A look at Altrincham ahead of Saturday's match at Southend United

Altrincham are currently 16th in the table, what have you made of the season so far?

"I think overall it’s been a positive season so far.

"Obviously our start wasn’t great, going our first nine games without a win, but since then we’re definitely on an upwards trend.

"As you’d expect from a new and young team we’re still pretty inconsistent, losing some home games we’d expect to win, but picking up points away that we might not have expected."

What were the hopes for the team this season and what do you feel can still be achieved?

"I think given that it’s our first season full-time and the fact it’s a pretty new squad, our aim this season was just to stay in the league and consolidate.

"Looking at us now, and seeing the other teams in the league, I would expect us to stay up fairly comfortably.

"We’re just five points off the play-offs now, but I think it would be unrealistic to expect us really challenge for them.

"Personally, now I would say our goal should be to finish in the top half, which is definitely within our reach."

Dan Mooney joined Southend from Altrincham in the summer. How was he viewed by your fans?

"Dan was very important to us whilst he was at Alty.

"He’ll always be remembered for scoring the goal in the play-off final at Boston, which got us back into the National League.

"I think most Alty fans were surprised when he went to Southend.

"It was felt that if he’d spent a bit longer with us he could have maybe got himself a move higher up the pyramid."

Who is your dangerman?

"The main dangerman for me is Ryan Colclough, without a doubt.

"Elliot Newby has been excellent since he joined us on loan from Stockport too, scoring three in the last three games.

"But Colclough is still the main threat.

"He has such quality, which has won us countless points single-handedly during his time with us.

"In most Alty games this season, Ryan is the best player on the pitch, even if the team as a whole doesn’t play well."

What's the team news?

"I wouldn’t expect us to make any changes from Saturday's win against Eastleigh.

"Connor Jennings and Elliot Newby have both been exceptional since joining on loan, which has definitely contributed to our recent good form.

"A suspension and now injury to our right back Ross Barrows means Toby Mullarkey has had to fill in that position, but that doesn’t affect us really,

"Toby is excellent wherever he plays at the back."

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>All the Blues' team news for Saturday's clash