JOHN Coleman’s switch to Rochdale looks likely to end in relegation tomorrow, but for Kevin McIntyre the focus is on Accrington Stanley’s future rather than the past.

It is only natural that most at the Crown Ground will have had one eye on events at Spotland since Coleman and his assistant Jimmy Bell departed in January, ending more than 12 years at Stanley.

Ultimately, it looks like their first foray into League One will be brief.

Rochdale, who currently include former Reds quartet Michael Symes, Phil Edwards, Kevin Long and Sean McCon-ville in their squad on loan deals until the end of the season, are 11 points from safety with four games to go after Tuesday’s 5-2 home defeat to Sheffield United.

Relegation will be confirmed if they fail to beat Exeter tomorrow, setting up an intriguing meeting with Stanley in League Two next season.

Coleman and Bell returned to the Crown Ground to watch Stanley’s 2-1 win over Hereford on Monday and Reds defender McIntyre has only good words to say about the duo who brought him to the club last summer.

But his attention is on the Stanley trip to Cheltenham tomorrow and the club’s future under his former Tranmere Rovers team-mate Paul Cook – one he hopes he will continue to be a part of next season.

“It’s a difficult situation for Rochdale,” McIntyre said.

“John and Jimmy are great people and I’m sure next season they’ll be successful in what they do. But I’m sure Rochdale aren’t worried about us so I don’t think we’re worried about them really.

“All we need to do is concentrate on us and hopefully get a win at Cheltenham.

“Cheltenham will be feeling the pressure, they’re in the play-offs and they need to win.

“But we’ll go there and hopefully spoil the party.

“Performances on the whole have been much better of late, “There are four games left, so why not get four wins? I think with the performances we’ve been putting on we can do that.”

At the age of 34, McIntyre is two years older than assistant boss Leam Richardson but has added experience to the side at left back as he bids to secure a contract for next season.

He had played in midfield at previous club Shrewsbury but is just grateful for the opportunity to get regular games again.

“I must admit it took me a while to get used to playing at left back but I felt once I got to grips with it I’ve been trying to improve all season,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed it, it was a frustrating time for me at Shrewsbury last year so to come in and play as much as I have done, that’s what I wanted to do.

“Obviously the gaffer will decide who he wants to keep for next season but ideally I’d love to be part of that squad.”