The former England ‘C’ international has been there and done it in a prolific career which has seen him twice win promotion to the Football League and play almost 200 games at League Two level.

But the 36-year-old insists there remains plenty of fire in his belly following another promotion-winning season with previous club Kettering Town.

“Going to Kettering and winning the league and winning it how we did, gave me that fire that I want to try and finish my career – however long I’ve got let – as high and as well as I can and be successful,” said Stanley.

“The success I had at Kettering at a level above has given me that fire and determination that I want to try and finish my career on a high and be successful.

“Hopefully that can happen here and that’s my plans. I want to try and win every game.”
Stanley – a National League play-off winner with both Hereford United and Morecambe – joined Kettering mid-way through last season after leaving Lancaster City.

The former Bristol Rovers and Aldershot Town midfielder played his part in the Poppies’ run-away title success in the Evo-Stik South Premier Division Central.

But he is now back in the North West and delighted to be continuing his career with Clitheroe where he is joining forces again with Phil Brown, who took him to Lancaster City last summer before Brown’s successful stint in charge at the Giant Axe ended in September, 2018.

“It’s a level I haven’t played at yet, but that’s not a problem,” added Stanley, a key signing for Brown as the recently-appointed Blues’ boss builds a new-look squad capable of challenging in Evo-Stik Division One North West.

“Speaking to Phil and Macca (assistant Dave McCann) about their expectations and what they want to do this season sealed the deal, as they say.

“Working with them again is a big plus. That was one of the main reasons I signed for Lancaster last year.

“That got cut short, so it was just a matter of speaking to Phil, seeing what he had to say about the ambitions and that sort of sealed the deal really and I’m looking forward to the season.

“Hopefully I can do well, and I also have a little point to prove to Phil and Macca.

“The time I spent with them before I didn’t get to the levels I should have and so I have a point to prove to them I am still a good player.

“It’s going to be new to us but I’m looking forward to it and hopefully we can have a good season. That’s the plan.”

As well as the successful capture of Stanley, Brown has also lined up four further new signings in the shape of midfielder Charlie Russell, frontmen Conor Gaul and Jordan Darr and teenage winger Jake Connelly.

And Stanley, who may operate in a more defensive position with the Blues, is happy to bring crucial experience to Shawbridge, where Brown has described him as his ‘voice on the pitch’.

“It’s going to take time, but he’s already signed some good players,” Stanley told Clitheroe’s website.

“I know Charlie Russell from Lancaster, who’s a good young midfielder who has plenty of potential, and the other lads they’re going to sign.

“Hopefully they will be a few more irons in the fire and if they come off, I think we have a chance of doing well this year.”

“Speaking to Phil, he is going to be getting young hungry players with plenty of legs and plenty of desire and good qualities in their play.

“If I’m playing, then in and around the changing rooms and out on the pitch I can help the youngsters, give them a bit of advice from my experience and I can be a good addition to the squad.”