LEAM Richardson would rank winning the Conference as one of the greatest achievements of his career.

The 26-year-old left back, who is set to sign with the Reds until the end of the season, collected a prized medal with Bolton when they won promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs in 2001 and collected an LDV Vans Trophy medal when Blackpool beat Southend in 2004.

But he admits a Conference title medal with Accrington Stanley would beat the lot.

"I think it would mean more to win this league because it is such a hard league to win," said Leeds-born Richardson. "To get Accrington back into the league after all these years would mean so much as it is what a lot of people have wished for for a long time. I would frame it up with the others and it would get pride of place."

Stanley do seem unstoppable at the moment as they are on an unbeaten run of 10 league games - with eight victories - and two wins in the last week have sent them six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on second-placed Exeter.

Richardson has played the majority of games this season and, along with Michael Welch, Danny Ventre and Anthony Barry, is expected to sign a new deal next week while right back Phil Edwards should make a permanent move to the Reds from Premiership side Wigan.

"I have enjoyed it here," said Richardson who was a trainee at Blackburn and is still friends with Premiership stars, Damien Duff and David Dunn, a Stanley fan. "I came out of the league with Blackpool after a fall-out with the manager in the summer and it was hard after playing all my career in the league.

"I didn't know what to expect from the Conference but I have adapted and there are good players here who can play at a higher level. There is a lot of ability and several will play in the league - hopefully with Accrington next season if we all stick together.

"I want to get back in the league - that is my ambition. I am still only 26 even though I am the third oldest at the club - it is a really weird situation as I am used to being one of the youngest!

"And obviously, if we keep going, we can do it. We have worked hard week in week out and we have got to sustain that now all the way through."

Richardson is confident Accrington can hold their nerve as they enter a crucial part of the season.

"The only thing to stop us winning the league now is ourselves," he said. "We have played everyone in the league and no one has more ability than us so it is now down solely to us to make it happen

"We have got to be like Chelsea and keep winning. When we drop points it is like a kick up the backside as the other teams close the gap but the manager keeps telling us that we have just got to look after ourselves and not worry about other teams.

"Obviously the big game at the moment is when we play Exeter live on Sky at the end of this month and I hope I can help some of the young lads with my experience as I have played in big situations before. But I do prefer playing the top sides so I can't wait for Exeter."

And manager John Coleman confirmed he expects the out-of-contract players, like Richardson, to sign up soon while the League One midfielder he is chasing is still assessing his options.

"We are trying to keep all of our players - all the people we needed to speak to have been sorted out," said the boss.

"And we are trying to strengthen with one or two players. The competition for places is good but you don't know what will happen down the line with injuries and suspensions.

"The squad will come into play. They are all champing at the bit and all backing each other."

Meanwhile, Stanley take a break from league action when they make the long trip to Conference South strugglers Carshalton on Saturday in the second round of the FA Trophy. Defender Michael Welch and winger Roberts are both suspended while Steve Jagielka (knee) is expected to return.

Then, on Tuesday, holders Stanley travel to Burscough in the Lancashire FA United Co-op Challenge Cup.