Accrington Stanley Blog: Next boss will be a huge call (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington Stanley Blog: Next boss will be a huge call

11:40am Wednesday 25th January 2012 in News By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter

IT is a brave man who follows John Coleman as Accrington Stanley manager, and the appointment of his replacement may be the Reds’ biggest footballing decision for more than half a century.

In Stanley’s history, many would suggest that only one manager’s achievements can even compare.

Walter Galbraith took Accrington to their highest ever league position in 1955 and 1958, twice finishing second in Third Division North as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the second tier.

Galbraith quit in August 1958 and his successors, hampered by growing financial issues at the club, could not live up to his achievements. The Reds were forced to resign from the Football League four years later.

The ramifications on this occasion are likely to be less drastic, but repeating Coleman’s success will be some task.

Fans and players are undoubtedly distraught that they have lost Coleman and his trusted assistant Jimmy Bell.

The duo had been at the club so long that it will take some time to adjust to the change.

The loss of Andy Procter to Preston could also make an impact. A squad looking for guidance must find it without their long-serving skipper.

The caretaker set-up of Leam Richardson, Bryan Hughes and head of youth Phil Hackney will attempt to stabilise the situation, and possibly even offer a long-term option.

What seems certain is that Stanley will need a strong character capable of replacing Coleman’s presence while possessing the sensitivity not to try to fix things that aren’t broken.

He will need to work with a limited budget while dealing with expectations raised by his predecessor. Stanley should be well clear of danger this season, and the play-offs remain achievable, but the priority in the years to come must surely first be to keep Accrington in the Football League.

Finding that man is easier said than done. Blackburn Rovers and Burnley respectively found that replacing Mark Hughes and Owen Coyle was no simple task.

Moreover, the current Stanley board are appointing a manager for the first time.

Already mentioned in connection with the job, Paul Cook would seem to be one who appears a respectable candidate. He has enjoyed success with Sligo in Ireland and remains popular with the fans from his time at the club.

There will be other options too, of course, and Stanley will think carefully. They know all too well that they must choose wisely now.