Altrincham will make the money from the sale of Jordan Hulme available to boss Phil Parkinson but won’t panic buy, according to director of football Rob Esteva.

Alty’s plans for hitting the ground running on their return to the National League were disrupted by Hulme’s move to AFC Fylde for a “substantial” undisclosed fee just 24 hours before Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Weymouth at The J.Davidson Stadium.

The 29-year-old departed having scored of 70 goals in 139 appearances during the Robins’ recent success under Parkinson.

“I wish Jord all the very best at Fylde,” Esteva said.

“He came here at a difficult time and played a key role for us on and off the pitch.

“Ultimately, the deal is a good one for the football club and a good one for Jordan, who made it clear to us, in our talks with him, that it was something he had to do and he wanted to leave.

“We will strengthen the squad, following the

significant monies received, but we will not start making rash decisions or knee-jerk signings, as that is when mistakes happen, more often than not.

‘We have our processes, we know what we need with our style of play, when it comes to recruitment, and we know how to go about it.”

Despite the shock departure, Parkinson was encouraged by his side’s display against Weymouth in tough conditions.

There was surface water in some areas, and the referee even stopped play midway through the second half to allow volunteers to sweep it away, but Alty stood up to the test and were good value for their opening-day point.

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“It’s the age-old adage about the conditions being a complete leveller,” said Parkinson, whose side are in action at Notts County on Wednesday night.

“It’s frustrating we couldn’t play a great deal of football, but it’s a really positive point to come away with.

“It shows that we can compete at this level, and hopefully there will be many more to come.”

“It was important the defensive lads were able to deal with everything that came their way and keep a clean sheet, and the front lads will get better.

“It’s pretty much a new front three, with Matty Kosylo and Yusifu Ceesay supporting Tom Peers, and it is a dynamic one that will cause teams problems.”