PHIL Parkinson has vowed to hit the ground running  and launch a concerted push for promotion back to the Vanarama National League North after being appointed Altrincham's new manager.

The former Nantwich boss has brought his assistant Neil Sorvel with him to The J.Davidson Stadium, and he vowed to waste no time implementing his plans for next season after seeing relegated Alty end the campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Tamworth.

"I have just spoken to the players in the changing room, and it is baffling what has happened this season, when you look at the squad," he said.

"It just shows how easily losing becomes a habit. Just as winning becomes natural when you are doing it every week, so does losing. We need to change that very quickly.

"The team are in freefall after two successive relegations, but, for me, next season is going to be all about positives. We are going to be a team pushing at the top end of the table.

"Myself and Neil know how to win games at this level and hopefully that will breed through to the players.

"I only see good things moving forward for Altrincham, otherwise I would not be here. If I didn't realistically think I could make that happen, I wouldn't have taken the job.

"The process starts with speaking to the current group of players. There will be one or two who will drop off because of financial reasons, but I would like to think all the squad feel they owe the football club something, with regard to a really good, successful season.

"That is what I see happening at Altrincham. I think we are at the point now where they must turn the corner, and they will.

"I feel when this club gets a bit of momentum, it is going to be a juggernaut, and I want to be at the head of that.

"Continuity is key for any team, but I'll find out a bit more about these lads this coming week, then I'll know what I need to bring in and what I'll be retaining."