Arjun Menon
Phil Parkinson sacked by Altrincham after seven-game drought
Altrincham have dismissed manager Phil Parkinson after eight years in charge, the club confirmed following a seven-game winless spell that included six defeats in seven matches and left them 20th in the National League.
Parkinson was appointed in April 2017. Across his tenure he steered the club back into the fifth tier and led them to a play-off place in 2023–24. He leaves alongside assistant Neil Sorvel.
“Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel leave the club in a much stronger position than when they arrived,” said chairman Mark Luby. “They can rightly be proud of everything they have achieved during their tenure. Whilst making this change has been extremely difficult, we felt we were left with very little alternative given our current league position.”
The season had started well. Altrincham opened with a win over Aldershot Town and had four wins in their first eight league matches after beating Sutton United on 6 September. Since then they have taken just one point — a 4 October draw with Wealdstone — from the subsequent 21 available.
The 3-1 home loss to Woking on Saturday proved to be Parkinson’s final game in charge.
“A process is now under way to identify and appoint a new leadership team within the football department — one fully aligned with the board’s long-term vision for the club,” the club added. “In the immediate term, focus must turn to the crucial run of fixtures ahead and the urgent need to climb away from 20th position in the table.”
There was no immediate announcement on an interim manager. More to follow.