ACCRINGTON Stanley chairman Eric Whalley has promised "a couple'' of additions to the Nationwide Conference squad - and one may be a former Blackburn Rover.
After snapping up ex-Burnley stars Paul Cook and Gordon Armstrong, the Reds are believed to be keeping tabs on former Ewood youngster Darren Hocken-hull, who was released from Rovers at the end of the season. Full-back Hockenhull failed to break into the Blackburn first team and was on loan at Rochdale towards the end of last season.
John Coleman may bring in the 19-year-old as he looks to bolster his squad for their first season in non-league's top flight.
The Reds' chairman said: "We will be looking to add to the squad and will have a number, including former Football League players, having trials with us when we restart training.
"With all those players released from clubs, it has been amazing how many agents have been in contact with us. But we are happy with those we have got so far."
As well as midfielder Cook and defender Armstrong, Stanley have snapped up goalkeeper Craig Dootson and striker Darren Connell, a 21-year-old released from Scarborough.
Whalley said: "We believe Paul Cook and Gordon Armstrong will be great for the lads to learn off especially as we are quite a young team. We need players like that to bring the youngsters on. We need old heads to guide them but both Paul and Gordon have ambitions.
"I spoke to the Burton chairman and he said they made mistakes by snapping up 19-year-olds released from League clubs who couldn't cut it in the Conference. We are trying to mix youth and experience. And the Conference salary cap and the threat of 12 points deducted for clubs going into administration will help new clubs like us."
Meanwhile, Burnley striker Andy Payton, at one time linked with a move to the Crown Ground, has signed up for Stalybridge Celtic. Payton has linked up with ex-Turf Moor favourite, Celtic boss Dave Miller.
