Cook aims to bring in double (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Cook aims to bring in double

8:23am Monday 6th August 2012 in Sport By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter

ACCRINGTON Stanley boss Paul Cook is hoping to complete the signings of Padraig Amond and Tony Warner in time for their first game of the season next weekend – and he is still optimistic of further additions.

The Reds start their campaign at Carlisle in the first round of the League Cup on Saturday before making the trip to Southend for their first League Two fixture a week later.

Stanley lost 4-1 at home to Cook’s former club Coventry in their final pre-season game at the weekend but the Reds boss believes that result could be a blessing in disguise and is now attempting to further strengthen his squad this week.

Amond, who spent last season on loan at Stanley, returned to Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira for pre-season training but has now been given permission to spend the week with Accrington.

The forward appeared as a substitute against Coventry and is expected to complete a deal to join Stanley once his departure from Pacos can be agreed.

Former Liverpool keeper Warner was an unused substitute on Saturday but has been offered a contract by Stanley.

Asked if he was hopeful of signing both in time for the Carlisle game, Cook said: “I would imagine so and they won’t be the only ones, we’re hoping to bring another two or three in.”

Stanley have also agreed a six-month loan deal with Reading for forward Karl Sheppard, who scored on his first appearance for the club on Saturday.

“If we get Karl in the right areas of the pitch he’ll score goals,” said Cook, who expects Dean Winnard and Toto Nsiala to be available next weekend despite injuries against Coventry.

Stanley defeated Blackburn Rovers two weeks ago and Cook was not concerned by the Coventry defeat.

“Goals change games at any level and for 10 minutes we showed our inexperience,” he said. “But it was a very worthwhile exercise. I was glad we got beat because sometimes people get a little bit carried away with results in pre-season.”

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