JOHN Coleman is confident he will still be at the Wham Stadium next season, whatever happens in Saturday’s promotion shootout.

The Reds need to beat Stevenage to make sure they claim an automatic spot, although if third-placed Oxford and Bristol Rovers, in fourth, slip up they might not even need that.

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Stanley boss Coleman told the Lancashire Telegraph he and assistant Jimmy Bell have ‘more or less’ agreed a new deal to extend their leadership of the club with which they are indelibly linked.

And he says the fact the pair he have not actually put pen to paper yet is not a concern for fans who have more than one eye on League One football next season.

Coleman, who could see his side avoid the potential agony of the play-offs with a win over Stevenage, said: “We’ve more or less agreed a contract, but we did that ages ago. I haven’t signed it yet, but I don’t need to sign a piece of paper.

“I’m happy doing my job here and I’m fairly certain the people who employ me are happy with the job myself and Jimmy are doing, so there’s no problem.”

Coleman and Bell could be responsible for one of the most incredible achievements in English football if they lead Stanley into the third tier for the first time in their history.

The size of the budget – the smallest in the Football League – and gates at the Wham Stadium – the second lowest – mean Stanley are punching well above their weight to be above clubs such as Portsmouth, Notts County and Plymouth Argyle.

And with the Stevenage clash heading for a sell-out, Coleman is keeping calm about the prospect of a massive party in Accrington is his side get over the line.

He said: “It is in our own hands and that’s all we can ask for.

“I always knew it would go to the end, and that there would be twists and turns. There will be more next week, but we just have to make sure we’re not on the end of a twist or a turn and carry out the job we know we need to do.

“I’m delighted for the players. Our lads have kept going and kept their heads up even with 15 minutes left to play (against Wycombe) and we’ve got what we deserved.”