Fans full of pride as Stanley open historic season
AWAVE of positivity surrounded Accrington Stanley as the club began life in League One at the weekend, their highest level since they reformed 50 years ago.
The club’s first third tier game at the Wham Stadium against Gillingham may have ended in defeat in front of a crowd of 2,201, but there was no mistaking the pride of supporters ahead of the game.
The stadium itself has been improved so in addition to League One football, there is a new 1,100 seater stand, sponsored by studio. co.uk, being built to replace the Cowshed and new floodlights have just been installed.
Fan Jason Fox, 23, of Manchester Road, Accrington said he believed Stanley are on the up.
He said: “For the first time in a long while things are on an upward curve. It’s great to come back here and see investment in the stadium with the new stand and floodlights.
“None of us could believe last season but it’s about hard work from the team now to build on last season.”
Stanley are also building new changing rooms between the William Dyer Electrical Stand and the Main Stand which should be completed this season.
The club have also put in a water harvesting system which redistributes rain water around the stadium as well as a new public address system.
Paula Fox, from Accring- ton, and her daughters Jessica and Leona, all resplendent in their replica kits, were excited ahead of the first game of the new campaign.
She said: “The girls absolutely love coming here, they are so excited ahead of the game and treasure their season tickets. They both idolise Billy Kee, and Leona, who has cerebral palsy, says watching Stanley has inspired her to want to become a footballer.”
Kevin Lewis, 77, is a long standing supporter who watched the team when they still played at Peel Park.
He said: “It’s great to see Stanley playing at a higher level. Everyone involved has done a great job.
“I think the foundations of this success were laid by some people who kept the club going through some hard times.”
Tommy Hughes, father of Stanley defender Mark, is in no doubt that the club is heading in the right direction. He said: “Mark’s at the best club he could be. He wouldn’t swap it for all the tea in China.”
Tough start for Reds in historic game - Sport