JONATHAN Smith has been a big part of Accrington Stanley's rapid rise up the football ladder - and the defender admitted he wouldn't have dreamt the club would be on the verge of the Football League as he leaves the Interlink.

The 29-year-old has been released this week along with right back Paul Howarth, midfielder Steve Flitcroft, goalie Jon Kennedy as well as striker Lutel James while defender Steve Halford is expected to move on this summer.

"I expected to be released," admitted Smith who has been in and out of the Stanley side who finished 10th in the Conference this season. But he has made a huge contribution over his six seasons with the club and signed off by being made captain and lifting the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy on Tuesday.

"It shows how far the club have come in that I played my first game for Stanley in the UniBond League at Lincoln United in front of 130 people and my last game at Hereford, an ex-league club, in front of nearly 4,000. It's amazing.

"It shows what has happened at the club, they have made such big strides, and I have loved every second of it. I hope they go one step further into the Football League - I am sure they will.

"The club has learnt a lot of lessons this season as a full-time club and will act on them as John Coleman has been more miserable than usual these last two weeks!"

Smith, who has had offers from Barrow and Stalybridge, took a gamble and went full-time for the first time in his career last summer.

"I have no regrets as I am glad I gave it a go," he said.

And he leaves the Interlink with glowing memories.

"My best are promotion to the UniBond Premier Division when we were unbeaten from Christmas. It was also a good season when we got promoted to the Conference and last season's FA Cup run was great. There are just so many."

The club have awarded him a testimonial in the summer and boss John Coleman says he deserves it.

"His character is everything I have stood for in football. He is whole-hearted, willing to learn, he has improved and someone is going to get a good player.

"All the lads that have been released have been good servants and have been the victims of circumstances really as their contracts were up and some players had to go."

Steve Flitcroft's final touch in a Stanley shirt ended with a blistering goal against Burscough in the trophy game.

"It wasn't a bad way to sign off!" said the former Blackburn trainee, who has been at the Interlink for four seasons. "I think my favourite memory, though, is taking a penalty against Bournemouth in the FA Cup last year - and winning. It was a great night."

He is hoping to go to Conference North side Barrow, the club he was on loan at last season, although Radcliffe are interested.

"Barrow are looking to go for promotion next season so I would like to be part of that."

Keeper Kennedy is disappointed things haven't worked out in his second spell at Stanley, after re-signing in pre-season but he broke his leg in a freak accident in October.

"I did expect it the way things have gone but there are not hard feelings. I just want to find a new club now," said the shot-stopper, who lives in Accrington.

Howarth, who signed in 2002, hasn't as yet got anything lined up while Steve Halford, who was the only player who played all the games the season the Reds won promotion to the Conference, is on the transfer list and could move to Droylsden where he is currently on loan.

Striker Lutel James, who has scored 83 goals in around 170 appearances for the Reds but went on loan this season and broke a bone in his foot, may also move to the Bloods.

Meanwhile Chris Butler, Danny Alcock, David Brown, Ged Brannan and Gary Roberts have been offered new deals. "These are under discussion at the moment," said Coleman.

And he confirmed he has got his eye on a number of new signings. "I will be speaking to one or two players in the next few weeks. A goalkeeper is a priority along with five or six players. I have the basis of a good squad here but the league table doesn't lie. With the right additions, though, I am confident for next season."

The Reds chief has tipped Carlisle - out of Stevenage, Aldershot and Hereford - to be promoted via the Conference play-offs. "Like Shrewsbury last season, they have a big support and things seem to fall into place for big clubs."

ONE-time Stanley target Steve Davis, released by York, won't be coming to the Interlink says Coleman.