Hale Independent Issue 168

JULY 2024 20 Independent LOCAL SPORT Whether you need a new bathroom, wetroom, ensuite or cloakroom, you can be assured that we can supply everything you require at an affordable price. If you need help with the installation of your plumbing supplies, we can arrange for that too. Talk to a member of our team today. Bathroom supplies at fantastic prices in Altrincham be inspired… Call now for a FREE computerised design & quotation | Mon- Fri 9am-4pm Sat 9am-2pm Tel: 0161 928 3006 www.altrinchamplumbingsupplies.co.uk Unit2, Oakfield Trading Estate, Altrincham WA15 8EJ ALTRINCHAM boss Phil Parkinson has added more power to his side’s engine room with the signing of former Hartle- pool United central midfielder TomCrawford. The 25-year-old England C cap was the surprise omission fromHartlepool’s retained list at the end of the season. And Parkinson wasted no New arrival: Central midfielder Tom Crawford (Photo credit: Altrincham FC) ALTRINCHAM have agreed a main shirt sponsorship deal with online retail market lead- ers AO. The electricals retailer is taking over from J.Davidson as main shirt sponsors as the Robins gear up for another tilt at a first-ever promotion to the Football League after coming so close last season. Vicky Monk, group market- ing director at AO, said:“We’re delighted to join forces with Altrinchamat such an exciting time in their history. “The club have gone from strength to strength in recent years, moving up two divisions and becoming a full- time professional club, and we’re proud to support the next steps of their journey.” “Thissponsorshipunderpins our commitment to support- inglocalsportsandconnecting with people across the region. We eagerly anticipate the pos- itive impact this partnership willhave,bothonthepitchand within the community.” Alty’s chief executive Sam Shirt sponsor unveiled A powerful addition Midfielder Crawford signs for Altrincham time in offering Crawford, who found the net five times in 39 appearances last season, a fresh start with the Robins. He sees the player’s expe- rience and all-round skills as the ideal addition to his side’s midfield options as they look to mount a National League promotion challenge. Parkinson told the club’s official website: “Tom is a player I have greatly admired for a number of seasons, so when the opportunity arose to sign him, I did not hesi- tate. He will complement and enhance our midfield. “He was a top performer last season, topping all the statistics charts, so we have got a top player on our hands, one I can’t wait to see turning out in the red and white. “He will be a pleasure to watch, a true professional, and I’m sure the Alty faithful will agree with me that we’ve got a top player joining us.” Crawford said: “After sit- ting down with the manager and hearing his intent to bring me here, I knew this was the club for me. This is where I want to be playing my football. “The team did fantastically well last season in reaching the play-off semi-final. I hope I can add my own qualities to the group and my experience in the league to help us go one further and get promotion. “The club are on an upward trajectory and are very com- petitive. We believe as a group that we can get out of the divi- sion, and that’s what we will be aiming for this coming season. I can’t wait to meet all the supporters and have another successful campaign.” Crawford was at Stoke City’s Academy up to the age of 15, after which he joined Chester, where he made 17 appearances before turning down the offer of a new deal and signing for Notts County in May 2018. He made a goalscoring debut against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup, and though opportunities were limited, he impressed sufficiently dur- ing a loan spell at AFC Fylde to earn his next move. Dave Challinor was the manager at Fylde, and when he took over at Hartlepool, one of his first moves was to sign Tom in August 2020, marking the start of a four- year stay at Victoria Park for the midfielder in which he clocked up 120 appearances. Mackenzie said: “This is a sig- nificant development for the club, a positive and exciting one, inparticular for theactiva- tionandoutreach itwill bring. “We are talking about a national brand with a great presence throughout the country, and that is definitely something we will benefit from as we grow and develop our own brand.”