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I've been viewing the forums for a long time, and although not a poster on the FM Stories board, I have often read the stories here with interest. It wasn't until recently that I ever felt like contributing myself because I have never considered myself as a good writer, but with the start of the new season I thought, why not. So here we go...
I am not sure how I will write this story, whether to do just details of the matches played or add another view to it, so I will just write what I feel appropriate or compelled to write at the time of writing it down I guess.
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I walked out on to the pitch, the sprinklers were whirling away keeping the turf wet and in pristine shape, it was fresh, and only just been relayed. The old pitch took a beating in the Conference last season, and with us returning to the League for the first time in 44 years the playing surface needed to reflect what this would mean to the club as a whole. A lot has changed over the summer months since the success of last season, the manager John Coleman left, it was suggested that he wanted to spend more time with his family, but many people around the club are believed to know rumours that it was more to do with a clash with the chairman at the end of season celebrations.
Many people were expecting us to return swiftly to the Conference, and if I was honest I half expected it myself. After all, we are weaker than the teams in this league, and our players are only in their second season as full time professionals. However, I knew that we had team spirit, we had the Accrington faithful behind us, and knowing that they had the same expectations as I did, we wouldn't have them on our backs this season. This would be a big plus, and something I hoped would see us safe.
I, Martin Sanderson was part of the successful team that gained promotion last season, and at the end of my career it was an honour when the club approached me with the offer of running the side next season. I was the club captain, and had the respect of the players, so was seen as the ideal candidate by the board to lead the team forward. I had questioned why my assistant Jimmy Bell hadn't been offered the job, but it turned out he recommended me, as he did not want the spotlight, but instead wanted to focus on helping me, and working with the reserves.
Having a fair bit of knowledge about the players from my time here I know had to set aside friendships and put my management head on and detail areas we needed to improve and tell those lads that I led out week in week out over the past 4 years that they were no longer good enough to represent the Stanley.
My assistant Jimmy knew that my role would be difficult with culling my friends, so he had to act as referee and wear the impartial hat when we discussed the squad. Jimmy arrived at The Crown in 1999 alongside the now department John Coleman. He joined the club from Ashton United and ith a scoring record of 51 in 107 games sure knew where the net was, and was the ideal man to share my philosophy of making Stanley an attacking force.
I took one final look over my report folder. It had a comprehensive breakdown of my current squad, the chairman wanted to see this and what I thought of the players, not only from a management point of view, but from a captains view.
THE SQUAD (Accrington Career/Goals)
Goalkeepers
Francois Dubourdeau - French - 25 (0/0)
Signed in the summer from Scottish outfit Forfar.
Ian Dunbavin - English - 26 (0/0)
Signed in the summer on a free transfer from Scarborough after starting his career as a trainee at Liverpool. Is the current first choice keeper at the club atleast until Elliot returns from his injury.
Robert Elliot - English - 20 (23/0)
The number 1 for me this season, on loan from Charlton, in what will be his second season on loan at the club. Currently out injured with strained ankle ligaments, with an expected return in around 2 months.
Defenders
Peter Cavanagh - English - 24 (93/8)
Peter joined the club in 2001 after being released from the Liverpool youth academy. He was a schoolboy at the Anfield club and had been schooled there for 10 years. He was my vice captain last season.
Philip Edwards - English - 20 (27/0)
In his second spell with Accrington. Sold midway through last season to Wigan, but without making a single appearance for the Premiership outfit, made a quick return to The Crown Ground on a free transfer in the summer.
Ashley Foyle - English - 19 (0/0)
Signed from Chesterfield at the end of last season where he made 1 appearance in 4 seasons. Could be useful as one of the only left sided defenders in the squad.
Ricky Bains - English - 18 (0/0)
Signed from Championship side Coventry City in the summer, where he was released from the youth ranks. A promising centre back.
Michael Welch - Irish - 24 (34/1)
Signed in 2005 on a free from Macclesfield Town. Part of the Accrington promotion party last season, and easily our best centre back.
Leam Richardson - English - 26 (33/0)
Wingback that could be useful on either flank, now in his second season at the club since his free transfer from Blackpool. A product of the youth academy at Ewood Park, and with over 100 games at a higher level, his experience could prove useful.
Joel Byrom - English - 19 (0/0)
Signed in the summer on a free transfer from the Blackburn youth academy, Joel is a promising left footed midfielder.
Jay Harris - English - 19 (0/0)
Arrived on a free in the summer from Premiership outfit Everton where he spent 7 years. He made his way through the ranks, but only ever made appearances as a pro at reserve team level. Jay is the smallest member of the squad, but more than makes up for his lack of height with his tenacious play.
