ANDY Procter has agreed a new contract with Accrington Stanley – but the Reds now face competition from Darlington for Luke Joyce.

Procter played a key role in the club’s rise from non-league but the midfielder’s future was recently thrown into doubt because of his reluctance to sign a new two-year contract on a reduced wage.

Stanley, though, have now confirmed that a contract has been agreed, while John Miles yesterday penned a one-year deal to become only the fourth player to be officially signed on for next season.

The Reds are now hoping to clinch the signing of former Carlisle midfielder Joyce, who is close to making a decision over his future.

Stanley cannot compete with Darlington’s financial offer but they hope the Bolton-born 21-year-old’s reluctance to move to the north east will prove to be the decisive factor.

The Reds have also confirmed an interest in out-of-contract Darlington striker Gregg Blundell.