Stanley captain Seamus Conneely has put pen to paper over a new one-year deal with the club.

The experienced midfielder, who joined from Sligo Rovers during the 2014/15 campaign, has racked up 348 appearances for the Reds so far.

Conneely is excited about the season ahead and believes the side can build on their 17th-place finish in League Two.

He told the club website: "I was happy when John Doolan offered me a new deal. I am settled in the area and am now looking forward to next season.

"I feel we under-achieved last year, I know we can improve and finish higher. I am excited to be working with John and Ged Brannan.

"I have not worked with Ged much as he was Under-23s manager last time he was here, but he will bring fresh ideas and I know him to be a very good man and an honest person. He is a good addition to the coaching staff and it will be an exciting season."

Manager John Doolan added: "Seamus had his injury, but he came back and finished the season really strong.

"He is a leader on and off the pitch, he is a great lad to have around and he has a massive influence in the dressing room. He is still contributing and doing really well for the club."

Shaun Whalley also signed a one-year extension at the Wham Stadium earlier this week. The 36-year-old played 36 times and managed 13 goal contributions last term.

Whalley has made 150 appearances over his two spells at the club, having returned to East Lancashire in the summer of 2022.

"I am made up as, obviously, I wanted to stay. The club has been good for me,” the 36-year-old explained.

“It has been nice to be appreciated by the manager, the board, and the fans – it is a nice feeling to be appreciated.

"I spoke to John Doolan at the end of the season and I know he wanted to keep me, so I jumped at the chance.

"The first time I was at Accrington, it did not go the way I wanted it to but the last couple of years, while the club hasn’t done the best, I feel personally I have done quite well. I know I need to be even better next season and get us up the table."

Doolan added: "Shaun had a little bit of an injury but he has come back really strong. He looks after himself off the pitch and the evidence when he goes on it is there for everyone to see.

"His performances have been really good towards the end of the season and the goals that he has scored as well, so it is fantastic to see."