Latimer Eyes Promotion Push as Alnwick Town Make Strong Early Statement

Alnwick Town manager Ritchie Latimer says he is delighted with his side’s start to the new Northern League Division Two season and believes they have the quality and mentality to mount a serious push for promotion.

The Northumberland side have made an impressive opening to the campaign, sitting second in the table after their first five matches. They have taken 10 points from a possible 15 and scored 17 goals, signalling an attacking intent that has already made them one of the division’s most dangerous sides.

Latimer admits the campaign didn’t start perfectly, with a sluggish first-half performance in the opening match against Jarrow, but praised his squad for bouncing back quickly. He said he was “very happy with the way we have started after a very poor first half against Jarrow in the opening game. I think we have hit the ground running with 10 points after five games and 17 scored – I think it’s a great base to kick on from.”

Reflecting on what would define success this year, the Alnwick boss said he wants to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish and believes his players are capable of pushing for a place in Division One. “Success for me this season would be to improve on our 10th place finish last season, see if we can push for a promotion spot – which we know is a tough ask – but I believe we have the squad this season to give it a good go,” he explained. “It’s always nice to try and have a good cup run at the same time.”

When asked to name one to watch from his squad, Latimer highlighted young midfielder Joe Eggleston, who was shortlisted for Young Northern League Player of the Season last year. “There are a few players in our squad I could put down for players to watch out for,” he said, “but I would like to mention Joe Eggleston, who was up for Young Northern League Player of the Season last season.”

Latimer believes lessons from last year have been crucial in shaping this promising start. “We have learnt a lot from last season – the pace of the game, how direct and physical the game is played,” he said. “We’ve taken that on board this season and are trying to get that blend of playing football, but knowing when and where to play.”

With confidence growing, goals flowing, and valuable experience under their belt, Alnwick Town look set to make this season one to remember. And with Latimer’s belief in his squad matched by the fans’ early optimism, the possibility of a promotion challenge no longer feels like a distant dream.