Many thanks to 67-year-old Canadian resident and passionate Stanley fan Tony Robinson who helped us out last season, with Trash Talk, and I think I’m right in saying he also appeared on MKDSA Matchday Live, so many thanks to him for once again getting involved and giving us a fans eye view of their club.
He is pictured below receiving his Accrington Stanley share certificate from none other than cricketing legend and famous Stanley fan David “Bumble” Lloyd.
Looking back to last season after a summer of reflection, what is your assessment of how you got on?
We finished 11th, our highest position ever, so overall a successful season although injuries stopped our run at a playoff position.
Looking forward, what are your expectations and hopes for this season?
John Coleman has retained most of his starting line-up and added a key midfield player in Harry Pell. We have a great strike force in Charles and Bishop and should be better this season. John has said he has one more promotion in him and the hopes are it’s this season. I think we will surprise a lot of teams and a playoff position is a realistic goal.
Can you tell us a little-known fact or historical event people may not of heard of 9nvolving your club?
The name Stanley comes from Stanley Street in Accrington where most of the players were based when Stanley Villa dropped the name Villa and took the town’s name in 1893 to become Accrington Stanley.
Are there any players “breaking through” from your system who could be the next big players for your club?
Two players come to mind and that is CB Ross Sykes, he came from the Academy and was injured for most of last season. He’s only 22 but has proved himself at this level, if he has a breakout year, he could be a transfer target for some top-level clubs. GK Toby Savin is only 20 years old and another academy player who can play at this level, last season was a big learning experience for him, and he will only get better, he’s another in a long history of Stanley keepers who could go onto play at the higher level.
How have your season ticket sales gone with potential issues and restrictions?
Stanley has a small season ticket base; small but loyal and sales are going very well. Last season very few asked for refunds, and I think we’ll see the numbers grow this season.
We have capped all our season tickets at £230 in all areas in case of local lockdowns to cover the £10 a game on iFollow, has your club done anything to try and help fans?
We are looking at something similar with our price at £229.
Has your club come up with any Initiatives?
This past off season has seen the start in construction of a new building behind and the length of the main stand for a lounge, hospitality etc and a television gantry. The idea is for it to be used for community and private functions and to make the club more visible in the Hyndburn Area.
Which MK Dons player stands out to you and why?
I must say I don’t know a lot of your players but one that I’ve seen play at the Wham who impressed me and that is Dean Lewington, he’s a solid player that would fit in with Stanley quite well.
What style of play can we expect to see from your team?
I think you will see a lot of ball control and with the players John Coleman has I can see him using a 3-5-2 system. We may have one of the tallest teams in the division so look for us to be dangerous on set pieces.
Have you ever been to Stadium MK, if so, what’s your opinion on it?
Unfortunately, no, living in Canada I’m thrilled just to get to the Wham Stadium.
Who are your tips for the league title, promotion, and relegation?
Well, that is tough considering when I wrote this the season hadn’t started but you must consider one the teams coming down from the Championship, so I’ll go with Sheffield Wednesday, and I fancy Charlton for automatic promotion with Rotherham as the playoff winners. For relegation I must go with Morecambe, Cambridge, AFC Wimbledon, and Shrewsbury.
Can you give us your match prediction?
An away win for Stanley 3-1 with Charles, Pritchard, and Pell scoring.
