THIS season is far from over, but Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman is already planning for the next.

That is how the Reds boss is passing his time during lockdown while the nation tries to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Stanley players have not been at the club since their League One game at Portsmouth was cancelled a fortnight ago, while the club closed its offices earlier this week in line with Government advice.

As a result, a number staff, including office and coaching staff, have been placed on furlough under the Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

But Coleman is doing what he can to help the club prepare - on the playing side at least - for when football eventually returns, and beyond.

"It's frustrating because you just want to get back to training again with the lads, but it's important to follow the Government advice so that we stem the spread and hopefully get back to normal as quickly as possible and get back to playing football," said the Stanley boss.

"You end up spending your days looking at players for next season. I've been studying a lot of videos of players and been on the phone to agents about who is available next year.

"I've kept in touch with our players as well and asked them to tick over as best they can.

"We've got to be prepared for every eventuality.

"At some point we will have to go back to training.

"We've still got a job on our hands this season that we still have to be prepared for.

"We want to try to win enough games to keep us safe in our own right. That's what we have to be prepared for if and when it does kick off again."