Altrincham have further enhanced their promotion prospects after turning in-form forward Alex Newby’s loan deal at The J.Davidson Stadium into a permanent transfer.

The 28-year old winger has provided goals and assists since arriving from Colchester United in September, and after scoring again in Saturday’s resounding 4-0 home win against Eastleigh, he gave manager Phil Parkinson and his assistant Neil Sorvel a massive boost by accepting an offer to become a fully-fledged Alty player.

“I’m delighted to get this sorted,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed the last few months here, and I want to finish what we started.

“The club is only going in one direction, and to be part of that journey and have the chance to make history at this club is an opportunity I couldn’t walk away from.

“Massive thanks to the gaffer and Sorvs for having faith in me, and to the supporters, who have made me feel at home here right from the start.”

Alty’s latest win lifted them to fourth in the National League, and in welcoming Newby into the fold, Parkinson was in no doubt about the heights his squad can scale this season.

“We really put Eastleigh to the sword, and when we play like that, we are more than a match for anyone in this division,” he said. “Making Alex a permanent fixture here at Altrincham demonstrates the huge forward steps we have made.

“Last season, we were trying to rebuild our ravaged squad in January; this season we have just made it stronger.

“Alex is a player with vast league experience, and the sacrifices he’s made to be part of something we believe to be quite special speaks volumes to me.

“A project that all the players, staff and supporters have bought into and unequivocally believe in. A journey to the EFL.

“This could not have been achieved without the board backing our judgement on these players.

“Their vision and support has enabled us to produce a team everyone is proud of and that is improving season on season.”