Accrington Stanley: Whalley signs new deal as Conneely departs

Conneely joined the Reds in January 2015 and has been a key figure at the Wham Stadium over the past decade.

The midfielder played an important role in the 2015/16 play-off campaign and lifted the League Two title two years later.

Conneely celebrated his testimonial year in 2023/24 and has made 378 appearances for the club in total, scoring 14 times.

"Seamus has led the football club superbly both on and off the field of play for over a decade," manager John Doolan told the club site.

"He played a big part as Stanley won the League Two title in season 2017/18 and has worked tirelessly as a community champion on behalf of the club and Community Trust for many years.

"He has been the ultimate professional throughout his time with Stanley and will go down as a club legend."

Meanwhile, Shaun Whalley has signed a new one-year contract with the Reds.

The 37-year-old winger returned to the club for a second spell in 2022 and scored nine goals in 36 appearances this season as Stanley avoided relegation.

"I love it at Accrington," he said. "I love the club, I love the lads in the changing room, I love the supporters - everything about it.

"I get on with the gaffer and Ged (Brannan), everyone at the club. It is just the right fit for me and I am made up to sign for another season.

"Last season, I thought my first half was better than my second half. I was struggling with a bit of an injury in the second half of the season and it held me back a bit, so it's nice now to have a rest and make sure I come back fully fit.

"From the outside it was a tough season, but personally, I was always confident we would get enough points to stay up.

"I have been in a lot of changing rooms and this one is brilliant, everyone got on and we all want to be successful and work hard for each other and for the gaffer.

"We were a new team at the start of the season, we did have younger players and some players without league experience, but they have got that now and we want to kick on next season and have a good campaign."

Jay Rich-Baghuelou, Seb Quirk, Aaron Pickles, Lewis Trickett, Liam Isherwood, Lewis Rhodes and Ash Hunter will all depart this summer at the end of their respective deals.

Conor Grant and Dan Martin have been offered new deals, while Josh Smith and Charlie Hall have had extensions triggered.

James Rogerson and Finlay Tunstall have been offered professional contracts, while Billy Crellin, Jake Batty, Sonny Aljofree and Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh have returned to their parent clubs.