STANLEY boss John Coleman has made a hat-trick of signings as he looks to bolster his squad for their push for the Nationwide Conference.

The Reds boss has splashed out a four-figure fee to bring Runcorn midfielder David Robinson, 26, to the Crown Ground.

"I had David when I was manager at Ashton United and I have wanted to bring him to Accrington since I have been here," said the Reds chief.

"I made an enquiry about him in my first season here but Runcorn were in the league above us and I could understand why they were more appealing.

"But I asked about him again in the summer and we had a bid accepted last night.

"He will give us a bit of steel in midfield and he is a tall player so he will give us some height as well."

The Reds boss has also signed two youngsters, snapping up 20-year-old defender Gareth Strange, a former England schoolboy, who has played for Manchester United's second string. He was released from Old Trafford in the summer.

And he has signed another 20-year-old, Anthony Bowden, a midfielder who came through the ranks at Burnley.

He played at youth team level and in the reserves for the Clarets before also being released at the end of last season.

"Gareth has been playing in our reserves, Dave Thornley brought him here and he has done well and we think he is ready to make the step up," said Coleman.

"He will have been brought up right at Manchester United, he has a good pedigree, played a lot of games in the reserves and we will be hoping he will make an impact like Peter Cavanagh, who came to us from Liverpool.

"Gareth won't be available tomorrow but should make his debut next week.

"And Tony is a former professional at Burnley so he has a chance as well.

"They obviously have ability but it's whether they can transfer that and be a major asset.

"We are giving them a chance to use us as a stepping stone back into the league and while they are doing this, they can do a good job for us."

Coleman is currently struggling with a number of injuries including defenders Robbie Williams and Steve Morgan while midfielder Steve Flitcroft is still recovering from a knock for tomorrow's game at home to Whitby Town in the UniBond Premier League.