STAR striker Lutel James has handed Accrington Stanley a massive Conference boost by signing a new two-year deal.

Former Bury ace James saw his contract expire last season after his 36 goals helped fire Stanley to the UniBond Premier League title.

Since then, Stanley have been trying to fight off interest from several Football League clubs to keep James' prolific strike partnership with Paul Mullin intact.

And Accrington's determined efforts have come up trumps after free-scoring James finally put pen to paper on a new contract that ties him to the Reds until the summer of 2005.

Manager John Coleman said: "Everyone is delighted Lutel has finally committed himself to the club.

"We were always confident he was going to stay and it's great news because he is a firm favourite around the place.

"He did really well for us last year and now we are looking forward to him carrying on the good work."

James and Mullin will both be hoping for a repeat of last season's red-hot form in the upcoming Conference campaign.

James' impressive tally was almost matched by hot-shot Mullin, who bagged a remarkable 32 goals himself in a partnership that reaped a remarkable 68 goals last year.

And Coleman will not be having any sleepless nights worrying if the deadly duo can propel Stanley to further heights.

He said: "Both those lads will have no problem coping with the Conference - I'm convinced about that.

"Lutel has already played at a comfortably higher level with Bury and Paul is a real Steady Eddie.

"They both work so well off each other and have a great understanding, so there is definitely plenty more to come."

Stanley begin ramping up to the new season with a friendly at Radcliffe Borough tomorrow, kick off 2pm.

Coleman was hoping to run the rule over former Blackburn goalkeeper Michael Bingham, who is on trial with the Conference new-boys.

However, Bingham will now have to wait until next week's home clash with Blackpool after picking up an injury in training.