Phil Parkinson has wasted no time bolstering Altrincham’s attacking ranks after signing experienced former Football League striker Joe Nuttall from Oldham Athletic on a season-long loan.

Less than a week after Chris Conn-Clarke was sold to Peterborough United for a club-record fee, the Robins have snapped up a proven finisher who has been on Parkinson’s radar since leaving Aberdeen to join Blackburn Rovers in 2017.

“I’ve been after Joe since meeting him seven years ago, but I’ve never been able to get him over the line for one reason or another,” said the Alty boss. “The main reason back then was that it was Altrincham or Blackburn. I guess I can handle that decision, but now it’s perfect timing for us and him to work together.

“There were times last season when we lacked a little bit of height and physicality. He certainly will give us that, but I don’t want people to think he is just a big target man. That would misrepresent his fantastic attributes on the ball.

“He’s simply a very good footballer, and I’m delighted we’ve managed to get this deal done. With the lads already here, he will give us a completely different dimension in certain games, which we haven’t had in the past.”

Nuttall’s arrival comes shortly before the start of pre-season training, and the timing clearly suited him, as he said: “I’m delighted to get it all done so early and to get going and meet the boys. I’m also looking forward to working with a great manager who’s shown he knows how to win games - hopefully, this year, that leads to promotion.”

A product of Manchester City’s Academy, Bury-born Nuttall, who has been capped by England C, had spells with Aberdeen, Blackburn, Blackpool and Scunthorpe United before joining Oldham on a three-year deal in December 2022.

Alty have also welcomed Tommy Uda back to the club as head physio after he left his role as sports therapist in 2021 to enrol for a two-year masters course in physiotherapy.