THE BEDROCK for next season’s League Two challenge is to be the defence.

In a busy week for Macc Town manager Keith Alexander, sturdy defensive duo Sean Hessey and Richard Walker signed permanent Moss Rose deals.

Hessey came to Macc on loan from neighbours Chester City in November and made 26 outings last season, captaining the side on many occasions.

At the end of the season, he was released by Chester, and Alexander had no hesitation in signing the 30-year-old up with a new two-year contract.

Initially on loan from Port Vale, Walker also did enough to impress the Macc boss during 10 games for the club towards the end of last season.

Walker, aged 29, was involved in five victories and just two defeats during that time and, in March, agreed a deal until the end of the season after being released by Vale.

He has now signed a 12-month contract.

Alexander told the Express: "I was always confident that we would sign up players soon enough, there was never any need to panic.

"Sean and Richard figured in most of my games in charge last season. It’s no surprise that I wanted them to stay on.

"I’m looking for the same from both of them and I know that they’ll do a job for me this season.

"You always have to build a team from the back. At this level, a lot of goals come from defensive mistakes and we need to make sure that we’re solid there.

"We have offers out to another couple of defenders and I’m hopeful of bringing a couple of new faces in very soon, then we can look forward to pre-season training."

A number of players from last season have yet to sign the offers given to them this summer, but Alexander is sure that James Jennings, Izak Reid, Shaun Brisley and Nick Blackman will be at Macclesfield when the Silkmen begin their campaign at Shrewsbury Town in August.

Alexander revealed that he is also looking to add a goalkeeper to his ranks. Jonny Brain has emerged as his number one stopper, and Tommy Lee has left the club.

"I’m expecting JJ to sign his deal any day now," added Alexander. "He’s agreed it so it’s just a case of him coming in to put pen to paper.

"I’m not expecting any problems from the other young lads, I'd be very surprised if they turn down what are reasonable deals.

"But if they don’t I won’t be losing sleep over it, I’ll look elsewhere."

One man unlikely to return to the Moss Rose is midfielder Jamie Tolley.

The former Shrewsbury man was officially released at the end of the season but was offered a reduced contract.

"I don’t think he’ll be back next season, I understand he’s talking to Luton Town," said Alexander.