THREE Yellows players have agreed new terms with the club as they prepare for their first ever season in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Captain and top scorer Ciaran Kilheeney, vice-captain Jay McCarten and goalkeeper Karl Wills have signed new deals to remain with the club for the upcoming season.

All three players featured in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North Team of the Year as the club won the league with a record 106 points, with striker Kilheeney leading the charge by scoring 37 league goals after re-joining the club from Droylsden.

Central defender McCarten joined the club in 2012 and is now the club’s longest serving player following the departure of winger Chris Gahgan, who has joined Welsh side Colwyn Bay.

Wills, born and raised in Warrington and a former student at Padgate High School, will enter his third season with the club and he joined McCarten as part of the side that made it to the FA Cup second round in the 2014/15 season.

Meanwhile, it has also been announced that utility man Phil Dean has left Cantilever Park after helping the club to promotion.

The versatile former Salford, Ramsbottom and Trafford man looked equally comfortably in defence and midfield after arriving in January to boost Town’s promotion push.

He played a key role in the club’s record season as they won the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North, but manager Stuart Mellish confirmed he has moved on to pastures new.

Mellish said the increase in travel played a major part in Dean’s decision as he continues to reshape his squad for their first season at their new level.

Chris Gahgan, Joe Holt, Warren Beattie, Ally Brown and Michael Lea have all left Cantilever Park, while there have been some players moving in the opposite direction.

Striker James Dean has arrived from National League North side Chorley, while midfielder Scott Harries and defender Andrew Nicholas have joined from Clitheroe and Marine respectively.

The players return for pre-season training on June 30 and the club have lined up several pre-season friendlies as they ready themselves for the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League season.

Arguably the most enticing of those fixtures is the first one as League Two outfit Carlisle United, who visit Cantilever Park on Wednesday, July 13, kick off 7pm.

The Cumbrian side, who are managed by former England international Keith Curle, finished tenth in English football’s fourth tier last season as well as reaching the FA Cup fourth round.

A trip to Brickfield Athletic follows on Saturday, July 16 before the Yellows are on the road again, this time to face North West Counties League side Nelson on Tuesday, July 19.

Welsh Premier League side Rhyl provide the next test on Saturday, July 23 before the team make the short trip to face local rivals Widnes FC at the Select Security Stadium on Tuesday, July 26.

Garforth Town host Mellish’ side on Saturday, July 30 before they make their final away trip of pre-season on Tuesday, August 2 when they face Mossley.

The Yellows wrap up their preparations for the new season with a home game against London-based VCD Athletic on Saturday, August 6.