RADCLIFFE Borough skipper Mark Jones cannot wait to get back on the pitch when Rochdale visit Stainton Park on Wednesday.

The League Two outfit are the first friendly opponents for Boro in a programme that also includes home games against Bolton Wanderers, Bury, Southport and FC United of Manchester.

And Jones, who joined striker Ben Wharton and goalkeeper Nick Culkin in committing himself to the club for the 2012-13 campaign, is relishing the test against Football League opposition in a match which kicks off at 7.30pm.

Boro’s squad only returned to training on Tuesday but Jones is confident they will be ready for Dale, even though he admits their professional opponents will be fitter.

Jones said: “Rochdale and Bury will be fitter in those first two friendlies as you would expect from professional teams.

“But it will be a good test for us to see where we are at.

“We only resumed training this week and it’s not long until the first game.

“I’m glad to be back in training – you do start to miss playing.

“The break is good but after a few weekends off you start twiddling your thumbs.

“I’m sure it will be tough in training but hopefully I won’t be far off because I have been doing a bit of work in the gym like many of the other lads.”

Jones hopes the pre-season schedule, which also includes trips to Eagley, Ashton Athletic and Colne, will be the perfect preparation for a new season in which he is adamant Boro must improve on last term.

He is quietly confident about the chances of success after boss Benny Phillips’ summer transfer business which has seen several arrivals including Curzon Ashton top scorer Chris McDonagh and the return of favourite Richard Battersby. The club’s ambition is something that convinced the midfielder to stay on at Stainton Park.

He added: “I spoke with Benny Phillips about bringing players in – everyone knows we needed to strengthen.

“The lads that have been brought in will make us stronger and it’s a big boost for everyone.

“Having Ben and Nick stay on is great for us, too. I’m pleased there are new faces in my position as well because it will keep me on my toes and benefit the team.

“We should have done better last year and next year we need to improve.

“With this squad, if we are mentally right, I believe we can do that. The usual suspects will be challenging – the likes of Skelmersdale United and Curzon Ashton. I think we can be up there as well.”