Romuald Boco - Benin - 20 (29/4)
An internation in the ranks. At only 20, Romuald has amassed 14 caps for his country, so he could prove to be an experienced head on young shoulders. Was signed from French side Niort in 2005. Made his International debut at 18, and has represented his country at the FIFA Junior World Cup, and the clubs current Young Player of the Year.
Andy Todd - English - 27 (14/5)
Arrived this season for £10,000 prior to my arrival after a successful loan spell the year before which saw Andy hit 5 goals in 14 games. A regular at Conference level since his release from the Nottingham Forest youth academy.
Gary Roberts - English - 22 (50/16)
Annoyingly the previous regime arranged for Gary to sign for Ipswich in October. However, it will generate £200,000 for the club, so that is a positive. A decent player, who I hope will give his all until he leaves.
Sean Doherty - English - 22 (0/0)
A left winger signed in the summer on a free from Port Vale. Sean is now at his 4th club in as many seasons without generating a transfer fee. He left Craven Cottage to join dutch side Ado Den Haag before moving to Port Vale, and now to The Crown Ground.
Ian Craney - English - 22 (69/23)
An attacking midfielder with promise. A good return of 13 goals in 39 appearances last season helped Accrington reach league 2. I am hoping for more of the same this term.
David Brown - English - 27 (44/9)
Arrived on a free from Hereford in 2004, David hasn't been as prolific as you would hope from a striker, but because of his age, he could be a good mentor to the younger lads. Started his career at Old Trafford.
Andrew Mangan - English - 19 (37/5)
Signed in 2005 from League 1 outfit Blackpool on a free transfer the youngster struck 5 times in 37 outings in his 1st season. If he wants to stay here longer, he needs to double that return.
Leighton McGivern - English 22 (0/0)
Another product from the Everton youth academy. Not scored a goal for anyone since 2004, where he managed 1 goal in 25 games. Cannot see him staying here very long, his only positive quality is that he has a left foot....allegedly.
Paul Mullin - English - 32 (123/56)
An Accrington legend. A man who knows where the net is. Has scored 16 or more in the past 3 seasons, and will probably be relied on to do more the same this time around. Has been named Stanley Player of the Year 5 times in the last 6 years and also the Players Player of the Year four times in the last 5 seasons.
The squad is relatively small with 20 players, with 3 of them being goalkeepers. Robert Elliot is likely to be #1 when he returns from injury, but as a loan signing a potential new first choice will need to be found.
The squad is very young and lacks experience, with an average age of 22 (pushed up by Paul Mullin) I am in need of some experienced heads to lend some support to the lads, the defence is a weak spot, and with only Mullin as a possible strike threat, another forward with an eye for goal is a must if I am to remain in this division.
The board and the fans are realistic, and expect me to keep the club up, with the media suggesting 23rd spot is a realistic finish for Stanley.
With limited transfer funds, well, until the sale of Gary Roberts, strengthening of the side will be done on free transfers, and with only 1 scout on board it will be limited who we can attract to The Crown Ground, and I have the feeling that we will be relying on those that are here, and the players from the youth academy this season.
With Doncaster providing our first friendly test less than a week away I managed to bring my 1st signing to the club. I wanted a forward who knew where the goal was, and I hoped I had just found him. 23 year old David Gilroy was snapped up from Chippenham for a fee of £18,000. It was the majority of my transfer budget, but I think he can be worth it. Having a record of 52 goals in 125 career appearances, including 25 in 42 last term, I was hoping the faith I would put in him would be rewarded.
Annoyingly, less than 24 hours after Gilroy signed, Ian Liversage, my chief physio (I say chief, but in reality, my only one) advises me he suffered food poisoning at lunch, and would miss around a weeks worth of training.
The second signing of the new season was completed when 31 year old Scot John Cusick took the journey south to join me at the Crown Ground. John was a capable defender, and with 286 career appearances would add some much needed experience to the defence. Spent his entire career in the lower leagues of the Scottish pyramid we snapped him up from Third Division outfit Cowdenbeath.
Pre-Season started with a 2-2 draw with Doncaster at The Crown Ground. An attendance of 1480 turned up to see Doncaster take the lead on 2 occasions, only to be pegged back each time by strikes from David Brown and Leam Richardson. The only negative point from the game was an injury to new signing John Cusick, who suffered a groin strain and is expected to be out for 4 weeks.
