ERIC Whalley isn't worried about counting the cost of Accrington Stanley becoming a full-time professional outfit.

For the Reds chairman is confident that the club is financially stable enough to make the step up from the semi-professional game.

"It is a big move for us but one we felt we had to take if we were serious about getting back into the Football League," said Whalley.

"Going from paying the players for 38 weeks a year to 52 weeks, our wage bill has gone up £130,000.

"Our budget for the Conference was 65 per cent of our turnover for last season and this season and we'll be aiming to stick to that.

"We've done our sums and spoken to financial people and they say that there isn't a better time for us to go full-time than now because of the stability of the club - working things right on and off the field.

"In running a business, I'm a great believer that you've got to break even and we'll be doing our best - certainly over the next few years to make sure we do that."

Whalley added: "We are happy that the club is strong enough financially, we have a great stadium and a very promising playing squad for the coming season and so everyone is really looking forward to mounting a serious challenge for promotion in 2004/05.

"It is also great for Accrington to once again have a full time professional football club, we are very much aware that we are a big part of the local community and I am sure that the town will continue to benefit as the club moves forward."

Stanley players, including new signings Lee McEvilly, Matt Doughty, Ian Craney and Steve Jagielka, will meet for the first training session on Thursday.

And assistant manager Jimmy Bell is looking forward to using new training facilities at Wilsons Playing Fields, Clayton-le-Moors, and Hyndburn Sports Centre.

Bell, who will take the initial training sessions with new player-coach Paul Cook while manager John Coleman completes his first year as a primary school teacher, has visited the training sites this week to make pre-season preparations and was impressed with the set-up.

He said: "We've got the use of all the facilities at Wilsons Playing Fields and Hyndburn Sports Centre, and the people there couldn't have been more helpful.

"A lot of league clubs don't have the facilities that we have available so hopefully that will bode well for us.

"We want to make training as interesting as possible. It won't be just running and running in pre-season.

"We'll do ball work and go to the pool, do aerobics and we're going to the beach at Southport to do some training there.

"There will be a lot more pressure on the management side of it now because people will be wanting instant success.

"We've got to progress from last season and be looking to at least get in the play-offs."

FORMER Stanley goalkeeper Jamie Speare's testimonial looks set to take place at the Interlink Express Stadium on July 24, with a select XI made up of former Everton players likely to make up the opposition.

Former Reds stars, who played during Speare's six years with the club, are also expected to feature.