STAR striker Lutel James has revealed he never wanted to leave Accrington Stanley.

The 31-year-old made a transfer request after being left out of the starting line-up against Bamber Bridge last week.

But James admitted his outburst to manager John Coleman was in the heat of the moment.

"Sometimes it's healthy to get things off your chest because it can give everyone a kick up the backside," he said.

"There was a bad set of words said on the day and it went too far but we've sorted it out now.

"I was just frustrated. If you know you give 100 per cent and you do it honestly it's hard not to be upset about comments that are getting made by people.

"When it's all going well it's 'Lutel this, Lutel that'. But when it's not going too well and you're playing out of position it's annoying when people are having a go.

"It's not me being spoilt, I'm just trying to do what's right to get the best out of me and for the team.

"I was having a moan to try to get me up front, not to try to say 'I'm big time, I want to be playing there'.

"I just want to continue playing football and get on with it now and put it all behind us."

He added: "I had things I probably wanted to say and in the heat of the moment a lot of truths come out. There'll be a lot of rubbish as well so I had to apologise for that but keep firm about the things I believe in.

"The fans are what count because they come here week in and week out, paying their money, and you owe it to them to do everything right. That's why I couldn't have anyone doubting my attitude because I'd stop playing."

But James blamed his fiery attitude on his rash transfer request.

"I definitely didn't want to leave but it was in the heat of the moment and I regretted a few things I said," he explained.

"But at the same time it was healthy because I got some things out that I had to say.

"I think it was a bit of hot-headedness and a bit of thought as well.

"I was glad to get it resolved and just get on with it. I don't want to leave here.

"It's just what was said between us that went wrong. But now I'm off the list."

He continued: "I believe out of the last few years I've given all I can in every game I play. I never mean to give anything different.

"If I get dropped to the bench because I'm not playing well, fine. I say to Dean (Calcutt) and the rest of them all the time 'work harder, hard lines' because if you're not in that team John's doing it for a reason that he thinks is right. You work harder and get back in the team. I've got no problem with that."