JOHN Coleman has been in familiar territory this close season as he looks to engineer another revamp of his Accrington Stanley squad.

But he says the plan is to make the mass exodus and influx process a thing of the past as the club look to sign up players on longer contracts and build for a brighter future.

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The Reds have lost Piero Mingoia, Josh Windass, Matty Crooks, Tom Davies and Ross Etheridge out of their first-choice side since the end of last season, with a further eight players joining them in heading for the exit door.

Coleman has brought in six new stars, including two goalkeepers, and welcomed a host of trialists last week as Stanley regrouped for pre-season training at the Wham Stadium.

But while he’s used to plenty of chopping and changing, he wants that to stop.

He said: “I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable doing it (bringing in a lot of new players), but I’m used to doing it.

“If things go to plan it won’t be this way every year. The plan is to get people on longer contracts, other options, and protect the club in that respect.

“I’ve had a good chat with Andy Holt, the chairman, and he agrees that’s the best way forward.”

There should be a few more in the door before the League Two season kicks off against Doncaster Rovers at home on Saturday, August 6.

But Coleman insists he won’t be bringing in players just for the sake of it and if he has to settle for the squad already in place, he’s happy to crack on.

“We’re not so much looking at quantity, we’re looking at quality,” he added. “If this is what we have to go with, this is what we have to go with.

“If I could bring in one of two more that I think will enhance the squad, I will, but I’m not going to sign players for the sake of having bodies on board.

“We’ve re-signed Max Hazeldine and Liam Goulding, who I’m hoping can make an impact in the first team this season.

“Then you’ve got players who have already been here, who have already signed and who I expect to flourish again this season.

“The likes of your Seamus Conneelys and your Sean McConvilles, Scotty Brown - I’m delighted to get him - and Mark Hughes.

“Obviously Matty Pearson is still here, and I’m hoping Rommy Boco signs as well.

“From people panicking and thinking we didn’t have a side a few weeks ago, there’s a full squad there and they’re all raring to go.

“People can panic and think it’s going to be hard to rebuild, but it’s just a case of adding to a structure that’s already there and trying to improve it.

“We’ve lost good players but we’ve also brought some good players in, and this will be their chance to shine this year.

“With the players going out the door, possibly with the exception of Piero, I don’t think anybody expected Tom Davies, Matty Crooks and Josh Windass to have the seasons that they had last year. So maybe they’ll get some surprises elsewhere.”