“It’s a natural thing when you have played for a team that you firstly look out for the home and away games when the fixtures come out and secondly how they do on a week to week basis. I went to the Challenge Trophy final to support the Blues with a few friends and I’ve always been a fan of the club.”

When left-back Tom Murphy signed for Clitheroe last weekend, he became Simon Garner’s fourth summer signing and the third alongside Gregg Anderson and Jimmy Heywood to have been at Shawbridge in the past.

Despite branching out and playing for some of the Evo-Stik’s best sides over the past four years including Bamber Bridge, the new boy has always had a soft spot for his new club and returning ‘home’ always seemed the sensible option after former employers Padiham were relegated to the North West-Counties in April.

The aforementioned Storks conceded 112 times last season as they shipped on average 2.6 goals per game. Murphy however was the shining light in the heart of Steve Wilkes defence and his two performances against the Blues made him a stand out candidate on Garner’s transfer list, especially after the departure of club captain Danny Morton to Stockport County.

At the age of just 23, Murphy has played in the Non-League game for years and his experience and understanding of the game is second to none. After two defective seasons at the Arbories, Clitheroe’s most recent acquisition is ready to enjoy his football again as he described the decision to join the Blue revolution as a ‘no brainer.’

“I got a call from Simon Garner and after having a quick chat about his expectations for the 2015-16 season and his footballing philosophies, I was excited by his ambition and after he asked if I’d be interested in signing it was a no brainer really and I made an instant decision to become a Clitheroe player.

“I’m a solid defender and I’ve gained the reputation of someone that loves a tackle. Not only do I defend though, I’ve also got a reputation for attacking and I’ll try my best to help out up the field whenever I can.

Murphy added by saying; “I’ve played Non-League football since I was realised from Accrington Stanley as a teenager so I’d hope to bring knowledge and experience to the side.”

Lining up as a Stork during 2014-15, Murphy played an instrumental part in defeating the Blues 4-1 at Shawbridge on the 6th April 2015. The versatile defender has always admired the managerial qualities of Clitheroe’s backroom staff and stated he can’t wait to see the talents his new boss and coaches possesses first hand.

“I’ve never played under Si’s management but I’ve seen it from a far that he runs an incredibly professional outfit. The way he has planned pre-season for us has been exceptional and I can’t wait to get started for the club now.”

Based in Chorley, the robust defensive stalwart knows a number of players in the current Clitheroe squad and these familiar faces will set him at ease immediately.

With pre-season training just a fortnight away, the Blues back four is being strengthened by the day and Murphy finished by stating clean sheets in 2015-16 will go a long way to helping his new side push for the play-offs over the next 12 months.

“I’ve played with Louis (Mayers) before at Bamber Bridge, Padiham and now Clitheroe. I know him and Sefton so it’s great to see some old faces and this can only benefit the team.

“I plan to become a regular part of the team next season, I want to bring clean sheets to the club because at the end of the day if you don’t concede then you don’t lose matches. From what I’ve seen already there is no reason why we can’t push on up the league next season and go for the play-offs.”