ALTRINCHAM defenders Lewis Baines and Eddy Jones have both signed contract extensions with the Robins.
And manager Phil Parkinson is delighted that the pair have extended their stays with the National League play-off contenders.
Baines, who joined Alty from Chorley in the summer of 2022, has played a major role in the team’s progression up the table.
The 25-year-old central defender has made 55 National League appearances so far in his Alty career, scoring four goals.
He told the club’s official website: “I’m really happy to have signed a new deal. It’s really exciting times for the club, we’re heading firmly in the right direction and I’m buzzing to be part of it.”
Parkinson said: “I’m delighted Lewis has decided to extend his contract with us. He’s been a huge part in helping us transition from a part-time to full-time club and like the majority of the players we recruit he’s young, hungry and shares the club’s ambitions to ultimately play in the EFL.”
Jones has made 23 appearances for the club so far this season. The 22-year-old Welsh under-21 international has also netted on one occasion.
Like Baines the full-back has been an integral part of this season’s play-off contending team.
He signed for the Robins on a permanent deal from Stoke City in 2023 on the back of two successful previous loan spells at the club.
Parkinson said: “I’m really pleased that Eddy has extended his contract with us. He’s been one of our top performers over the last two seasons, and has demonstrated the qualities in people and players that we look for - dedication, honesty and talent.”
On the up
ALTRINCHAM’S strong form this season has been mirrored by attendances at the J. Davidson stadium.
The club’s home win over fellow play-off contenders Barnet marked the first time ever the club had six consecutive National League crowds over the 2,000 mark.
In addition, the Robins’ Boxing Day game against FC Halifax Town saw a record home fan National League attendance just shy of 3,500, beating the record set last season against Wrexham.
In a statement club co- chairman Bill Waterson said: “A big thank you to all of our supporters for getting behind Alty in a way that is unprecedented at this level.
“Our club prides itself on being in the heart of our community, and thanks to your support we are absolutely nailing this ambition at the moment.”
He added that club needed to adapt to 2,500 or so being the new normal attendance at The J. Davidson Stadium, “a feat unthinkable” even a few years ago.
To meet the increase in attendances the club has opened additional turnstiles, improved signage inside and outside the stadium to help guide spectators and brought in additional resources to help direct fans.