Happy to be here!

TEAMWORK . . . joint managers Lloyd Morrison (left) and Peter Band are putting plans in place for next season

MOSSLEY FC's preparations for next season's latest Evo-Stik League Division One North tilt are well under way.

At this early stage there appears to have been few changes to the playing squad - despite last term's almost constant struggle to steer clear of the relegation zone - while joint-managers Peter Band and Lloyd Morrison are enthusiastically looking forward to what will be a fifth season in charge at Seel Park.

Band and Morrison clearly still enjoy their joint roles with the Lilywhites, with neither contemplating leaving the well-run community club.

Band said: "It wasn't our best season last time around, but we were safe with a couple of games to spare.

"A lot of coaches and managers seem to always think there's something better for them elsewhere, but Lloyd and I are really happy at Mossley and so we're looking forward to another season.

"The squad has a good look about it at this stage.

"We've got a lot of lads ready to join us for pre-season training again, which starts on July 1 at Styal.

"We'll then move back to our regular training base at Wright Robinson College.

"There's only Tom Pratt who has definitely left the club. He's gone to Trafford and we wish him well."

The Lilywhites have seen three of their most high-profile players sign new contracts.

They are Elliot Hanson, Liam Ellis and Tom Dean, who is described by Band as "one of the best centre-halves in the league."

Former Athletic midfielder Jack Tuohy is also training with the club having spent the back end of last season at Chadderton in the Hallmark Security League.

Chris Appleton has also been added to the Lilywhites coaching staff.

The Lilywhites' pre-season friendly fixture list has been confirmed.

They open with a home game against Curzon Ashton on Tuesday, July 11.

TRAVEL

They then travel to Rochdale Sacred Heart on July 18, host Northwich 1874 on July 22, go to Winsford on July 25, welcome Stalybridge on July 29, go to Abbey Hey on August 1 and are at home to Farsley Celtic on August 5.

The new season kicks-off on August 12.

Meanwhile, former Mossley joint-bosses Steve Halford and Paul Phillips have been appointed to the same role at Glossop North End having been sacked from Stalybridge Celtic towards the end of last term.