Gary Roberts Joins Accrington Stanley On Deal Until End of the Season

Gary Roberts Signs for Accrington Stanley

Previous Spell With Accrington

Roberts joined the Lancashire side in 2005 when they were playing in the Conference National. Joining midway through the season, it was a slow start for the now-36-year-old, making just eight appearances.

However, he kicked on in the 2005/06 season as Accrington won the National League title by 11 points. Roberts made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring 16 times.

Roberts remained with the club until October 2006, initially joining Ipswich Town on loan before making the move permanent in the following January.

The 36-year-old has spent much of his career at League One level and will add plenty of experience and quality to John Coleman’s side, who currently eighth in League One.

‘Invaluable Experience’

Speaking about the return of Roberts to the official Accrington Stanley website, manager John Coleman said: “I think his experience will be invaluable. He has been promoted several times in football and he is still a very good player.

“It was a no-brainer and it will give the lads a boost. I think it’s the longest gap between a player coming back!

“I am really proud of his career. When he was here he set the world alight, scored a lot of goals, and got the move to Ipswich. I remember watching him soon after in the East Anglian derby and he played really well.

“He has gone on to play at some big clubs, done really well, and he has worked hard on his fitness. I can’t remember him running as much as he does now when he played for us the first time!

“He has got every last drop out of his career. We are hoping this can be his swan song and we can do something special with him in this side.”