Phil Parkinson described the signing of Olly Crankshaw as ‘a game-changer’ for Altrincham after the Robins landed the free-scoring winger from Stockport County for an undisclosed fee.

Alty boss Parkinson admitted Crankshaw had been on his radar for years, and he redoubled his efforts to bring him to The J.Davidson Stadium after the 25-year old played a key role in County’s return to the EFL as National League champions last year.

The Robins’ unbeaten start to the campaign came to an end on Saturday, as a late winner gave Bromley the points, but Parkinson remained upbeat about his side’s prospects, following the prize capture of Crankshaw.

“This is a big marquee signing for us, one I am extremely excited about,” he said.

“I have tracked his career from his early days at Colne and then Curzon Ashton and Wigan Athletic, and I have tried to get him on loan or a permanent on a number of occasions.

“He ticks all the boxes for the type of winger we try to recruit here, and he is a great lad as well, a really good character.

“I would go so far as to say it’s a bit of a game-changer for us, he is that good. Everything about him oozes class, his pedigree is outstanding.

“When we lost Ryan Colclough, it was such a huge void to fill, one I didn’t think we would be able to. But with Olly coming in, it can’t get any better for us.

“The board have certainly backed our judgement on this one.

“It is a huge statement from the club to be able to attract an Olly Crankshaw when he will have had many suitors at different clubs.”

Alty travel to league leaders Barnet on Saturday, and Parkinson added: ‘We didn’t deserve to lose to Bromley, but equally we didn’t do enough to win.

“I was disappointed and frustrated because we had gilt-edged chances, but Barnet is a great game for us to go into.

“They are attack-minded, like us, so it will be a bit more open.”