I’M SO PLEASED FOR YOU, JOHN
IT’S fair to say there has been little love lost between John Coleman and I over the years.
We have had some good duels and fought out the League Two play- off semifinals in 2010/11, when Stevenage eventually went on to win promotion at Old Trafford.
So it might be difficult to believe how pleased I was to see John, his assistant Jimmy Bell and Accrington promoted this week.
You see, even when you are competing head to head and hard with other managers, you always retain respect for the job that they have to do and the way in which they do it.
I don't know if John's budget is big or small but I am pretty sure he won't be spending anywhere near as much as Luton, Swindon, Coventry, Mansfield, Notts County and other well supported/backed clubs in League Two.
Yet that hasn't stopped him building a team that works its socks off to defend, that uses the ball intelligently when it has it and that has learned the art of winning games.
My Barnet lads took a point from Accrington and it was very hard- earned. They were fit, hungry, organised, progressive and very together; typical John Coleman.
I do not expect a Christmas card yet John, but a massive well done to you.
You went to Rochdale all those years ago now and it didn't work out. It would be great to see Accrington keep moving forwards, but equally great to see your chance come again.