ACCRINGTON Stanley's star defenders are set to have their hard work rewarded with new contracts.

Michael Welch and Leam Richardson only signed deals until January when they joined the Reds in the summer. But chairman Eric Whalley is planning to offer the duo extended contracts after some impressive performances helped to steer Stanley to the top of the Nationwide Conference table.

Whalley is also hoping to secure right back Phil Edwards on a contract until the end of the season following his efforts in the Reds rearguard failing to concede a goal in almost 10 hours of football, in all competitions.

And loan goalkeeper Rob Elliot is likely to be lengthening his stay at the Interlink Express Stadium until the end of the season as well following negotiations with Charlton Athletic. Although a return for former loan stopper Darren Randolph has not been ruled out.

"We are speaking to Charlton at the minute but nothing is certain yet," Whalley said.

"I would imagine every Premier League side must have these type of goalkeepers who are better off playing in the Conference than on a Saturday morning with two men and a dog watching.

"Charlton have got five goalkeepers but the two we've had from them have got squad numbers for the first team. Both Rob and Darren have done well for us."

Whalley added that he had also held talks with on-loan Wigan Athletic defender Edwards with a view to securing the 20-year-old on a permanent deal.

"Wigan gave us permission to speak to him and we are hoping he will sign a contract in January," the Stanley chairman said.

"I think he is a brilliant defender.

"It speaks volumes that our captain, Peter Cavanagh - a National Game XI international, is struggling to get back in the side.

"We've been lucky that the loan players we've had in have been first class."

And Whalley hopes both Welch and Richardson will also agree extended offers on the back of their six consecutive clean sheets.

"We gave them a contract until Christmas to see how they got and they have done well," he said.

"Maybe that's because they are fighting for a contract. I don't know.

"But they are both good defenders and and we've had the same back four for a few games, which is important because they know one another and each other's games.

"The only thing that has changed is the goalkeeper."

He added: "Teams that don't concede goals win championships."