ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is ready to put the boot in after the Reds returned to pre-season training on Monday.

The squad are off to Colchester on a boot camp with the army from Sunday, culminating in their first pre-season friendly of the season against Maidstone next Saturday.

"It should be good for the lads," said Coleman. "It is something different.

"So far there has just been a lot of running and we have been on the beach but this could be a rude awakening for some of the players. Hopefully they will be worked hard."

There was a number of triallists on show at King George’s Playing Fields with striker Matthew Tipton perhaps the main one, a former Oldham and Macclesfield hitman.

"To be honest, we have limited the number of triallists this season," said the manager.

"I think we got a bit swamped last season. But all of them have a chance to stake a claim for a place and we will have a look at them."

New signings Dean Winnard, from Blackburn Rovers and Luke Joyce, from Carlisle, met their new team-mates for the first time while left back Chris King joined the side - although he has still to agree terms for next season.

Captain Peter Cavanagh is also in training with the Reds although he won’t sign anything until the outcome of the betting inquiry in August.

Keeper Ian Dunbavin was at Lilleshall for the week.

STANLEY have set a target of getting 2000 young fans to join their new Junior Membership scheme, ASFC Redz.

The scheme is free of charge for Stanley fans aged up to 12-years-old.

More than 100 have already signed up and the Community Office will be taking the ASFC Redz mascot Winstanley to all the local primary schools to encourage children to become a member.

Assistant Community Officer Liam Smith said: "ASFC Redz is a great way of adding to our junior fanbase. Our aim is to have 2,000 members signed up before the end of the season."

A membership package includes free entry to all Stanley home games when accompanied by an adult and ASFC Redz memorabilia.

For more information contact e-mail liam.smith@accringtonstanley.co.uk or phone the club on 0871 434 1968.

PRE-SEASON

  • Sat July 11 Maidstone v Stanley
  • Tue July 14 Burscough v Stanley
  • Sat July 18 Halifax v Stanley
  • Tue July 21 Radcliffe Boro v Stanley
  • Tue July 28 Stanley v Burnley
  • Sat July 31 Stanley v Blackburn XI