Richard Butcher became the latest player to commit to the Silkmen or the next two seasons and we spoke to both him and manager Gary Simspon about the move.

You were here last season and obviously enjoyed it enough to return. Are you looking forward to next year?

"Very much so. I want to get a good pre-season under my belt work hard to get in the team and hopefully we should have a good season."

Does the loan spell last season make the move easier?

"I already know a lot of the lads here. I know that they are a good, honest set of players and I also know that I am playing here for a manager who rates me and with the team spirit there was at this club last season it's something we can be optimistic about."

You haven't signed to be in a relegation battle. What do you think we can achieve this season?

"We can be surprise packages certainly. I don't think many outside observers will be expecting us to be up there and competing, but then who would have had Grimsby down for relegation last season.

"So I think if we keep our heads down and work hard then anything is possible. There's a lot of talent in this squad."

You've got a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder, do you set targets for that?

"I just want to hit as many as possible really. I got a couple when I was here on loan last season, but as I'd not played for a while when I came here I don't think even then I was giving my best. With a good pre-season behind me then I can do a lot of good for the side."

You scored two, one was a bit better than the other…

"It's a classic example of it not mattering how they go in as long as they do. Just as it doesn't really matter who scores the goals if you are winning the games.

"I know the manager will be wanting me to chip in with a few goals and although it would be nice if they were all free-kicks into the top corner or long rage shots, if one goes in off my backside like at Bury then I'll still take it!"

Reaction from Silkmen manager Gary Simpson will appear on www.mtfc.co.uk later today.