We completed the signing of another young centre back today, 20 year old Sam Hole joined us from Wycombe's youth academy on a free transfer. Sam is a very gifted footballer, and for one so young he offers alot. I can see him being a first team regular this season, and with any luck could forge a good partnership with Cusick when he returns from injury. In addtion to Hole's arrival, we completed the free transfer of Scottish forward Paul McManus from Raith Rovers. Paul has played 171 games in the Scottish leagues netting 59 times, and for a 23 year old I feel there is more to come from him.
"See you tomorrow lads, a nice workout today" I said as I left the training ground to return home. I was off to look for a new house, during my time here I had lived in a flat on the harbour, but now I wanted a house, I was the club manager, and wanted something that represented the success I had as a player.
As I walked out of the training ground and into the car park I was greeted with loud cheers and a round of applause from nearly 30 fans in the red of Accrington. I stood there and batted them down, thanking them for their kind words but more importantly asking them what I had done to deserve this.
It was a reward for signing Paul McManus according to Supporters Club Chairman Rob Russell. Apparently McManus was seen as a superb coup for the club, and the fans were excited by his arrival, and thanking me for making it possible was the least they could do. It was a sense of fulfillment when I heard that, after all my time at the club, I had never seen anyone get that excited by a signing in the past.
Our second friendly saw us travel to Barrow in Furness to take on local side Barrow. I decided to stick with the same side that drew with Doncaster, but added new signings McManus and Gilroy to the bench, the latter recovering from his bout of food poisoning.
A cracking first half saw Barrow race in to a 2-0 lead with both goals coming from the head of Steve Skinner, but new centre back, and club captain Stuart Hole nodding our first, before goals from Ian Craney and Gary Roberts gave us a 3-2 half time lead.
I decided to bring on new boys McManus and Gilroy at half time, and 2 second half goals from McManus and Roberts with his second secured a comfortable 5-2 win, which also saw Gilroy have a goal chalked off for offside.
We entertained Barnsley in our third friendly, and in the only changes to the starting line up I started with Gilroy and McManus up front. Boco gave us an early lead, but at a cost. He rose highest to head home a Todd cross, but in doing so collided with Roberts, forcing the latter off injured. Paul Hayes levelled for Barnsley after 14 minutes, and thats the way it remained until Ian Craney stepped up in the 76th minute so unleash a 20 yard volley past the Barnsley keeper to give the home fans something to smile about.
Roberts' concussion will rule him out for 2 weeks.
We finished our pre-season campaign with a 5-0 win away to Lewes, with goals from Todd (2), McManus (2) and Craney. A 1-0 defeat at home to Southend, and a 4-3 win away to Forest Green, where we came back from 3-0 down. Goals from Mullin, Hole, Brown and McGivern secured the win.
On returning back to Accrington after the Forest Green game I was greeted with the news that 26 year old centre back Joe Taylor had signed a 2 year deal with the club. Joe was left footed, and I saw him as the ideal partner for Hole at the back, allowing me to push Cusick, who I initially planned to partner with Hole forward to the holding midfield role.
All in all pre-season had proved an interesting learning experience for me. I have a relatively young side at my disposal, but have managed to add some decent experience to it. Its going to be difficult to predict where we will finish, but I am confident we won't be relegated. The centre back pairing of Taylor and Hole looks like it could be a good one, and in front man McManus we have a gem, and he has already become a fans favourite.
I had also enjoyed watching the games from the sidelines and also quickly understood what Jimmy had been telling me last season when he said that watching us play can sometimes be a nightmare. I lost count of the number of times I shouted abuse at the referee, disapproved of a decision, or slated my players for some of their mistakes, what made it worse was that this was still pre-season.
An FA fax landed on my desk today, and it provided me with the details of the League Cup draw. The draw provided us with a difficult test away to Championship side Derby County. It would be a good day out for the lads, and if we go into the game playing well, we could nick something, or atleast get a draw and bring them back to The Crown for some good income.
Saturday 5th August
Finally, the new season arrived. It was Chester City who arrived at The Crown to get the new season underway. The sun was shining brightly and as I pulled up to my parking space outside the stadium I had mixed feelings of a rotten stomach, much like you get when you are going to ask someone out for the very fist time, and also a sense of excitement like a young child with a new toy. Time flew by, and before you knew it, the lads were all here and joking around the changing room, the stands were filling up and the chants of Stanley! Stanley! could be heard through the changing room walls. Although as a player I had heard this all before, there was something more specials this time round.
I had decided to start with new signings David Gilroy and Paul McManus up front and Joe Taylor and new club captain Stuart Hole at the heart of the defence. Our other new signing John Cusick only made the bench after just about recovering in time from his injury. The changing room was a quiet and nervous place before kick off. I left my team talk brief. "Listen to that crowd out there lads, to them we are heroes, we gained promotion to the football league for the first time in 44 years. The fans know what we can do, and we know what we can do, now, go out there and do us proud" and with that Stuart led the lads out to the tunnel and onto the pitch.
