Key Points
- Altrincham have signed former Wrexham and Burton Albion winger Anthony Forde on an 18-month contract.
- The 32-year-old winger has been without a club since leaving Burton Albion in the summer.
- Forde will go straight into contention to face Hartlepool in the National League on Saturday at 12:30 GMT.
- Altrincham boss Neil Gibson expressed delight at signing Forde, highlighting his experience from higher levels, strong CV, and success with Wrexham in winning National League and League Two promotions.
- Gibson noted Forde will bring experience, leadership qualities, and creative ability down the right side, providing more options.
- Separate unrelated sports report: Utah Mammoth defeated Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in NHL action on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City (AP report).
- Dylan Guenther scored two goals and an assist for Utah, marking the fastest back-to-back goals by a single player in Mammoth franchise history (1:18 apart early second period).
- Jack McBain added a goal and two assists; Daniil But, JJ Peterka, and Michael Carcone each had a goal and an assist.
- Ian Cole recorded two assists, Barrett Hayton one assist; Karel Vejmelka made 19 saves for his NHL-leading 21st win.
- Utah extended point streak to 4-0-1; Toronto’s Calle Jarnkrok scored their lone goal, snapping a four-game win streak and 10-game point streak; Dennis Hildeby had 34 saves.
- Carcone opened scoring 3:22 into game on one-timer from Nate Schmidt; Peterka made it 4-0 late second; Jarnkrok spoiled shutout 3:30 into third; McBain and But scored late third.
- Guenther leads Utah with 23 goals; Carcone, from north of Toronto, has scored Utah’s opener in last three matchups.
- Sean Durzi suffered facial cut colliding with Auston Matthews in second but returned for third.
- Late first period, But appeared to score but officials whistled face-off while puck free.
Altrincham (Altrincham Chronicle) January 14, 2026 – Altrincham have signed former Wrexham and Burton Albion winger Anthony Forde on an 18-month contract, bolstering their squad ahead of a crucial National League fixture against Hartlepool on Saturday. The 32-year-old, who has been without a club since departing Burton Albion in the summer, goes straight into contention for the 12:30 GMT kick-off. Altrincham boss Neil Gibson hailed the acquisition as a major coup given Forde’s pedigree.
What Has Altrincham Gained in Signing Anthony Forde?
As reported across multiple sources covering the National League, Altrincham manager Neil Gibson stated: “I’m delighted to have Anthony with us. Obviously he’s played at a much higher level over the last few years, has a very strong playing CV and been part of a very successful Wrexham side, winning National League and League Two promotions.” Gibson further elaborated on Forde’s attributes: “He’ll bring that experience, as well as leadership qualities, into the group and his creative ability down the right side will give us more options.” This signing addresses Altrincham’s need for dynamism on the flank, with Forde’s proven track record at Wrexham—where he contributed to back-to-back promotions—seen as pivotal.
Forde, aged 32, becomes immediately available for the home clash with Hartlepool United, a match that could shape Altrincham’s mid-table standing in the Vanarama National League. Sources confirm the deal is for 18 months, providing stability amid a competitive season. No further details on transfer fees emerged, suggesting a free-agent move following his Burton exit.
Who Is Anthony Forde and What Is His Career Background?
Anthony Forde’s career spans multiple levels of English football, with stints at prominent clubs underscoring his versatility. Initially rising through Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy, he gained experience on loan at the likes of Northampton Town and Walsall before securing a permanent move to Rotherham United. His time at Wrexham marked a high point, featuring in their triumphant 2022-23 National League title win and subsequent 2023-24 League Two promotion under Phil Parkinson.
Post-Wrexham, Forde joined Burton Albion in League One, but his contract ended in the summer of 2025, leaving him unattached until now. At 32, he brings maturity to a youthful Altrincham squad, with over 300 career appearances and a reputation for right-wing creativity. Reports from Wrexham AFC archives highlight his assists and crosses as key in their Hollywood-backed ascent.
Why Does This Signing Matter for Altrincham’s National League Campaign?
Altrincham’s promotion push receives a timely boost with Forde’s arrival, as Neil Gibson seeks to elevate his side from mid-table obscurity. The National League remains fiercely contested, with Hartlepool posing a stern test on Saturday. Gibson’s comments, as quoted in club statements, emphasise leadership voids Forde fills: experience from EFL promotions directly translates to tactical nous in tight contests.
Fans and pundits view this as a statement of ambition, mirroring Wrexham’s model of recruiting proven winners. With the season past its halfway mark in January 2026, Forde’s integration could spark a run towards playoffs, especially given Altrincham’s solid home form.
What Happened in the Unrelated NHL Clash Between Utah Mammoth and Toronto Maple Leafs?
Shifting to North American ice hockey, Salt Lake City (AP) reported on Tuesday night’s dominant 6-1 victory for the Utah Mammoth over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dylan Guenther led the charge with two goals and an assist, including back-to-back strikes just 1:18 apart early in the second period—the fastest such feat in Mammoth franchise history—pushing the lead to 3-0. Guenther, the sharp-shooting forward, now leads Utah with 23 goals this season.
Jack McBain contributed a goal and two assists, while Daniil But, JJ Peterka, and Michael Carcone each notched a goal and an assist. Ian Cole provided two assists, Barrett Hayton one, as Karel Vejmelka secured 19 saves for his NHL-leading 21st win, extending Utah’s point streak to 4-0-1. For Toronto, Calle Jarnkrok’s third-period goal ended their shutout bid but snapped a four-game win streak and 10-game point streak; Dennis Hildeby stopped 34 shots.
How Did the Goals Unfold in the Mammoth-Maple Leafs Game?
Michael Carcone opened the scoring 3:22 into the first period with a one-timer off a cross-ice pass from Nate Schmidt, marking Utah’s opener in the last three matchups against Toronto fitting given Carcone grew up just north of the city. JJ Peterka extended to 4-0 with 4.5 minutes left in the second before Jarnkrok replied 3:30 into the third, spoiling Vejmelka’s shutout.
Late drama ensued as McBain and But scored 3:25 apart to cap the rout. A controversial moment saw But seemingly score late first but officials whistled a face-off with the puck loose. Additionally, Utah’s Sean Durzi sustained a facial cut colliding with Toronto’s Auston Matthews in the second period yet returned for the third.
What Are the Implications for Both Teams Involved?
For Utah Mammoth, the win cements their Western Conference contention, with Guenther’s form and Vejmelka’s goaltending pivotal. Toronto, meanwhile, must regroup after their streaks ended, with Hildeby’s efforts unable to stem the tide. AP notes highlight Utah’s offensive depth as key, contrasting Toronto’s defensive lapses.
This comprehensive coverage draws from aggregated club announcements, AP wires, and league reports, ensuring no detail overlooked. Altrincham’s move signals intent, while the NHL result underscores Utah’s momentum.
