Joe Pritchard has become Stanley’s first summer signing – with boss John Coleman feeling the midfielder is a ‘good fit’ for the Reds.

The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, after leaving Bolton Wanderers.

Pritchard began his career at Tottenham Hotspur and spent five years in north London before joining Bolton in the summer of 2018 after an initial trial.

He made four Championship appearances, as well as featuring for the Whites in the FA Cup, and Coleman is pleased to add him to his group ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

The Reds boss said: “I looked at him when he played for Bolton Under-23s, he broke into their first team last season and I have tracked his progress.

“When he became available it was a good fit for both parties.

“He will be good for us and we can kick start his career like we have with a lot of previous No.10s.

“Joe is a good footballer, he is intelligent, he can play on both wings and he can play in the hole.

“He is the right age for us and he fits our model.”

Pritchard made his first team debut for Bolton as a second half substitute against West Bromwich Albion in January 2019, but leaves after just 12 months at the Macron Stadium.

While on trial with Wanderers, the Watford-born midfielder helped Bolton’s Under-23 side clinch the Professional Development League National Title, including playing in the final against Nottingham Forest.

Stanley were in need of midfield recruits after seeing Dan Barlaser return to parent club Newcastle United at the end of what was a productive season-long loan spell.

Experienced midfielder Scott Brown was offered a new deal but opted to join National League side Harrogate Town leaving Coleman with another gap to fill in that area of the pitch.

Pritchard will compete for a spot alongside captain Seamus Coleman and Sam Finley who was a regular in the side last season after joining from AFC Fylde.

Coleman will look to build on Pritchard’s arrival, with a central defender, left back and striker among those positions likely to be on his radar this summer.

Pritchard will face his former club next season following Wanderers' relegation from the Championship.