PRESTON striker Chris McGrail is hoping to be remembered at Accrington Stanley for the right reasons this season.
The 18-year-old striker re-joined the Reds on a six month deal this week putting his last spell at the Fraser Eagle Stadium firmly behind him.
Then his name became embroiled in the saga - along with young goalkeeper Martin Fearon - which led to the Reds appearing before the Football Disciplinary Committee on March 30 with a threat of a seven point deduction.
The diminuitive hitman had come to Stanley last season on "work experience" but, according to Football League rules, only players who have signed professional contracts can play in the league.
He had featured in two games in January - a 3-2 win over Mansfield and a 1-1 draw at Wycombe - and it was feared the Reds would face a points loss. Instead they got a £12,000 fine - £6,000 suspended - and McGrail has now signed a professional contract at Deepdale and has returned to the Fraser Eagle Stadium with big ambitions.
"It is great to be back here and I just want to score goals," said McGrail, who has appeared on the bench in the Championship twice.
"What happened last time was a misunderstanding due to the League and they didn't explain everything properly," he said.
"But I wanted to come back and the manager wanted me back."
The misunderstanding centred around the fact there was no mention in the Football League handbook then of not being able to field "work experience" players - just a mention in the secretary's handbook, which is really a guidance document.
"It was hard when I heard about the threat of a points deduction but it didn't happen and now I am back here and I just want to score goals and do well.
"Preston is full of strikers at the moment and I just want to get some experience and some games and goals under my belt.
"When I came here last time, Accrington were in a relegation battle and I was thrown in at the deep end.
"It was a test and it wasn't easy and I know it won't be easy this time but it is better coming from the start of the season.
"I know Accrington are hoping for big things this season and I played a lot of reserve games over the last few seasons and now want first team experience and to help them.
"It was good coming back here and I fitted straight back in because I knew people and wasn't the odd one out. The banter with the lads was there straight away.
"I am hoping to be picked tomorrow at Lincoln and then we see how it goes from there."
