ANDY Dibble admitted he had a tear in his eye when he said farewell to his Accrington Stanley colleagues this week.

The well-travelled Wales international has joined ambitious Championship side Coventry City as their new goalkeeping coach.

But he revealed it was a decision he didn't take lightly.

"It was hard to tell John (Coleman) I was leaving," the 41-year-old said.

"I'm very sad to have left but I had all last weekend to think about it and, in terms of my career, it's the next step up the ladder for me.

"But I've enjoyed absolutely every minute. I can't thank the people there enough for what they've given to me."

And he said being part of Stanley's Conference-winning campaign was one of the highlights of his career that has taken him to, among other clubs, Manchester City, Glasgow Rangers, Stockport County and Wrexham.

"The biggest thing was the game (at Woking) where we clinched it," he said.

"Rob (Elliot) was brilliant with the penalty saves. It was a fantastic moment.

"But also the first game at Chester. Being part of a football club that's been out of the Football League for so long and going to back into it was a great experience.

"It's been one long story of success since I went to Accrington, and I hope it continues for them.

"And I don't see any problem there whatsoever. They've got a great management team, a great set of lads and a great team spirit."

Dibble turned down the chance to join former club Stockport in the build-up to the Reds winning the Conference title.

"I proved my loyalty to John and Jimmy when Stockport was on my doorstep," he said.

"But Coventry are one step from the Premier League. They are a big club with a big, new stadium.

"Everything in football is a gamble. I'm just going to go in and do my best."

But Dibble is confident he is leaving Stanley in the safe hands of goalkeepers Elliot, Ian Dunbavin and Francois Dubourdeau.

"I've got on with everyone, I'm not just interested in the goalkeepers. I've had experiences in my playing career and sometimes I try to help other people at the club too," he said.

"But the keepers at the club have been brilliant.

"Rob was outstanding last season and is very unfortunate not to be in the team at the moment.

"Ian's done really well and worked hard to get in the team, and Francois has been great.

"They've all worked really hard for me and I can't thank them enough for the effort they've put in."

But, as well as nurturing the Reds' goalkeeping talent, Dibble has left a lasting legacy at the club.

"I nicknamed them the Crazy Gang straight away. They brought back memories of the old Wimbledon doesn't happen a lot now in football," he said.

"They have kept that camaraderie from their non-league days.

"They're like a family, and you won't find that everywhere you go in football."

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