Happy New Year to All Stanley Supporters!
With an exciting programme of home pre-season friendlies and a season- opening match against Charlton at home to get our teeth into, we’re coming out of the closed season doldrums with a blast of high calibre football. Along with opponents like Derby and Barnsley, as well as old rivals Exeter and Forest Green (and even Tranmere, in the Caribou Cup), the 2022-23 season is not going to be boring at Whambley.
As has become a regular event, this newsletter will be published on our website every other month in January, March, May (TBC), July, September and November and a link emailed to all OASST members who have elected to receive it. Previous newsletters from September 2020 onwards are available to read by following this link.
We attempt to provide information and stories of interest to Stanley supporters as a complement to the official club news sources; if there is something that you feel we could usefully include, please contact the editor at editor@onstanleyon.com
Ross Sykes
It came as no great surprise to read that Ross has been transferred (to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise); all Stanley fans have known for quite a while that it was only a matter of time before he left us for greater things…if there are greater things than playing for Stanley…
Plenty has been written about Ross (the Club’s website story is here) but, more than most, he will be missed. We’re all members of the Stanley family, but there’s no doubt Ross was a favourite son, having brought along most of his own family with him! No doubt Coley will already have plans for replacing him – let’s hope we don’t get too many more negative transfer stories before the window closes…
Win a pair of tickets to Accrington Stanley vs Tranmere Rovers in 1st round of the Carabao Cup, courtesy of Carabao Energy Drink
“Dawn of a New Era” Sports Dinner
We are delighted to be welcome Dean Saunders to the Wham Stadium, no, not in a belated comeback to replace Dion Charles, but as our guest speaker at our special Dawn of a New Era sports dinner.
For full information and booking form, please visit this page
Membership
If you haven’t already done so, t’s time to renew your OASST membership, which runs from 1st July to 30th June each year, for the laughably low price of £5.
In doing so, you will be supporting the work of the Trust which exists to enhance the experience of the club’s supporters by providing facilities, advice, information and entertainment through fundraising. In common with the club, the Trust is also conscious of its role within the wider community and has relations with the Royal British Legion, Maundy Relief and other local organisations.
To read more about membership, and to join, please visit the Membership page.
Two other activities of the Supporters’ Trust are Club 1968 and Away Travel…read on…
Club 1968
Each month, £1500 is awarded to lucky Club 1968 winners, to find out how to become a member, please see here
June Prize Draw – click here for results
July Prize Draw – click here for results
Away Travel
In the 21-22 season, we were proud to arrange travel to every away game and plan to repeat that for the season coming.
The latest information on this coming season’s Away Coach Travel is as follows:
Once again we are hoping to go to every away match but we are aware that prices are likely to rise by a fairly large amount due to fuel prices. We are again using Red Rose coaches and are expecting travel prices and departure times soon.
Following consultation involving the Supporters’ Trust; officials from the club; Red Rose Coaches; and our liaison police officers, we have made the following changes for the coming season:
- Under 12s to pay 2/3 of the full price whilst everyone else will pay full price.
- Any under 16 year old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. An adult can be responsible for up to three children and this doesn’t have to be a parent. However this responsible adult will be responsible for all the journey and the behaviour of the youngsters, before, during and after the match.
- Everyone who travels on the coach must be a member of the Supporters’ Trust – the cost is just £5 per year and membership runs from the 1st July to the 30th June. People can renew/join the Trust at the market shop; on line on the website; at the Clayton End table before our home matches or directly by contacting membership@onstanleyon.com. Under 12s will join the Junior Redz with the same conditions – for this you can also contact Ken Jefferson (07490825242).
Please remember that these changes have followed the meeting at the beginning of this report.
The rules on the coach remain unchanged:
- No alcohol allowed on board (this is the law for any organised coach travelling to a sports fixture).
- No bad language – respect for everyone on board regardless of age, sex, colour or religion.
Finally, we hope to have details of the first few trips by next weekend.
Supporters’ Chaplain
It’s now a year since Deb accepted the rôle of supporters’ chaplain…
“Hi to Stanley fans – Old and New!
Since my last article in the newsletter, we have been excited with the new hospitality facilites at the Wham Stadium. This adds more excitement for me with the opportunity to mingle and to build more friendships with fans – also to keep sampling the Madri lager too! We have some top facilities now and this will be added to with the new changing rooms which are coming on at a fast pace.
Good Friday saw all Under 12’s at the Wham receive an Easter Egg (thanks to Studio for supplying them and also to Murray Dawson who organised it brilliantly). Joanne and one of the girls from the kiosk made great Easter Bunnies for the afternoon. I politely declined as I’d just had my hair done!
In May we had our End of Season Dinner which was nice to see all the players and staff “relaxing”. It was a privilege as Supporters’ Chaplain to say grace before our meals and for being thankful for what we sometimes take for granted. But we must also not forget to think about those in our community who have to rely on foodbanks and other charities as they struggle to find enough money to put food on their tables.
It was lovely at the end of the evening for a supporter to come to me and give me £100 for a charity of my choice – which was Hyndburn Food Pantry, a charity in the town centre who reaches out to those who are struggling in the current climate. It’s where a member of my church volunteers, too so it’s good to have that close connection with the charity. Thank you once again Mr X (I know you didn’t want being named hence Mr X) – you’ve got a heart of gold!
