John Coleman will be pleased to see former Stanley skipper Luke Joyce on Boxing Day – but wants him to leave the Wham Stadium unhappy.

Joyce spent six years with the Reds and was signed by Coleman in 2009 in his first spell at the club.

The midfielder was offered a new deal by Stanley in the summer but left to join Carlisle, who are now challenging the Reds in the promotion places.

“Joycey was a cracking servant to Accrington,” said Coleman. “Jimmy (Bell) and I took a punt on him and it paid off.

“We were disappointed he didn’t re-sign in the summer as he was our captain and we did everything we could to keep him but that’s football and we wish him all the best.

“Luke is a fantastic footballer and he deserves any success which comes to him for all his hard work.

“There is no animosity and I hope he does well, I hope Carlisle do well, but not when they play us!”

Coleman is hoping there will be a bumper crowd at the Wham Stadium for the clash of the promotion contenders in what he hopes will be a Christmas cracker.

“If we can attract 300 or 400 more fans on Boxing Day and we can win and entertain them then maybe we will keep them.

“The players are looking forward to the game and I can’t wait for it. Carlisle have the aspirations like us to get three points so it should make for an entertaining game.”