s re-election system – where the bottom four clubs in Division Four had to retain their place via a vote – Altrincham were beaten to a league spot by Rochdale by a single vote. Despite having been led to believe they had secured enough support, promotion never materialised – a sliding doors moment in the club’s history. The sad story is told in some detail here, but an executive summary might include the suggestion that traffic jams and one allegedly over-refreshed club chairman may have played a part.

Neil Gibson is a relative newcomer to managing the Robins, having taken the reins in late November, a month after Phil Parkinson (not to be confused with his namesake at Wrexham) was dismissed, having spent over eight years in charge at Altrincham. This is the second National League club that Gibson has managed; he spent the final four months of the 2024/25 season in charge at Wealdstone, saving them from relegation in their final match of the season, before resigning – reportedly owing to the long commute to Middlesex from his home base in Wales.  Previously, Gibson had managed three teams playing in the Welsh pyramid: Prestatyn Town. Flint Town Utd. and Cymru Premier team Connah’s Quay Nomads, who under Gibson’s leadership played rivals based in Iceland and Slovenia in the UEFA Conference League. As a player, Gibson, a midfielder, spent most of his career at Prestatyn Town (including four years as a player-manager), but also played for Rhyl, Southport, Leigh RMI, and made one appearance for Tranmere Rovers.

Alty finished the 2025/26 National League Season at almost exactly mid-table, in 13th place, with 57 points and having won 17 games. Having finished 9th in the previous season and 4th the year before this, this suggests something of an ongoing slump, and of underperforming expectations – the club have a stated aim of challenging for the play-offs, with the aim of reaching the EFL.

The club have made a few signings over the summer, in the hope of improving their achievements on the field. Goalkeeper Owen Evans comes in from Barnet, and defensive midfielder Jack Hinchy arrives from Notts County. Two more midfielders – Aidan Barlow and Liam Humbles– were last seen at Rochdale , while two players who last featured for Tranmere have signed for Alty: right-winger Sam Taylor and centre-forward Kristian Dennis.

Alty were most recently in Nailsworth on a rainy Wednesday evening in January 2026, when the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Altrincham went ahead in the first half, but Rovers fought back, with a goal from Jayden Clarke at the start of the second half. In the reverse fixture, held in Cheshire on a Tuesday night in September 2025, a 2-1 victory from Rovers kept them on top of the League Table for the fourth successive league match. Nick Haughton and Ryan Inniss scored for Rovers.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

Fan Zone – Fan Zone to the right of the ground entrance, behind the North Stand. Open to home & away supporters. The Fan Zone has a food truck, bar, toilets and a large marquee with picnic benches and live music from about 1:30pm.

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 12pm.

Gym Bar – Open in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – Opens 12pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.