An expert view on Stanley's preparations for the new season
Keay gives us the lowdown on Accrington Stanley.Sheldan
Last season – summary…
Stanley surprised everyone last season and went from being one of the favourites for relegation to one of the best teams in the division.
John Coleman worked well within his small budget to put together an impressive squad and overcome all the odds by challenging for promotion.
They tried to play fluid passing football when possible and it meant their style was easy on the eye and arguably made them the best footballing side in the league.
Ultimately, they suffered heartbreak during the final day of the regular season when they dropped from second place to fourth and missed out on the automatic places.
Accrington were then knocked out of the play-offs by eventual winners AFC Wimbledon, but achieving the highest position in the club’s history is still an accomplishment they should be proud of.
Star Man of the side..
Josh Windass pulled the strings in midfield for most of the campaign, but his performances dipped when news of him signing a pre-contract with Scottish side Rangers broke earlier this year.
That allowed Billy Kee to step up to the plate instead, finishing as the club’s top league goalscorer with 17 goals, but it’s still hard to split Windass and Kee as both had extremely impressive seasons.
Prediction for next season …
Stanley will find it very tough to match their achievements from last season, especially as the other teams in the division now knows what to expect from them.
Several of Accrington’s players look set to leave the club after failing to sign new contracts, meaning that Coleman will have to re-build his squad.
The Reds boss showed last season that he’s capable of recruiting players that can help the club push for promotion, but a top 12 finish probably seems more likely for the club at the moment.
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