FORMER carpet fitter Paddy Lacey is hoping to lay the foundations for a professional career after joining Accrington Stanley on a one-year contract.

The midfielder, 23, has signed with the Reds following two seasons at Conference National side Barrow.

Although he was full time with the Cumbrians, who he helped to National League North title in 2015, Lacey worked as a carpet fitter during a spell with Altrincham after be dropped out of league football following time at Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City.

And the Stanley new boy, who could make his debut against Stalybridge Celtic in tomorrow's pre-season friendly, is keen to grab his chance at the Wham Stadium.

“It’s a big move for me to be back in league football and I would certainly rather be here than fitting carpets!” said Lacey.

“It’s a big chance for me and I need to grab it with both hands. I know it will be competitive but I have settled in really well.

“I am not a shy character and I am quite lively so I do fit in anywhere. I knew Scotty Brown and Matty Pearson so it’s been good and now I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Lacey could have an early reunion with his former Barrow teammates with the Reds due to travel to the Furness Building Society Stadium for a friendly on Tuesday.

And Liverpool-born Lacey is hoping the summer fixtures can help the Reds hit the ground running after last season's League Two heartache where Stanley missed out on promotion on the final day of the season before losing to AFC Wimbledon in the play-offs.

“The gaffer and Jimmy Bell are friends of friends so I watched Accrington quite a bit last season when I could,” said Lacey.

“I was here for the game against Stevenage when they could have gone up and I could see how much it hurt everyone.

“Hopefully we can put it right this season.”

Saturday's fixture at Stalybridge is a 3pm kick off with tickets priced at £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for accompanied children or under-15s.