Words John Edwards Picture Jonathan Moore

Altrincham have added experience and proven ability to the goalkeeping ranks by signing free agent Rob Lainton.

The former Wrexham number one is in manager Phil Parkinson's squad for tonight's National League Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United under-21s at The J.Davidson Stadium and is eligible for Saturday's short trip to the Crown Oil Arena, as Alty take on Rochdale for a place in the Isuzu FA Trophy semi-finals.

Hailing from Ashton-under-Lyne, the 35-year old will bring a level of experience and know-how that will benefit the younger keepers at the club and also increase the options at Phil's disposal.

After working his way through the junior age groups at Bolton Wanderers and graduating to their senior squad in 2010, Rob signed for Bury in 2013 and made nearly 40 first-team appearances for them, including 17 in a highly-successful 2014-15 campaign that ended in automatic promotion to League One.

After a spell with Port Vale, he joined Wrexham in July 2018, initially on a loan deal that became permanent in November that year.

The 6ft 4in keeper was named Wrexham's player of the year in 2018-19 after recording 25 clean sheets, 21 of them in the league, and he made over 120 appearances for them in all before leaving the Racecourse Ground last summer.

A warm welcome to The J.Davidson Stadium, Rob, and here's wishing you every success in Alty colours.