ACCRINGTON Stanley full back Leam Richardson is keen to put pen to paper on a new contract.

The 26-year-old has agreed new terms in principle with the Reds.

But former Blackburn Rovers, Bolton and Blackpool defender admits previous experiences have taught him not to take anything for granted until the deal is signed.

"I suppose you could say it's a case of once bitten, twice shy," he said.

"It's easy agreeing something over the phone, but you need to be sat down and have something put in front of you.

"I've been in a position before where things have been talked about but haven't materialised.

"But I made it clear before the end of last season that I wanted to come back.

"It was great to go up and I want to go back and be a part of it."

Richardson revealed he had approaches from other clubs around the time of the January transfer window but opted to continue with Stanley's promotion push.

"I had chances to leave, but I wanted to prove my loyalty," he admitted.

"I'm looking forward to next season because there is a good handful of the squad who could play at a higher level anyway, and with a few additions I think we can progress."

Richardson and fellow full back Danny Ventre, who has also agreed new terms, are unlikely to actually sign their deals until the squad returns for pre-season training on June 26.

Central defender Michael Welch is also hoping to finalise a return to the Fraser Eagle Stadium after his contract expired at the end of last season.