Joint Statement by Altrincham and Runcorn Football Clubs
After lengthy discussions over the last few weeks, we are delighted to announce that two of the biggest names in non-league football history are to merge.
At the end of this season, Altrincham FC and Runcorn FC Halton will merge to form a new club that will play in the Conference North next season. The new club will be known as "Altrincham & Runcorn FC", as we are keen to keep the names of both clubs.
Home games will be played at Moss Lane, Altrincham whilst a new "super stadium" is built in Runcorn. This is expected to be complete by the start of the 2008/09 season, at which point home games will be switched to Runcorn.
We understand that supporters may be initially against the move. However fans of both clubs are very forward looking as the formation of the two Supporters Trusts' show. We have to look at the bigger picture and this merger makes sense both financially and commercially.
In the current climate, we believe that it makes sense for clubs to merge, and we will not be the last. We think others in the league will also go down this route, such as Nuneaton and Hinckley, and Ashton and Stalybridge.
A further statement outlining more details will be released later today