Words John Edwards | Picture Jonathan Moore

Joel Bailey is to continue his development as a footballing centre-half by playing in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division with Bamber Bridge this season.

Altrincham's highly-rated young defender had a hugely-successful loan spell at NPL West Division Witton Albion last season which culminated in former Robins favourite Ben Harrison recognising his immense contribution by naming him manager's player-of-the-year.

Now he is stepping up a level to the Premier Division by joining Bamber Bridge, managed by Jamie Milligan, on a season-long loan, and Phil Parkinson is convinced it is another arrangement that will prove significantly beneficial to him.

"I'm really pleased to have got this loan for Joel," said the Alty boss. "It's the perfect fit for him. Bamber Bridge and Milly as a manager are a match made in heaven for a player of Joel's talent.

"He is a footballing centre-half, and Bamber Bridge play a really expansive brand of football. It will suit him down to the ground, and the higher level calibre of opponent he will come across will improve him no end.

"This should be a fantastic loan for Joel which will get him closer to our first team."

Joel went on as a 70th-minute substitute in Alty's final pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest last Saturday and, even in that short time, underlined his eye-catching ability to bring the ball out of defence and help set up an attack.

Now, he's set to hone those skills in the NPL Premier Division, starting against Guiseley on Saturday, and everyone at Alty wishes him a successful 2025-26 campaign at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

The opportunity to sponsor Joel for the 2025/26 is still available. Click here for all the details.