Words John Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore

PHIL Parkinson has added an extra injection of pace to Altrincham's midfield after completing the signing of former Stoke City winger Kahrel Reddin.

Kahrel has been given the chance to impress in recent pre-season friendlies against Warrington Town, Salford City, Chester and Curzon Ashton and has grabbed it with both hands, particularly with the impact he made as a second-half substitute at the Deva Stadium last Saturday.

The 20-year old's rapid acceleration down the right flank was one of the bright spots of Alty's first pre-season defeat so far and proved that he was well worth a place in the Robins' squad for the forthcoming 2024-25 campaign.

As he reflected on a successful transition from trialist to squad member, Kahrel said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed for the club and been given this opportunity to show what I can do in Alty colours.

"The team did brilliantly last season, reaching the play-offs, and I'll be doing everything I can to push for a chance to help us make a positive impact again this time round.

"Everyone has been so good with me and made it easy for me to settle in. I've thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks, training and getting minutes on the pitch in pre-season games.

"It has gone exactly as I hoped it would, and the rest of the lads, the coaching staff and the manager have all been great to be around. I absolutely can't wait for the season to start."

Kahrel, who can operate as a winger or wing-back on either flank but is primarily a lightning-quick outside-right, already has a prestigious medal to his name after being part of the Aston Villa squad that beat Liverpool 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup final at Villa Park in May 2021.

He scored a brilliant solo goal against Newcastle United in one of the earlier rounds, and, after leaving Villa, he joined Stoke, where he was a regular for their under-21s before being released two months ago, despite being named on the bench by then-manager Alex Neil for a first team match against Huddersfield Town in February last year.

Now he's looking to establish himself at senior level with Alty after landing a fresh start under Phil and Neil Sorvel and becoming our fifth signing of the summer, in the wake of Lucas Weaver, Joe Nuttall, Tom Crawford and Tylor Golden.

In extending a warm welcome to The J.Davidson Stadium, we would like to wish Kahrel every success with the Robins - and if you'd like to sponsor Kahrel's home, away OR training gear for the new season click here.