Facebook helps McGregor find Alty

McGregor's Facebook group has over 150 members

Defender Mark McGregor is in debt to a social-networking website after joining Blue Square Premier side Altrincham.

After failing to win a contract following a trial at Mansfield, the 31-year-old set up a Facebook group called 'Help Find Macca A Football club'.

The former Wrexham, Blackpool and Burnley man was released by League Two side Port Vale in April.

"I signed him on experience alone. Look where he's been," boss Graham Heathcote told the Sale & Altrincham Messenger.

The story reflects that of former Wycombe FA Cup hero Roy Essandoh, who responded to an appeal on Ceefax from Wycombe Wanderers for a striker in 2001.

He signed a two-week contract with the club and scored the winning goal in their FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City. Wanderers went on to lose in the semi-final to Liverpool.

Mark will fill that void in defence left by Darren Tinson's departure Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote

McGregor replaces captain Darren Tinson, who left the Robins to sign for his hometown club Nantwich Town.

"Although Darren Tinson and McGregor are slightly different players, Mark will fill that void in defence left by Tinson's departure," said Heathcote.

Altrincham have also recently signed Lee Elam on a part-time deal as Heathcote continues his rebuilding of the squad.