PIERO Mingoia believes the future is bright for Accrington Stanley despite becoming the fifth of the Reds stars to leave the club.

The midfielder has signed a two-year deal with League Two side Cambridge United and follows Ross Etheridge and Dean Winnard in turning down a contract offer from Stanley to move elsewhere, while Josh Windass and Matt Crooks have also exited the Wham Stadium having agreed pre-contract deals with Rangers.

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Defender Mark Hughes is currently the only one of Stanley’s out-of-contract players to have committed his future to the club, but despite the exodus Mingoia, who opted to join Cambridge to be closer to his family in the south of England, believes the Reds can challenge again next term.

In a message to the Stanley fans on the club website, he said: “The club is in very good hands and will only head in the right direction due to the quality of the people involved.

“Since day one I’ve been treated unbelievably well by everyone, from the people in the office to all the coaching staff past and present. I have always given my all for my shirt every time I have worn it which I think helped me create a special relationship with the fans, who I truly appreciate.

“I thank the gaffer and Jimmy for all the faith and trust they have shown in me and they have helped me grow as a player but also as a man. Also to Andy Holt who is doing and will do great things for the club, but for understanding and respecting my decision.

“It was a tough decision I had to make, but I do truly believe it is an opportunity I had to take for me and my family.”

Mingoia initially joined Stanley on loan from Watford before making the move permanent in the summer of 2013. He has since made more than 150 appearances for the Reds, scoring 15 goals, including a memorable long-range effort in the second leg of the Reds’ play-off defeat to Wimbledon.

The 24-year-old joins a Cambridge side which finished ninth last season, and Mingoia said: “Looking at the level Shaun Derry played and seeing where he wants to take this club as manager, I wanted to work under him so joining Cambridge felt like a no brainer. I’ll look to bring as much energy to the team as possible, and giving my all is a minimum requirement.”

U’s boss Derry added: “He’s had a quite magnificent season for Accrington Stanley and was one of their stand out performers. The quality that he possesses will improve us for sure.”