ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman says his own reputation as a manager is his best hope of attracting players as the club struggle to compete with non-league clubs for summer signings.

Stanley are resigned to the fact that financially they cannot compete with many Blue Square Premier sides, having already seen Darran Kempson and Kenny Arthur opt to sign for relegated Grimsby with John Miles, Ian Craney and Peter Cavanagh choosing to join Fleetwood.

“It’s difficult but that’s the situation we are in, that’s life,” said assistant Jimmy Bell.

Stanley have agreed to sign Craig Lindfield, Michael Hall and Alex Cisak, while former Macclesfield captain Sean Hessey is one of several players currently on trial – together with released Burnley duo Ben Hoskin and Liam Newman.

A return for former Reds star Rommy Boco has not been ruled out, although no approach has been made for the Benin winger.

And Coleman believes his own track record in management is the most compelling reason for players to sign.

“It’s difficult because everyone’s looking for the same types of players,” said the boss.

“Everyone wants a big strong leader-type centre half who chips in with 10 goals, a big dominant midfielder, a big striker, a quick striker, a creative midfielder and a dependable solid full back.

“There’s not a wealth of them out there but we’re all fighting for the same players and often we’re not in the position to pay the best wages.

“But hopefully there are some out there who we can mould into our type of player.

“What I’ve got to try to do is sell myself and the club and the fact that I have been able to develop younger players.

“Tom Lees came on leaps and bounds last season, as did Dean Winnard and Bobby Grant. Michael Symes’ career was in the doldrums until he came here.

“I’ve got to sell myself as the resurrector of careers and the developer of young careers.”