ACCRINGTON Stanley have signed goalkeeper Nathan Baxter on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for manager John Coleman, who has been looking to add to his goalkeeping ranks all summer.

And the Reds boss is pleased that his patience has paid off.

“It’s another one which has been going on all summer and we have resisted the temptation to take others because we thought this one could drop and it has, we are delighted to get him," said Coleman.

“He has trained with top class players at Chelsea, it’s now a big test for him.

"He has had a couple of loan spells, this is the highest level he has played at in England.

"They have high hopes for him at Chelsea and I have got high hopes for him.

"Everyone who I have spoke to who has managed him have given me glowing reports."

Coleman, who has previously welcomed the likes of Rob Elliot and Darrren Randolph on loan when they were starting their careers, added: "We have been blessed with some top goalkeepers who have come to us and gone on to have smashing careers."

Of his move - the sixth loan spell of his fledgling career - Baxter said: "I'm delighted. For me it ticks all the boxes.

"The team plays football, has an experienced manager and a really good goalie coach, I'm really looking forward to getting started.

"Me and Chelsea take the decision on what's best for my development and I'm really excited to get going.

"I'll see myself now as an Accrington player and not a player on loan from Chelsea. I think that's really important when you go to a club."

Baxter, who has previously been on loan to Woking, Yeovil and Ross County, added: "From the outside looking in it seems like a real special, close-knit club and that's something I really want to buy into and be a part of.

"I'm going to give everything for the shirt and do everything I can day in, day out to have a really successful season."