MICHAEL Symes will be chasing his 14th goal of the campaign tomorrow providing the home game against Rotherham beats the weather, and Jimmy Bell believes man management has been the key to his form this season.

The striker joined the rest of the squad attempting to clear the snow from the Crown Ground yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s League Two fixture, with Stanley keen to return to action after two-and-a-half weeks without a game because of the weather.

Being out in the cold will have been a familiar feeling for Symes, who was released by Shrewsbury six months ago but has since become one of the most in-demand strikers in League Two.

His current tally of 13 goals has already equalled his career best haul and such form has seen him linked with a move away from the club during January.

Sources in Derby suggest there is no truth in reports that the Rams are considering a bid, but Stanley are currently attempting to persuade Symes to sign a new deal to stave off potential interest from elsewhere.

The 26-year-old, had been the Reds’ fourth choice forward at the start of the season and had moved around seven different clubs in recent years.

Yet, after just one goal in seven games during a loan at Stanley last season, now he is displaying the best form of his career.

“Michael has been a major threat for us this season,” said Reds assistant manager Bell. “We’ve known about him for a long time. He’s a very good player, but for one reason or another, he’s just not performed to the level he’s been able to perform at Everton, Bradford or Shrewsbury.

“He’s travelled around a lot on loan and just hasn’t settled with any one club.

“Michael’s been looking for that club that can bring out the best of him and perhaps he’s now found that club with us.

“There are some players that need that arm around the shoulder and need to be feel wanted and perhaps Michael is one of those.

“He’s certainly been made to feel wanted at Accrington and I think we’re seeing the benefits of that.

“Before the season started, Paul Mullin was considered our number one striker and it was a case of who can play alongside him.

“Michael didn’t seem to hit it off with Paul in training. But once Paul left, Michael took it upon himself to grab that opportunity and he’s shown exactly what he can do.”

Stanley, who can move within three points of the Millers if they win tomorrow, are confident the pitch has survived the icy conditions and have appealed for more volunteers to clear the snow to make sure the game goes ahead.