McGrath will be ‘like a new signing’ for Town while Pedlow nears return

Both Chris McGrath and Adam Pedlow sat out last season with long-term injuries.

McGrath is set to start the season at full tilt while a return for Pedlow in the coming months would provide another huge boost to Ryan Watson’s side.

“People seem to have forgotten that we have still have Chris and Adam to come back into the squad,” said the boss.

McGrath has already returned to action after undergoing surgery on his cruciate ligament in May 2014.

Watson is excited at the prospect of again having the Northern Ireland Regions’ Cup star back for a full season.

“Chris got a lot of training under his belt towards the end of the season and even got a few minutes on the pitch during the last couple of matches,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to having him available again at the start of the season. What a player Chris could be for us. He is a really quality mifdielder and will be like a new signing for us next season.”

Pedlow, meanwhile, has had a frustrating time, out for almost 18 months with a recurring knee problem. He had hoped to return for pre-season last summer but further problems arose which prevented the winger from featuring at all last season.

Watson said: “Adam is a bit further away to a return than Chris but he has been working very hard for a long time and started back running at the end of the season. He is a huge asset for us as well and hopefully we will be able to see him back in action.

“Both of those players were big losses for us last season. Their returns and the new signings mean things are starting to take shape.”