MIDDLEWICH Town manager Terry Murphy has paid tribute to the loyalty of his players.

He says last week's get together was proof his charges are ready to grant his wish to take the Mid Cheshire League champions to the next level.

"I'm delighted that almost to a man they all want to sign on again," he said on Monday.

"They're glad to be back and, to be honest, so am I."

Murphy said 24 players reported for duty on Thursday, with only two or three missing due to holiday commitments.

Former Winsford United defender Iain Stanton was absent, but the Town boss reiterated his confidence the ex-Blues man would eventually join him at Seddon Street.

Murphy said: "Iain has phoned me on a number of occasions to tell me he wants to play for Middlewich.

"I've no reason to doubt his commitment, and of course he would strengthen the side down the left."

He added that he wanted to give fresh faces an opportunity to shine if they made an impression.

"Two players will be missing at the start through suspension," said Murphy.

"So I want to have a plan ready as to how we will overcome that."

The Town manager headed off on holiday for a week yesterday, Tuesday, but vowed to keep tabs on developments at the club.

He added: "I'll be asking for a full report when I get back, we've got a busy few weeks ahead."

Murphy is right, with Town's first pre-season friendly pencilled in for Saturday, July 15.

They have matches against Ashville and Holywell to fit in too, while their preparations conclude in the first week of August.

Town take on Garswood United on Saturday, August 5 in the Mid Cheshire League's version of the FA Charity Shield - a champions against league cup winners trophy.

Three days after that, on August 8, they welcome Jim Vince's Witton Albion to Seddon Street.

Meanwhile Town have unveiled a new sponsor.

Irlam-based company 3D Scaffolding Ltd has agreed to provide kit and training gear for the coming season.

But manager Murphy promised not much would change.

"Don't worry, the red and black is here to stay - we just want to update what we already have," he said.