Accrington Stanley’s Seamus Conneely is looking forward to a return to Sligo next Monday.

Stanley are back in pre-season and face their first friendly game in The Showgrounds against the Bit O’ Red.

At the time of chatting to www.sligorovers.com, Conneely had just completed his latest session as Accrington get put through their paces at an army base in Oxfordshire.

“It’s hard going yes. We just did a run there where you have all the equipment so you feel it.

“There’s a lot of the drills that you would do and the soldiers are with us so it’s very much some of the experience.

“We had footballs out earlier in pre-season. It’s structured to build up fitness and obviously to get going on the pitch. I think we are looking forward to starting the games at this stage though!”

Conneely still keeps an eye out on Rovers and his home club Galway United ahead of his return to Ireland on Monday.

“I look out every week for Sligo’s result and Galway as well.

“I’m disappointed for Galway United and where they are at. I think with even a small bit more investment that could change but it’s hard I know.

“Sligo are doing okay, I see the gap growing from the top clubs because of the European money so they are doing well in that respect. I’m sure they are looking to break into that top four.

“John Coleman mentioned a few times that he was trying to get a friendly in Sligo at the end of last season and I kept asking him so I was delighted when it was confirmed.

“John was really keen to go there. He knows Sligo will be the ideal game and has an affection for the club and the place.

“My Dad will be there and friends of the family and I can’t wait to see some old friends from the club.

“I’m sure a lot of the lads based locally who were part of the teams from 2012 and 2013 and that will come out too. “

The full interview will appear in the Sligo Rovers match programme on Monday.