PHIL Parkinson has solved his two most pressing needs with two vastly-experienced signings after landing ex-Morecambe midfielder Ben Pringle and former Port Vale left-back David Fitzpatrick.

Altrincham were in danger of going into the new campaign without a recognised left-back, following injuries to Connor Hampson and Andy White, until 31-year old Fitzpatrick signed over the weekend after impressing in the Robins’ pre-season games,

Midfield was the other priority area, following recent transfer activity that bolstered Alty’s defence and attack, and Pringle got the nod after also catching the eye in the Robins’ build-up to their Vanarama National League opener at Torquay United on Saturday, August 21.

Voted Derby County’s young player-of-the-year a decade ago, the all-action midfielder, who turned 33 last week, has a wealth of experience in Leagues One and Two and the Championship, and is eager to make an impact in the National League, according to Parkinson.

“Ben’s acquisition will add vast experience, creativity and quality,” said the Alty boss.

“He’s proven and still hungry, and he wants to help us achieve our goals.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing him in Alty colours in the National League.”

Stretford-born Fitzpatrick has impressed at National League level and beyond in a distinguished career that brought him three England C caps during his time at Southport.

An FA Trophy finalist with Macclesfield in 2017, he played in every one of their 46 league games the following season and earned himself a place in the Non-League Paper’s team of the year, as the Silkmen went up as champions to League Two.

He made more than 20 appearances for Port Vale last season and is seen as the ideal solution to a full-back problem that has been further exacerbated by a tendonitis injury to right-back Shaun Densmore that left Joel Senior as the only specialist in that position, prior to Fitzpatrick’s arrival.

Alty played a double-header on Tuesday, fielding one line-up away to Stoke City under-23s in the afternoon and another at Bradford (Park Avenue) in the evening. They lost the first game 5-1, after going ahead through Marcus Dinanga, but won the second 2-1 with two late goals from Matty Kosylo and Tom Peers.