ACCRINGTON Stanley winger Russell Payne has decided that Nationwide Conference football is not for him.

After four years at the Crown Ground, Payne feels that he cannot meet the demands of playing in a national division due to work and family commitments.

"Russell has spoken to me and said that he doesn't want to play in the Conference and it is great that he has been so honest," said Stanley manager John Coleman.

"He has had four years with the club and all I can do is thank him for all that he has done for us while he has been at the club.

"But playing football in the Conference is a big commitment and if it is not right for him then he is right to say so.

"We need to have players who are fully focused on what we are doing and the fact that Russell has realised that sums him up - he is a smashing lad and we are reluctantly letting him go."

As yet Coleman has not produced a released list following last season's UniBond Premier Division title win, but he looks set to hang on to the majority of the squad that lifted Stanley into the Conference.

"I have spoken to all the players and most are wanting to stay," said Coleman.

"We still have a few more to talk to and only then can we start making any definite decisions."

Payne could attract interest within the area and possibly within the UniBond League.