Report by John Edwards

Picture by Jonathan Moore

Altrincham have made a significant breakthrough on the transfer front after Eddy Jones' hugely-successful loan was turned into a permanent move to The J.Davidson Stadium, subject to National League and FA approval.

The Wales under-21 left-back has come on in leaps and bounds since starting a second loan spell with the Robins at the beginning of September and has grown in confidence and assurance with every subsequent appearance.

His emergence as a key figure on the left of Alty's defence led to manager Phil Parkinson exploring the possibility of securing him on a permanent basis, and the Robins boss was delighted when Stoke City agreed to his request.

With Eddy flourishing under the tutelage of Phil and Neil Sorvel, he quickly gave his consent to completing the transfer when it was put to him.

'I'm delighted to get Eddy on board,' said Phil. 'We chased him all summer to bring him back to us, and once I knew we had a chance to sign him permanently, I didn't hesitate to do everything I could to get it over the line. He will be a great acquisition for the club.'

The 21-year old made a favourable impression when he first arrived on an initial loan last February and clocked up 13 appearances to help the Robins to a mid-table finish in the Vanarama National League.

But it has been during a second temporary spell at Alty this season that he has really come into his own, consistently dependable in defence and frequently making his mark with attacking forays down the left flank.

He made his debut second time around at Solihull Moors on Saturday September 3rd and has been ever-present in the starting line-up since, scarcely missing a minute in a run of 19 successive league appearances plus three in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

Great to have you with us, Eddy, and all the very best as a full-time Alty player!

*Watch out for an Alty TV interview with Eddy here on the club's website in the next few days.