Paul Morgan was looking forward to meeting his new team mates for the first time today having put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him return to the Moss Rose having spent all of last season with the club on loan from Bury.

And whilst the surroundings may be familiar, the defender admitted he did not know too much about his new colleagues. But he was relishing the chance to continue working with gaffer Keith Alexander, a relationship that goes back to their time together at Lincoln City

Silkmen World caught up with him this morning for a quick chat and where else to start than with his decision to commit to Macc.

"It didn't come as a surprise when I wasn't offered a new deal at Gigg Lane," explained Paul, "I wasn't going to be rushed into a decision as I wanted to take my time to assess the options open to me. But having enjoyed my time at the club last year, a return to the Moss Rose was always high up the list and something I wanted to do. So it's great to be back."

So how important was Keith in your decision to sign a permanent deal?

A very big part! I've known the gaffer, and Gary Simpson, for some years now and as a player it's important you have utmost respect for the boss. Above all I enjoy playing for him and I can't wait to get started again.

So are you the sort of player that looks forward to pre-season training?

I wouldn't go as far as that! You know it's going to be a bit of a slog but it is something you have to do. But yes of course I do. I just wish the weather would cool down a bit as the heat is going to be a bit of a killer. Coming from Northern Ireland, where we only see the sun a couple of times each year, I am not used to this heat!

What's the latest on the injury?

It was only really a niggle that kept me out of the last few games. Had we needed the points I could have played. But having had a few months rest it is fully recovered now. The close season for me is all about ticking over and giving your joints a rest.

And plenty of friendlies to look forward to?

Absolutely but I don't think we've as many as we did last season from what people tell me. I think perhaps last season we had a few too many. It's about striking that balance. You only really get your fitness through playing games. But you also need time on the training ground to focus of set pieces, formations etc etc. That's going to be doubly important this year given the number of new faces.

Have you played with any of the new lads then?

No I haven't. I'd obviously been keeping an eye on the comings and goings before signing up myself and I've spoken to a few mates about some of the new lads and the reports have been very positive.

Getting the balance right in the dressing room is just as important as getting in good quality players. The gaffer places a lot of importance on having good personalities in the dressing room and I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of that.

And ambitions for the season?

Well we need to get off to a good start for sure. And then we'll take it from there. A lot of the young lads are a year older and the experience will have made them better players. That combined with some fresh faces means we should go into the season with confidence and if we can get off to that good start, who knows.