Accrington Stanley

Who is going to be 22nd in our League Two predictions this season then? Why it's Accrington Stanley. Exactly.

Last Season

It was, all things considered, another successful season for John Coleman and his Stanley side last season. For a side who most of League Two assumes will get relegated each season, 16th place represented an excellent campaign for Accrington. Coleman built a solid, if small, squad at the Crown Ground which saw Stanley grind out enough points for them to be relatively safe by the last few weeks of the season.

Big John Mullin was an imposing threat upfront until he was loaned out to Bradford City, while Jimmy Ryan is one of the most exciting young talents in the division. Kenny Arthur was solid as ever between the sticks and the likes of Peter Cavanagh and Phil Edwards provided a good base in defence. Former Notts man Craig Lindfield chipped in with a few goals and some hard work upfront which meant Stanley were fine. However, this year could be different, Arthur has moved on to Rochdale and Cavanagh has an FA trial looming large over him. Lindfield has gone back to Liverpool and Coleman's budget, already by far the lowest in the League, has been reduced even further. Ryan has signed a new two-year deal at the club though, which will be a huge boost for the club.

The Manager

John Coleman is something of a legend in Accrington, and for good reason. After leading the club to three promotions and into the Football League, Coleman has shown excellent management in keeping a competitive squad together on a shoestring budget to keep Stanley in the league. A prolific non-league striker in his day, Coleman knows his way round the lower leagues and has consistently managed to pull rabbits out of the hat in the form of unknown signings who've gone on to be excellent for Stanley.

He faces possibly his toughest season in charge at the Crown Ground, with their budget having been significantly reduced due to debts at the club. However, having managed to keep most of his players together and added Luke Joyce and Dean Winnard, he faces more than a fighting chance.

The Squad

Accrington's squad is small on numbers and perhaps quality, but there are a number of players there who a lot of League Two clubs wouldn't mind having in their side. Losing Kenny Arthur to Rochdale on a free is a massive blow, and with the unreliable Ian Dunbavin the only 'keeper at the club, Coleman's next task will be to bring in a first choice stopper. In defence Phil Edwards, Peter Cavanagh, Robbie Williams and former Notts man Leam Richardson provide a solid and hard working base for the side.

The midfield is based upon the incisive passing and creative talents of Jimmy Ryan, an Irish Under 21 international formerly of Liverpool and Shrewsbury Town. One of Coleman's best finds, Ryan is a player destined to play at a far higher level. John Mullin works hard and puts himself about, making him a perfect foil for Ryan's talents. Winger Andrew Procter was set to join Macclesfield before a move fell through, meaning he will line up for Stanley once again this season. Upfront John Miles, who also plays on the right, can provide a spark of genius every so often while big Paul Mullin is the focal point of the attack. Young Billy Kee on loan from Leicester will hope to force his way into the team, while Coleman still hopes to bring Lindfield back to the club.

Prediction

The least surprising of NCM's predictions so far, it's hard to find a League Two fan who doesn't think Stanley will get relegated this season. But then again, these are the same people who assumed Coleman's side would slide back into non-league in the previous two seasons. They will struggle due to the small squad and the loss of Arthur, while there are less obvious relegation candidates and points deductions than in previous years, but Stanley have a manage with enough nous and a handful of quality players, meaning they will survive.

22nd