It took 22 minutes before the Stanley faithful could get excited, an Andy Todd cross being turned into his own net by Paul Linwood giving us a 1-0 lead, this was soon doubled by new boy Paul McManus on 33 minutes, bursting clear of the defence from a Richardson defensive clearance to slot the ball under the keeper. Ten minutes later McManus was fouled in the box, but Leam Richardson skied the resultant penalty over the bar "whats he doing taking the penalties? Who usually takes them?" I shouted. "Err, you did boss" shouted Mullin from behind me in the dugout, however, that didn't matter as captain Stuart Hole headed home a 45th minute corner to give us a 3-0 lead at the break.
"Absolutely fantastic lads, I couldn't of dreamed for a better start to the season. The fans are loving it, clapping every single pass, tackle and effort on goal. Keep this up and we are going to have a fine afternoon!"
Chester pulled one back through Gregg Blundell on the hour, before substitute Paul Mullin added 2 late goals to give Accrington an empthatic 5-1 opening day victory, and sent the majority of the 3777 fans home very happy.
Accrington v Macclesfield, League 2
The only changes to the starting line up for our second game was 2 goal hero Paul Mullin replacing David Gilroy up front, and Gary Roberts earning a place on the bench. Macclesfield started the stronger and took the lead when Weir-Daley sprinted clear of the defence and slotted the ball under Dunbevin. Matt Tipton doubled the visitors lead on 27 minutes when he converted a penalty that he earned from the foul be Leam Richardson.
Things took a turn for the worse in the 2nd half. Captain Hole limped off injured on 59 minutes, and less than 5 minutes later his partner Joe Taylor headbutted Macclesfied's Matt Tipton and received his marching orders, and a rollicking from yours truly from the side lines. Weir-Daley added his second soon after, before a late consolation goal from Paul McManus gave the home side something to cheer about.
Bristol Rovers v Accrington, League 2
Fortunately Stuart Hole's injury wasn't serious, and he was able to return to the side for our trip to The Memorial Stadium to face Bristol Rovers. The only change to the side was Michael Welch replacing the suspended Joe Taylor. A disappointing 0-0 was played out between the two sides, with only substitute David Gilroy's header being cleared off the line in the 90th minute being the only talking point.
Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium to lift the Community Shield. Two goals from Chelsea's £7.5m debutant Luca Toni securing the win for the Champions, Dirk Kuyt's late consolation being just that.
Mansfield v Accrington, League 2
Joe Taylor was landed with a 5 game ban by the FA after his head butt, so it was the same side that drew with Bristol Rovers last time out. 2 goals in 10 minutes put Mansfield in command, and a second goal for Barker on 53 minutes secured the points for the home side despite a late goal from Doherty on 74 minutes for the visitors.
Derby County v Accrington, League Cup Round 1
Many people expected us to arrive at Pride Park and get outplayed and go home with our tails between our legs, and when Morten Bisgaard gave Derby the lead after 10 minutes it could have been a possibility, however we hung on, and some inspired goalkeeping by Dunbavin kept the game at 1-0, and thats how it remained until the 83rd minute when David Gilroy, on for the injured Paul McManus drilled home a low shot from 12 yards after good work by Andy Todd. The celebrations were marred when Todd left shortly after, but the travelling fans were looking forward to a replay at The Crown until John Sutton scrambled home a late winner for the Rams, and sent Accrington home, and out of the cup. What was annoying though, is the way the winner came, with replays clearly showing Sutton punched the ball over the line with his hand.
Sky Sports: "Martin, a good performance from your boys today, losing out to a late and controversial goal, how do you feel?
MS: "About the goal? Absolutely gutted. A Premiership referee and he couldn't spot that, it was blatant cheating and something we don't want in the game. However, its done now and we have to live with it, on a positive note, the lads were fantastic and a credit to Accrington Stanley FC."
SS: "Very good point, and hopefully it leads to a successful season, good luck and thanks"
MS: "Thanks"
The FA obviously agreed with my outburst after the game as they decided to take no further action on the matter and kept quiet when questioned by the media.
Accrington v Torquay, League 2
McManus and Todd were able to shake off their knocks to take their place on the pitch for the visit of 23rd place Torquay, but it was the visitors who took the early lead, when Kevin Hill capitalised on a poor back pass from Welch to round Dunbavin and slot home. This seemed to shock us into life, and McManus, Mullin and Craney tested the keeper, before Sean Doherty's attempted cross deceived the Torquay keeper and nestled in the top corner on the stroke of half time for a deserved equaliser.
