MARK Hughes wants Stanley to rid their nearly men tag as they gear up for the start of the League Two season.

The Reds were beaten play-off semi-finalists in 2016 before narrowly missing out on the top seven last time around after a late season charge.

And the Accrington defender is targeting a swift start to the new campaign in a bid to secure promotion to the third tier for the first time in the club's history.

He said: “The last couple of seasons have been ‘what could have been’ or ‘what might have been’ which is an old cliché in football but it means we know what’s possible.

“The manager knows and the players know that, we all believe it. He’s been saying that if anyone doesn’t think we can be promoted they shouldn’t be here.

"There’s one objective this season and I think all the lads can feel it.”

The 30-year-old is confident of mounting a promotion push this time around in what looks an open division.

“I think people have started to notice us and we have to embrace that," added Hughes.

"We have to have expectations. No more ‘little old Accy’ for us, even if there is for other people.

“We kicked ourselves last year because we had a slow start. We could compete against all the top teams and we beat all the teams who were promoted at some stage.

“We believe in each other and we know that, if we can start well, we have a chance. It’s easier to start well and stay up there than play catch up. We have good players and we have what it takes to get a good start.

And Hughes points to the fact that the Reds have been able to keep key men, Shay McCartan aside. at the Wham Stadium as a sign of the club's ambition.

He added: “You look around and see people like Janoi Donacien and Omar Beckles, who had fantastic seasons, staying with the club.

“A few years ago Accrington would have lost players like that but we’re keeping them now and we have to build on it. That can only be good for the manager."

Meanwhile, Stanley's League Two trip to Notts County in August has been moved to a Friday night.

The clash was initially scheduled for Saturday, August 26, but Nottingham Forest entertain Leeds United in a televised game on the same day so the Reds' trip to Meadow Lane has been brought forward to Friday, August 25 with a 7.45pm kick off.