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.

Slightly disappointingly, overall, perhaps. Long-standing Manager Phil Parkinson and his assistant Neil Sorvel were dismissed in late October when Alty were placed 20th in the table. Neil Ginson took the reins, initially on an interim basis, thereafter. By late December, the Robins had advanced to 16th place – lower-mid table, but only six points above the drop zone.  A 2-1 defeat (thanks to an injury-time goal) in August by a Morecambe team still in the process of formation might mark a low point in the season to date, while a 4-2 victory over Scunthorpe Utd in November (secured by two injury-time goals from Olly Crankshaw) must mark a high.

The Robins were most recently in Nailsworth at the end of August 2024. A first-half Christian Doidge goal put Rovers ahead, but a late Alty equaliser had the game heading for shared honours, until Charlie McCann got an injury-time goal for Rovers, making it 2-1.

This season’s away fixture at The J. Davison Stadium, played on a Tuesday evening in September 2025, ended up with Alty being reduced to 10 men on the pitch, and Rovers celebrating a 2-1 victory, with goals coming from Nick Haughton and Ryan Innis.

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.

The Park and Ride does not operate for evening matches; nor is there any public transport in Nailsworth after evening matches.

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

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, 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

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 4.45pm.

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

Club Shop – Opens 4.45pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.