And he has also retained a core of the squad he inherited from Phil Brown, who guided the Blues to sixth place in the curtailed Bet Victor North-West season before stepping down.

Goalkeeper Chris Thompson, defenders Danny Gray, Oliver Muir and Markell Foulds, midfielders Hyuga Tanner, Danny Wilkins, Oscar O Neil and Jordan Scott and striker Kieran Feeney will all report back to Shawbridge once government restrictions around Covid-19 allow full training to resume at non-league level.

In addition, defender Craig Stanley is still considering an offer from the club, while teenage winger Jake Connelly has accepted an offer to do pre-season with the Blues amid interest from Premier League clubs.

“I am pleased to have agreed terms with a good number of last year’s squad,” said player-manager Lynch, who had previously extended the stays of wingmen Terry Cummings and Conor Gaul.

“They have all conducted themselves magnificently during these discussions.

“We have done complete due diligence on them all as players and characters and are delighted they have chosen to stay at the club.

“These players, in addition to the new signings, leave us in a healthy position and adequately prepared for whenever we get the green light for a return to training in preparation for the new season.”

Lynch, who will continue to play himself, has already added top-class experience to his squad in the shape of striker Craig Hobson, midfielders Ross Dent, Danny O’Brien and Danny Pilkington and defender Billy Priestley by working through his list of leading transfer targets.

The 27-year-old, along with director of football Carl Garner, isn’t finished yet.

And with things also happening behind the scenes off the field, the Blues are eager to know when they will be able to kick off an exciting new era at Shawbridge.