GARY ROBERTS is expected to start preparing for the new season with Stanley after Yeovil Town's planned raid for the winger ran into a brick wall.

As revealed in last week's Observer, Yeovil had tabled a cash bid for the 22-year-old wideman.

The League One side has since come back with a second offer, believed to be in the region of £50,000.

But that still does not match Stanley's valuation of the player and Roberts remains at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.

"They made us an offer and then another one but it is not what we wanted," said Stanley chairman Eric Whalley.

"We won't budge on it and it's up to them. The ball is in their court and we will wait for them to come back to us.

"If it is not a realistic bid we will not get shut of him just for the sake of it. He will be playing with us."

For their part Yeovil have made it clear that they are prepared to look elsewhere to strengthen their squad if they can't get Roberts on their terms.

Manager Russell Slade said: "We've made a final offer but we've not been given permission to talk to the player yet. We can only go so far and we think we've made a fair, sensible bid.

"Hopefully Accrington will regard it as a fair offer. If they don't then we'll move onto other targets."

If that is meant as a piece of brinkmanship by the Glovers it is likely to cut little ice with Stanley, who have Roberts under contract for a further year and are not desperate for the cash.

The matter has been complicated by the fact that Roberts - and particularly his agent - looks keen on a move to Huish Park.

Stanley are not impressed that the England non-league international has apparently been sold on the prospect of earning more money.

But after letting him miss the start of pre-season training, manager John Coleman was ready to welcome Roberts back yesterday (Thurs) in an effort to find a solution.

"It's still a bit up in the air and it's just unsettled the lad," said Coleman. "He's a nice lad who's got a lot going for him but he's had his head turned a bit with the money and it's difficult to get re-focussed.

"Until we get an acceptable offer he will be staying with us. He's coming in and we will look at the situation."

Coleman added: "If someone wants to double your money it's hard to accept why you shouldn't go. But Yeovil have to do it properly and get somewhere near our valuation.

"We are not asking for an exhorbitant amount and I understand that the lad wants to play at a higher level for higher wages.

"But as it stands, I have got three wingers in Andy Todd, Sean Doherty and Gary Roberts."

  • Coleman has given former Chesterfield defender Ashley Foyle the chance to earn a contract after the 19-year-old started pre-season training with the Reds.