Words John Edwards

Phil Parkinson has turned his attention to Altrincham's attacking requirements and pulled off a signing coup by landing in-demand striker James Gale from Mansfield Town, subject to National League, FA and EFL approval.

The highly-rated 23-year old became an instant target for several clubs after his recent departure from Mansfield, but Phil's personal touch proved decisive in luring him to The J.Davidson Stadium in another significant breakthrough for his plans to mould a promotion-chasing squad ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

As our latest acquisition reflected on his reasons for choosing the Robins ahead of other suitors, in an AltyTV interview to be broadcast shortly, he was full of praise for Phil's powers of persuasion.

"I was on loan at Solihull Moors last season, and, after the game here at Alty, he had a quick word with me and said how much he admired me as a player," said the six-foot-plus frontrunner. "He was very complimentary, and that stuck with me.

"So, when he spoke to me in the same way after I left Mansfield, it was a no-brainer signing for him. He has big plans for this club, and he showed me where I would fit in, so I'm buzzing and can't wait to get started.

"I want to play and I want to score goals, and that's what I'll be trying to do here."

James' arrival marks the successful conclusion of another relentless pursuit by Phil of a player who has taken his eye and been earmarked for recruitment as and when available.

"I've been monitoring James for over three seasons now, so I'm naturally delighted to have got this one over the line and secured him as an Altrincham player," said the Alty boss. "I believe we have unearthed another gem in James.

"He is a player who will score lots of goals for us and will bring us physicality, pace and power.

"I believe he will be a fans' favourite very quickly and a very sought-after commodity once we give him a platform to showcase what he is capable of.

"Hopefully, his progress and growth will go hand-in-hand with ours, and he can help us realise our ambitions of pushing for the play-offs and maybe getting into the Football League."

James clocked up nearly 40 League Two appearances for Mansfield and scored his first goal for them with what proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory at Newport County in April 2023 as the Stags narrowly missed out on the play-off places.

His availability at the end of last season sparked a scramble for his services, but Phil won out to add more firepower to a squad that has already been bolstered by the arrival of Keaton Ward, Billy Sass-Davies and Sam Reed and new contracts for Lewis Banks, Jake Cooper, Isaac Marriott, Tylor Golden and Matty Kosylo.

You can hear more from James about how Phil's input influenced his decision to join us and how Keaton Ward has already welcomed him aboard when his AltyTV interview is posted here on the club's website.

We're all delighted you have chosen The J.Davidson Stadium for continuing your career path, James, and we wish you all the very best for a successful time in Alty colours.

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