MARAUDING midfielder Dean Calcutt says he could not take the financial risk of going full-time with Accrington Stanley.

Calcutt was offered a new deal as the Reds prepare to become a professional club next season.

But the 28-year-old admitted he could not afford to stay at the Interlink Express Stadium with the terms that were offered.

"I would be losing too much money, and with being in the process of buying a new house I couldn't afford to do that," said auto electrician Calcutt, who leaves Stanley along with Gordon Armstrong, Andy Gouck, John Durnin, Jerome Fitzgerald and Kieran Killackey.

"I'm sorry to be going because I've had two good years there and have enjoyed it.

"John Coleman's been a good manager. He's been fair, although sometimes this year I've felt I should have played more, but I've enjoyed working with him.

"And the lads have been great. I'll miss the club because there are some nice people there."

And Calcutt, who signed from Bradford Park Avenue in 2002, has backed Stanley to regain their Football League status.

"I do think they can make it back into the Football League," he said. "I don't know when, but offering John Coleman a new contract has been a good start.

"And if they can keep the attendances high like they were in the cup that will help because that's a big part of the revenue coming in.

"I think they'll do well when they go full-time, but a lot depends on who they bring in.

"John will have to sign players who are better than the ones he's had so that means taking players from a higher level and a lot will come down to money."

Meanwhile, Calcutt believes his double hernia problem, which still requires an operation, played a big part in him resigning himself to leaving Stanley.

"Not being able to get it sorted has been getting me down over the last couple of months," he said.

"The contract I was offered was partly appearance based, which would have been fine if I knew I'd be playing all season, but with the injuries I've had this season it was too much of a risk.

"There are no hard feelings at all and John said he would circulate my name to other clubs."

He added: "I'd like to stay in the Conference because I've enjoyed it this season. It's been a good experience and I don't think any of the players struggled with the step up because we've got a top 10 finish."

But Calcutt admitted he was not in an immediate rush to sign for anyone due to his niggling injury.

"I'm going back to the doctors this week because I really want to get this hernia sorted out," he said.

Stanley fans have not yet seen the last of Calcutt, however, as he is expected to be involved in tomorrow night's reserve game at home to Barrow (kick-off 7.30pm).

The Reds will also field a strong reserve side at Guiseley tonight as they bid to win the Lancashire League title.