By Tim Dudding

Albion's new signing James Tunnicliffe will see some familiar faces when he reports for pre-season training next Tuesday.

The towering central defender completed his move yesterday along with Stockport team mate Gary Dicker.

And he admits he is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with some more Edgeley Park old boys when the squad reports back.

He explained, "Gary was here at the end of last season. Jimmy McNulty is a good friend of mine, and Craig Davies was also at Stockport.

"I know Glenn Murray from when I played at Stockport and I'm aware of some of the other lads from playing against them in the past.

"So I've got friends down here and I can't wait to get started now."

Tunnicliffe is adamant that Russell Slade's new-look side can make a push for the play-offs this season, and cites Stockport's pre-Christmas exploits as an example of what can be achieved.

"Last year we (Stockport) came up from League Two and in the first five months of the season we were in fifth or sixth spot.

"It can happen to anyone, as long as you're organised, you've got good lads and team spirit, you play good football and do what the manager wants.

"I know we'll have a real good go at it next season and I don't expect anything less than for us to get in the play-offs.

"There's only one thing we've got to aim for this season and that's to get promoted.

"You shouldn't aim for anything less than that."

Meanwhile, Dicker has expressed his relief at finally completing his permanent move to the south coast.

"It has taken a good few weeks to get sorted," he said.

"I was away on holiday trying not to think about it, but I'm just happy it went through in the end and that the gaffer stuck at it.

"I was quite confident it was going to happen but I'm delighted to be here."