ACCRINGTON Stanley have to sign a goalkeeper soon as Jon Kennedy's departure has meant the Conference side don't have one on their books.

England keeper Kennedy and the club failed to come to an agreement over a deal and he has now gone on trial to Doncaster Rovers.

They do have two keepers on trial - ex-Barnsley and Stoke shot-stopper Danny Alcock and Scott Tynan, from Nottingham Forest who was on loan at Telford last season. Both could play a part in the big pre-season friendly at home to Burnley tomorrow.

Stanley expect to hear today whether the work permit has been granted for Australian international goalie Jason Petkovic although they are also looking at another keeper.

"That's football with Jon and there are no bad feelings," said boss John Coleman. "We just couldn't agree a deal - we couldn't give him what he asked for. We have a job to do ourselves and we wish him all the best. We have a couple of keepers on trial so we will have a look at them and they have a chance to impress."

And chairman Eric Whalley confirmed: "One way or another we will have a keeper signed up next week."

But the deal to bring ex-Rochdale defender Matt Doughty to the Interlink has fallen through - he was expected to sign for Halifax today. "We thought we had agreed a deal but then the agent came back with one or two additions to the contract," said Coleman. "We haven't heard from him since so I presume the deal is off."

But this might be tempered as long serving left back Steve Hollis has signed back on non contract terms after speaking to the management this week.

Coleman is still looking for a centre half and currently has former Bury and Huddersfield defender Ian Hughes on trial. The 29-year-old was on the bench for Stanley's epic first round FA Cup encounter with the Terriers last season.

Meanwhile things are going well as pre-season training got underway last Thursday and proud chairman Eric Whalley oversaw Stanley's return to full-time football since they were forced to resign from the league in 1962.

"Things are going well," he said. "We are happy that the club is strong enough financially, we have a great stadium and a promising playing squad for the coming season. Everyone is really looking forward to mounting a serious challenge for promotion," said the chairman.

He admitted that things have got even more hectic since they turned full-time.

"I had 29 faxes on Tuesday from footballers asking for jobs," he said. "It is crazy."

  • STANLEY have arranged another pre-season friendly against Wolves, who were relegated from the Premiership last season, at home on Saturday 31 July.