Stanley the inspiration for Shrimps
SHELDAN KEAY
ACCRINGTON Stanley’s heroics from last season has now led to other clubs attempting to replicate the model that is in place at the Wham Stadium.
The Reds defied the odds last season when they finished as League Two champions, therefore earning promotion to League One despite having one of the smallest budgets in the example as someone who has struggled against relegation,” he said. “However, they have a new owner who has invested in the team, the club, the infrastructure and who has developed the ground. I’ve had seven years at Morecambe and haven’t paid a transfer fee but you’ve got clubs in Conference North making five or six-figure signings every year.
“We’re at a stage where we’ve reached rock bottom and – I’m not making excuses here – we were quite a long way away last year with the lowest budget. Not only have we struggled with facilities but we’ve had the transfer embargoes and off the field stuff with the ownership and boardroom turmoil, so it’s been really difficult.
“You look at Hartlepool, Leyton Orient and Tranmere who had the same thing and they ended up going out of the division.
“We’ve done really well to stay as a Football League club.
“I’m proud of that because it takes a lot of hard work and dedication even though times have been tough. We’ve stuck together in the face of adversity and we’ve come through it.”