ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman hopes new signing Stuart Howson is exactly what he's been looking for to boost his defence.

Howson, who played more than 50 games for Second Division Chesterfield before his release at the end of the season, joined the Reds earlier this week.

"He has played quite a few games in the Football League, so hopefully that will be of benefit to us," Coleman said.

"He's keen to play, has a good left foot, is dogged and keen to do well, which is important."

And Coleman hopes the 22-year-old's pedigree will stand the Reds in good stead.

Chorley-born Howson, whose spell with the Spireites was disrupted at the end of the 2002/03 season when he suffered a broken leg, was a trainee at Blackburn Rovers Academy at the same time as Stanley midfielder Steve Flitcroft.

Howson spent six-months in Australia at the same time as former Rovers striker Ben Burgess, where he played for Northern Spirit before returning to England and signing for Chesterfield.

"He's had a good grounding," Coleman added.

Meanwhile, the Reds chief admitted that he hasn't given up hope of signing Altrincham's attacking midfielder Ian Craney.

The Greater Manchester side, who will be playing in Conference North next season, turned down Stanley's offer for Craney last week but Coleman, who expects to unveil another signing soon, is hopeful they will be in touch again.

John Coleman and Jimmy Bell have this evening signed Stuart Howson, a 22

year old left footed defender released from Chesterfield earlier this week.

He started as a trainee at Blackburn and then moved to Chesterfield in

February 2002 where he secured a regular place before suffering an injury at

the end of the 2002/03 season. He made ten appearances for the Spireites

this season making a total of over 50. A number of Football League clubs

showed an interest in Stuart following his release however he has signed a

one year deal with Stanley.

The club also expects to announce the signing of a midfielder later this

week, the player has agreed terms but is awaiting his official release from

his current club.