HARVEY Rodgers impressed Stanley boss John Coleman with his commitment to the Reds cause after the defender became the final piece of January business at the Wham Stadium.

The 21-year-old signed on a permanent deal minutes before the window closed this week and rejoins Accrington having spent time on loan at the Wham Stadium last term.

Coleman wanted to bring the youngster back to East Lancashire in the summer when Rodgers was released by Hull City but he opted to join League One side Fleetwood Town.

But after just six months in Highbury, and limited first team opportunities, Coleman said his new recruit jumped at the chance of a Reds return.

“He wanted to come permanently and he didn’t want to come on a loan,” Coleman said of his new charge. “It shows his commitment to the club which is good. He knows what we are about, he knows we are ambitious and that we want to try and get promoted and he wants to be part of that.

“It wasn’t ideal leaving it so late and that wasn’t our intention. We made enquiries about him six weeks ago and we made enquiries in the summer window as well.

“He knows the club, his keenness to come back to the club meant a lot to us. That is the type of player we want.”

Rodgers made 19 appearances for the Reds in the second half of last season, scoring once, during a loan spell from Hull City.

Having joined Fleetwood on a three-year deal in the summer Rodgers was sent off on his debut in an EFL Cup defeat to Carlisle and went on to make just four more appearances for Uwe Rosler’s side, all in the Checkatrade Trophy.

He could make his second Stanley debut in tomorrow’s home game with Stevenage and Coleman believes the versatile defender’s familiarity with the Reds can help him hit the ground running.

“It will help, he wont have a bedding in period,” said the Reds chief. “He knows lots of the players, the players like him and respect him as a player. Sometimes a signing coming into the club in that transition period can be difficult but I don’t think we will have that problem.”

Rodgers adds further competition for places in the Stanley backline and Coleman is confident the rest of the Reds defenders will relish the increased battle for a starting spot.

He added: “We know what Harvey gives us in both boxes and I know the players will respond to the competition.

“We have made signings that I think will enhance what we have got and give us a bit more strength in depth. We have a squad that can cope with two or three injuries and two or three suspensions. There is a lot to play for at this club.”

Rodgers himself admitted he was delighted to be back at Stanley.

“I am buzzing to be back,” he said.

“I loved every minute of my time at Accrington, it was my first club away from Hull so it was special.

“Thankfully Accrington are in a higher position than they were last season when I joined them. I think they were in the bottom three or four.

“Now they are pushing for promotion and I want to play my part in helping them get into League One.

“I can’t wait to get started again.”