Stanley owner Andy Holt revealed the club will be operating with a playing budget of £1.6m next season.

The Reds owner held a question and answer session with supporters at the Wham Stadium where he outlined his plans for both the short and long-term.

That includes an increase in the playing budget for manager John Coleman, though Stanley will once again be operating with one of the lowest in League One.

They managed a 14th-placed finish last term on a budget of £1.097m but Coleman will be given more to work with this time around following the sales of Kayden Jackson and Janoi Donacien to Ipswich Town last summer.

That money has also helped fund re-development work at the ground, not least a new state-of-the-art pitch, with the old surface having come under heavy criticism last season.

“It means we have the second lowest budget in League One, I think only Wycombe’s will be lower,” Holt said of the budget, having announced the club made a profit of £1.5m for the last financial year.

Holt says that level of budget has been set to allow the club to break even, and not inclusive of any possible player sales or cup run, with Coleman having guided his side in to round four last season and a televised tie against Derby County.

Key to the rise in revenue has been the upturn in attendances, helped by a strong home following as well as increased numbers of away supporters in the third tier.

Last season the average was 2,972, with Holt hoping in time that will push towards the 4,000 mark.

One investment this summer, which Holt has documented on social media, has been on the Wham Stadium pitch, with £200,000 in all spent to improve the playing surface.

“I think we will have one of the best pitches in League One now,” Holt said.

“I did not want to spend it but it had to be done and I am pleased with the pitch.”

He added: “I am proud of what we have achieved over the last four years and there is more work to be done but I do want to retire in 10 years time, I have children and grandchildren, and I want to make Accrington Stanley a real community club that can survive on its own and I will come as a fan, have a pint and no stress.”