ACCRINGTON Stanley will have a 44-year-old goalkeeper on the bench for their opening game in League One.

Tony Warner, who only joined the club last month as goalkeeping coach, has been signed to a playing contract as cover for Reds No.1 Jonny Maxted.

Stanley boss John Coleman remains keen to bring in a new goalkeeper as competition for Maxted following the departure of Aaron Chapman to Peterborough but has so far been frustrated in his search, prompting him to register Warner rather than utilise 17-year-old Toby Savin who has featured in pre-season/

The Reds boss said: "Obviously Tony is very experienced, he is our goalkeeping coach but he is still very fit and we know, if he is needed, he can play at this level.

"We are still on the hunt for a goalkeeper but it's been a frustrating search so far."

Warner, whose last game in English football came at Tranmere Rovers in 2011, said: "It's good to be back in the Football League coaching at this level. I didn't expect to be on the bench but I am ready to step up to the plate if necessary."