A FORMER Accrington Stanley star is back within striking distance of the Reds - running a pub near the famous soccer minnows' ground.

Dave McDowell played for Great Harwood Town before joining Stanley as a left-wing in 1971. He played for the club throughout the 1970s.

Now 49, he has taken over as licensee of the Crown Hotel, Whalley Road, just behind Stanley's Crown Ground.

Dave, who is married to Beverley and lives with his three children, said: "Part of the reason we're here now is because of Accrington Stanley - it's a bit nostalgic, going back where you started out. But also it's a nice pub with a nice clientele

"I'm not going to turn it into a Stanley theme pub or anything like that. The pub is doing quite well already.

"The only thing I'm changing at the moment is having darts team nights - men on Tuesdays and ladies on Wednesdays."

Accrington Stanley chairman Eric Whalley has already dropped in to say hello to Dave.

Eric, whose company EW Cartons sponsors Cricket's Lancashire League, brought with him Rishton Cricket Club's new professional, New Zealander Paul Wiseman.

Dave, former licensee at The Bridge, in Henry Street, Church, said: "I know Eric very well and we are old mates. He's already come in with the new Rishton pro and I expect he and a few other people from Stanley will be calling in again."

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