Altrincham confirm the interim appointment of Neil Gibson having sacked manager Phil Parkinson after eight years in charge.
Altrincham FC have today parted company with Manager Phil Parkinson and Assistant Manager Neil Sorvel.
The Board wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Phil and Neil for their outstanding contribution over the past nine years.
Full Statement ⤵️ | #YourTownYourClub
— Altrincham FC (@altrinchamfc) October 23, 2025
We are pleased to confirm that Neil Gibson has been appointed to lead the team on an interim basis, joining immediately alongside Assistant Lee Jones.
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— Altrincham FC (@altrinchamfc) October 23, 2025
ALTRINCHAM STATEMENT:
Altrincham FC have today parted company with Manager Phil Parkinson and Assistant Manager Neil Sorvel.
Given recent form and the current league position, it is clear that results have not met expectations. The Board therefore believes a change of direction is necessary at this point in the season.
The Board wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Phil and Neil for their outstanding contribution over the past nine years. Their achievements, professionalism, and commitment have played a major role in shaping the modern-day Altrincham FC. A full tribute reflecting on their time with the club will be published on the official website in due course.
Chairman Mark Luby said:
“Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel leave the club in a much stronger position than when they arrived. 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.”
A process is now underway 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.
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.
Following this morning’s announcement regarding the departure of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel, the club can confirm that the process to appoint a new First Team Manager is now underway.
In order to prepare for the upcoming crucial fixtures we are pleased to confirm that Neil Gibson has been appointed to lead the team on an interim basis, joining immediately alongside Assistant Lee Jones.
The pair most recently managed Wealdstone FC, where they guided the club to National League safety on the final day of last season after taking charge of a side sitting in the relegation zone in January.
Chairman Mark Luby said:
“This is a pivotal moment in the season, and a rigorous recruitment process to identify the next Manager is already underway.
As that process progresses, we’re pleased to welcome Neil and Lee to the club. The impact they had under challenging circumstances at Wealdstone was impressive by any measure, and they demonstrated clear leadership under pressure.
Neil brings strong contacts within the game, a clear outlook on performance improvement, and a proven ability to lift a squad quickly. He will have the full support of the club in stabilising performances and driving results.”
Neil was at our Egerton training base this afternoon and has already begun preparations for Saturday’s fixture at Braintree, where he will take charge of the Robins for the first time.
Speaking about his appointment, Neil Gibson said:
“I’m proud to be here. When the club shared its ambitions and the immediate challenges ahead, I felt there was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and I was excited to accept.
While the Board focuses on the recruitment of a permanent Manager, Lee and I will give everything to move this team up the table and build momentum as quickly as possible.
I know how passionate the supporters are, and I look forward to speaking with them more fully in due course and to seeing the travelling fans at Cressing Road on Saturday.”
Neil will address supporters further in an upcoming video interview.
The club will make no further comment while the recruitment process continues.
