Words John Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Phil Parkinson has further reinforced Altrincham's attacking options after adding exciting left-winger Charlie Kirk to his squad for the forthcoming season.

Charlie has repeatedly taken the eye during a pre-season programme that continues against Port Vale at The J.Davidson Stadium this evening and has cemented his place in the Alty manager's plans ahead of the big Enterprise National League kick-off at home to Aldershot Town a week on Saturday.

The Winsford-born attacker arrives with an impressive pedigree of having made over 300 appearances in the Football League, and, at 27 years of age, he is confident there is still plenty more to come in Altrincham colours.

Speaking to AltyTV, he said: "I'm really happy to have got this done. I've been training with the lads for a couple of weeks now, as well as playing pre-season games, and it feels good to be here.

"I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think Altrincham were an ambitious club, and I want to play a part in helping them fulfil those ambitions. That is why I am here.

"I know the manager really well, and having spoken to him and seen what Alty have done in the last few seasons, I'm really looking forward to getting started and hopefully helping us hit the ground running when the new campaign starts.

"The gaffer's approach really fits with the way I play football. I'd say I'm probably a typical Alty and typical Phil Parkinson type of player. I like the ball at my feet and going at a defender, and I like linking up with whoever is at left-back.

"That has gone really well so far with Sam Reed. I have really enjoyed playing with him, and it already looks like we complement each other quite well on that left flank."

Alty boss Phil is in no doubt his latest acquisition has a skill set commensurate with a far higher level than the National League.

"He is a player I never thought would be within our reach at 27 years old," he said. "The biggest thing for me was his desire to come to Altrincham.

"His quality is unquestionable, and his pedigree speaks for itself. He is a player who should be playing at a much higher level, but for one reason or another, we find ourselves in the fortunate position where he is needing our support, and he will certainly help us, once we get him back on track.

"He is a different type of winger to what we have had in the past. He's one who will find key passes and assists, and he is more than capable of chipping in with goals as well, so what we have lost in Alex Newby, I'm hoping we have gained and more in Charlie Kirk.

"He has been a top professional since he first walked into the building. His positivity and desire to knuckle down and do the bits that are needed to improve the squad, the team, have been really obvious during pre-season.

"So, we are extremely lucky to have a player of Charlie's quality and ability, and hopefully it can enhance everything we do moving forward."

Another product of the renowned Crewe Alexandra Academy, Charlie was called up to the senior squad at Gresty Road while still a second year scholar.

In May 2018, having already clocked up 69 first-team appearances, he was handed a new three-year deal by then-manager David Artell, and he responded by playing 45 times and scoring 11 goals the following season.

He continued in a similar vein the campaign after that, to such an extent that he was named in the 2019-20 PFA League Two team of the season, and in June 2020, with his existing deal still having 12 months to run, he was rewarded with a new improved two-year contract.

A move to Charlton Athletic followed in August 2021, and, after scoring three goals in 33 appearances in two years at The Valley, he returned to Crewe for a second spell before spending last season at Barrow.

Now, as he says, he can't wait to get started in Alty colours, and everyone at the club would like to extend the warmest of welcomes to him and wish him every success in his time at The J.Davidson Stadium.

*Watch out for the AltyTV interview with Charlie in full, here on the club's website and our social media channels.

If you'd like to sponsor Charlie's home, away or training kit for 2025/26 click here. Prices start at just £80.