ACCRINGTON Stanley have placed star striker Lutel James on the transfer list - but are hoping to take his name off tonight.

James, signed from Second Division Bury during the summer, has been placed on the list as a disciplinary measure.

"To be honest we hope it is just a paper exercise," admitted Reds boss John Coleman "We don't want to lose him but we had to make a stand.

"He was suspended for three games and didn't agree with the club rules regarding suspensions.

"We have a club policy where players who are suspended are also punished by the club.

"In his defence he said he wasn't aware of the club rules but over the years we have suffered with discipline.

"Suspensions have caused us problems where we have lost players and, as we haven't had the strength in depth, we have suffered.

"So we have got a policy in place regarding discipline and it doesn't matter who the individual is, it is just a club policy and it is the same for everyone here.

"Lutel didn't agree with it - his argument was that he wasn't aware of it - and so we chose to put him on the transfer list.

"But hopefully it will be sorted out tonight when we get together. We don't want to lose a player of Lutel's calibre and he has told us he wants to stay."

The 30-year-old was suspended for three games following his sending off against Rossendale United in the UniBond League Cup for raising his arm.

He missed three crucial matches - including the 3-3 draw with UniBond Premier League leaders Burton Albion - and, when his suspension was over, didn't play in the 1-0 win over Bamber Bridge on Boxing Day.

James has scored 17 goals for the Reds this season, making a big impact since his move from the Shakers.

"We still haven't got the biggest of squads so it is important to get this sorted out," added Coleman.

Stanley have won the UniBond Premier Division club of the month award for the second successive month.