ACCRINGTON Stanley stalwart Paul Mullin says he's hoping to see out his career at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.

The 33-year-old hitman, who is in line to make his 391st appearance for the club at Stockport today, is close to agreeing a new deal with the club after interest from League Two rivals Shrew-sbury.

Shrews boss Gary Peters had a £75,000 bid accepted by Stanley, but after a few days of soul-searching, Mullin decided to stay in east Lancashire.

And despite numerous promotions, and helping the club return to the Football League after 44 years in the wilderness, Mullin is hoping that the best days are still in front of him.

He said: "It was a big decision not to go. The gaffer pulled me to one side a few weeks ago and told me that there'd been interest and then a fee was agreed.

"I thought it was a lot of money for a player of my age but that didn't have anything to do with me.

"I went down to speak to Gary Peters. He was very keen to sign me. It's a good set up down there and I was very impressed with the manager's view for the club.

"It was a tough decision and I thought about it for about five days but I think I've come to the right one.

"I've got strong ties with the club and the area, I've almost become part of the furniture at Stanley, and I think it's the right decision for my family. I'd be happy to finish my career at Stanley.

"A lot of people do move around in football but I've been lucky enough to play for Accrington during a very successful time when we've had cup runs and promo-tions, it's been an enjoyable time, and hopefully there's more to come."

It's Mullin's belief that Stanley can play in League One in the near future that persuaded him to stay at Stanley.

And Stanley's leading goascorer, with 11 goals so far this campaign, believes the club's chances of making the play-offs this season aren't over yet.

"It was important for me that the club matched my ambition and they proved to me that they want to take the club forward.

"The signing of Ian Craney was an important one for the club. If we want to move forward, we need good players that will take us up to the next level.

"I know the gaffer is looking for more players and if we can keep the ones we have, we can make it to the next level.

"Hopefully, there's some exciting times ahead, and I want to be part of those times.

"I really think we can push on. We're not that far away from the play-offs. There's enough in the squad for us push on and try and make one of the play-off places.

"We just have to be more consistent, particularly at home."

Now in the veteran stage of his career, Mullin is still as fit as ever and has played in all but one of Stanley's 28 fixtures so far this campaign.

And he's aiming to play for three or four years yet and fulfil his ambition of playing in a higher league with Stanley.

"I'm 33 now and I'm aiming for another four seasons at this level at least before I hang up my boots.

"Pace has never been a big part of my game so I can't really lose that.

"But as you get older, you realise where you need to be on the pitch and make the most of your assets.

"Injuries will play an important part in the future. I've thankfully stayed clear of bad injuries so far in my career and hopefully that can be the same over the next few years."