TWO Accrington Stanley mad supporters will be taking over a pub with close ties to the club.

Will and Emma Gilmartin, who have worked at the venue for five years, will take over The Crown pub in Whalley Road.

Accrington Stanley had previously held the lease on the pub since former chairman and owner Eric Whalley was still at the helm more than 10 years ago.

However, landlords Emma and Will, who are both from Accrington, will now run the pub direct from Punch Taverns, although they will continue to work with the club on matchdays.

Mr Gilmartin, 36, said: “Because we’re big fans ourselves we can make that link between the club and fans in the area.

“It was on the verge of being sold a few years back, but now it is one of the core pubs in the group.

“We’ve had a really great five years working here so far, and we’re really excited to get the opportunity to give it a try and see what’s next.”

The couple already work at the pub with their daughter, Chloe, 25, and we’re offered the opportuntiy to run the pub by Punch Taverns after Stanley’s lease ran out.

The pair open the pub before away games to allow supports to meet up for a drink before the game.

Players from Stanley have also frequently visited the establishment over the years for food after games.

The pair are officially taking over the pub from Monday, and they will be closing from then until Thursday, December 1 for refurbishments.

Mr Gilmartin said: “It’s giving us the opportunity for a nice big refurbishment, we want something always going on.

“We already do Breakfast on a Sunday which is really popular and have live acts on the weekend and real ale.

“We want to try and keep the feel of it as a family community pub. We don’t want it to change too much, we want to do a bit of both food and drink.”

Stanley chief executive David Burgess has said that he believes that the move offers a great deal for everyone.

He said: “An improved agreement has been completed between the landlords, Punch Taverns and Will and Emma Gilmartin to take over the pub, which will ensure the pub remains within the Stanley family.

“Will and Emma will continue to work with the club on home match days with the catering and bar facilities within The Wham Stadium.”

“The club are delighted that Will and Emma have decided to take on the lease and I’m sure they will continue to deliver a first class service to all home and away supporters.”

For more information about Punch Taverns visit www.punchtaverns.com.