STEVE Halford is still hoping he has a future at Accrington Stanley despite finalising a deal at Droylsden until the end of the season.

The defender was expected to sign with the Conference North last night - after being on the bench on Tuesday for Stanley - and help their charge for promotion.

But he is still under contract for 15 months at the Interlink and he hopes he can still come back and play his part.

"I am not shocked about the move as I knew the script was written when we had injuries and suspensions and I still wasn't playing for Accrington," said the 24-year-old former Bury player.

"But there are no hard feelings. The gaffer picks the team and he obviously doesn't fancy me. It is his head on the block and that is fair enough.

"I just want to go to Droyslden and they might be able to help me and I might be able to help them achieve promotion."

Droylsden are currently seventh in the table, eight points off the top as they look to seal a place in the Conference next season. Former Red Stuart Howson is there while striker Lutel James was also on a three month loan spell with the Bloods before he broke a bone in his foot.

Halford admitted moving is a a disappointment especially as he played a big part in the Reds opening Conference campaign - although he was in and out of the side mainly because of his disciplinary record - he was sent off four times.

He did play the first four games of the current Conference season but then he broke his foot and never recaptured his place with experienced Mike Flynn and Robbie Williams occupying the two centre back roles.

"It was a blow to break my foot and then, I went out on Radcliffe to get fit. I felt I was okay and played a number of games for them," he said. "I came back and just haven't got back in the team.

"A few weeks ago Coley came to me and said Stalybridge were interested but then he said Droylsden had come in for me. He had said they were talking about signing me permanently but I still have 15 months left on my Stanley contract and want to see what these three months are like.

"I will still be training with Accrington during the day while training with Droyslden on Tueday and Thursday nights."

His favourite Stanley memories belong in the season the Reds were promoted from the UniBond Premier Division.

The defender was the only everpresent playing all 54 games for Stanley that season.

"I have had three good years here and that season was the best - I loved every minute of it," said Halford. "It was just great being involved in every game and then winning the league at the end of it.

"But I just don't feel like I have had a chance this season," he continued. "And, with Flynny and Rocky playing regularly, I haven't got a chance to put myself in the shop window.

"But Droylsden play in a decent league so I will go there, get some games under my belt, get my match fitness back and come back in the summer.

"Hopefully, I can help them and they can help me.

"And I hope Accrington go on and do well. There are a lot of good players there at the moment - better than last year. We just aren't gelling all the time at the moment but that should come."