ANDY MOULSDALE has revealed he never wanted to leave North Wales Crusaders ahead of the Good Friday home clash with Rochdale Hornets (2.30pm).

The popular half-back initial left Crusaders in January due to issues regarding his contract, but has since rejoined the Wrexham outfit along with experienced duo Stephen Wild and Stuart Reardon.

“I never wanted to leave in the first place but there were things going on behind the scenes that I disagreed with,” he explained.

“But things have began to change at the club and even though Crusaders are going through a difficult period I think they’ll come through it and be stronger for it.

“I’ve got a lot of good mates here and good relationships and I wanted to rejoin as soon as it became clear it was possible.

“One of the main reasons for myself, Wildy and Stu Reardon returning is to help the club to pull through and to try and help on and off the pitch as much as we can.

“Hopefully our experience can help the younger players in the squad, and I’m confident we’ll pick up some good results this season. You only have to look to the win at Newcastle where neither myself or Wildy played and the lads came away with a big result.

“The quality is there and we’ve got some good youngsters here now. We’ve got the makings of a decent side and we probably just need that bit of confidence through winning games.”

Moulsdale, pictured, former club captain at Crusaders, had a nightmare 18 months during 2014-15 with serious shin problems, but is now back training and almost ready to make his first start of the season, although today’s clash with Rochdale at The Racecourse will come a week too soon.

“In all the years we’ve played Rochdale we’ve built up a rivalry with them and they are games we all look forward to,” he said.

“I think we tend to play well against Rochdale and we’ve got a good record against them, but they do look strong this year especially with Jono Smith in there now too.

“It’s his first game back at The Racecourse but we want to try and make it one that he’ll forget. 

“It’s come a week too soon for me but I hope to be available for the Doncaster game in a fortnight.”