STANLEY skipper Peter Cavanagh says the players are 100 per cent behind manager John Coleman and they WILL lift the side out of their current slump.

Some fans have been calling for the manager to go after a poor run of form in the Conference which has seen them take five points out of 21.

And this was followed by their humiliating FA Cup exit to struggling Leigh RMI on Saturday and the defeat to Coca Cola League One side Oldham on Tuesday night in the LDV Vans Trophy.

But Cavanagh says he can't believe what he is hearing - and Coleman and his players will prove any doubters wrong.

"It is ridiculous that people are calling for Coley to be sacked," said the captain.

"I know the buck stops with the manager but it is down to the players to perform. It is the players fault that these latest results have happened.

"It is down to us and we have got to get ourselves out of this bad patch. We are good enough and we have got to start showing it again.

"All the players know they now need to dig in and show what we feel for him as a manager and get the results.

"Things have gone off the boil for us and the loss to Leigh was embarrassing but hopefully we will prove on Saturday that it was just a bad blip - and we can bounce back now and get back on track.

"Coley has got thick skin so I am sure he has heard things and will deal with them in his own way.

"But we, as players, have got to show that we back him all the way by performing on the pitch and making sure we come through this.

"I know Coley will come through it and he will go on to manage at a higher level - and he wants to do it with Accrington.

"It is a hard time but we all need to stick together and get through it together."

The skipper isn't sure whether he will play in Saturday's home clash against Exeter as he is still struggling with a foot injury.

Defender Steve Halford, who has been sidelined since he broke his leg against Crawley in August, is ready for a return although Radcliffe Borough have asked about taking him on a month's loan while he gets match fit.

And striker Lutel James could play a part despite being on the transfer list.

The club has had interest from various sides - with Droylsden currently heading the chase - but James is still a Stanley player at the moment and his future is expected to be sorted out in the next few days.

"I just want to play football," said James, who would have to come to a financial settlement with the Reds if he leaves.

"I would like it to be sorted out one way or another but I am quite willing to stay here, get my head down, get fitter and stronger than ever and fight for my place."

Coleman said: "The ball is in Lutel's court but I will be speaking to him."

Right-back Paul Howarth is struggling with a hamstring injury from the FA Cup loss while Lee McEvilly is hoping to shake off a knock from the clash at Boundary Park.

Left-back Chris Butler is also fighting a knee injury following his return to the team on Tuesday.

Meanwhile Coleman had admitted his frustration in trying to bring in new players.

"It is easy to say I will bring in new faces but I have been trying to bring in a winger for a month and a left back for two months," said the boss. "It is not easy, but we will keep watching games and hopefully we can pick someone up.

"There will be no one in before the weekend but that doesn't mean there won't be signings in the very near future."

Left back Stuart Howson plays his last game for Droylsden on his month's loan on Saturday before returning to the Reds camp

  • IAN CRANEY and Peter Cavanagh have been selected for the final England National XI 16 that will travel to Italy in a friendly at the Stadio Communale Gino Pistoni, in Ivrea on Wednesday. Midfielder Craney is expected to play his part although Cavanagh is a doubt with his foot injury.