Words John Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore/Noah Shulman-Miller

TYLOR Golden has become Altrincham's latest close-season signing after turning a highly-impressive trial period with the Robins into a permanent move to The J.Davidson Stadium.

The 24-year old full-back has taken the eye in recent pre-season friendlies, and his arrival ahead of the 2024-25 campaign has been hailed as a coup by Alty boss Phil Parkinson in the face of interest from other clubs, including some from the Football League.

Describing it as like signing two players due to Tylor's versatility, Phil welcomed his fourth new recruit of the summer to the club by saying: "I am extremely pleased to have got this one over the line.

"It is a position where we have not really had competition over the last couple of seasons, but Tylor is someone who will genuinely push Lewis Banks and Eddy Jones, because he is equally adept at playing right-back or left-back.

"He has a wealth of experience from his time at FC Halifax Town and will bring real steel and real determination to our defence

"He is a great lad who wants to improve every day, and we can count ourselves extremely lucky that he has decided to ply his trade with us, because he had a lot of other offers from clubs at our level and the one above for more money than we could pay him.

"He has really bought into the ambitions of our club. He has seen the growth and development here and wants to be part of that journey.

"So, with all that in mind, it really is a great pleasure to be able to announce the arrival of a player who has a real determination to play for Altrincham and help us achieve what we all want, which is a place in the EFL."

Ipswich-born but an Altrincham area resident of long standing, Tylor is relishing the prospect of bolstering another Vanarama National League promotion push for the Robins.

"I’ve been a local of Altrincham most of my life, so I’ve seen how much the club have grown, looking on from the outside, and how there are exciting times to look forward to," he said.

"After playing against them the last couple seasons, I know the qualities this team possess. I wanted to be a part of that and to help contribute to taking us on to that next step, building on the success the club had last year in reaching the play-offs.

"The lads and staff have been great with me, which shows how solid a group they are. Playing in the games I already have, I’ve felt an understanding of how this team play, and I feel sharp and ready to go.

"The way the manager talked to me about the club and how we can be successful together was a major factor in making me know I wanted to be a part of it - he’s been great with me.

"I’m delighted to be here and really looking forward to the season ahead, as it has all the aspects to be an amazing one."

Reflecting on a quartet of summer signings for Alty, with Tylor following striker Joe Nuttall, midfielder Tom Crawford and winger Lucas Weaver into The J.Davidson Stadium, Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney commented:

"Helping Phil build the strongest possible foundation for success is one of the board's prime objectives, and we are delighted that we have been able to support him in adding another high-calibre player to the squad.

"Phil has addressed the areas he felt needed strengthening and has managed to identify and recruit the players he wants in defence, midfield, the wing and up front, so the squad is looking in great shape for the challenge ahead in the new season."

Tylor launched his career with Wigan Athletic, where he made the first-team squad as an unused substitute against Scunthorpe United at the age of just 17.

His debut came a few days later in an EFL Trophy tie against Middlesbrough under-23s, and he signed his first professional contract the following April, only to be released in June 2020.

He was snapped up by Salford City, making nine appearances for the League Two club before being released at the end of the 2021-22 season and joining Halifax, where he played 87 times over the course of two campaigns and scored three goals.

Just about every manager he has played for so far has waxed lyrical about his robust, energetic and always enthusiastic approach to defending, and Halifax were sorry to see him go at the expiry of his contract at The Shay, writing on their club website only last month that he was "a key player for us in both our 2023 FA Trophy win and our play-off campaign last season."

His arrival completes a quartet of notable signings for the Robins this summer, and everyone at The J.Davidson Stadium would like to extend a warm welcome to Tylor and wish him every success in Alty colours. 

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