Stanley boss John Coleman says his side are ready to upset the odds once again as they prepare for life in League One.

Coleman’s side were crowned League Two champions after a season to remember in 2017/18.

But the boss knows plenty of hard work lies ahead to prepare for the tests of the third tier.

Stanley defied the bookmakers odds to be crowned champions are once again expected to be given little chance to keeping their heads above water.

However, Coleman has full faith in his squad and is looking for more than just surviving when the football resumes in August.

Coleman says his squad are hungry to prove people wrong once again and admits overachieving in League One is a well-trodden path.

“We have to draw a line under what we did last season now and look forward,” he said.

“We have had our moment in the sun, so to speak, and now we have got to get on with the business of next season.

“To all extents and purposes, we are yesterday’s news and the focus is on League One.

“We will go into League One in a similar predicament to last season, on one of the lowest budgets and so on, but I know this squad and know I have players who are hungry to prove themselves again.

“It is always good if you have players with something to prove or something to fight for and then you have got a chance.

“We are not going in to try and stay up.

“We have to take inspiration from the likes of Shrewsbury and Burton who have done remarkably well on low budgets.”

And after a successful season in League One, Coleman has great faith that his squad will be able to produce the goods at a higher level.

He added: “I believe we can compete in this league and cause a few surprises along the way. These players have proved to me they can deliver, especially on the big stage, and I have never been so proud of a squad of players as I am of this squad.

“They have worked relentlessly from the start to the end of the season, they have been willing to work hard and give everything in every game.

“Not every player does this but every single one of ours did in every single game.”

It is not just work on the pitch which is underway, with the Wham Stadium currently undergoing something of a makeover ahead of the new season.

Speaking to the club website, Coleman said: “It is an exciting time to be involved with Stanley as, as well as success off the pitch, a new stand is being built at the Wham Stadium with the pitch also being renovated.

“We have new floodlights, a new stand and being able to do the pitch earlier gives us a head start.

“I think the pitch will be the best it has ever been this season.”