Altrincham FC has warned supporters to allow extra travel time this Saturday after an anonymous letter revealed plans to disrupt the home game against Southend United.
The club received the letter detailing a plan by local residents to use vehicles to block road access at multiple junctions around the Moss Lane ground during the National League fixture, which kicks off at 3pm on March 21st.
According to the letter, protesters intend to block the following locations:
- Junction of Cleveland Road and Moss Lane
- Junctions of Sandileigh Avenue/Drive and Moss Lane
- Junctions of Queen's Road/Moss Lane and Queen's Road/Stamford Park Road
- Junctions of School Road/Moss Lane and School Road/Stamford Park Road
- Junction of Stamford Park Road and Moss Lane
- Access to the shops opposite the stadium
The club says the action stems from frustration among some local residents over parking problems caused by matchday visitors.
In a statement, Altrincham FC said: "We want to work with all stakeholders to find solutions and recognise the frustrations that parking issues, created by a minority of people attending games at The J.Davidson Stadium, can cause residents."
The club's CEO, Sam Mackenzie, had already met with local councillors and Trafford Borough Council representatives at the stadium on March 4th to discuss parking concerns in the area.
Following receipt of the letter, a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting took place on Monday, March 16th, bringing together club officials, police and council representatives. As a result, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed there will be a police presence in and around the stadium, with local officers on standby to respond if required.
The club is urging supporters to allow extra time for their journey, walk or use public transport where possible, and to "park respectfully and behave courteously towards our neighbours".
The planned protest has drawn strong reactions on social media.
Rich McCart wrote on X: "Ridiculous. Fairly sure the football club has been there longer than a lot of the houses nearby."
Brian Rooney called the plan "completely illegal" and added: "If the residents are stupid enough to follow through with their threats, the police should be called immediately."
Travelling Southend fans also voiced concern. Supporter @shrimperjon wrote: "So we are driving nearly 4 hours to get there on Saturday and may have to park where exactly? Any suggestions? Surely the police and local authority won't allow this to happen."
