STAR striker Paul Mullin believes Accrington Stanley are capable of challenging for the Nationwide Conference title next season.

The popular centre forward, who scooped the major honours at the club's presentation night on Saturday, is confident that becoming full-time professional footballers in the summer will help the club go from strength to strength.

"Going full-time will make a big difference to us, especially at the business end of the season," said Mullin, who picked up the player of the season, players' player of the season awards and website player of the season, as well as a prize for ending the season as the club's leading goalscorer.

"Our fitness told in the end, especially with the extra travelling that we had in the FA Cup.

"But I believe that we can challenge for the title next season because, on our day, we're as good as anybody in that league. I'd be extremely disappointed if we didn't at least make the play-offs."

Meanwhile, there was an emotional send-off at the presentation night for midfielder Andy Gouck and goalkeeper Jamie Speare, who will not be going full-time with Stanley next term.

Gouck won the goal of the season award, as voted for by Reds manager John Coleman, for his late winner against Huddersfield Town, which fired Stanley into the FA Cup second round.

The supporters were also honoured, with Stephen Lowe being voted male supporter of the year and Kate Prescott voted female supporter of the year for their efforts for the club.

Player of the Season: Paul Mullin

Players' Player of the Season: Paul Mullin

Young Player of the

Season: Andy Procter

Goal of the Season (as voted for by manager John Coleman): Andy Gouck - for his winner against Huddersfield in the FA Cup first round

Goalscoring award: Paul Mullin

Website Player of the Season: Paul Mullin

Junior Reds Player of the Season: Rory Prendergast

Reserve Team Player of the Season: Lee Scholes

Supporters Club Player of Season: Rory Prendergast