ACCRINGTON Stanley favourite Ian Craney has returned to the Crown Ground after being released by Fleetwood Town.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who first joined the club in 2004, has signed an 18-month contract following a successful loan spell that ended on January 3.

Craney was instrumental in the Reds winning promotion back to the Football League as Conference champions in 2006 and was sold to Swansea City the following season.

He came back to Hyndburn the following season before joining Huddersfield in 2008.