THE word 'consolidate' doesn't feature in the vocabulary of Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman.

After leading the Reds to promotion during his first season at the Crown Ground last term, the likeable scouser could be forgiven for using buzz words like 'stability' this term.

But Coleman has never been one to rest on his laurels.

And he plans to send his Stanley side into battle with a clear message of intent tomorrow as they kick-off their UniBond Premier Division campaign at Leek Town.

"I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't feel we could mount a challenge this season," said Coleman.

"You can't afford to stand still in football -- you've always got to be looking to move forward.

"And I believe everything about this club is geared towards delivering success."

Stanley created their own piece of history by becoming the first ever club to bounce back into the UniBond's top-flight straight after relegation.

After a poor start, a magnificent run from January onwards saw Stanley pip their nearest rivals to the title on the final day of the season.

Now, he plans to keep that momentum going over the course of the next 10 months.

And he believes his side are more than equipped to meet the challenge of stepping up a level. "This is the first time I've managed in this division and I think there is a bit of a gap in standards," said Coleman.

"Teams tend to play a bit more football in the Premier Division but there's no reason why we can't handle that.

"We showed last season that we can compete with these teams.

Things have been fairly quiet on the transfer front over the summer, with Coleman making just two signings so far.

Classy midfielder Paul Burns has returned to the Crown Ground from Nationwide Conference club Morecambe. He has also just signed centre-half Wayne Maddock from Bamber Bridge for an undisclosed four-figure fee.

And Turkish midfielder Servet Tasdemir has also been snapped up after impressing during the club's pre-season friendlies.

However, Coleman is confident of bringing in more new faces in the next few weeks, with a striker his main priority.

Former Stanley star Gary Williams is top of his shopping list and he had talks with the player yesterday.

But, the deal hasn't gone through and he will not be rushed into panic buying. I'd like to think we haven't completed our transfer business just yet," said Coleman.

"But as has been the policy all along, we are only interested in bringing in players who will add quality to what we've already got. Paul Burns is a great acquistion, Wayne Maddock should boost the backline and Servet Tasdemir could turn out to be another great acquisition."

In the meantime, Coleman could step into the breach himself after bagging double figures again last season to help Stanley win promotion. "I'm keeping my registration but I don't really want to play, if possible," said Coleman.

Those management skills will be put to test in the opening couple of weeks as Stanley kick-off the season with major selection problems. Steve Hollis starts a five-match ban tomorrow and Mark Brennan will sit out the first four games.

Throw in an injury to full-back Steve Caswell and it all adds up to a bit of a headache with title-favourites Altrincham due at the Crown Ground on Tuesday.

"Steve Hollis and Steve Caswell played particularly well last season so it's a major blow to lose half of your back four."

Coleman expects the likes of Altrincham, Hyde United, Marine, Gateshead and Barrow to be in the title shake-up. But those who overlook Stanley may do so at their peril!