Words John Edwards

Phil Parkinson has added "one of the best finishers I've seen for a long, long time" to Altrincham's attack after landing Jimmy Knowles from Accrington Stanley for an undisclosed fee.

Defence and midfield significantly strengthened in recent weeks, Phil's focus promptly switched to the forward line after Alex Newby rejected a substantially improved contract offer and joined York City in the wake of Regan Linney's departure to Carlisle United.

The Alty boss wasted no time moving to plug the gaps and is now confident the Robins will carry a potent attacking threat into the new campaign after snapping up 23-year old frontrunner James Gale from Mansfield Town and following that up with the capture of another talented young striker with his peak years still in front of him.

Remarkably, that's three signings in quick succession who all know each other's game inside out, with James, Jimmy and Keaton Ward all having spent time together at both Mansfield and Boston United.

It's no coincidence, either, as Phil explained by saying: "It's a real positive that they have played together before and know each other, as it gives us an element of continuity while we rebuild the frontline.

"It shouldn't take as long as it might normally do, so hopefully that will give us a head start. That was part of the mindset in signing these three, but the biggest thing is they are all quality players in their own right.

"I've already spoken about Keaton and James, and what they will bring, and I'm really pleased that we've now got Jimmy over the line.

"He is a player we came across last season, and we studied him a lot when he played at Boston. He's got every type of finish you need to be a top goalscorer, and we feel he will be a real force at this level, given the opportunity to play.

"In fact, I'd say Jimmy is one of the best finishers I have seen for a long, long time, and I have really high hopes that he is going to be able to drive us towards those play-offs again."

Six-foot-tall Jimmy, 23, echoed Phil's belief that he can hit the ground running in such familiar company, as, in an AltyTV interview to be broadcast shortly, he said:

"I know both Keaton and James very well, and that can only help. I played with Keaton a lot more at Boston, and we have a really good connection on and off the pitch.

"I was with Galey at Mansfield and Boston, and there's a good connection there as well, so I think we will work well together. I'd describe myself as having quite a positive outlook. I work hard and try to get on the ball and make things happen, but the main thing I like is scoring goals."

As a 17-year old Academy hopeful at Mansfield, Jimmy scored four goals for the Reserves against Port Vale in March 2019 and was immediately elevated to the senior squad by manager David Flitcroft, who said at the time:

"I couldn't get to that one, but after a recent game I saw him in, I told him he should have had a hat-trick - and he was only on the pitch for 20 minutes! He was brilliant.

"When you see someone with that enthusiasm and love of the game, it makes me understand why I do it (as a manager). He is brilliant.

"It's amazing to see that level of energy and hunger at a young age. Greg Abbott (head of football operations) came back from the game, and we just sat and talked about the energy Jimmy has."

Jimmy's name was on a two-year contract with the Stags just three months later, and he scored his first goal for them in an EFL Trophy tie with Crewe the following October.

When he was loaned to Notts County the following season, he bagged his first senior hat-trick with goals in the 60th, 66th and 79th minutes in a 4-2 National League win away to Woking.

Released by Mansfield in the summer of 2023, he joined Boston and scored 18 goals in 47 appearances, culminating in the National League North play-off final winner at Brackley Town, and it was enough to earn him a move to Accrington on a two-year deal in June 2024.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Boston, helping them safeguard their place in the National League, and everyone here is hoping he will have swopped a relegation battle for a promotion push with the Robins in 2025-26.

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

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

To purchase your 2025/26 Altrincham FC Season Ticket and join us for the next chapter at The J.Davidson Stadium simply click here and get ready for another season of exciting football at Moss Lane.