Stanley have made Cameron Burgess their first summer signing after snapping the free agent up on a three-year deal.

John Coleman has moved to land a player he called his ‘main target’ as the 24-year-old agreed a deal at the Wham Stadium through to 2023.

Burgess will add to Coleman’s central defensive options, alongside Mark Hughes and Ross Sykes, who have been regulars over the course of the last two seasons.

And the Reds boss was keen to add competition to his ranks ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, with Burgess a free agent since leaving Scunthorpe United in the summer.

Despite being 24, Burgess has plenty of league experience under his belt, with more than 150 EFL matches under his belt since coming through the ranks at Fulham.

Stanley will be just his third permanent club however, after taking in loans at Ross County, Cheltenham Town, Oldham Athletic, Bury and Salford United last season.

“Cameron was my main target over the summer and I am glad we got it over the line,” said Coleman.

“I spoke to owner Andy Holt as we couldn’t make too many signings but he allowed me to sign one and I am glad I have got him.”

Burgess spent last season with Salford, playing 35 matches in all, scoring four times, including against Stanley in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Born in Scotland, Burgess spent time in Australia and has played for both Scotland up to Under-19 level and Australia at Under-23 level.

He played four times for Fulham in the Championship in August 2014 and left the Iron in the summer after 73 appearances in all competitions.

Burgess’ deal was confirmed in the week Stanley returned to training for the first time since March when the League One season was halted, and later curtailed.

And he said: “I want to get settled and kick on and play football.

“The main aim is to play well and play consistently and I am looking forward to getting started.”