SALFORD CITY'S new-look back three look like they've been playing with each other years, according to the man they'll be protecting.
Ammies goalkeeper Max Crocombe is impressed by new signings Danny Livesey, who joins from Barrow, and Gateshead captain Liam Hogan.
City look like going with a back three this season and former Boston United centre-half Carl Piergianni makes up their uncompromising backline.
The newly-signed trio have excelled in pre-season and National League North title favourites Salford have assembled a strong rearguard in the close season.
Keeper Crocombe isn't bad himself and the New Zealand-born stopper said: “The back three have been really good, they have all had good careers and they're very accomplished.
“They've got nothing left to prove as such but they are great to play behind.
“They know exactly how to play together, and they have learned that really quickly. They are great pros, that's just what I expected. I didn't think it would take long to create a connection.
“We're a very organised unit. It's full of players who are very competent. We now go into every game full of confidence because we know we've got quality.”
Crocombe, 23, isn't bothered by talk from elsewhere surrounding Salford and he knows the players have a big season ahead to try to live up to people's expectation.
“You've got to earn the respect,” he said. “Everyone talks about Salford, and obviously something is happening here. There's a lot of discussion because of the owners, but there's a real determination for us all to produce.
“We've got two fantastic managers in Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson. They are both great, they both bounce off each other and it's clear that they have a very strong relationship.
“It's hard to speculate who will be up there. There are a lot of big clubs and also a lot of investment.
“It's too difficult to say who will be near the top, but from our point of view we hope to be up there and we hope the rest take points off each other.
“We're looking to win it, absolutely. We've got ambition and we've got a good squad, but there's a lot more to it than that. It's a massive season for us all.”