Doherty was causing all manner of problems down the Torquay right, and when he crossed early for Mullin to take the ball into his stride only to be upended for a penalty, Accrington fans were sensing a victory. However, Torquay keeper Abbey denied Mullin with a brilliant stop down to his left to keep the scores at 1-1.
It had been an interesting first month at The Crown, we started brightly with an empthatic opening day victory, before 2 draws and 2 defeats leave us 16th in League 2. We are also out of the League Cup after a 2-1 defeat away to Championship side Derby, however, the performance was possibly our best, and we in no way disgraced ourselves. We can certainly score goals, with 8 coming in our opening 5 games, but we also known how to conceed, having let in the same number. It doesn't help that first choice centre back Joe Taylor received a 5 game ban for a headbutt, but I have looked to ease this worry with the season long signing of Dino Mazzola from Scunthorpe.
The 19 year old Italian should add some competition for places to the side, and coming from a better side he should bring an element of quality with him.
MK Dons v Accrington, League 2
Loan signing Robert Elliot had made a recovery from his injury to make his debut in goal for us today, and our newest acquisition Dino Mazzola had to settle for a place on the bench. Andy Todd picked up a knock in training, so Gary Roberts replaced him on the right. Robert Elliot showed us early on why he was considered as number 1 this season, with a string of fabulous saves, but he could do nothing about Clive Platt's opener for the hosts. Elliot was able to palm away a snap shot from the forward, but the rebound fell comfortably for Platt to tap home. That proved to be enough, and we rarely threatened and MK Dons picked up the points.
Accrington v Bury, League 2
We needed a win to get our season back on track, we haven't scored in recent games, so David Gilroy was recalled to the side to replace Paul Mullin. Robert Elliot made his home debut in goal. It wasn't the perfect start to a game, when Scott Phelan pounced to give Bury the lead, but fans favourite Paul McManus levelled things up on the stroke of half time with a spectacular overhead kick. Benin International Boco gave us the lead on 49 minutes with a curling freekick, before Paul Mullin headed home McManus' chip for 3-1. A late goal from John Fitzgerald for Bury lead to a tense last 5 minutes, but we held on, and gained a valuable 3 points, and our first win in 6 attempts.
Wycombe v Accrington, League 2
Before the game we were advised that our audacious loan bid to add fire power to the team with an offer for Chelsea's Steven Naismith had been rejected, but on the field it was Wycombe's Jermaine Easter that showed us how to score goals, as his two strikes gave the home side the points. Gary Roberts pulled one back for us, but the result could have been completely different had he also converted the penalty Paul Mullin earned with 10 minutes to go.
Swindon v Accrington, League 2
Joe Taylor's 5 game ban had now passed, and he was reinstalled into the heart of defence alongside captain Stuart Hole, in what I was hoping would solidfy the back four, and plug the leak that we have sprung since Taylor's suspension started. We started the stronger of the two sides, and Mullin and McManus tested the Swindon keeper early on. Hole and Taylor were restricting the Swindon forwards to long shots, and we were slowly taking control of the game. Paul Mullin thought he had given us the lead on 35 minutes, but the linesmans flag spoilt what was a brilliant header from Gary Roberts free kick, however, on the stroke of half time, Roberts' free kick was bundled home by captain Stuart Hole to give us the lead at the break. Andy Monkhouse was sent off on 62 minutes to make our job alot easier, and the win was secured on 89 minutes when Paul Mullin curled in a brilliant effort from the edge of the box.
Accrington v Grimsby, League 2
Before the game we were told we would play Blackpool in the Johnstone Paint Trophy, giving us another superor side to overcome in cup competitions this season. We lost Peter Cavanagh and Romuald Boco from the side for the visit of high flyers Grimsby, so Philip Edwards came in at right back, and Dino Mazzola started his first game in midfield, with David Brown moving onto the bench. Michael Reddy settled this one, and the ex-Sunderland man's 35 minute header gave the points to the visitors.
Lincoln v Accrington, League 2
We arrived at Sincil Bank looking to get some points, Boco had recovered from his knock and was added to the bench, as I decided to stick with Mazzola after his impressive performance against Grimsby. Scotsman Paul McManus gave us the perfect start on 4 minutes, beating 2 defenders before slotting past the onrushing keeper. However, 2 goals late on from Mark Stallard and Michael Twiss left us 2-1 down at the break.
We came out sharper in the second half, and Paul McManus was waging a one man war on the Lincoln goal. Inside the first five minutes of the second half he had hit the woodwork twice, before finally levelling the game on 67 minutes. Gary Roberts won us a penalty which we thought he slotted away, only for the referee to order it to be retaken, and he skied the retake over the bar. That wasn't to matter, as he made amends with a solo strike 5 minutes later. Two late goals from Paul Mullin put the icing on the cake, and we headed home with a fantastic 5-2 victory.
