Stanley ranks bolstered as gaffer swoops for hat-trick

ACCRINGTON Stanley have been busy in the transfer market over the past week, after three new arrivals joined the club.

Defender Phil Edwards, midfielder Lewis Doyle, and goalkeeper Josef Bursik have all joined as manager John Coleman looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign, which kicked off with a 2-0 defeat to Lincoln City on Saturday.

Edwards was previously with Accrington during a six-year spell with the club from 2005 to 2011, and he’s excited to be returning to the Wham Stadium.

“It feels good to be back, obviously a lot has changed in the time since I was here last. It’s good to see the ground, it’s the first time I’ve been here since I left and it’s looking good,” he told the club’s official website.

“I’ve got a lot of games under my belt, and I think that’s mainly why I’ve been brought in. If I can rub off on Callum (Johnson) who obviously plays my position as well, and give him a bit of advice, and hopefully he can improve as well.”

Stanley manager John Coleman added: “Phil is a Steady Eddie, we know what we are getting. He can cover numerous positions and to us he is a no risk signing.”

As for Doyle, he has arrived from Southport on a one-year deal with the option of a further year, and the youngster is looking forward to proving his worth at the club.

Doyle said: “I was just playing football with my mates and for Sefton and Kevin Davies signed me for Southport.

“Liam Watson then came in and I have been on loan at Droylsden and Witton Albion which was great experience as I played quite a bit.

“I came to Accrington on the first day of pre-season and have been training with them ever since. I am not expected to break into the first team straight away but it’s an exciting move for me.”

Coleman added: “I think he has a big future, he is a good acquisition and one I have been watching for a while.”

Goalkeeper Bursik also heads to Accrington after joining on a season-long loan from Stoke City, and Coleman is backing him to perform after impressing for Stanley during pre-season.

Coleman said: “He is a young lad who was involved in the England youth set-up and has had a successful spell at non-league.

“He wants to make a step up to stake a claim for place at Stoke.

“We know what he is about, he played for us against Warrington and he is a good goalkeeper in all aspects. He has a good kick on him, he comes for crosses and he is a good shotstopper.”