DEPARTING goalkeeper Kenny Arthur has backed John Coleman to keep Accrington Stanley away from relegation again next season.

Arthur was one of Stanley’s key players during 2008/09 as the Reds finished 16th to book a fourth consecutive season in the Football League.

The Scottish keeper kept 13 league clean sheets but it was this week announced that he is to join Rochdale on July 1 after feeling unable to extend his stay at Stanley because of the financial uncertainty that has surrounded the club in recent weeks.

That left fans fearing his departure could spark a mass exodus, with several players out of contract.

But Arthur said: “I’ve got no doubt that with John in charge he can keep the team together and the club will continue to do well.

“Of course it was a wrench to leave. I really enjoyed my time at Accrington.

“Personally and collectively, the fans were great with the players in my two years at the club, so it wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly.

“I’m trying not to be disrespectful to either club but Rochdale have found themselves in a position in the past couple of years where they have been towards the top of the league and Stanley haven’t.

“That’s not to say, though, that I think there’s any God given right to think that’s the way it’s always going to be.”

Stanley currently have only three players on their books for next season – Sean McConville, Paul Mullin and John Mullin, who automatically earned a new one-year deal after making a stipulated number of appearances during 2008/09.

McConville has been linked with Barnet and, although he is not on the transfer list as reported, Reds general manager Dave O’Neill did say: “Obviously we’re open to offers because we need the money.”