Berkeley owes it to Alan

10:41am Friday 10th August 2007

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ALTY have physio Alan Ainsley to thank after the arrival of their latest young talent.

Usually, Ainsley is more accustomed to treating the existing squad members rather than seeking out new ones, but he played a major role in the signing of Matty Berkeley.

The 20-year-old striker is good friends with Ainsley's son and after he was released by Gretna at the end of last season, the physio recommended him to Robins boss Graham Heathcote.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Berkeley enjoyed a successful trial spell at Moss Lane, scoring four goals in nine preseason games, and earned himself a permanent deal.

Now the pacy striker is hoping he can make an impact in the Blue Square Premier.

He said: "I'm enjoying it a lot at Altrincham so far because there's a great bunch of lads at the club.

"Everyone has a laugh and they were all really welcoming.

"Obviously I just want to get in the first team, enjoy my football, and then try and keep the club up this season.

"My strengths are my pace and my eye for goal. I look to run onto through balls and get in behind the defence.

"I think I'll fit in well at Alty and I give them another option up front. But I can still improve and I know I can learn from the more experienced players of the club, like Colin Little."

Like fellow summer signing Cavell Coo, Berkeley played for Fletchermoss Juniors in Manchester before continuing his footballing development at Crewe's academy.

Berkeley spent the past three seasons at Gretna and even comes to Alty with international pedigree with the St Kitts and Nevis under 20 side.

He qualified for the national team thanks to his grandparents and described pulling on the red shirt of the Caribbean nation as one of his proudest moments in football.

"I have always wanted to play for my nana's home country but in the past I just never knew how to go about it," he said.

"Luckily the managing director at Gretna knew the technical director for the St Kitts and Nevis international side and he put in a word for me.

"I love playing for them. I took part in the Under 20 World Cup qualifiers and I've now moved up to the under 23 side which will be competing in the Olympic qualifiers later this year."

Berkeley also has high ambitions with Alty and he is quietly confident about the new season.

"I think we have got a strong team this year and we have the ability to stay up," he added.

"It's going to be tough but I reckon we are up to the challenge."