Report by John Edwards

Picture courtesy of Fleetwood Town FC

In a further boost to the firepower at Phil Parkinson's disposal, Altrincham have signed versatile forward Junior Quitirna on loan from League One Fleetwood Town, subject to ratification from the Football League, National League and FA.

The 22-year old winger, who can also operate as a striker, has joined the Robins on an initial one-month deal and will be in contention for a place in Alty's squad for Saturday's eagerly-anticipated Vanarama National League clash with Wrexham at what will be a packed J.Davidson Stadium (kick-off 5.20pm).

The move follows hot on the heels of Danny Cashman's arrival on loan from Coventry City for the rest of the season and will provide Alty boss Phil with a welcome addition to his selection options up front.

Hailing from Guinea-Bissau on the West Africa coast, Quitirna joined Charlton Athletic in 2019 and made two cup appearances for the first team, as well as being a regular for the under-23s, before leaving The Valley in the summer of 2021.

He signed for Waterford on July 9th 2021 and made his debut the same day, scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot in a 1-0 victory away to Finn Harps in a League of Ireland Premier Division basement battle.

Later that month, he came off the bench as a 75th-minute substitute and scored what proved to be a decisive second goal eight minutes later to give Waterford a 2-1 win at Drogheda United.

He scored seven goals in 21 appearances that season, and though he couldn't prevent Waterford being relegated to the First Division at the end of last year's campaign, he was one of few shining lights for the Blues, as he contributed 13 goals and 10 assists in 35 outings.

Quitirna's form was noted at Fleetwood, whose chairman Andy Pilley completed a takeover of Waterford last August, and the talented Bissau-Ginean soon found himself heading to Highbury Stadium.

Fleetwood, who, of course, allowed us to benefit from Chris Conn-Clarke's dazzling skills for the first half of this season, have now given their approval for Junior to join us on loan, and we wish him all the best for a successful time in Alty colours.