WITH a degree in sport management, new Accrington Stanley defender Tom Davies will be one of the brainiest of John Coleman’s boys.

But the centre half is hoping to put his qualification on the back-burner for a few years while he puts his focus on football, and helps to fulfil Coleman’s target of shrinking the goals against column.

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Stanley conceded more than anyone else not just in League Two last season, but throughout the Football League and Premier League. Shipping 77 in 46 league outings, they had the unenviable average of almost 1.7 goals conceded per game.

It is a statistic that the Reds want to put right this season.

Coleman wants two more defenders on his books before the start of the season.

But former Fleetwood Town defender Davies is hoping do enough in pre-season to fend off the competition and secure a place in Stanley’s first team line-up for the opening game of 2015/16 on August 8, at home to Luton Town.

“Every player looks forward to getting in game time,” he said.

“We do dread pre-season but it’s something you’ve got to do because when the games come thick and fast there’s nothing more exciting than being out on the pitch with your team.

“I in no way look forward to it but it’s something you’ve got to do. Everyone’s had a good break and we can’t wait to get back at it now and get the fitness levels up and get ready for the first game of the season.

“I’m looking forward to the games, playing teams like Portsmouth and big teams like that.

“Portsmouth look like they are going to have a go this year.

“They’ve got a big following so they’ve got money coming in and they’re going to be a good team.

“But there are a lot of good teams in this league, we’ve just got to compete and make sure we do ourselves proud.”

Davies added: “I hope I’m part of the manager’s plans.

“He’s said he wants to shore things up at the back and that’s why he’s brought me in and he’s looking to bring in a couple more.

“We just have to have a good pre-season under our belt, make sure we win our games in pre-season so we’ve got that mentality and take it into the season.”

Davies began his professional career with Fleetwood Town after signing from FC United of Manchester.

The former Blackburn Rovers trainee spent two years playing for Team Northumbria while completing his university degree in Newcastle.

But after signing for Stanley this summer, following the departure of defender Rob Atkinson, the 23-year-old wants his studies to take a back seat.

“I have a degree in sport management, which I did up in Newcastle,” he said.

“But I want to be a footballer so I’m looking to put that on the back burner for as long as possible, until I’ve finished my career hopefully, and then maybe use it then.

“I’m here to play football.”

Stanley begin their pre-season friendly programme next Wednesday with a trip to non-league Colne (kick-off 7.45pm). They then entertain Blackburn Rovers on July 11 (kick-off 3pm).