Words John Edwards

Phil Parkinson has further reinforced his Altrincham squad for the busy programme ahead by landing versatile midfielder Kian Taylor on loan from Preston North End.

A central midfielder with an eye for goal who can also play in defence, Kian will be with Alty for the next month as we continue our pursuit of honours on three fronts, in the Vanarama National League, the Isuzu FA Trophy and the National League Cup.

While our NL Cup hopes hinge on the result going our way when Rochdale take on Manchester United under-21s a week on Tuesday, the Robins are handily positioned for the play-offs in seventh place in the league and very much in the reckoning in the Trophy as we bid to reach the quarter-finals at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

Eastleigh are the visitors for an eagerly-anticipated fifth-round tie, and 24-year old Kian is eligible to play after joining his new team-mates at Alty's Egerton training complex in Knutsford (pictured).

With games coming thick and fast, the arrival of a player who has already broken through to the first team at Preston was welcomed by Alty's director of football Marc Tierney, who said: "I'm delighted to get Kian over the line - he is a really good addition for us.

"When I arrived at the club, I really wanted to utilise connections and networks I have in the area, and it's great to bring Kacper Pasiek in from Preston and then follow that with someone of a player profile who suits our football and can be coached in our way of play by Phil and Sorvs.

"I'm delighted we've got Kian in after really good talks with Preston. They can see what we do and where we are in the play-off places in the league table, which is another reason why we want to drive on. It's great that we have been supported by the board with this loan."

After figuring prominently for the reserves, and weighing in with key goals in both the Central League and Central League Cup, Kian signed his first professional contract at Deepdale, a two-year deal, in July 2023.

His form in pre-season that summer earned him a place on the bench for Preston's opening Championship fixture against Bristol City and he made his full debut in a Carabao Cup first-round tie with Salford City soon after.

A fractured arm stalled his progress and kept him out for several months, but he built up his match sharpness with a loan spell at Stafford Rangers after returning to full fitness towards the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

He has now completed a one-month loan move to the Robins, and everyone at the club would like to wish him every success in Alty colours.