LIAM Goulding has bolstered Altrincham’s defensive options and delivered an early Father’s Day present to his dad after becoming Robins boss Phil Parkinson’s third summer signing.

The 22-year old centre-back needed little persuading to make the switch from Warrington and follow in the footsteps of his dad Derek, who made his mark for Alty after joining them as a teenager in the early 80s.

"My dad’s always telling me about his time at Alty, in particular the goal he scored against York City in the FA Cup," said the Robins' latest acquisition.

"He even described which net he scored in. It was the covered end (Golf Road).

"That was all before Alty came in for me, so, now I’ve actually signed for them, I’ll never hear the end of it.

"He was absolutely made up when he heard the news.

"He was so happy for me, and he said: 'You’re joining a good club, a really big club with a fantastic history, so kick on to the next level and make the most of it'.

"I am determined to do just that, especially after the disappointment of missing out on the title, then in the play-offs, with Warrington.

"I thought that was that for the National League North. I thought that opportunity had passed me by, until Phil called and offered me this chance.

"It was an easy decision to sign for such a big club with a long history of achievement.

"They are still a big name. That was evident in the four games between Warrington and Alty last season.

"There was a special feel about each one, particularly the league games, with almost a thousand at Warrington and nearly 1,500 at The J.Davidson.

"That’s what Alty are all about – big crowds, free-flowing football, players who are good on the ball, being a threat up front and solid at the back.

"They’ve got supporters backing them in numbers way above anything else in the Evo-Stik and I’m looking forward to playing in front of them next season.

"I can’t wait to get started."