Words John Edwards Picture Jonathan Moore

Altrincham have significantly strengthened their defensive resources for the hectic Christmas programme by signing Blackburn Rovers under-21s skipper Charlie Olson for a second loan spell at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Manager Phil Parkinson hailed the commanding centre-back's arrival as a significant breakthrough that will help Alty cope with a demanding run of fixtures, starting with Saturday's eagerly-awaited Isuzu FA Trophy third round tie at home to local rivals Macclesfield.

Charlie, who turned 20 last month, is eligible for the Trophy showdown with Robbie Savage's Silkmen, after agreeing a one-month loan, and will also be in contention for a place when the Robins return to Vanarama National League action at Wealdstone on Tuesday evening and at home to Sutton United the following Saturday.

The games continue to come thick and fast throughout December, and Phil summed up the importance of having an extra option in defence, especially one of such high quality, as he said:

"I'm really pleased that Blackburn have allowed us to have Charlie for the next month. When he was with us previously, he impressed greatly in his first couple of games, prior to his loan being cut short by injury.

"He is now back with us fit and ready to go, and I could not have asked for a better player to come in during this busy festive period.

"He is a great character and leader and ultimately a great player who will improve us going into the month ahead."

Liverpool-born Charlie first took the eye as skipper of Blackburn under-21s in their opening National League Cup tie at Alty, and he was soon back at The J.Davidson Stadium for an initial loan spell that saw him pitched into the starting line-up within a couple of days for the Emirates FA Cup tie with Solihull Moors.

He looked the part straightaway, but after completing another assured 90 minutes in the 2-2 home draw with Gateshead, he picked up an injury that necessitated an early return to Ewood Park.

Great that you are firing on all cylinders again, Charlie, and everyone at the club would like to wish you a successful and enjoyable second spell at The J.Davidson Stadium.