Rivals Review - Accrington Stanley

Last updated : 10 April 2008 By Gary Moss
Position: 17th

Record: P42 W15 D3 L24

Recent form (latest to earliest): W,L,L,L,L,W
Coleman


Manager: John Coleman is arguably the most passionate boss in League Two and deserves praise for securing Stanley's safety in their first ever two seasons in the Football League. He lives and breathes the club which is an essential attribute in bringing success to a club the size of Accrington. He has preserved Stanley's safety and has an eye on progression. Some fans have questioned a few of his signings but working from a shoestring budget, it is difficult for Coleman to get every addition right. He is forced into gambes in the market.

Top scorer: Paul Mullin is again Accrington's top goal scorer for the fifth season in succession with 12 goals to his name. The veteran Stanley striker now has 92 goals for the club in his 238 appearences. His goals have again arguably kept Stanley in the division. A poacher even as the years clock up.

Strengths: Stanley are renowned for their 100 per cent effort and hard-headedness. You will rarely be given an easy ride against Accrington. What
Mullin
they lack in quality, they make up for with pure work rate. If they continue to stay in the division, they will only get stronger. Coleman has instilled a fine work ethos into his men.

Weaknesses: Stanley have had big problems defensively this season conceding 77 league goals, more than any other side in the division. Notts' record going forward has not been the greatest but this clash could be a welcome confidence boost owing to Coleman's continued problems within his back four over the course of the season.

Coleman must also look to add a new striker to the ranks in the summer following the loss of Rommy Boco. Paul Mullin is closing in towards retirement and reinforcements must be made.

Another factor which could prove Accrington's downfall is poor attendances. Their fan base is tiny and the club must do more to entice fans to the Fraser Eagle otherwise further growth could be tough.

Best win:
4-1 v Grimsby Town, Fraser Eagle. 08 September 2007

Worst defeat: 8-2 v Peterborough United, London Road. 15 January 2008

In form player: Ian Craney has grown stronger and stronger since signing
Craney
from League One outfit Swansea City in the summer to become the club's record capture.

His creativity and driving runs through midfield make him a real dangerous proposition. He picks the ball up from deep and makes things happen. He must be kept on tight leash.

Player of the season: You cannot look past Paul Mullin again who has had another fine season as he closes in on retirement. His experienced head has again been invaluable in a season fighting against the Football League drop. Neat and tidy, drops in the hole and knows where the goal is.

Football League history: Stanley travel to Meadow Lane just two points shy of last season's 50 points total. Coleman spoke in the close season about bringing progression and one more win will take them past their former total. They had to improve on their travels and with eight away wins compared to last seasons nine, they have stepped up. But just seven home wins leaves a lot to be desired.