Report by John Edwards

Picture courtesy of Solihull Moors FC

Phil Parkinson has continued his summer recruitment drive by adding the vast experience and impressive pedigree of Joey Jones to Altrincham's midfield in a move that is subject to FA and National League approval.

The 29-year old defensive midfielder arrives at The J.Davidson Stadium having featured in Vanarama National League play-off campaigns for Eastleigh and Grimsby Town and also played for Salford in League Two.

At 6ft 1in and with a powerful physique, Joey promises to be a formidable presence at the heart of Phil's new-look line-up, and it will make the coming season even more of an enticing prospect for Robins fans that breaking things up at the hub of the Alty engine room isn't all he has to offer.

Describing a style of play that has shaped his career at the top end of the Vanarama National League and the EFL, he said: "As well as filling the holding role, I like to be involved in starting attacks and linking the play from back to front. I'd say that is one of my biggest strengths, along with winning headers.

"I have been with winning teams, and I enjoy that. I love winning. I am very competitive and have always wanted to be the best I can, to put the best version of myself out there. Being competitive is something that's just in my nature.

"I'm relishing this new challenge. I would love to score more goals, and the manager has said there will be every opportunity to do that in this Altrincham team. I'm really looking forward to it."

Alty boss Phil was in no doubt about the significance of his latest transfer breakthrough, saying: "I’m delighted to announce the signing of Joey Jones. It’s a sign of how far the club have come that we can entice a player of Joey’s quality and experience to a club like Altrincham.

"First and foremost, I see him as a leader player who will get us back to our fundamental philosophy of retaining the ball, dictating the play and being very difficult to attack against.

"Joey comes with a fantastic pedigree and a wealth of experience of higher level clubs. This is something we’ve identified as being a priority when recruiting all the new players this season.

"His experience will help other players through difficult times with his leadership as well as his communication skills. These attributes will be extremely valuable to us - it's something we sorely missed last season.

"He is a technically gifted player and an outstanding technician on the pitch. He’s very tactically aware and he’ll be able to orchestrate how we play on the pitch and organise the players around him.

"I also feel his personality will fit right in with the group and I believe he will become a firm fans' favourite very quickly as he is in the mould of our previous skipper Jake Moult.

"Moulty was the player that would drag us through games when others were below par - every team needs that and I feel we have that again in Joey."

After spending three years in Arsenal's Academy and a further three in Leicester City's, Joey had a four-year spell at Woking, clocking up 162 appearances and scoring 10 times, including a 40-yard special against Forest Green Rovers that was voted goal of the season in 2016-17.

He signed for Eastleigh in June 2018 and helped them to the play-offs, where they lost to Wrexham, after which he joined Salford in League Two on a two-year deal in the summer of 2019.

After being snapped up by Dagenham & Redbridge in November 2020, he headed to Grimsby on loan, where his impact was such that he proved a vital cog in their promotion to League Two via the play-offs.

He spent last season at Solihull Moors and has now signed up for Alty confidently declaring he feels "as strong as ever" and at the peak of his powers.

Great to have you at the club, Joey, and all the very best for a successful time in Alty colours.