Phil Parkinson has pulled off another signing coup after landing highly-rated Stockport County keeper Ethan Ross on a long-term loan that is subject to FA, Football League and National League approval.

Already buoyed by no fewer than eight new signings during the summer, including a club-record deal for Chris Conn-Clarke, the Alty boss has now strengthened his goalkeeping department by persuading County to let him have Ross for the whole of the upcoming season.

Alty fans will be familiar with the 6ft 5ins keeper after he starred against the Robins during a loan spell with Aldershot in March last year and again looked assured as a second-half substitute for County in their recent pre-season friendly win at The J.Davidson Stadium.

The 26-year old will compete with Ollie Byrne and Matt Gould for a starting place, but the move came too late for him to be included in a trip to NEC Nijmegen on Saturday that ended in a 4-0 defeat, but was hailed as “an absolutely brilliant experience” by Parkinson.

“I would like to thank the club for organising it, and I hope it can become an annual event,” said the Alty boss, who has appointed James Jones as captain and Isaac Marriott as vice-captain for the forthcoming campaign.

“The players acquitted themselves superbly against a side who are probably the equivalent of Stoke City in our Championship.

“Their budget is about 10 times ours, so it was great credit to the lads that they were able to compete on the same level as some of their players. Much as I hate us having to go long spells without the ball, I really enjoyed watching NEC - they play the same shape we normally favour and they do it so well.

“There were lots of positives for us, not least Regan Linney again showing why centre-halves must hate playing against him. After a full pre-season, I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t finish with 20-plus goals this coming campaign.”

Alty are home to Manchester United under-21s this Sunday (2pm).