Altrincham have become the latest National League side to confirm their retained list, with a long-standing player amongst the individuals that are expected to depart the club this summer.
Neil Gibson’s side finished the 2025/26 season just two points shy of securing a top-half finish, winning three games on the bounce including their final day victory against in-form Gateshead.
With the campaign now having come to an end, clubs across the country are releasing their retained lists and Altrincham are no different. You can access the full list of all National League retained lists here.
Altrincham confirm five heading for the exit
Despite their 13th-placed finish being lower than last season, Altrincham have undergone some major changes since the end of the previous campaign. Star striker Regan Linney was sold to Carlisle United whilst manager Phil Parkinson left the club early in the campaign.
Unlike clubs such as Morecambe & Carlisle, respectively, Altrincham will only release five players this summer once their existing deals come to an end, presenting a sense of optimism that they can build upon this season after retaining the majority of their team.
However, their retained list did confirm the departure of long-standing defender and former captain Lewis Baines, bringing his four-year stint with the club to an end.
Baines has played a key role for Altrincham ever since he arrived from Chorley in 2022, but spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan with fellow National League side Solihull Moors, where he was able to contribute goals and almost secure themselves a top-half finish too.
Therefore, his exit may not necessarily be seen as a surprise given he was out on loan – though he isn’t the only player to be leaving this summer. The full list of departing players is as follows;
- Lewis Baines, Lucas Edwards, Sam Reed, Billy Sass-Davies & Yassine Toure
In regard to Baines’ exit from the club, manager Neil Gibson told the club website…
“We thank Bainesy for being an excellent player and wonderful servant of the football club during his four years with Altrincham,
“We wish him all the best for next season and thank him for his performances and efforts while with the football club.”
What’s next for Baines?
Following his impending exit from Altrincham this summer, Baines faces an uncertain future though there are a couple of initial options that may be on the table for him.
The 27-year-old ended the season on loan at Solihull Moors, where he made 11 appearances since arriving in late-February and scored during a 4-1 victory against play-off finalists Boreham Wood.
Baines received regular minutes under Chris Millington and with fellow centre-back Alex Whitmore having departed the club, there is potential that a permanent move could be on the cards.
Elsewhere, Baines enjoyed success under Phil Parkinson at Altrincham, which could tempt him into following his former manager down to the National League North with Chester. There he’d be competing against the likes of former Coventry City defender Tom Davies as they aim to seal promotion to the fifth tier.
As stated, this would result in him dropping down a tier, but could come with the possibility of achieving a promotion and/or league title.
Though his future remains uncertain, the 27-year-old isn’t likely to be short of offers as the build-up to pre-season continues.
