Altrincham have been given a massive boost heading into a crucial weekend for their play-off aspirations after in-form defender Eddy Jones committed his future to the club by signing a new contract at The J.Davidson Stadium.
The Wales under-21 left-back has been a model of consistency since turning a loan spell from Stoke City into a permanent move 12 months ago, and his worth to the Robins was summed up when he returned to the starting line-up following injury at runaway league leaders Chesterfield last Tuesday.
It was the toughest of tests after an absence of several weeks, yet so seamlessly did he slot back in that manager Phil Parkinson enthused: "That's the best I've seen from Eddy in an Alty shirt - I felt he really came of age this evening."
The Robins will be looking to build on an outstanding performance at odds-on title favourites Chesterfield that deserved better than a 2-1 defeat, as they face Southend United away on Saturday and then Rochdale at home on Tuesday in an eagerly-awaited derby screened live on TNT Sports at 8pm.
Jones is convinced that more of the same that ran the Spireites so close will be enough to secure Alty's first-ever entry into a play-off for a place in the Football League.
"It's going to be difficult, because every game presents its own challenge in the National League, but if we continue playing like we did on Tuesday night, I'm confident we will make the play-offs at the end of the season," said the 22-year old.
"We've been heading in the right direction for a good while now under the gaffer and Neil Sorvel, and there is a real feel-good factor around the club at the moment.
"The club is only going one way, and that is up. I'm glad to have played a part in that, and it was an easy decision signing a new contract, because I love playing for Altrincham and I love playing for the gaffer.
"It has given me a platform to express myself on the pitch, and I feel I have established myself as a player. A lot of that is down to the gaffer for giving me the opportunity and filling me with confidence.
"He and Sorvs have put in so much groundwork that we're now in a great position to do something special this season. It's going to be a challenge, but we'll do our best to embrace it."
In a further boost for Alty on Friday, it was confirmed that centre-back Lewis Baines has signed a new deal.
