ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman has already started rebuilding for next season as he promises to make the Reds a Football League outfit.

Goalkeeper Danny Alcock has accepted a one year extension to his contract as Coleman has been impressed with the goalie, who was voted Young Player of the Year at the Reds presentation evening last Saturday.

"Danny has done well since he came here and has shown a good attitude," said the Stanley chief of the 21-year-old, although he is on the look-out for another keeper following Jon Kennedy's departure.

Left back Chris Butler, who has become a fans favourite since he joined the club in October last year, is also set to be offered a deal.

"Chris is a young lad still learning his trade but was forced to come into a high profile situation," said the boss. "Really we would have tried to introduce him slowly but, due to circumstances, he had to be thrust straight in.

"He has looked good at times and made mistakes at others but that goes for the defence as a whole last season."

Winger Gary Roberts, who like Butler was on non contract terms, is also expected to sign up to the Reds cause and Coleman will be hoping striker David Brown accepts a new deal.

The Reds chief has also singled out a current League midfielder he is interested in and is confident of snapping up the experienced player.

Meanwhile, Stanley midfielders Andy Procter and Ian Craney are waiting to hear in the next seven days whether they have been called up to the National XI squad to play in Ireland against the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Scotland at the Home Internationals at the end of May. It will probably be Barnet boss Paul Fairclough's last tournament in charge of the non-league national side.

And Procter has impressed the Stanley management in his first year as a full-time footballer.

"He works so hard, he shows such courage and he is tireless," said Coleman. "When you look back at videos of games you actually realise how much work he gets through."

And they will be hoping the local youngster continues to blossom next season as they look to finally achieve the aim of a Football League return.

But the Reds have admitted they need funds to support it and are hoping to break their record in season ticket sales again.

They put on a special offer in March and sold 200 and expect to by-pass the record 500 they sold before their last campaign.

Anyone wanting to buy one can save £10 before the end of May. So, for an adult buying a season ticket before the month's end, it will be £210. For an OAP, student or Under 17 it is £110 and for Under 12s it is £30.

Chairman Eric Whalley admitted the crowds last season had not been as high as the club had hoped. "There were wild figures banded around that we were budgeting on a crowds of 2000 last season but that was excessive," said the chairman. "It was probably nearer 1500 or 1600 and we have been slightly disappointed with the crowds.

"But, with the addition of new players, we hope we can mount a serious challenge for promotion this season and that the fans will come and get behind us and play their part."

Coleman believes there will be a better product on show come next August.

"We have improved from last season," said Coleman, despite the team finishing tenth in both seasons although they amassed more points in the last campaign and challenged for the play-offs until the final games of the season.

"We did make mistakes, me included - the important thing is to learn from them.

"And I can assure you if we get the players I want, we will make the Football League in the not too distant future."

  • STANLEY have arranged two pre-season friendlies. They will face Premiership hopefuls Preston at the Interlink on Tuesday 19 July. And the Reds will travel to Barrow on Thursday 21 July. Stanley are still sorting out a testimonial for outgoing defender Jonathan Smith which will hopefully be against a league club.
  • MORECAMBE have released goalkeeper Adam Sollitt, midfielder Lee Elam and striker Nick Rogan. Meanwhile one-time Stanley target Dean Howell has been released from Halifax.