LEE Sinnott has acted swiftly and decisively to remedy Altrincham’s defensive ills by releasing Paul Jones and re-signing Robbie Williams on a month’s loan from Telford.

The Alty manager was at pains to stress that Jones’ departure, after less than two months at Moss Lane, was an unavoidable sacrifice to finance Williams’ return, rather than any reflection on his part in a series of costly lapses at the back.

The move came after Alty surrendered a winning position and had to settle for a draw for the third time in four games, at Gloucester last Saturday.

Sinnott said: “I had a good conversation with Paul and explained my thinking, and I have to say, first and foremost, he is a top bloke. His attitude is first-class, and he can count on a good reference from me for another club.

“He has been really good around the place, and no-one should interpret this as evidence that he’s the culprit for our goals against tally. The simple truth is that an opportunity arose to bring Robbie back, and someone had to make way.

“It was apparent something had to change, after letting in 10 goals in our first seven games, and I believe Robbie’s return will have a positive effect. We tried to keep him in the summer and only lost out because he wanted to play at a higher level.

“Unfortunately, the budget doesn’t allow much room for manoeuvre, and one coming in meant someone else going in the opposite direction. It’s a shame Paul had to go, but I felt action was needed after seeing so many points slip away.

“We have spoken about it before, but talk is cheap. Something had to be done, and the chance to take Robbie on loan was one I didn’t want to miss. He knows the people here and the club and will hopefully settle in straightaway.”

Sinnott has been assessing Williams’ fitness In training this week, ahead of Saturday’s home game with Worcester, and is also awaiting a late check on Adam Flynn’s recovery from a hamstring injury.