New signing Joe Anderson (Image: PA)
New signing Joe Anderson (Image: PA)
Stanley have kicked off their summer transfer business with the signings of Joe Anderson and Tom Moore.
Anderson joins from Barrow and has penned a two-year deal at the Wham Stadium to bolster the Reds' defensive options.
The 25-year-old had spells in the Academies of Liverpool and Everton as a youngster before heading to Sunderland, where he made a handful of appearances in the Championship.
"Joe has had the opportunity to work at both academies, in Liverpool and Everton, and he has gone to Sunderland and made some appearances in the first team, so he has that experience," manager John Doolan told the club site.
"He understands levels, he has the drive to succeed, and he has played a number of games in the EFL - he is a left-sided centre-half and I know he will take the opportunity with both hands."
"I am a left-sided centre-back and I would say I am a modern defender - I like to break lines, go into midfield, and I like to have a shot," Anderson added. "The most important thing is clean sheets though and that's what I want to bring to Accrington.
"I have never played here, but I have just got married and my wife's family live two minutes up the road from Accrington Stanley. "They have always said I should sign here!
"It's really nice to be here. I am buzzing and it feels like home already. I am excited to get going."
Fellow defender Moore arrives from Southport and has also penned a two-year deal with the Reds.
The 27-year-old impressed in the National League North and has also played for Connah's Quay in the Champions League and Conference League.
"We wanted someone who is a physical presence in both boxes and Tom ticks the boxes," said Doolan.
"We have watched him in a few games and everyone has spoken really well about him, we did our research.
"When you look at what he has achieved at Southport, he got a number of Player of the Season awards.
"There were a few clubs after him, so it's great he chose us. It's a massive opportunity for him to see if he can do it.
"We have done it with Devon Matthews and Isaac Sinclair, and both of them by-passed the National League and ripped it up for us last season, and I am sure Tom will do the same.
"He can play in the base of midfield, which is an advantage, and he is a ball-playing centre-back, so he can play and, first and foremost, he can defend."
Moore is excited to test himself in the Football League and reckons Stanley is the perfect fit for him.
He is hungry to follow in the footsteps of Devon Matthews, who made the step up from the National League North and has impressed for the Reds over the past 18 months.
"I was coming home from Greece and heard about this move - it happened quite quickly, in a week, a whirlwind seven days, but I am buzzing to be here," he added.
"It's every lads' dream to play in the EFL. This club suits me down to the ground, it's a working-class club.
"There have been ups and downs in my football career so far, but I am only looking forward now, and I can't wait. I want to play as many games in the EFL as I can.
"This is a step up for me, but I have seen how the likes of Devon Matthews and Isaac Sinclair, who I have played against, moved from the National League North and thrived.
"I don't see why I can't. It will be tough, I will be full-time, but you see it across the EFL, people moving from non-league, and thriving and hopefully I will.
"I am a defender, so it does what it says on the tin. I am good technically, and I just give everything for the shirt and badge, and leave everything out there."