ACCRINGTON Stanley are bracing themselves for a bid from a league club for one of their players.

No official bid has been made yet and the Reds haven't revealed details but they are aware of the interest from a Coca Cola League side.

Manager John Coleman had been hoping to build on his squad for this season but this may be disrupted as league clubs take a look at Stanley's assets.

Names in the frame include striker Lee McEvilly, captain Peter Cavanagh and defender Robbie Williams although the club are remaining tight-lipped.

Meanwhile Reds' fans favourite Jonathan Smith has signed for Conference North side Barrow.

But Stanley fans will get the chance to say good-bye to the 29-year-old defender - who spent six seasons with the Reds - at his testimonial in the summer.

It will hopefully be against a league club, either Coca Cola League One sides Blackpool or Barnsley.

"I am looking forward to getting started now - especially as last season never really started for me," said the 29-year-old who gave up his job at Hyndburn Sports Centre to go full-time with the Reds last season.

"It was stop-start but Barrow are back in training on July 2 and I can't wait. I will miss everything about Accrington but it is a good move for me financially and I already know the club so I know where I am moving too.

"A lot of people say the Conference North is like the UniBond Premier but I think it is a better league.

"The league was close last year and hopefully we can be in the top half of the league, challenging for the play-offs, especially with a few new signings."

And one of these could be Stanley team-mate Steve Flitcroft as the pair were together on loan at the Bluebirds earlier on in the season. "I think the manager, Lee Turnbull, is just sorting out his finances but it will be good if Steve is there too," added Smith.

Turnbull admitted: "Jonathan was my number one target so we are delighted to have signed him."

Stanley have added Premier League new boys Wigan Athletic to their list of pre-season friendlies which includes Play-Off campaigners Preston and Championship side Burnley. They will face Paul Jewell's side on Saturday 6 August, kick off 3pm. The match comes just one week before both side's kick off their respective league campaigns.

And in Stanley's campaign will be Stevenage after Carlisle won the Conference Play-Off Final on Saturday and returned to the Football League after their one year stay in the Conference. And Altrincham - Ian Craney's former club - will be a new face in the league after they won the Conference North and South Play-Off seeing off Eastbourne.

  • DEFENDER Anthony Gerrard, who had a loan spell at Stanley, has been signed by Coca Cola League One side Walsall after his release from Everton.