Words John Edwards

Neil Gibson has significantly strengthened Altrincham's midfield options after landing vastly-experienced and versatile winger Otis Khan on an 18-month deal.

Locally born but capped at international level by Pakistan on 12 occasions, Otis brings with him a wealth of know-how after clocking up over 200 Football League appearances as a winger with an eye for goal who can also operate in a more central position.

He signed on the dotted line after impressing at our Egerton training complex over a period of time, and the gaffer sees him benefitting those around him as well as making an important contribution in his own right.

"I'm really pleased to get Otis over the line," said Neil. "He is a player I have seen and worked with during his time with Tranmere Rovers five or six years ago, and he is someone who has played at a very good level for a lot of distinguished clubs in the Football League.

"He's got experience at National League level as well, and he's at a really good age, in terms of what he will bring to the group with regard to his experience and being such a good character.

"He has fitted in seamlessly with the group at the training ground, and it's clear he brings some leadership qualities that we are really in need of.

"He is a neat and tidy footballer, very capable in possession, and he can play in a number of positions, so he is going to add some real quality to the team in a number of different areas.

"On top of all that, he is someone who understands what out-of-possession looks like and how important it is, as well as being a very gifted and technical footballer, so we are really excited about working with him.

"He has been in with us, training with the group, for a period of time now, ahead of signing, and both parties have enjoyed working with each other. Now, I'm looking forward to working with him over a long, continuous time."

Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Otis spent a decade in Manchester United's Academy before switching to Sheffield United's youth system in the summer of 2012.

He made his first-team debut for the Blades away to Crawley Town in March 2014 and was loaned out three times, including a two-month stay at Barrow, where he scored four goals in eight appearances

On leaving Bramall Lane in January 2016, he was awarded an 18-month contract at Barnsley in League One after a successful trial. Later that year, he was snapped up by League Two Yeovil Town on a 12-month deal, and that was followed by a move to Mansfield Town, also in League Two, for an undisclosed fee in June 2018, where he scored twice on his debut in a 3-0 win over Newport County.

Following his departure from Mansfield in the summer of 2020, he turned down offers from League One clubs to join League Two Tranmere, and he started in the 2021 EFL Trophy final at Wembley, which was won 1-0 by Sunderland.

After stints with Walsall and Leyton Orient, he signed for Grimsby Town in July 2022 and was part of the team that reached the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1939.

When Grimsby released him at the end of the 2023-24 season, he signed a one-year agreement with Oldham Athletic for the 2024-25 campaign and finished it on loan at Yeovil.

Otis turned 30 in September and is fresh from a brief spell abroad, playing for Malaysian side Kelantan Red Warrior, and, in extending a warm welcome to The J.Davidson Stadium, everyone at the club would like to wish him a successful time in Alty colours.

*Watch out for an AltyTV interview with Otis here on the club's website and our social media channels shortly.