Words John Edwards

Another player who has been in Phil Parkinson's sights for some time has finally made it to The J.Davidson Stadium after Billy Sass-Davies became Altrincham's second new signing of the close-season.

The Robins boss admitted he has been frustrated in previous attempts to land the highly-rated former Crewe Alexandra centre-back, but persistence has paid off after he got his man at last with a transfer breakthrough he is clearly thrilled with.

Phil has frequently spoken in glowing terms of the Abergele-born defender's imposing physical presence, and when Billy let it be known earlier this month that he had decided against extending his stay in the north-east with Hartlepool United for family reasons, our gaffer needed no second invitation to move in and bring him back to more familiar territory.

After two brief loan stints at The J.Davidson Stadium several years ago, it suits the former Wales under-19 and under-21 colossus to be a fully-fledged Robin at last, and Phil made it clear it suits him just as well as he reflected on his dogged pursuit of a player who is still only 25.

"I'm really pleased to get Billy over the line, because he is a player I have hugely admired over the years," he said. "I have often gone in for him but missed out to other clubs for a number of reasons, timing being the main one.

"But I have finally managed to move at the right time to bring him to our football club, and I am absolutely delighted to get it done.

"He will give us great physicality in both boxes and brilliant leadership and presence on the pitch, and he is a player I truly believe will improve us as a team and help us move forward as a football club."

After rising through the famed youth ranks at Crewe, Billy signed professional terms with them at the age of 17 in July 2017 and had no fewer than 10 loan spells during his seven years at Gresty Road.

He impressed in every one of them, including the two with Alty in 2019 and then 2020, and when he became a free agent last summer after clocking up 35 appearances for Crewe, it was Hartlepool who won the race to offer him a fresh start.

After one year in the north-east, in which he played the full 90 minutes against Alty at The J.Davidson Stadium but was an unused substitute in the return fixture at Victoria Park, he concluded he would rather be nearer his Cheshire area roots - and Phil was only too happy to oblige him!

A warm welcome to The J.Davidson Stadium, Billy, and all the very best for a happy and successful time in Alty colours.

*Watch out for more squad developments here on the club's website and our social media channels as and when they happen.

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