FORMER Accrington Stanley keeper Jamie Speare has signed for Southport - and despite looking forward to a return to the Interlink next season he hopes he misses out because the Reds are in the Football League.

Southport currently top the Conference North by two points and have three games in hand on second place Nuneaton and are favourites to return to the National Conference next season.

Speare, who spent six seasons at Stanley before leaving last summer, has been at Conference North side Lancaster but he will sign for Southport later this month.

"It is a good move for me," said the former Everton shot-stopper. "It was one I couldn't turn down.

"Fingers crossed Southport will get promoted although there is still a bit to do yet. And I would love to play at Accrington again although they still stand a good chance of going up.

"I always look out for their results but haven't been back since my testimonial although I keep in touch with the likes of Rocky.

"I have enjoyed my time at Lancaster and have been playing week in week out but when I knew Southport were interested - and there was the prospect of Conference football again - I couldn't turn it down."

Speare was in and out of the Stanley side last season as he battled with Jon Kennedy for the number one spot. He couldn't go full-time with the Reds in the summer as he would have lost money giving up his job at a bank so Lancaster was a good move for him.

"I have been playing consistently and that has made a difference to me. I heard whispers Southport and a couple of clubs were interested and I was really flattered. Then they put seven days on me. I wanted to join immediately but I didn't want to leave Lancaster in trouble or let the manager down as they only have a really young goalkeeper.

"So I am staying here while they get someone else in and then moving before the transfer deadline at the end of this month.

"Obviously Southport already have a goalkeeper and I cannot be guaranteed a regular spot. I am wary that I don't want it to be like my final season at Accrington where I was on the bench a lot. But Liam (Watson the manager) has said whoever is playing best will keep the shirt and that is good enough for me."