NEIL Young has further strengthened Altrincham's squad after pulling off a hat-trick of new signings.

The Alty manager landed 28-year-old striker Craig Hobson from Chester, versatile former Barnsley and Shrewsbury defender Sam Patterson from Bradford Park Avenue and tough-tackling centre-back John Cyrus from Frickley.

"Sam has had experience of the league we are playing in next season and, at 22 years old, fits the profile of what we want at the club," said Young.

"Craig will give us experience up front and is a hard-working lad with a fantastic attitude.

"He probably didn’t play as much as he would have liked last season, but there’s no question he has plenty to offer.

"He’s a grafter who wants to do well, and, at 6ft 2in, he’ll provide height and strength up front,

"As a target man, he also gets his share of goals, and he’s won a couple of man-of-the-match awards for his performances in FA Cup ties at Chester.

"It was Steve Burr who signed him for Chester, not me, but I did try to take him on loan at Stockport last season.

"John is a tough, physical centre-half who has had a number of clubs looking at him, so I’m delighted he has chosen us.

"He can make the step up, no problem, and I am looking forward to working with him.

"He is still young, in his early 20s, and I am confident he can fulfil his potential as an Alty player."

Patterson, who is equally comfortable at right-back or as a holding midfielder, signed a one-year contract at Shrewsbury last August, with the option of a second year, but left in January to rejoin Bradford Park Avenue for the remainder of the season.

Bustling frontrunner Hobson joined Chester from Guiseley after previously scoring six goals in 26 appearances for Stockport.

Cyrus forged a reputation as a commanding central defender at Frickley and was voted player-of-the-year 12 months ago after clocking up 51 appearances during the season and scoring twice.

A deal for a left-back is expected to be completed in the next few days.