Altrincham have been dealt a shattering blow after new signing Olly Crankshaw was ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The talented winger, whose arrival from Stockport County created a wave of excitement among Robins fans, hobbled off shortly before half-time in only his second Alty appearance, away to Barnet on Saturday.

An anxious wait followed while the extent of the injury was assessed, and it came as a devastating setback to everyone at the club when the news reached us that Olly will miss the rest of the campaign after suffering damage to an ACL.

Manager Phil Parkinson, his coaching and backroom staff and the entire squad will rally round Olly and give him all the support he needs as he starts out on the path back to full fitness.

It's a second regrettable injury blow to a key forward in quick succession after Regan Linney's eye-catching start to the season was abruptly halted by a knee ligament problem.

Alty's in-form striker expressed his relief at learning he will not need surgery, but he still faces several weeks out.

In addition, midfielder George Wilson's ankle injury is being monitored and skipper James Jones has a groin problem that will keep him out for another couple of weeks or so, while full-back Liam Brockbank and promising youngster Amaar Hussain are continuing their rehabilitation from ACL injuries.

All Alty fans will want to join everyone at the club in wishing each of our injured players a speedy recovery and hoping they are back to full fitness and available for selection again as soon as possible.