ACCRINGTON Stanley skipper Seamus Conneely has committed his future to the club after signing a new two-year deal.

The 31-year-old was out of contract this summer but is extending his stay with the Reds having first arrived from Sligo Rovers in January 2015 when he was reunited with boss John Coleman.

The move represents the first step from the club towards building a squad for next season, whenever that may be.

“I am delighted to sign a new two-year contract at Accrington Stanley and thankful to the manager and the chairman for allowing me to stay for another two seasons,” Conneely said after putting pen to paper on a contract until 2022.

"I have been here since 2015, six seasons, and have had a wonderful time heading into the play-offs in 2016 and the highlight was winning the League Two title and playing in League One. Hopefully there are more successful times to come as well.

"I am anxious to get back on the pitch again, we are not sure when that is going to be, but I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Wham Stadium hopefully soon."

The former Sheffield United man has been an integral figure for Stanley since arriving five-and-a-half years ago.

He has made 219 appearances for the club and scored 11 goals, the last of which came in the dramatic 4-3 win over Lincoln at the Wham Stadium back in February.

News of the skipper committing himself to the Reds comes after the club’s retained list saw five players leave the club.

Goalkeeper Dimi Evtimov was the standout name, the Bulgarian having lost his place to Stoke loanee Joe Bursik last season.

Phil Edwards, Zain Francis-Angol, Wilson Carvalho and Erico Sousa were also told their contracts would not be extended.