WANTAWAY Stanley striker Gary Williams today insisted 'I've got to leave Accrington for the sake of my career' after stunning Crown Ground officials by handing in a shock transfer request.

Big things were expected of the 21-year-old this term after Reds boss John Coleman shelled out a club record fee to bring him back to the club from Doncaster last season in preparation for an assault on the Conference.

But, just six games into the new UniBond campaign, Williams now believes the Reds have blown their chances of promotion.

And he has asked for a move in an effort to move back up the non-League ladder.

"I haven't been happy for the last couple of weeks and I just want the chance to improve as a player," said Williams, pictured.

"At the moment, I don't think I'm getting the opportunity to do that.

"We've had a bad start to the season and I really can't see us getting promotion now.

"But if I get the chance to play in the Conference then I believe it would bring my game on.

"The higher you go, the better the coaching you'll receive and I just want the chance to improve as a player.

"I don't want to waste my years just being at a standstill.

"I don't know how long it will take. It might take two weeks or it could take all season.

"But I just want the chance to talk to other clubs if they decide to come in for me because I feel it's time to move on."

Stanley officials are still coming to terms with the news after reluctantly deciding to accept the request at a hastily arranged board meeting last Thursday.