Happy New Year!

2012! Apparently the year of Armageddon! But Alex fans are full of renewed optimism as despite the recent blip at Bradford, Steve and Neil’s tenure has got off to an excellent start.

Christmas cheer... The ASi’s annual Kids Christmas Party proved to be a resounding success. Although Steve and the players were unable to attend due to a team bonding commitment, Gresty and Santa delighted the children with their presence as did the magician and face painter!

Prize winners...  Christmas came early for the winners in our prize draw, with a signed England shirt, Nintendo 3DS and Kindle among the prizes handed out. Thanks to the generosity of the football club a number of children (and adults) at the party will be attending their first Alex game when Morecambe visit Gresty Road on January 2^nd.

Flying the flag... Proudly on display at every game will be the giant flag formerly located in JJB Sports in the Market Centre. This flag was “purchased” by a consortium of Alex fans, with the ASi making a contribution, in order that it should be “flown” at all Alex games. This “purchase” raised a considerable sum of money for Whizz-Kidz, a charity which provides customised mobility equipment like wheelchairs and tricycles to disabled children

IRIS Vision Resource Centre... Since our formation, as a non-profit making organisation, the ASi has supported local charities, the latest of which to benefit from a donation of £500 being IRIS Vision Resource Centre, a local charity which offers a variety of services for, and often provided by, visually impaired people.

Sandbach Travelling Alex After back to back away games during the Christmas break, we’ve something of a respite with travelling in January, but as always, Sandbach Travelling Alex are committed to providing affordable travel to away fixtures whilst enjoying a fantastic day out following the Alex. Bookings are now being taken for Oxford Utd (Jan 14^th)  and Barnet (Jan 28^th).

Race Night... In order to help keep away travel affordable, Sandbach Travelling Alex will be holding a Race Night on Friday, 10^th February in The Carlsberg Lounge. This event is a family orientated night full of fun and you are guaranteed plenty of laughs.   Sandbach Travelling Alex would like to thank everyone who has pledged sponsorship for the evening to date.  At the time of writing, seven out of eight races are sponsored as is the event itself. The main contact for both away travel and the race night is Scott, whom can be contacted at  scottkynnersley1979@o2.co.uk  or on  07921 924483

Man of the Match...Sometimes self evident, but often open for the debate, “Man of the Match” is an integral part of any football game, and the ASi is delighted to be sponsoring this award for the remainder of the season and the nominated individual will receive his award after the game in the Carlsberg Lounge. The recipients to date have been Dave Artell (Crawley) and Adam Dugdale (Hereford).

Looking forward... Can Steve and boys mount a sustained run in to and beyond the play offs? That we wouldn’t like the call, but the next few months are bound to be interesting and there’s likely to be downs and well as ups, Steve,  Neil and the boys will need all our support.

Up the Alex!