Accrington v Stockport, League 2
We ended September with a home game against Stockport County. After the 5-2 win away at Lincoln I decided to stick with the same side, and Paul McManus started strongly, and showed why he was earmarked as the dangerman, with two good efforts on goal, but it was Stockport who led at the break, when Tony Dinning drilled in a free kick after 17 minutes. We came out for the second half showing alot more purpose and were definitely the stronger side, so it was sickening when Tony Dinning raced clear on the half way line to give Stockport a two goal cushion. Not even a late strike from Paul Mullin could ease the disappointment amongst the fans.
We ended September in 16th place, so we hadn't improved our position this month. However, we did manage 3 wins this month, and also managed to score more goals than we conceeded. Its difficult to pin point where things are going wrong at the moment, but its clear that we lack consistency. We can take teams apart some weeks, and then put in a very lacklustre performance the following week. I am wondering where we can go if we can just put a good run together. One plus point is that Gary Roberts was the first Accrington player to be named in the team of the week, its just a shame its 2 weeks before he leaves the club.
On the morning of our game against Hartlepool Ian Dunbavin called me aside to ask me why he hadn't been first choice recently, considering that he felt he should be. I explained that Elliot was a keeper of quality and I purposely brought him in on loan to provide good competition for the number 1 jersey. Ian had been given his chance, but was unable to keep a clean sheet, so when Elliot was given his opportunity he took it with both hands and has looked far more comfortable. I advised Ian to get his head down, and train well, if he does, then he would get another opportunity to impress.
Hartlepool v Accrington, League 2
We travelled to Victoria Park to face relegated League 1 side Hartlepool who were currently lying 6th, and were considered by many to be on for a quick return to League 1. Michael Welch was the only absentee from the squad that played Stockport, as he was left at home suffering with a cold, he was replaced on the bench by Ashley Foyle. Hartlepool came out of the blocks quickly, but our centre back pairing of Holt and Taylor where able to fend off everything they threw at us, and when Paul McManus raced clear to open the scoring on 27 minutes we were able to settle down. We lost forward David Gilroy with a broken wrist after 36 minutes, which would rule him out for a month, and he was replaced by Paul Mullin, who almost made an immediate impact, only for the linesmans flag to rule his volley out. A crazy 10 minutes in the second half saw Porter, Daly (2) and Sweeney score for Hartlepool to leave us going home on the wrong end of a 4-1 hiding.
A Wayne Rooney penalty and a brace from Jermain Defoe saw England beat Macedonia at Wembley in their Euro Qualifier. They followed this up with a 3-2 defeat in Zagreb against Croatia, throwing away a 2-0 lead at half time. G.Neville and Rooney were on target for England.
Accrington v Boston, League 2
6 goal top scorer Paul McManus injured his ankle in training late on Friday so would miss the visit of Boston, he was replaced in the starting line up by David Brown, Paul Mullin replaced the injured David Gilroy. Andy Todd was back in training, but the Boston game came a little too early for him to feature. 20 year old Andy Mangan took up a spot on the bench to cover for our lack of reserve team strikers. Having scored 2 in 5 reserve games, I was hoping he could do a job if called upon. We took the lead after 7 minutes when David Brown capitalised on a loose pass by Galbraith to drill a low shot into the bottom corner, and thats the way it remained until half time. Ian Craney scored his first goal of the season early in the second half when he disposesed Galbraith to go through and lift the ball over the onrushing keeper. Thats the way it stayed, and the 3657 fans went home happy, and we picked up a valuable 3 points.
A couple of days later a fax was received from the FA to advise that keeper Robert Elliot and left back Leam Richardson had been named in the team of the week. Also this day saw the departure of Gary Roberts. Roberts left the club to join Championship side Ipswich Town for a fee of £200,000 which was arranged prior to my arrival as manager. It was a shame to lose a player of Gary's calibre, and he is going to leave a big gap on the right hand side. He had chipped in with 2 goals and an assist in his 13 appearances this season.
Gary Roberts - English - 22 (59/18) sold to Ipswich Town for £200,000.
