ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is pleased with the way his squad are shaping up for the club’s tenth season back in the Football League. And he believes Stanley are his club.

A 4-2 win over neighbours Burnley was the icing on the cake of the Reds chief’s testimonial celebrations.

And he feels his players will benefit from the boost of beating Championship opposition as they step up their preparations for the 2015-16 campaign with tonight’s friendly at Scarborough Athletic (7.45pm).

Coleman said: “You have got to hope they take a lot from it because Burnley are a good side with some fantastic players.

“That should be a feather in their cap. The second goal was as good a goal as you will see — the movement, the passing. It was a good performance by us but when it counts is in three weeks’ time and we have got to get ourselves prepared right for that.”

Coleman was particularly impressed with Matt Crooks, who scored twice to take his pre-season tally to three goals in two games, on the back of his midweek goal at Nelson.

Crooks struggled to establish himself in a clear role last season, having played up front and in defence for Stanley after joining the club on an initial loan from Huddersfield Town. The move was made permanent a few months later on a free transfer following his release from the Championship club.

“He has come back fitter. Crooksy can be whatever he wants to be,” said Coleman, who gave run-outs to three trialists in the second half of Saturday’s win.

And he will soon be telling Shaquille Antoine-Clarke, Jason St Juste and Adam Cummings whether they have a future at the club.

“I will be making a decision by the end of the week,” said Coleman, who is hoping to have Anthony Barry and Gerardo Bruna available soon.

Barry missed Saturday’s friendly with a thigh strain — and Bruna had a hamstring problem.

Midfielder Andy Procter, who is recovering from knee surgery, has stepped up his recovery and is running but is not yet ready for a return to the pitch.