MICHAEL Rankine has set his sights on forming a lethal partnership with Damian Reeves after agreeing to become Altrincham's third signing of the close season.

The 30-year old striker accepted an offer of terms at The J.Davidson Stadium and will officially become an Alty player when his Gateshead contract runs out in the next few weeks.

Nephew of former Doncaster, Wolves and Preston centre-back Mark Rankine and cousin of Tottenham left-back Danny Rose, he is determined to hit the ground running alongside fellow-Yorkshireman Reeves.

"I already get the feeling this is a family-orientated club, with the right outlook, and I am delighted to be here," he said. "If I can form a successful partnership with Reevesie, so much the better. I've known him a long time, because we are both Doncaster lads.

"He'll be my travelling partner for getting to the ground, so let's hope we can hit it off on the pitch as well. I'm taking nothing for granted, but if we can get a good relationship going and bang in a good few goals between us, then great. Of course, I know about his scoring record. It's phenomenal, and long may that continue. Certainly, I'll be more than happy to provide him with some assists!

"It's important I get a good feeling about the people I'm working with, and all the feedback I've had has been positive. I spoke to my old Gateshead boss Gary Mills, and another of my former managers, Martin Foyle, and the advice I got from both swung me towards Altrincham.

"Martin couldn't have been more positive about the people who run this club. He said they are good people, and that's always a big consideration for me. It might not be as big as some of the clubs I've played for, but it's run properly and professionally and it's going in the right direction.

"Everything Martin said has been borne out so far. I've only been to the stadium twice, but the chairman has been brilliant with me and I've already been made to feel welcome.

"Now I've got to repay that on the pitch, and I'm relishing the challenge. I'm genuinely excited about the move and can't wait to pull on the jersey and get stuck in.

"One thing I can promise is 100 per cent commitment every time. People tend to see me as a target man, but I like to think I'm still quite mobile and able to run the channels, and I'll aim to cause a few problems in the air. I can't wait to get started."