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.

The Town manager headed off on holiday himself yesterday, Tuesday.

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

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

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.