Words John Edwards

Neil Gibson has completed his second high-profile signing in as many days after snapping up former Manchester City midfielder Kian Breckin on an 18-month deal.

The 22-year old, who has signed in time for tonight's big Enterprise National League clash with Morecambe at The J.Davidson Stadium, comes from a notable sporting background.

His dad Ian clocked up around 700 appearances for Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest, great uncle John played for and managed Rotherham and mum Leanne is a former international gymnast.

A career in sport was always on the cards for Kian, and he duly maintained the family tradition by joining City's Academy as an 11-year old in 2015 and moving through the ranks to play a pivotal role in successive under-18 Premier League titles for the Blues in 2021 and 2022.

As well as progressing to City's Elite Development squad in the wake of those two successes, he gained experience of facing continental opposition in the UEFA Youth League.

Such was the family's commitment to helping Kian flourish at City, they moved from Rotherham to Sale, so he could be nearer the club's training facilities.

A loan spell with League One Wycombe Wanderers in July 2023 and another with Crewe Alexandra the following year that lasted just over five months and included 18 appearances, 13 of them in the League, further aided his development.

There was no shortage of suitors when he became available after a decade at City, and it's a real coup for Robins boss Neil, and his assistant Lee Jones, that he chose The J.Davidson Stadium as his next port of call.

"I'm really pleased to have got Kian to the club," said Neil. "He is someone we have been tracking for three or four weeks now, and he has a fantastic pedigree after coming through the system at Manchester City.

"He is a local lad who lives in the area, and it's good that he has connections with where we are based as well as having gained senior first-team experience on loan at Wycombe and Crewe.

"There were a number of cubs chasing his signature, but we were a bit more advanced with it because Lee Jones knows the family and has worked with Kian's dad. So, we were ahead of the game with this one, which helped a lot.

"Kian is a really strong, athletic player with lots of energy and an ability to adapt and fill a variety of positions, so we can utilise that when it comes to trying different formations. He is the type we can build around for the future of where we are trying to take Altrincham Football Club to."

A warm welcome to the club, Kian, and all the very best for a successful time in Alty colours.

Tickets for tonight's game against Morecambe at The J.Davidson Stadium are on sale online here.