ROBINS ARE ON A PARK 'N' RIDE

ALTRINCHAM boss Phil Parkinson says this season’s unexpected play-off push proves that the Robins are no longer just a stepping stone.

- Chris Dunlavy

Now in their second season as full-time club, Alty began the weekend lying fifth in the National League and are one of just three sides to claim victory over runaway leaders Chesterfield.

They have also come through January without losing any of their leading lights – a far cry from this time last year when a raft of departures stripped the Robins of 75 percent of their goals, leading to a headlong tumble down the standings.

“January is always a nervous time for us,” says Parkinson, now in his seventh year as Altrincham boss. “Because that’s the type of team we are, isn’t it? We know we’re not the Mecca of football for everybody.

“Certainly before this season, I knew deep down that the only reason players came here was because we’d help them move on.