John Coleman says it’s business as usual at Accrington Stanley despite two players signing pre-contract deals at Rangers.

Josh Windass and Matt Crooks were offered new deals at Stanley earlier this season but neither signed up and both are out of contract at the end of the campaign.

According to the Scottish club, the pair have signed four-year deals starting in July 2016.

Coleman insists both are available for selection as usual for Saturday’s home clash with Notts County.

“I had two bits of news on Wednesday,” said Coleman. “I obviously found out that two players are leaving at the end of the season, which I knew anyway as they didn’t sign new deals earlier in the season.

“Then I heard that a former team-mate and friend John Carroll had died suddenly in his sleep. I know which piece of news upset me most and it was definitely the latter. You have to put things in perspective and be realistic.

“Accrington can’t compete with the big clubs, certainly money-wise, the players have a great chance to play for a massive club in name and in front of a big crowd. In a few years’ time, they will be back to where they were before their troubles and it’s a big stadium with great facilities.

“I don’t blame them, they have to take the opportunity and they had every right to sign for Rangers. I wish them all the best.”

Coleman did admit however, that he was disappointed the way the news came out.

“I don’t get embroiled in social media but I do think going on and seeing the players had tweeted about ‘buzzing to play for a massive club’ is disrespectful to our fans.

“Our fans have backed them through thick and thin and I do think there should be more respect in place. When I became a manager, my ethos was always to treat players how I would want to be treated and I just wish there had been more communication from the players to myself.

“My position hasn’t changed though. I am fully focused on Notts County and preparing for an important home game.

“Crooksy has been one of our players of the season and Josh has shown what he can do in flashes but we have players like Shay McCartan chomping at the bit to play and no one’s position is set in stone. I am just focusing on what happens between now and the end of the season.”