LEAM Richardson has had offers to link up with other clubs next season after only being offered non-contract terms with Accrington Stanley – but a decision over his future could be made more difficult by a debt of gratitude to management duo John Coleman and Jimmy Bell.

A long-standing pelvic injury meant the former Blackburn Rovers defender made only one brief substitute appearance for Stanley during the 2009/10 campaign before finally returning to start in the last two matches.

The 30-year-old full back, who has been with Stanley for five years, impressed enough in those two games to be offered a new deal – even if it was only on appearance-based non-contract terms.

Richardson was always realistic that he may not receive a new contract and, currently abroad getting married, now has a difficult decision to make.

“I’d already been asked by a few people to go and train with them,” he said.

“It would be hard to stay here and not get paid, with mortgages and everything, but I did say I would give them first refusal.

“The gaffer and Jimmy have been absolutely fantastic with me this year.

“They’ve looked after me and that’s all I could ask for.”

Richardson took some time to decide whether to sign a new one-year deal last summer after he was asked to take a pay cut, with his contract then heavily dependent on appearances.

His lack of action therefore resulted in a financial hit, but that has done nothing to diminish the affection he holds for the club.

“Last year they had to cut people’s wages and I was no different, so obviously I missed out on a lot,” he said.

“But for me it’s never been about money, it’s been about playing and being fit.

“The gaffer knows that. He knows what he gets when I’m fit and playing. I’ve just been unlucky this year.

“In the four or five years before that I’ve done well and I’d like to think I’m among his top players for the last five years.”