ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman says he’s already agreed deals with some of his out-of-contract players, but admits he fears losing a few of his stars to other clubs.

The Reds announced on Monday that Jason Mooney, Liam Wakefield, Keenan Quansah and Kealan Steenson are all leaving the Wham Stadium, while 18 have been offered new terms.

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Coleman says he is dealing with the players on an individual basis and needs to sort out his squad before bringing any new faces in.

He said: “I’ve already agreed deals with some of the lads and I’m really pleased about that.

“These will be confirmed soon. Hopefully we can get more agreed and tied down, possibly by the end of the week.

“I’ve spoken to one or two potential new signings, but until you know what you’re working with it’s hard to do much.

“We need to know our starting position and build from there. We ended up with a big squad last season, not costly but big. I can’t see that happening again this time.”

Coleman also stressed the importance of identifying and developing new talent at the League Two club.

He told the club’s official website: “With what we have to play with here it’s essential we identify young players and try to bring them through. Hopefully we can grow them into valuable assets.

“There might be more to follow (the four who have left), but I’m speaking to the players on a daily basis.

“Ideally I would have brought everyone in on the day after the Wimbledon game, but I think emotions were too raw and I wouldn’t do that to the players.

“I’m dealing with them individually instead.

“The players know that I have to build a squad and that if it’s not with them it will have to be with other players. I’m expecting decisions soon.

“The face of football is changing. The mechanics of speaking to players has become a lot different.

“We’re doing our best to do deals for players already here and possible new players too.”

Stanley will certainly lose midfielder Matt Crooks and frontman Josh Windass with the pair having agreed to sign for Scottish side Rangers.