No fear in new division
SHELDAN KEAY
ACCRINGTON Stanley defender Callum Johnson says his side will have no fear in League One this season despite being perceived as one of the biggest underdogs in the division.
The Reds face a similar battle to what they endured during most of their League Two campaigns, with many onlookers and critics writing the side off before a ball has even been kicked.
Johnson says the team isn’t fazed by what those doubters think, and believes the team’s impressive pre-season campaign, which has seen them beat the likes of Huddersfield Town and Middlesborough, will stand them in good stead for the competitive action.
“We go into it with no fear, we believe in our philosophy and the way we play. We are always confident and these preseason results, beating Huddersfield and Middlesbrough so far, gives us even more confidence,” he told the club’s official website.
“I am raring to go now, we will take each game in League One as it comes but we want to finish as high as we possibly can, we want to finish higher than just avoiding relegation.”
Johnson played the full 90 minutes against his former side Middlesbrough on Saturday, and he was pleased with the result.
“My first game for Accrington was against Middlesbrough Under 23s in the Checkatrade Trophy so it was a different test on Saturday,” he said.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game but I was impressed with the way we played, I thought we played some good football and showed what a good side we are.
“We are playing with a lot of confidence but I am disappointed we let in three goals.
“There is stuff to be worked on but there is always going to be. It was nice to win, I want to win every game, and it was great to get my first 90 minutes under my belt, I felt good. It was a bit more special for me that it was against Boro.”
Stanley have their final pre-season game on Saturday as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to the Wham Stadium.
‘We want to finish as high as we can – higher than just avoiding relegation’