ACCRINGTON Stanley chairman Peter Marsden says the club have been willing to marginally increase their wage bill as they hunt promotion to League One.

Stanley have had to reduce the wage bill in recent times because of dwindling crowds and a shortage of overall income.

But a rise up the table since John Coleman’s return to the club has put them in 12th position in League Two – 14 points clear of the relegation zone, and only four points short of the play-off places.

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Coleman guided Stanley to the play-offs in the last full season of his first spell in charge in 2010/11 and Marsden is optimistic they can repeat that feat this term.

The chairman is ambitious to take Stanley into the third tier of English football for the first time since 1960, knowing that could also boost their limited finances.

“It’s maybe worth increasing the wage bill a little because if we get up to League One there’s a treasure trove of riches,” Marsden said.

“If you do get promotion, and I think we will give it a good go this season, you get an extra £180,000 from the Football League, £150,000 from the Premier League and the increased gates with clubs like Preston and Sheffield United.”

Preston and Sheffield United will still be hoping for promotion to the Championship by then but League One would undoubtedly see an increase in visiting fans.

Stanley host Exeter City on Friday night in a match that unusually kicks off at the earlier time of 7pm.

The Reds have switched a number of Saturday games to Friday night this season in a bid to boost attendances, and Exeter agreed to play this game on a Friday providing the kick-off time was 7pm.

Stanley are offering £5 discounts for the game to any supporters of any English, Welsh or Scottish club who arrive wearing their team’s shirt and scarf.

The normal ticket prices are £20 for adults and £15 for concessions.

Stanley have also announced a reshuffle of their dressing room ‘Cabinet’.

The Reds appointed a number of players to specific roles in their community programme last season and have now confirmed the roles for the current campaign.

Captain Luke Joyce switches from social inclusion to education, swapping places with Nicky Hunt.

Andy Procter, who returned to the club this season and possesses a physiotherapy degree, takes on the responsibility for health from Dean Winnard.

Local lad and youth team graduate Marcus Carver takes over sports participation from Peter Murphy, who left for Wycombe Wanderers in the summer.