LUTEL James has rocked Accrington Stanley by slapping in a transfer request following a bitter row with manager John Coleman.

James accused Coleman of "hanging him out to dry" by playing him on the right side of midfield for most of the season.

But the Reds boss hit back by denying allegations of a "hidden agenda" to force James out of the Conference club.

Former Bury striker James claims his patience finally snapped after being dropped for last night's 2-1 Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy victory over Bamber Bridge, which followed him being substituted during Stanley's last Conference game at Burton Albion 11 days ago.

James said: "I told John I had food poisoning the night before the Burton game, but I still played and afterwards I read comments from him saying I was not putting the effort in.

"He put me on the bench against Bamber Bridge and I am not bothered about being a substitute.

"I would not mind being on the bench if he said 'you are not playing well', but it was just a bad way to do it, coming out and saying what he did.

"If you substitute me, you have to know the reasons."

James, who scored 36 goals last season in Stanley's promotion to the Conference, added: "I have played on the right hand side all this season and worked up and down for the good of the side.

"I have never had anyone question my commitment in 17 years in the game until now - and I'm not having it.

"I've been a part of something at this club for something like three years and I have always given 100 per cent.

"People will say I am spitting my dummy out, but nothing could be further from the truth.

"It's a fine line between doing that and standing up for what you believe in - and he has made it awkward for me."

Coleman admitted the 14-goal striker was now officially on the transfer list following their bust-up.

He said: "Lutel has said all those things to me and more and I think he feels there is a hidden agenda, but that is not the case.

"The only reason he didn't play at Bamber Bridge was that I wanted to look at other options.

"I have no problem with Lutel and he is still an integral part of my plans. But at the end of the day I will pick the side that is best for the club and if he decides he doesn't want to play for Accrington Stanley - or more importantly for me - then there is nothing I can do about that."