ACCRINGTON Stanley winger Sean McConville says he is grateful to be a professional footballer after the dark days of working at Primark were put further behind him by the offer of a new contract this week.

McConville is one of 12 players to have been offered a new deal and is expected to agree terms to stay at the Crown Ground.

Reds boss John Coleman has opted to release just John Mullin and Gary King, although Leam Richardson has only been offered non-contract terms after an injury-plagued season.

The Reds will take up the option in Luke Joyce’s contract to keep him for next season, while former loan striker Billy Kee has been offered a deal following his surprise release by Leicester.

McConville, the nephew of Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell, turned professional when he signed from non-league Skelmersdale 18 months ago and the 21-year-old started the last three games of the season.

“I love coming to work,” he said.

“Previously I wasn’t enjoying going into work. It wasn’t a good job. I was at Primark and I hated it.

“But the gaffer has got it where you want to come into training and you enjoy it.

“I love playing football every day. It’s what you dream of, isn’t it?”

Stanley will also consider making moves for former loan players Johnny Flynn and Leeds’ Tom Lees – as well as monitoring the possibility of signing ex-keeper Kenny Arthur, available on a free from Rochdale.