NEW Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman has pulled off a major transfer coup by snapping up highly-rated Morecambe winger Mark Shirley.

And more top players could be on their way to the Crown Ground as the Reds aim to bounce back to the UniBond Premier Division at the first attempt.

Shirley was one of the hottest properties in the Nationwide Conference last season and turned down a £25,000 move to Stevenage Borough in the New Year.

But Coleman has beaten off a host of clubs to sign the 30-year-old on a free after his contract ran out at the end of last season.

"I'm very excited about the signing of Mark Shirley," said Stanley spokesman John Demaine.

"He's a quality player who should be playing in the Nationwide Conference but because of the name of Accrington Stanley and his relationship with John Coleman, he's decided to join us.

Shirley began his career as an apprentice at Nottingham Forest before moving into the semi-pro game with Caernarfon, Ashton United and Lancaster City.

But it was his time at Christie Park under Morecambe manager Jim Harvey where he really established himself as a major force.

Goalkeeper Jamie Speare has also put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Meanwhile, Stanley have extended the deadline for buying season tickets at a reduced rate for next season. Fans have until June 19 to take advantage of the discount which sees adult tickets priced at £85 and OAPS and juniors priced £45.

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