NEIL Young is celebrating a double transfer breakthrough for Altrincham after beating a host of rival clubs to the signature of Fylde skipper Tom Hannigan and also landing tough-tackling midfielder David Lynch from Clitheroe.

New Alty boss Young pounced for Hannigan as soon as he heard Fylde’s decision to go full-time was at odds with the 27-year-old centre-back’s work commitments.

He wasn’t alone in offering Hannigan a fresh start but was able to announce a major coup for his rebuilding programme at The J.Davidson Stadium after the highly-rated defender accepted the offer of a two-year deal to become the cornerstone of a new-look back line.

Reflecting on a hectic spell of transfer talks that ended with Hannigan and former Burnley, Workington and Clitheroe midfielder Lynch bolstering a reshaped, rapidly-expanding Alty squad, Young said: "David is a hard-working, tenacious midfielder who had an excellent season last season at Clitheroe.

"At 22, he fits the profile of what we are looking to do and he is very keen to come in and do well.

"Tom is a significant signing for us and is the type of experienced player we have been looking for to help the younger lads we have recruited and will continue to recruit.

"Tom has captained AFC Fylde at this level for the last three years and only recently missed out on promotion.

"I know (Fylde manager) Dave Challinor was very keen to keep him, but due to a change in their status to full-time, combined with Tom’s work commitments, the chance arose to sign him.

"I’m very happy that Tom has chosen us ahead of a number of other clubs to play his football for the next two seasons."

Young's rebuilding programme continues to gather pace after he also persuaded Damian Reeves and James Lawrie to extend their Altrincham careers and strengthened his backroom line-up with the addition of former Clitheroe boss Simon Garner.

Though Michael Rankine turned down new terms and is expected to join another Conference club, the decision of prolific frontrunner Reeves and versatile attacking midfielder Lawrie to stay put is a significant boost to the manager's plans for next season.

Young has revealed his intention to use former Northern Ireland man Lawrie in the position most feel is far and away his best.

"James is a player who, whenever I have been up against Altrincham, has always caused me problems, particularly when he plays in that number-10 role," he said.

"That’s the position I will be looking to play him in.

‘He has shown great commitment to myself and the club to take quite a reduction in terms, and I look forward to working with him.’

On Reeves, Young added: "Damian's goalscoring record over the years speaks for itself, and we are very happy that he has bought into what we are looking to do and has agreed a new contract.

"He gives us the added continuity we are looking for, and his experience will also help the younger players that we are bringing to the football club.

"Goalscorers are at a premium, even more so at this level, and Damian is certainly one of those."

The double breakthrough comes hot on the heels of keeper Andrew Dawber arriving from Fulham under-21s and midfielder Charlie Joyce signing from Southport.

Garner, an influential midfielder with FC Halifax, FC United of Manchester and Chorley, has signed playing forms but is unlikely to be pulling on his boots.

"Simon did a fantastic job as manager of Clitheroe and has just finished steering them to one of their most successful ever seasons," said Young.

"He is very well respected and will be a great addition to our backroom team."