Words John Edwards

Phil Parkinson has added Football League experience to Altrincham's midfield after snapping up Jack Hinchy from Notts County on loan for the rest of the calendar year.

Though he only turned 22 at the end of January, Jack has already clocked up nearly 30 appearances in Leagues One and Two for both Shrewsbury Town and his current club County over the past couple of seasons.

A combative midfielder with an impressive range of passing, the 5ft 11in Mancunian will be with us until January and is relishing the opportunity to help steer Alty up the Enterprise National League table after completing a move that is subject to FA, EFL and National League approval.

The gaffer is just as delighted to have him on board for the next few months after reflecting on the qualities that have brought the all-action midfielder admirers throughout his career so far.

"Jack is an excellent loan signing for us," said Phil Parkinson. "He will improve us and add competition to an already strong area of the pitch for us. 

"He was too good not to make a move for, and I feel he will enhance our ability to retain the ball and also improve us defensively, which is definitely an area where we are looking to improve."

A product of Stockport County's youth system, Jack progressed through the Academy at Edgeley Park and made his first-team debut at the age of 17 after being handed a chance by then-manager Jim Gannon in a narrow 1-0 Emirates FA Cup third-round defeat to West Ham.

He went on to land his first professional contract at just turned 18 in February 2021, and his development was such that Brighton moved in to sign him in August that year and quickly installed him as captain of their under-21s side.

A senior debut followed in a 3-0 EFL Trophy win over Forest Green Rovers, and when he was loaned to Shrewsbury in February 2024, he made 12 first-team appearances in the second half of their 2023-24 League One campaign.

In July last year, he joined Notts County on a two-year deal and scored his first goal in senior football five months later, when he chested down a half-clearance and volleyed past the keeper from nearly 30 yards in a 3-2 defeat against Walsall.

Asked to describe his style of play when he arrived at Meadow Lane, he said: "I'm more of a holder in midfield, but I can play in either the six or eight role. I like to break up play, and I would say my main strength is my range of passing, long and short, breaking lines and getting the team forward."

A warm welcome to The J.Davidson Stadium, Jack, and everyone at the club would like to wish you a happy and successful time in Alty colours.