Michael Raynes says there are ‘no complaints’ from him after he lost his place to captain George Ray last season. The experienced centre-half said he understood David Artell’s decision to leave him out of the side as a fit-again Ray and Eddie Nolan formed a solid partnership in the last few months of the season.

Raynes made 34 appearances in his debut season for the club and he earned praise from the manager for his conduct and professionalism. Artell knows the former Carlisle United, Rotherham and Stockport County defender is a true leader is in pack.

Raynes told the club’s official website: “It is hard when you are left out of the side because as a footballer you want to play as much as you can, but there are no complaints from me.

“Eddie and Ray were outstanding and they deserved to be in the team. They were playing really well and I had a dip in form, so they deserved to play. There were no complaints from me.

He added: “My job is to make sure I put pressure on them next year. This year is a clean slate for everyone and all the boys are working hard.”