Words John Edwards | Picture Jonathan Moore

ALTRINCHAM'S flourishing Academy stands as testimony to the importance attached to developing homegrown potential at The J.Davidson Stadium, and the club are therefore immensely proud to announce that another new contract has been awarded to midfield prospect Owen German.

Manager Phil Parkinson and assistant Neil Sorvel have carefully monitored Owen's progress through the junior ranks and long since earmarked him as an emerging talent with all the credentials to make his mark at first team level.

A loan spell at Irlam gave him an early taste of senior football, and when he then received rave reviews for a series of mature performances at the heart of Wythenshawe Town's midfield, as they won promotion from the North West Counties League Premier Division last season, it convinced Alty's management team that he was developing along the right lines and good value for his place in the Robins' squad.

After putting pen to paper on his second contract as a senior Alty player, the teenage midfielder, who made an impressive debut for the Robins in a 4-0 Cheshire Senior Cup win over Sandbach United, said: "There’s no better place for me to continue my development than at Alty.

"The coaching from the gaffer and Sorvs and all the staff is second to none, and they have given me the tools to continually improve my game. I’m learning so much from the experienced lads who are always happy to share their own tips and tricks with me.

"The gaffer helped sort the loans for me last year and they gave me a good insight into the men’s game and what it takes to win matches around this level of football.

"I’m looking forward to this coming season after a fantastic campaign last time, finishing in the play-offs. I want to help give everything I can next season to try to help this brilliant club get promoted.”

Alty boss Phil backed his outstanding youngster to keep developing and improving, as he said: "Owen’s progress has been the most impressive out of all the graduates we’ve promoted through the Academy programme.

"He’ll be wanting to push up the pyramid this coming season, to try to force himself into the first team picture. I’ve no doubt he will, because his attitude and application to his trade is outstanding."