LEAM Richardson is hopeful that he has put his injury nightmares behind him as he bids to earn a new deal at Accrington Stanley.

The former Blackburn Rovers defender has described the current campaign as ‘the longest season of my career’, having been restricted to just 10 starts by a recurring pelvic problem.

Richardson has had three separate lengthy spells on the sidelines as the injury failed to clear, but he returned to action as a first-half substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Chesterfield.

The 29-year-old may now be in contention for a starting place in the final game of the season at Bury and is confident that he will have no further injury problems, which may improve his chances of a new contract.

“It’s been the longest season of my career so far,” said Richardson, who has made 136 appearances in four seasons at Stanley.

“I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve not had any injuries before. This year I’ve been plagued with it and it’s been kind of a similar thing.

“It first happened in the first couple of games. I was struggling with it against Port Vale and pulled myself out.

“I came back too soon because I’ve been itching to play all the time, and I broke down a couple of times.

“I think the most frustrating thing is when you have an injury, if it’s bad, you have a timescale.

“With this one there’s been no real timescale on it, so you just suck it and see, and go out and play.

“A couple of times, with my nature, I just go and play and I was feeling it when I shouldn’t have played really.

“I’ve had a couple of scans and a couple of injections, and I went to see various people and strengthened it up again.

“On Saturday I felt really good, so fingers crossed I can have a good finish myself now. I’m going try to go down to Lilleshall in the summer and strengthen up, and the rest will obviously do it the world of good.

“I should be okay next year.”

Stanley are this week set to make decisions over the players retained for next season, with manager John Coleman also starting talks about his own new contract.

Richardson, whose current deal is about to expire, wants to stay at the Fraser Eagle Stadium and may hope his loyalty will be repaid.

“I’ve heard nothing from the manager yet, but I think he’s got to discuss his own future first and with the takeover it takes a little while,” he said.

“I would like to stay. I’ve always stated that. I get on really well with the gaffer and Jimmy, and I’ve been here for quite a few years now.

“The interest I’ve had over the years (from other clubs), I’ve not really looked upon it because I enjoy my football here.

“I’ve not really looked away from here, but obviously there’s always interest and you’ve got to keep your options open.”