ACCRINGTON Stanley made an audacious bid to bring former Burnley winger Glen Little to the Crown Ground this summer.

Stanley have been attempting to add to their depleted squad since the end of the last season and they made attempts to sign Little, who remains one of the most popular Clarets players of recent times.

The 34-year-old, who has also represented Reading and Portsmouth, was available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Sheffield United.

But the Londoner instead opted to move back to the south to sign for fellow League Two side Aldershot Town, who visit the Crown Ground for the first game of the League Two season on August 7.

Stanley have now agreed deals to sign seven new players – Andy Parkinson, Ray Putterill, Rory Boulding, Jon Bateson, Craig Lindfield, Alex Cisak and Michael Hall.

All seven have played for more prestigious clubs at some point in the past and boss John Coleman is happy for them to use Stanley as a stepping stone to revive their careers.

The Reds have seen a number of players move on to bigger things in recent years, with Bobby Grant joining Scunthorpe and Michael Symes signing for Bournemouth this summer.

“Some of these players who have maybe taken a step back can use it as a springboard to go past their peers, who they have left at some bigger clubs,” said Coleman.

“You’re always in the shop window.

“If they can do well for us, history tells you you’ve got a good chance of going on just as Ian Craney, Gary Roberts, Anthony Barry, Bobby Grant and Michael Symes did.”