Accrington Stanley boss hits back at critics

5:25pm Friday 25th April 2008

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JOHN Coleman has took a swipe at those criticising Stanley's management team - insisting relegated Wrexham would trade everything to be in their position.

Colemen's men travel to the Racecourse Ground tomorrow, with the doomed Welsh club's fate already sealed.

For Stanley, their place in the Football League is assured after last weekend's results went in their favour.

However, earning a third straight campaign in League Two has not been enough to satisfy a small section of disgruntled Stanley fans that have voiced their opinion towards Coleman and assistant Jimmy Bell.

A tiny minority have even called for the duo's resignation, claiming there is a lack of team spirit in the camp.

But Coleman has issued a defiant message, insisting there is no disharmony between the players and staff at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.

And he went on to suggest that those dissenting voices need a sharp reminder of how far the club has come in such a short space of time and, given the Reds' small gates and budget compared to rival League Two clubs, they are punching above their weight.

"We've come in for a lot of criticism from our fans," said Coleman.

"I know they pay their money and are entitled to their opinions - and certainly at home, we deserve that criticism.

"But let's get one thing straight - Wrexham would now give everything they've got to swap places with us.

"You have to put things in perspective.

"It's been a long hard slog, but when we've needed to go out and win, we have, and that's the character of the players.

"I've heard some absolute drivel in the last couple of weeks about a lack of team spirit and harmony, and players not wanting to play for me and Jimmy (Bell).

"But it could not be any further from the truth. You can speak to every single one of the lads and they will tell you exactly the same.

"They really enjoy coming into training and working hard, and hopefully if we can bring in the right players, we can take it that step further."

Attracting bigger crowds at home has been a long-running problem for Stanley.

They are the lowest supported team in the Football League this term, with an average of 1,592 per game, which is almost 500 short of Dagenham.

But Coleman believes he can still defy the odds and take the Reds to heady heights on such a low fan base.

He added: "We do as best as we can, but given the size of the club and the resources that we have to work with, and the money that we take in through the gate, it's an achievement staying in the Football League.

"But we've always had high expectations at this club.

"In our third season in the Conference, we were one of the low-paying teams, yet we ran out champions. It can be done.

"It does not happen very often, but it gives me the encouragement that I can build another team here that can challenge at this level - and hopefully higher."