There is a buzz around the Stanley camp with the new League Two campaign about to get under way.

John Doolan is preparing for his first full season in the hot seat alongside Ged Brannan, who returned to the club over the summer.

The squad has seen plenty of change, with Ash Hunter becoming the latest player to arrive at the Wham Stadium.

Local lad Alex Henderson, who broke into the first-team picture last term with a series of impressive displays, is relishing the challenge ahead of Saturday’s trip to Doncaster Rovers.

“Everyone is feeling good,” he told The Lancashire Telegraph. “The atmosphere around the club has been brilliant since coming back in.

“All the new signings have fitted in well and we are all getting on, we just can’t wait for it to start.

“(Pre-season) has been about managing minutes, we have had some tough games which I think is good for us. We have been challenged and that will only help us when we come up against Doncaster.

“I played against them last year and we didn’t get that result. It is time to put it right now.

“They have got some dangerous players and have made some good signings, but we have as well. We are ready to go and will be up for it.”

Pre-season has looked rather different for the youngster, who penned a new three-year contract at the end of last term.

“It has been good,” he continued. “Obviously, last year I was on loan at Clitheroe at this time of the year.

“To be in from the start and get a good pre-season, it has been great and I am loving every minute of it.

“It is just about keeping the shirt when you get it. There are some good players who have come in so once you have that shirt, you need to keep it.

“Being a local lad, I know a lot of fans and used to support the club. Now playing with all my mates watching, it is like a dream. I have just got to keep performing and hopefully do well this year.”

Connor O’Brien also signed a new deal this summer after impressing during the second half of last season.

The youngster had a busy summer, earing a first call-up to the Ireland Under-21 squad and getting the chance to test himself against strong opposition.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “It was the first time I have ever been there so everything was new, but I felt like I learnt a lot.

“I played with and against good players, so that can only stand me in good stead for the season.

“If it wasn’t for playing for Stanley last year, I would have never been called up or been ready to be called up. I think everything happens for a reason and it all happened right for me.

“I think it just showed the standard I can get to and gave me more confidence because I felt like I fitted in with the lads.

“A lot of them play higher than League Two so it gave me confidence to show that I can kick on this year.”