Jimmy Bell: Accrington Stanley assistant manager uncertain over future
- Published
John Coleman (left) and Jimmy Bell (right) have worked together across two spells with Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell says "it would kill me if I wasn't here next season", amid uncertainty over a new contract.
Bell said "the clock is ticking" with his deal expiring in June 2024, along with manager John Coleman's.
The long-serving assistant manager said he wanted to stay at the club but has to keep his options open at present.
"Me and John want to stay and we'll do everything we can to move the club forward," he told BBC Radio Lancashire., external
Coleman and Bell guided Accrington to three promotions to reach the English Football League (EFL) in 2006, and though they left for Rochdale in 2012, they returned to Wham Stadium in 2014 and led the club to League One for the first time four years later.
Their five-year stay in the third tier ended with relegation in May and they are ninth in League One this season, with 20 points from 13 games.
Bell said they had asked chairman Andy Holt what was happening and "he said he'll get back to us".
'Would love that security'
"Our contracts are running down. We've been here a long time - I think it's 23 years in all. We absolutely love the club, the fans and everything about it," said Bell.
"But I've got to work, and I would love that security again of having a four-year or three-year contract. John has to work as well. We're not fortunate enough to just retire.
"I find it amazing that we are running down a contract now. Andy [Holt] has done magnificently for the club and at some stage we're going to have to have a chat - and I hope it's sooner, not later."
The 59-year-old said his "heart is in the club" and if he and Coleman, 61, secure a play-off spot this season they will have done "an unbelievable job".
"It's our club. We've built it from nothing in 1999 when we first came here," Bell added.
"It broke our hearts to leave in 2012, and as soon as we got the chance to come back we did, and built the club on again along with Andy and the fanbase."
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