Following a fifth consecutive defeat at Bromley on Saturday, Phil Parkinson promised Altrincham fans that he would do whatever it took to turn the club’s ailing league form around.
Since then, the Altrincham boss has been busy in the loan market. In less than 48 hours, he has already recruited three new faces on a one-month loan deal.
The new signings include striker Montel Gibson from Grimsby Town, centre-back Yoan Zouma from Barrow and full-back Reagan Ogle from Accrington Stanley.
In his post-match interview, Parkinson stressed that any initial changes to the starting line-up would come in defence, where he raised concerns over his side’s ability to leak goals.
The management will hope that Zouma and Ogle can shore up the Robins’ backline, and use their respective league and non-league experience to strengthen the squad’s defensive fibres.
Parkinson is also keen to bolster his side’s attack, after injuries have hit his front line particularly hard in recent weeks. Joe Piggott still has a twinge in his knee and Ryan Colclough could potentially be out for the season.
Gibson will therefore be an important addition to the Robins, and will likely supplement the returning Josh Hancock and Dan Mooney in attack.
The former Halesowen striker has an astonishing record in non-league football too. Before transferring to Grimsby Town in August 2020, Gibson netted a phenomenal 31 goals in 46 appearances for Halesowen in the 2019-2020 campaign.
All three loan signings are eligible for tonight’s home fixture against 17th placed Woking in the Vanarama National League.
On a points-per-game basis only one place separates the two teams, so tonight is destined to be a tight and well fought contest.
Tonight’s fixture is at 7pm and will be hosted at the J Davidson Stadium. To watch this evening’s encounter, you can access the stream here for just £10: https://alty.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/altrincham_v_woking_vanarama_national_league
Photos: Michael Ripley & Ed Painter
