ALTRINCHAM manager Phil Parkinson has given his Evo-Stik Premier champions a resounding vote of confidence by retaining no fewer than 15 of them for next season.

After wrapping up the title with two games to spare, Parkinson turned his attention to requirements for the National League North and soon concluded the bulk of his current squad were up to making an impact at a higher level.

There are likely to be key additions during the summer, but there will still be a familiar look to the Alty line-up when the new campaign kicks off after Parkinson went for continuity in the shape of players who repeatedly repaid his faith in them last season.

The entire defensive unit has been kept on, with the exception of Tim Deasy, who has retired, with keeper Tony Thompson, full-backs Shaun Densmore, Andy White and Connor Hampson and centre-backs Ben Harrison, Tom Hannigan and James Jones all on the retained list.

Winger John Johnston will again terrorise opposing full-backs with his pace, while skipper Jake Moult, Simon Richman and Max Harrop have all been given the nod to carry on in central midfield.

Top scorer Jordan Hulme has committed himself to another season, as reported in The Messenger last week, and he will again be supported by James Poole, Josh Hancock and Tom Peers.

One well-known face that will be missing from Parkinson’s support staff will be goalkeeping coach Ian Senior, who is stepping down after 11 years in the post.

"Winning the league makes for a perfect swansong, so after talks with Phil, I made the decision to take a back seat," said the ex-Alty keeper.

"I will still be seen very regularly at the club, dealing with all the kit issues as proprietor of SKkits, and also as a supporter of this great club.

"I have worked with some quality keepers and would like to think I have played a part in their development.

"Stuart Coburn tops the list, while, this past season, I like to think I helped Tony Thompson to be the best keeper in the division."