ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman has released six players from the club.

And he admits that this has been one of the toughest times of his managerial career.

Dean Calcutt, Andy Gouck, John Durnin, Gordon Armstrong, Jerome Fitzgerald and Kieran Killackey will not be part of Coleman's plans as Stanley become a full-time outfit next season.

And the Reds chief admitted there could be further departures as deals have yet to be ironed out.

"It's hard because you sometimes get to know players as friends and it's difficult when you part company with people," he said.

"But the players understand.

"They've done a good job for the club and I thank them for the way they've always shown a good attitude and will to win.

"But we have to move on, and maybe some others will leave, but they will all be welcomed back to the club whenever they want."

Coleman, who revealed that Paul Cook has officially appointed player-coach for next season, added that he had drawn up a list of new targets, including a current Second Division player.

"I'm hoping to speak to him in the next couple of weeks," he said.

"The work for next season starts now."

Meanwhile, Stanley chairman Eric Whalley is relishing the chance to welcome Football League teams back to the Interlink Express Stadium.

Stanley, who beat Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth on their way to the FA Cup third round this season before losing out to Second Division outfit Colchester, have earned a place next term's LDV Trophy.

And they are guaranteed to face a league side in the first round after finishing in 10th place in the Conference, despite losing 3-2 on the final day of the season at Exeter City.

Whalley said: "If you had asked us at the beginning of the season if we would like to get to the third round of the FA Cup and finish 10th in the league we would have said 'yes'.

"It's disappointing after tailing away at the end but we are in the LDV Trophy competition now.

"We are guaranteed to play a league side and I think it's good for the club after the FA Cup, as well as getting a bit of money out of it."

Whalley confirmed that work was expected to begin on draining and re-seeding the pitch during the first week in May.