Three out, one in for Reds?

ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is looking at a new goalkeeper - while Stuart Howson looks on the verge of leaving the club and defender Steve Halford is set to go out on loan.

Goalie Carl Ikeme's one month loan spell came to an end last Saturday and he has returned to Coca Cola side Wolves.

Jon Kennedy has come off his crutches but is out until after Christmas after breaking his leg which leaves Coleman with only keeper Danny Alcock.

So the Reds chief is going to cast his eye over former Manchester City keeper, Ashley Timms, 19, who recently signed for Mossley and who will play for the Reds reserves on Friday at Great Harwood against Guiseley (ko 7.30).

Meanwhile, Coleman confirmed he was talking to Droyslden this week about left back Stuart Howson, Stanley's first new summer signing.

The former Blackburn Rovers and Chesterfield defender has been on loan with the Conference North side but his month was up last Saturday.

However, he is expected to sign permanently this week after sorting out his contract with the Reds.

Howson, 23, played for Stanley early in the campaign and started five Conference games - never being on the losing side.

And centre-half Halford is lined up for a month's loan at Radcliffe Borough - and then he aims to come back and fight for his place with the Reds.

The 24-year-old, who broke his leg against Crawley in August, is set to start for UniBond side on Saturday after being told to go and get match fit by the boss.

"I had the choice between Radcliffe and Stalybridge Celtic but Stalybridge have some FA Trophy games and Conference Cup games which I couldn't play in because I would have been cup-tied," said the former Bury defender.

"So I decided I would get more games in at Radcliffe. I have been out for around 12 weeks with the hairline fracture and Coley told me to go and get match fit.

"He said going on loan and playing regularly and competitively would be better than playing in the reserves.

"Then I aim to return and challenge for my place. I have a year left on my contract and still plenty of time to win a first team place back. I didn't really want to go out on loan but I can understand what the manager is saying about match fitness and hopefully I will feel better in myself.

"Flickers and Smithy have gone out on loan and come back and done well so I have to make sure I do the same.

"Hopefully it won't be any longer than a month and I will be back on December 13 and able to press for a first team place at Accrington."

Meanwhile, left back Chris Butler is hoping to cement his place in the side and win a contract. The teenager was released from Liverpool and has played the last two games.

Coleman admitted: "He is getting stronger, he is a good footballer and hopefully he will do enough in the next couple of games to warrant a contract."

Winger Rory Prendergast is still out but has gone to Lilleshall for two weeks for rehabilitation following his hernia operation while striker Lutel James remains transfer-listed.

Meanwhile, Coleman also responded to the rumbles of discontent among some fans because of recent performances.

"People are entitled to their opinion about what has happened - but a lot of it is ill-informed. I am employed to do a job and if they were qualified they would be doing it instead of me."