ACCRINGTON Stanley have signed Bury striker Lutel James on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old, who was out of contract at the Second Division side, has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal at the Crown Ground.

James failed to make an impact at Gigg Lane under current boss Andy Preece after former Shakers boss Neil Warnock snapped him up from Hyde United.

James is hoping a stint in the UniBond Premier Division will improve his options.

"We made an inquiry last year but it didn't go anywhere," said Coleman, who has been a long-term admirer of the St Kitts international.

"He did think long and hard about dropping out of the League and it was something that concerned him but he wants first team football.

"He knows he could use this as a stepping stone to launch his career again.

"He has been impressed with the club, he knows we are ambitious and I have been speaking to him for about three weeks about a possible move and we finally sealed it over the weekend.

"He is very quick, very direct and a good finisher and we hope to reap the rewards of that."

Coleman said it was owing to the size and ambition of the club that he could persuade a League player to join Stanley.

"It is a testament to the club that we can compete for these players," he said. "We are very ambitious.

"Everyone who comes here is impressed and I think if we can get a good start next season we can be challenging and hopefully that will result in a place in the Conference."

Coleman will enjoy an embarrasment of riches up front next season with James, Paul Mullin, Mark Ceraolo, Gary Williams, Mark Shirley, new signing Tom Beech and Coleman himself competing for places.

"I can't see myself being involved that much this season -- which might be a good thing," he said.

"We need competition for places and I am still looking to strengthen the side."