Blackpool v Accrington, Johnstone Paint Trophy
The day after Roberts departune we took the trip to 10th place League 1 side Blackpool for the Paint cup tie. Andy Todd's return to fitness was welcomed and he came in to replace Roberts in an otherwise unchanged side. I told the lads that we hadn't come here to make up the numbers, and they seemed to agree, as Paul Mullin shocked the Bloomfield Road faithful with a stunning solo effort after 20 minutes, and this lead was doubled 8 minutes later when Ian Craney scored his second in as many games to give us a 2-0 lead at the break. Blackpool came out stronger in the second half a pulled a goal back on 52 minutes when Keigan Parker scored from the spot after Richardson upended Ben Burgess, we were bombarded after that and Elliot was in sensational form saving no fewer than 15 efforts on goal. So, when you need something to relieve the pressure on your team what do you do? Well, you send on youngster Andrew Mangan for his first team debut, and let him run at the tired Blackpool defence thats what! And boy did he do just that, on 80 minutes he scored a debut goal, curling the ball home from 12 yards, and then, 3 minutes later added his second and Accrington's 4th to ensure we went through to round 2.
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Our reward for dumping Blackpool out of the cup was another away tie to League 1 opposition to face Carlisle who beat Rochdale 2-1 in the previous round. It also came to my attention that Nottingham Forest has released experienced right back Nicky Eaden from his contract. Although getting to the end of his career, I felt the 33 year old could add something to the side, so I gave his agent a call, and made him an offer.
Wrexham v Accrington, League 2
Fourth placed Wrexham played hosts to the Stanley next, which saw Paul McManus make his return to the squad with a place on the bench. Andrew Mangan was rewarded for his brace with his first professional start alongside Mullin. Its always pleasing for a manager when a youngster who he shows faith in plays well on his debut, and Mangan was doing just that, a nice run and shot on 8 minutes was palmed away by Button in the Wrexham goal, but Sean Doherty was on hand to tap into the empty net. Neil Roberts equalised for the home side on 53 minutes after latching on to a deflected effort from Chris Llewellyn. It was at this point I decided to throw McManus into the fold and replace the tiring Paul Mullin. However it was Wrexham who stole the points with a 90th minute winner from Darren Ferguson that was clearly offside! It clearly was, and despite the referees apology after the game, it did little to ease the pain.
Nicky Eaden signed on the dotted line after the game. He had travelled unknowingly to me to watch the game and was impressed with what he saw. Eaden put pen to paper on a 2 year deal, it would be a few weeks before we would see him in a Stanley shirt, as having not played for Forest this season, he was very short of match practice.
Accrington v Notts County, League 2
Paul McManus returned to the starting lineup today in replace of the young Andrew Mangan who has a slight knock, but was fit enough for a place on the bench. We lost left back Leam Richardson and captain Stuart Hole in the morning, so they were replaced by Ashley Foyle and Micahel Welch respectively. As a result, Nicky Eaden took up a spot on the bench as our only remaining spare defensive player. Andy Smith gave the visitors the lead on 17 minutes with a well taken goal after a good team move. Further misery for the home fans was added when Michael Welch received his marching orders for a clothesline on the scorer on 28 minutes.
However, that seemed to spur us on, and on the stroke of half time, the returning Paul McManus rose highest to head home Sean Doherty's cross for a deserved equaliser. Ian Ross was running young Philip Edwards ragged on the right hand side, so I decided to throw Eaden on for the last half hour for his debit, and at the same time replace the now tired McManus with the sprightly Mangan, and it paid off immediately when Eaden cleared Gary Silks goalbound effort off the line. We were under the cosh from then on, as County looked to make the extra man advantage count, but it was the Benin International Romauld Boco who settled the match with a freekick on 82 minutes giving the home side the win.
We received 2 faxes today from the guys down at the FA. The first was to advise that Andy Todd was named in the League 2 team of the week, and the second to tell us we had drawn Johnstone Paint opponents Carlisle at home in the first round of the FA Cup.
Carlisle v Accrington, Johnstone Paint Trophy Round 2
We ended the month with a trip to Carlisle for the second round of the Paint Trophy. Nicky Eaden made his debut at right back, and John Cusick replaced the now suspended Michael Welch at centre back. First half goals from McDermott, Joyce, Murphy and Hindmarch put Carlisle 4-0 up and in control at the break, but two quick goals from Mullin and Craney gave the game some life in the second half before a late Karl Hawley penalty sealed a 5-2 victory for the League 1 side.
October had been an interesting month at The Crown, with 2 wins and 2 defeats in the league, and a win and a defeat in the Johnstone Paint Trophy including an impressive 4-1 win away to League 1 side Blackpool I was encouraged by the way things were going. We have a squad here capable of retaining its League 2 status, but results seem to remain inconsistent, just when we start to play well, we get hit by injuries and suspensions and thats enough to disrupt our form. We finish the month down 1 place in 17th.
