GOALKEEPER Jon Kennedy has made a sensational comeback to Accrington Stanley.
The stopper parted company with the club after failing to strike a new deal at the end of last season to go full-time.
But when trials at Doncaster Rovers, and more recently at Stanley's Conference rivals Burton Albion, failed to materialise into a permanent move, the door swung open for Kennedy to return to the Interlink Express Stadium.
The 23-year-old, who made 37 appearances last season, signed a two-year deal following last night's 3-1 friendly defeat at Prescot Cables. Trialist Danny Alcock, who was offered terms after Saturday's game against Wolves, is expected to be his number two.
And Stanley manager John Coleman was pleased to have finally resolved his goalkeeper problem, which threatened to turn into a crisis after Australian goalkeeper Jason Petkovic was refused a work permit.
"At the end of the day, we didn't have a keeper, and Jon didn't have a club, so at some point something's got to give," said Coleman, who has relied on a number of trialist goalkeepers during pre-season friendlies, with former Barnsley stopper Alcock getting the nod in most games.
And the Reds chief stressed the importance of not harbouring regrets about Kennedy being allowed to leave in the summer.
"I only ever look forward," he said. "There's no point in looking back. I'm just pleased to get it all sorted out."
He added: "We're close to agreeing a deal with Danny as well. We will talk more today because he's doing a lot of travelling to get to training every day.
"He is based in Stoke at the moment so he might have to move."
Meanwhile, Stanley's high profile friendly with Coca Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers came at a price as midfielder Andy Procter could miss the start of the season after twisting his knee.
Coleman said: "It's not as bad as what we first feared but I think he's damaged his medial ligament.
"I don't know how long he'll be out for - how long's a piece of string? But I would imagine it would be a couple of weeks."
STANLEY'S latest friendly, at Prescot Cables, left Coleman disappointed.
A side mixed with trialists and senior players was beaten 3-1 last night. Damien Hindle got the only goal for the Reds, scoring from the penalty spot after trailing 2-0 at half-time.
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