ACCRINGTON Stanley’s playing budget will remain the same next season despite a recent change of ownership.

Multi-millionaire Ilyas Khan completed his takeover of Stanley in April and has invested money to pay off debts, but there are no plans to increase the Reds’ budget for players as they enter into negotiat-ions to retain the bulk of their squad.

The club have run into financial difficulties in each of the last two seasons, despite operating with one of the lowest playing budgets in the Football League, and are wary of over-stretching themselves by paying out more money in wages.

“I think the budget will be very similar to start off with,” said chief executive Rob Heys.

That policy is also expected to extend to transfer fees, with Reds boss John Coleman set to operate in free transfers once more.

“Obviously John has found a bit of a niche for himself in bringing players in who are out of contract and getting the best out of them,” said Heys.

“So I think certainly a club like us will always look to continue doing that.

“I don’t think there will be many players moving for money at this end of the football scale.

“There are very few clubs who pay for players, unless you get an absolute gem that you really, really want.”

Stanley opened talks with 17 players over new deals on Monday, with Terry Gornell among those that the club are keen to retain.

“I’m just thinking things over,” said the striker, who yesterday said he had not heard of interest from elsewhere at this stage.

“I’ve been offered something by the club but I don’t know all the details yet, so I need to speak with them about it.”