ACCRINGTON Stanley chairman Eric Whalley is adamant he will not let the club's ambition to regain their Football League status put them in financial jeopardy.

Whalley has shown his commitment to the Reds' bid for promotion from the Nationwide Conference by offering manager John Coleman a new three-year deal.

But he said the Stanley chief would have to work within the club's financial means.

"We'll keep a tight budget," Whalley said.

"We will still look to make sure we improve but we won't overspend."

Players from the current Stanley squad are expected to be informed individually of whether they have the option to stay next season within the next two weeks.

Boss Coleman has threatened wholesale changes following disappointing performances in recent weeks, most notably after the Scarborough defeat on Easter Monday.

But the players will look to put all that behind them when they take on Exeter City in their final game of the 2003/04 season at St James' Park tomorrow.

Rory Prendergast, Dean Calcutt and Robbie Williams are all suspended but striker Lutel James is hoping to have recovered from a bout of flu in time to play after missing last week's 3-3 draw at home to Gravesend and Northfleet.

While fellow front man Paul Mullin is bidding to sign off a productive season on a scoring note.

"It's important we win tomorrow because that should secure a top ten place, and I believe that would be a fair reflection for us this season" said the club's leading goalscorer, who has already exceeded his target of 20 goals for the season.

"It will be a difficult game at Exeter but we want to finish on a good note and it would be nice to get a couple of goals."

Stanley's reserves entertain Lancashire League title rivals Morecambe Reserves at the Interlink Express Stadium tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).