In a week that has seen fellow defender Jimmy Heywood come through the doors at Shawbridge, Murphy will bolster the defence and bring great experience and quality to an already burgeoning back four.

After conceding over 80 goals last season, the club have worked quickly to strengthen the defence and Murphy is seen as another piece in the jigsaw for the 2015-16 campaign.

Murphy has donned the famous Blue and White shirt before and the club are delighted to welcome their new signing ‘home.’

As one new face comes in, three depart and the club wish the trio all the best. Defensive duo Laquan Esdaille and Seydou Bamba have left BB7 after the pair played a combined 35 games between them in 2013-14.

Forward Richard Burns has also left the club after playing a key part in the club’s Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy campaign last season.

Teenagers Tom Jackson and Jack Hargreaves who had featured for the Blues senior side last season have also moved to North West-Counties side Barnoldswick Town FC. Both players are now too old for Clitheroe's Youth set-up and will benefit greatly from the experience they will gain at the SilentNight Stadium.

Simon Garner: “I am delighted to announce the signing of left back Tom Murphy. Tom really impressed me last season in both games against us for Padiham. He played centre back in the first game, but in the second game when we were easily beaten he played left back and stood out with a really strong performance.

“Tom is no stranger to the club as he has had two previous spells as a young lad in which his chances where limited. Tom now returns at 23 with more experience at this level and has developed in to a very strong, accomplished footballer who is also versatile.

“He is another local lad coming from Chorley and like the other signings we have announced, he adds experience and quality to our developing squad. I am really looking forward to the start of pre-season on the 2nd of June.

“Finally I would like to say a big thank you to the lads that won't be re-joining us next season. Laquan Esdaille, Seydou Bamba and Richard Burns have all left for different reasons.

“They are all great lads and I have spoken to them all individually, I wish them all the best in the future and I think they will always have a fondness for the club, as everyone at the club has had for them.

“It will soon be pre-season and we look forward to the league fixtures being announced in mid-July, with the current squad plus the new additions we are looking to improve once again.”