Joe Nuttall's long-term loan move to Moss Lane ends a seven-year wait for the striker's signature for Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson.

The striker has not had a look-in under Oldham Athletic boss Micky Mellon, and ended last season on loan at Cheltenham.

But Parkinson is relishing working with the 6ft forward, who made his England C debut at Moss Lane in March 2023.

"Joe is a player I’ve chased since I first came to Altrincham," said Parkinson.

"I met him seven years ago, but I’ve never been able to get him over the line for one reason or another.

"The main reason at the time 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.

"I think it was there for everyone to see that we lacked a little bit of height and physicality at times. He certainly will give us that, but I don’t want people to think he is just a big target man. That would be a misrepresentation of 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. I think, with lads we already have here, he will give us a completely different dimension in certain games when we haven’t had that in the past."

Of his move, Nuttall 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."