ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman has swapped one Barry for another.

Left back Barry Hart looks like he will leave the Crown Ground this season as he is taking up a job in the prison service which will leave him without much spare time.

But as a replacement on the left, Coleman has signed former Bury and Rotherham defender Barry Shuttleworth on a two year contract.

"It was a blow to lose Barry Hart," said Coleman of the former Clitheroe player who he snapped up last season and played a big part in their treble cup success.

"He is a nice lad and one of the characters you would want around the dressing room.

"When he came to the club I think we went on a 14 game unbeaten run and he has done well for us.

"But we will support him in whatever he does.

"He is a non contract player now which means he can come and train with us and we will see what happens. He is thinking about his future and we will support whatever decision he makes."

The Reds chief has though been impressed by Shuttleworth who came on trial over the summer.

"I liked him as I wouldn't have to think about changing names when I am shouting, it just rolls off the tongue," laughed Coleman.

"Barry has got a good attitude and he works hard, he delivers a good ball and has a good left foot.

"He has experience at a higher level but that is not a pre requisite of joining us - it is all about how a person performs for us and I think he will be a valuable member of the team."

Coleman is set to finalise his squad on Thursday before the big kick off at home to Runcorn on Saturday which will upset several players he has on trial.

"It is just part of the job and to be honest it is a nice headache as all the players have done well.

"But we have to trim the squad and start preparing for Saturday.

"We need to work on set pieces and our pattern of play this week and hopefully we will be ready."

Former Liverpool man Mike Marsh has continued to impress finishing top scorer in pre season with four goals.

"He has been excellent. He has a good pedigree and a good attitude with no airs and graces. He mucks in with the lads and has been excellent, especially with his four goals and some of them have been special."

But he will not displace the two lads up front who will get the nod for the starting berths - Lutel James and Paul Mullin.

Mullin got 34 goals last season while ex-Bury frontman James got 25.

"It is pretty clear who my first choice strikers are and it will be difficult to dislodge them. But their names are not on the shirts yet and they will have to play well to keep their shirts."

This could pave the way for the departure of record buy Gary Williams.

He was the record sale - £60,000 to Doncaster - but Stanley bought him back a couple of seasons ago for a fee thought to be in the region of £25,000 although it hasn't worked out for him.

Williams went on loan to Rossendale at the end of last season and Jim McCluskie's side have asked about his availability. "We have had an enquiry," confirmed Coleman.