ACCRINGTON Stanley chairman Eric Whalley believes the time was right to offer manager John Coleman his first official contract with the club he has served for seven years.

Coleman and his assistant, Jimmy Bell, have agreed a two-year deal, which they are expected to sign in the next couple of weeks.

It will be the first time the duo have worked with a contract since they struck up their management partnership eight years ago at Ashton United.

But Whalley admitted: "I don't think it looks right in the Football League if the manager, who has been here for seven years, isn't on a contract.

"It is more professional for them to have one, they have earned it and at least they are secure.

"They deserve a bit of stability.

"But I feel there is still unfinished business for them with Accrington Stanley.

"I don't see any reason why we can't get another promotion.

"I'm not talking about next year, but hopefully in the next two or three years. We don't want to just hold our own in that division.

"We made the same statements three years ago when we first went into the Conference, and with the facilities we've got now and one or two more good signings I think we can progress.

"I'm sure John will pick the right people."

Coleman was hoping to announce his first signing by the end of the week, possibly today, after holding talks with two targets in the last two days.

The Reds boss had set his sights on an un-named League One midfielder.