Alty sign new striker (From Messenger Newspapers)

Former Blackpool striker joins Altrincham FC

10:41am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Alty FC news

ALTRINCHAM have snapped up former Blackpool striker Danny Mitchley in a move that is being seen as another significant step towards keeping the goals flowing at Moss Lane next season.

Alty were the Blue Square Bet North’s joint top scorers with champions Hyde on 90 goals last season and boasted far and away the division’s leading marksman in Damian Reeves, whose 44 goals overall seems likely to earn him a move to a Football League club.

While Reeves’ remarkable feat is unlikely to be repeated, assistant-manager Neil Tolson is confident the arrival of 5ft 11in marksman Mitchley and former Oldham frontrunner Ryan Brooke will ensure Alty once more have a cutting edge.

“It’s not a case of someone trying to fill Damian’s boots, because it doesn’t work like that,” said Tolson.

“Reevesie was exceptional, and fair play to him if he gets fixed up with a League club, as seems likely.

“But don’t forget, we created an awful lot of chances to help him reach that tally, and if we continue to do that, I’m sure we will continue to be an attacking force to be reckoned with.

“Ryan and Danny are both perfect for us. They are both young lads who are eager to prove themselves and want to keep learning. That attitude is so important, and when you add Leighton McGivern to the mix, you are looking at three strikers who could all be thinking in terms of 20-plus goals next season.

“We could see the load spread around a bit, rather than piled on to one person, and that would be no bad thing. Danny can hold the ball up and has good movement, but his main asset is he’s a goalscorer. Blackpool gave him a two-year contract in the Championship, and they don’t do that unless you’ve got something about you.”

As Alty prepare for the start of pre-season training on Tuesday, 22-year old Mitchley is unlikely to be the last arrival.

“A centre-half to play alongside Danny Hall is the priority, but we are looking at maybe two or three more new faces,” added Tolson. “We haven’t necessarily finished up front, but the main focus is on another defender.”