Dick Creasey has praised Sam Murphy after the midfielder turned down three higher-level clubs to stay at Wisbech Town this week.

Murphy, who joined the Fenmen last summer from Step Four side Stamford, has shunned a return to the Daniels, as well as advances from former club Spalding United and newly-promoted Peterborough Sports to commit his future to Wisbech for another season.

The midfield maestro was a mainstay in Wisbech’s starting 11 last season, hitting eight goals, and boss Creasey says it is refreshing to see a player of his ilk turn down a bigger wage packet in favour of pulling on his home town club’s colours.

“It’s his home town club and he wants to play here and show his loyalty,” Creasey said.

“We’re delighted that he wants to stay here because he’s a massive part of our plans and of our squad.

“It’s great to see a player show his loyalty by deciding to stay at his local club when he could be reaping the benefits of moving elsewhere.

“It’s given us all a big lift and we can hope and pray that he can help lead us on towards a successful season and put Wisbech back at a level where he could be playing.”

Tying down Murphy for another season will come as a welcome boost to Wisbech, who are targeting the UCL Premier Division’s top spots with a bolstered squad.

The Fenmen have welcomed striker Josh Ford and defenders Jamie Stevens and Danny Emmington in recent weeks, as well as bringing in Martyn Bunce from Boston United as first team coach.

“There are 22 teams that will be out there fighting for the title and we’re one of those but we know and realise that there is a lot of work to be done,” manager Creasey said.

“We need to finish higher than we did last season because sixth for a club like Wisbech isn’t good enough so we will definitely be targeting the top three.”

Wisbech begin pre-season training on June 26, before taking on Histon in their first summer friendly on July 8.