JOHN Coleman said he would back his squad as it stands to do well if the season were to start tomorrow.

But the Accrington Stanley manager is still aiming to add to his troops before the big kick-off against Colchester United on Saturday week.

Coleman has had a busy summer, signing Kayden Jackson, Ben Richards-Everton, Liam Nolan and Mekhi McLeod, welcoming back Jonny Edwards on a season-long loan from Hull, and making Erico Sousa's move to the Wham Stadium official.

There is more to come, though, and the Reds boss is hopeful of getting his targets in time for the season opener.

"We're hopeful of getting one or two, ideally in time for the first game, but if we have got to wait we will," said Coleman.

"We won't be making signings just for the numbers or for the sake of it."

As well as new faces, Coleman has been pleased to secure a quartet of players on new deals, with Sean McConville the latest after Janoi Danocien, Seamus Conneely and Jordan Clark.

"He (McConville) had a couple of really good seasons," said the Stanley boss of the midfielder, who is in his second spell with the club.

"He tailed off a bit the season before last but last season I thought he was one of our more consistent players.

"I'd like to see him score more goals, and I think he would like to see that himself.

"But he is a vital member of our squad."

And Coleman hopes he can have as big an impact off the pitch as he has on it as Stanley bid to earn a place in League One.

"Speaking to him I've never seen anyone more driven to get promoted, and hopefully that will be mirrored in the squad," he said.

"We're disappointed to lose Shay (McCartan) but with a couple of more additions going into the new season we'll be okay.

"I wouldn't be afraid of starting the season tomorrow."

Stanley complete their pre-season friendly programme with a trip to Southport tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

"This week has been hard work for them, and it will get even harder as we build up to the first game of the new season," said Coleman.

"We're trying to get ourselves in peak condition."