The Fan

League new boys struggle for support

The Editor — Tue, August 15th 2006

Accrington Stanley battle to win over local fans

The low attendances for League 2 new-comers Accrington Stanley’s first two home games have shocked the club’s chairman Eric Whalley, and there are fears that the club will struggle to survive.

Just 2,600 fans (including 700 opposition fans) watched Stanley’s first game after returning to the league 44 years after they slipped into non-league oblivion. The second home game, with Accrington still searching for their first point, saw the crowd slump to just 1,600.

Loyal fans, who have formed a supporters group the Stanley Ultras, have pleaded with the local population to support their own town’s club, rather than other local, established clubs. Ultra member Andrew Camm on thisislancashire: “The town of Accrington needs a football team to be in the League… Give us a chance - we might impress you.”

Stanley’s success in reaching League 2, their 4th promotion in 7 years under manager John Coleman, has failed to win over enough local support in an area surrounded by several more successful and traditionally supported clubs. Blackburn and Burnley are on their doorstep, and Bolton and Manchester not far away, so for a small League 2 side to gather enough support will be difficult, but with their vibrant coaching staff and committed chairman they at least have hope - something that has never died during their long spell out of the football league.

Listed in: Competitions, League 2

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