Words John Edwards | Picture Jonathan Moore

MAX Haygarth has signed a new contract at Altrincham and immediately set himself a daunting target - filling the number 10 role vacated by Chris Conn-Clarke's club record move to Peterborough United.

The former Manchester United youngster joined Alty on a short-term deal towards the end of last season but made just one appearance for the Robins, as a substitute in the 6-1 win over York City at The J.Davidson Stadium just over three months ago.

Should he live up to the expectations he has happily placed on himself, he's likely to be clocking up considerably more minutes out in the middle in Alty's forthcoming Vanarama National League campaign.

Underlining the unshakable self-belief that helped keep him on the books at United up to the age of 19, the Manchester-born 22-year old said, in an interview with AltyTV: "I can play on the wing, but I'm better in the central positions, and I would like to play in the number 10 role - I think that is my main position.

"I know there are big boots to fill there. I saw plenty of Chris when I was here last season, and some of the things he can do are just unbelievable. He fully deserves to be playing at a higher level, but I believe in myself, and I would always back myself to do a job there, picking passes and making things happen.

"I'm here to focus on myself and show what I can do, and I will give my all to try and prove to everyone that I can be the player to fill that position."

Max, who lives just a five-minute drive away from Alty's Egerton training ground in Lower Peover, feels the Robins' passing game under Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel will suit him down to the ground.

"I saw a game before I signed last season and was so impressed with the way we got the ball down and knocked it around," he said. "It's time to revitalise my career and play to the levels I think I'm capable of, and hopefully the manager here can help me do that.

"I'm hoping he has seen something in training that makes him think I can contribute something. If that's the case, hopefully there will be more to come, because he's only seen 70 per cent so far. I'm looking forward to producing  everything I have to offer - I'm delighted to be here and can't wait to get going."

Everyone at Alty would like to send congratulations on the new contract and best wishes for the season ahead to Max, whose interview with AltyTV will be available to view here on the club's website shortly.