ALTON TOWN have put the uncertainty of the past few weeks behind them by starting pre-season training.

They made the decision after a meeting between the Step 5 and 6 leagues with the FA, when various scenarios for the new season were discussed.

With the Anstey Park Enclosure closed, training is taking place in Anstey Park, and follows the government and FA guidelines for group training.

Manager Kevin Adair hasn’t been idle during the lockdown, with most of last season’s squad signing on for another season.

When the season was ended prematurely, the Brewers sat sixth in the first division of the Wessex League, just four points behind the promotion places.

With the FA suspending their restructuring of the pyramid to the coming season, Alton will again be aiming to finish in the top four.

And they certainly don’t intend taking an easy route to prepare for the new campaign.

They have arranged a tough schedule of pre-season friendlies, with dates being confirmed once the go-ahead for matches is given.

Home matches have been booked against AFC Portchester, Liphook United and Badshot Lea, while away games have been agreed with Farnham Town and Midhurst & Easebourne.

New players are welcome to attend training, which starts at 7pm, but are reminded to take along their own drinks.

Kevin will once again be assisted in the first division campaign by Carl and Jack Harris.

The reserves, following their most successful season for a long time – they reached two cup semi-finals and were second in the league when it was cancelled – will again be led by Kevin Smith and assisted by Clive Ventham.

With the Wyvern League merging with the Hampshire Youth League, they will play in the newly-named Hampshire Combination & Development League.

The Alton Ladies’ team are going through a change.

After more years than he cares to remember, Wayne Fox has made the decision to stand down as manager, and leaves along with assistants Tony Skinner and Eddie Stewart.

All three leave with thanks from the club, especially for the way they have made ladies’ football an integral part of the club.

Following last season, when the team struggled in the Southern Region Women’s League, the team have returned to the Hampshire County Women’s Football League for the new season.

A new management structure for the ladies’ and girls’ football has now been put in place.

Andrew Walker has been appointed director of girls’ and ladies’ football, and will assist the new ladies’ team manager Molly Small.

Molly is currently completing her UEFA B coaching badge and has coached at Aldershot Town’s academy, and has had playing experience at both Fulham and Chelsea.

With this in mind, the ladies’ team and the girls’ under-17s are looking for new players for the forthcoming season. Any prospective new players are asked to email Andrew at [email protected]

The under-18 youth team who play in the midweek Allied Counties Youth League also have a new manager for next season.

After a season as an assistant, Gareth Billington takes over in the hot seat.

Gareth will be supported by Vic Harry and Ian Mason.

The squad is an important part of the club as it acts as a pathway from youth football to the reserves and first team.

Three of last season’s youth players made the step up to the reserves, while the first team had 12 former youth team players in their squad.

The club – like so many in the pyramid – now await government and FA advice as to when the season can start.