James Jones is back at The J.Davidson Stadium, and Phil Parkinson has also added exciting forward Alex Samizadeh to his new-look squad in an eye-catching double signing by Altrincham's manager.

The Robins boss has significant extra options at his disposal at both ends of the pitch after his latest transfer activity, with James a tower of strength in central defence, as everyone will remember from his previous spell with the club, and Alex's versatility and attacking flair always likely to make something happen in any of the forward positions.

The return of 25-year old James to Moss Lane represents a real coup for the Robins after his rise to prominence in well over 100 Alty appearances drew widespread interest and led to Barrow snapping him up for their promotion to the Football League two years ago.

When he recently turned down the offer of a new deal at Holker Street, after stamping his mark on League Two over the course of nearly 50 appearances, there was no shortage of suitors jostling to provide him with a fresh challenge.

Alty were one of them, and the club were delighted to see off competition from several others to land the 6ft 3in centre-back, a defender who fits the Phil Parkinson mould of being sure-footed at the back and comfortable bringing the ball forward.

Alty's new full-time professional status can only have helped influence James' decision, and his signing means Phil now has an enviable quartet of central defenders to choose from in Toby Mullarkey, Lewis Baines, Jake Cooper and our latest acquisition, with right-back Ross Barrows also able to operate there.

In welcoming James back to The J.Davidson Stadium, the club are also delighted to have reached an agreement for Alex to be part of the squad for the upcoming Vanarama National League campaign.

The diminutive Tehran-born attacker made his mark during the pre-season programme and underlined his reputation for having not only a turn of pace but quick feet and speed of thought in tight situations, often making him a nightmare to mark.

He operated on the right wing in the second half of the 2-0 friendly win at Trafford but can fill any of the three roles behind the main striker and can also play up front.

Still only 23, he came through the youth ranks at Bolton Wanderers and broke through to the first team before moving on and, most recently, spending last season in the Isthmian Premier Division, where he scored seven goals in 12 appearances in a struggling Leatherhead side.

A warm welcome to Alex and good to see you back in Alty colours, James - all the best to both players for a happy and successful time with the Robins.