We started November by signing young left back Ashley Foyle to a new 4 year contract and also bring in another freebie. 20 year old Luke Webb signed on a free after his release from Hereford, the ex-Arsenal trainee would add a new dimension to our midfield, and he was greeted in a similar way to Paul McManus upon his arrival.
Barnet v Accrington, League 2
Luke Webb took a spot on the Stanley bench for our trip to Boston after Romauld Boco picked up a knock in training on Friday. Michael Welch replaced Cusick at centre back, as captain Hole was not quite fully fit. Ashley Foyle celebrated his new contract by deflecting the ball past Elliot into his own net on 20 minutes, but the lead was short lived, Paul Mullin missed from the spot (out third miss in three attempts) before Craney slammed home the rebound, but just as it looked like we would go into the break level Barry Cogan popped up to send Barnet in 2-1 up. We were losing out in the middle of the park a little too easily, so I decided to throw Webb on for his debut, and Mangan upfront to freshen things up a little, and Webb instantly fed Mangan in to level the game and send Jimmy and myself into laugter on the sidelines. We were unable to hold on though, and Chris O'grady stole the points in the 81st minute.
After the game we completed the signing of 19 year old Winger Simon Whalley on a free transfer from non-league side Witton and also the loan signing of 19 year old Welsh forward Aaron Braisdell from Wrexham, it was a 3 month deal to cover us up front as we were suffering with long term absentees Leighton McGivern and David Brown.
Accrington v Carlisle, FA Cup Round 1
I was lucky enough to have Richardson and Hole back for the FA Cup tie, and they returned to the back 4. Dino Mazzola made way for Luke Webb to make his full debut in midfield and new signings Simon Whalley and Aaron Braisdell were named as substitutes. We were eager to make up for the 5-2 defeat by the same opponets in the Paint Trophy and when Paul Mullin got his left toe to Nicky Eaden's 24th minute cross we were looking good to do just that, but goals from Murray and Hawley sent the visitors into the break with a 2-1 advantage. When Paul McManus hit his 10th of the season to draw us level on 60 minutes I sensed the chance to take the game to our League 1 opponents. I withdrew Mullins and Todd and threw on Braisdell and Whalley for their debuts, but it was Carlisle's Karl Hawley that won the game with his second to give the visitors the win and a place in round 2.
Rochdale v Accrington, League 2
It was 20th v 19th at Spotlands as we kept the same side that just lost out to Carlisle last weekend in a hope that we could pick up the points to help us go up the league. Our task was made a little easier when Lee Crooks was sent off for Rochdale after 22 minutes and Alan Goodall turned the resultant free kick past his own keeper, but Keith Barker levelled on 31 minutes only for Ian Craney to restore our lead at the break after 36 minutes. Keith Barker levelled the game for 10 man Rochdale before Derek Imrie gave the home side a surprise lead, but Ian Craney spared our blushes with a 90th minute equaliser to deny the 10men of Rochdale a victory.
"Its getting annoying now Jimmy, we are giving away silly goals late on in games, and they are costing us."
"I know mate, we have the players to ensure we finish in the top half this season, but the way we are going we are going to be lucky to avoid the drop. It cannot be doing Maccy any good, for all the goals he scores the defence go and undo all his hard work" Jimmy responded.
"True, lets hope things sort themselves out, or come January we are going to need some experience at the back."
After the Rochdale game, I received a call from Leeds United manager Dennis Wise offering me the services of Ian Moore on a free transfer. There is no doubt Moore could do a job for us, but he is getting on in years, and for what he will cost in wages I cannot see him doing enough to warrant the outlay, and anyway, we have McManus. I polietely declined the offer.
Accrington v Hereford, League 2
23rd place Hereford were the visitors to The Crown for this chilly November fixture. Nicky Eaden had picked up a knock in training and missed out to be replaced by Peter Cavanagh in our only change to the starting eleven. Romualdo Boco was now fully fit and took his place on the bench. The first half of this game did nothing to warm the 3783 fans that made the trip to the game this afternoon and the game trudged along to half time.
In an effort to spring some life into the game I took off Todd, Webb and Mullin and threw on Whalley, Boco and Mangan, but it was winger Sean Doherty that livened things up in the last minute, but it was worth waiting for. Doherty picked the ball up from Elliots release on the half way line and headed for goal, after beating 3 defenders he drilled the ball past Rudolph on the Herefore goal to snatch all 3 points, and deservedly so.
At the end of November Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o was crowned World Player of the Year, with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Chelsea's John Terry second and third respectively. On the domestic front, our very own Ian Craney was named League 2 Player of the Month, and also took the top 2 goals in the goal of the month award.
Accrington Stanley, who are they? 
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