ACCRINGTON Stanley return to training on Monday with the squad still taking shape for next season.

Boss John Coleman expects to have a new player on his books on Monday as he has agreed a deal with a former Coca Cola League Two striker, aged 21, who just needs to put pen to paper on a deal.

"I am hoping he will sign on Monday," confirmed the boss who is raring to go next week as they begin preparations for their assault on the Conference title next season.

The Reds chief has also had talks with a league midfielder who he is confident of adding to the squad.

There is expected to be a flurry of activity - and the usual band of triallists - over the next few weeks as Coleman builds his promotion-chasing squad for next season.

So far, he has only signed defender Andy Tretton but is keen to add at least five new faces to the club.

And the manager admitted he expects striker Lee McEvilly to be at Stanley this summer despite his on-off move to a league club.

"I fully expect Lee to be with us next season. The ball is in the league side's courts but we haven't heard anything more and so I expect him to be with us," said the boss.

Coleman, meanwhile, has welcomed the increase in loan players which will ease the problems the transfer window was going to cause.

The club were outraged by the new rules, to fall in line with the Premiership and Football League, which meant Conference sides couldn't buy players after August 31 until January.

But it has been eased slighty with the relaxation of the loan deals. Teams can now register four short-term and four long-term loan players and can play five loan players in a game.

"I have never been a big fan of loans but now I think it will become a necessity," said the manager.

"It is going to be a bit different but, with the situation, it looks like we will have to utilise the loan system a lot more. Teams will have to if they are to compete."

Clubs can also sign a goalkeeper for a minimum period of seven days outside the transfer window if they do not have a registered keeper available although Coleman is confident of signing a second goalie soon to provide competition for keeper Danny Alcock.

Meanwhile, the Conference fixtures were meant to be out yesterday but have been put back a week due to Cambridge United's plight.

The cash-strapped club, relegated from the Football League last season, are waiting to find out if they can take their place in the Conference, while their administrators try to strike a deal with creditors.

If a deal is not reached, it could mean a reprieve for relegated Farnborough.

Conference chief executive John Moules has admitted that the U's are in a "precarious position."

He said: "We're working with Cambridge United and all relevant parties. We've not set any deadlines and will try and help them take their rightful place."

Forest Green have already earned a reprieve due to Northwich Victoria's situation.

  • FORMER Stanley midfielder Steve Flitcroft has signed on non-contract terms for Barrow.
  • STANLEY will entertain Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday 6 August in a pre-season friendly, kick off 3pm.