Released players look set for short journey west

Last updated : 30 April 2003 By Tony Scholes

Crown Ground - could be the new home for Cooky and Payts
The worst kept secret for some time is that both of them would be signing for Accrington Stanley and although nothing has yet been confirmed our sources tell us that deals have been agreed with both players to sign for the newly promoted club.

Manager John Coleman will be looking for some experience next season as they take the step up into the Nationwide Conference and Accrington based Payton and friend Cook have always been suggested as the players he would like to bring in.

During last season he came close to capturing the signature of Kevin Ball and Cooky was thought to have played a part in that. Bally though decided against it having initially looked set to sign.

With Stanley looking at playing home games on Friday evenings rather than clash with Clarets games at Turf Moor there could be plenty of Claret and Blue in the stands watching if Cooky and Payts do in fact line up for Stanley next season.

Both players said they wouldn’t be playing league football again but a couple of years at the Crown Ground now beckons for the two Burnley favourites.