On a more sombre note there have been fans who have lost loved ones and conducting services has been an absolute honour – each one unique for a unique person. From the internment of ashes to funeral services at crematorium, times in which I can give words of comfort to family members in their time of sorrow.
We are all one family here at Stanley and that is why I love this club and doing this job. As I’ve said before let’s all look out for one another in these trying times.
As the new season is about to begin let’s once again get behind John and Jimmy and the lads as we see them move up the League 1 table.
As ever I can be found around the ground at home matches and some away matches so please stop me and have a chat .
On Stanley On
Debra chaplain@onstanleyon.com
Useful numbers of some organizations:
Lancashiremind Local Mental Health Support 0800 953 0110
Samaritans Call 116 123 24hrs
Papyrus (Suicide prevention for under 35s) Hopeline UK 0800 068 4141 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm Sat-Sun 12 noon-12 midnight
Childline 0800 1111
Carers helpline (run by people with experience in care for people with MH issues) 0333 103 9747
Maundy Relief Counselling Service 01254 233 457 counselling@maundyrelief.org.uk
Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline-Refuge 0808 2000 247 (24hrs)
Coming Soon…
On August 13, we play Burton and it will be John and Jimmy’s 1000th match in charge, a very special achievement for two men still at the height of their powers coaches.
The Stanley Ultras are planning a fundraiser to celebrate and details will be on the website and social media.
Changes to the Board
Megan Parker has decided to step down from her board position due to work commitments, however she will continue to be a co-opted member and will continue her work with the Junior Redz club.
We are delighted to welcome Jodie Boast as a new co-opted board member with immediate effect as she will inject a new and youthful impetus to our team.
Retail
A unique opportunity to own one of these strictly limited edition towels
£12.99 by mail plus UK postage £1.83
They are also available in the market shop at £12.99.
To own your own ASFC Golf Towel, please visit The Market Place
Limited Edition Collectors’ Item
Limited edition, framed & handsigned, celebrating 20 years for our management duo.
Measures 63cm wide x 53 high.
Ideally, you will collect, or we can deliver locally within BB postcodes.
Any postage by special arrangement.
£50 each.
To reserve yours, please complete the form on this link
ASFC Women’s Sponsorship
The Accrington Stanley Supporters’ Trust are delighted to announce our new sponsorship with ASFC Women’s Kelsea Tracey for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
OASST Chair, Peter Leatham commented, “Kelsea is an exciting attacking midfielder with a great turn of pace and an eye for goal so we are absolutely thrilled to be able to sponsor her for the new season. Participation in women’s football has never been higher, and with England hosting this summer’s European Championships, now is a fantastic time for girls to get involved in the sport, and we will be doing everything we can to support our Women’s teams.”
For further info on the team and how to join, please visit the Amazing Accrington website.
England Play at The Wham
The assembled multitudes, well about 100 good burghers of Accrington, were treated to a thought provoking performance of the one woman show EN-GER-LAND, as performed by Hannah Kumari.
The show, presented by the Trust and staged in the 1968 Lounge, portrayed one young woman’s foray into the male dominated arena of football supporters in the mid 1990’s. This being allied to her mixed Scottish and Indian heritage presented a number of challenges.
With a liberal mix of humour, song and dance the show captures her journey which unfortunately met a tragic end, not fatal fortunately, and makes her question all the values she held so dear.
It also posed some questions of audience and made a potential reevaluation of certain moral standings a necessity.
The performance was impeccably delivered and for one person to remember, and to hold
an audience for nearly an hour was quite some feat.
The show was sponsored by the Football Supporters Association and its Fans for diversity and has been touring nationwide.
Peter J Leatham chair@onstanleyon.com
Stanley Players Shoot Birdies
In an unparalleled break in tradition, it actually didn’t rain, the trust staged the ASFC annual golf day last week at a resplendent Accrington Golf Club.
The record entry of 17 teams were boosted further, or not in some cases, by their additional team member from the Stanley playing staff and management. With some of the “staff” handicaps on display it’s surprising they actually find time to train as the golf will certainly take some maintaining.
The club allowed a shotgun start at 1pm which meant that a. No one actually got shot and b. The teams generally finished at the same time which saves sitting around for hours before we can eat.
The golf was certainly mixed and varied but, most importantly, all enjoyed their afternoon albeit with some mixed fortunes.
The winning side, and keeping up a fine streak, was Matt Lowe with the WDS team whilst Clayton Park Bakery, with Matty Carson, came a close second on a card count back.
We must thank CSM steel stockholders for their kind sponsorship and our accountants Hindle,Jepson & Jennings for their prize sponsorship.
Peter J Leatham chair@onstanleyon.com
Stanley and iFollow
Chairman Andy Holt has never been shy about expressing an opinion on the governance and finance of English football. One particular bone of contention has always been the remuneration model of the EFL broadcasting system, iFollow. Initially refusing to partake, Stanley’s arm was twisted and we became participants, however, following recent decisions, Andy has written to EFL, withdrawing our support until such time as the model is revised favourably. His letter is reproduced below:
A Good Read About The Gaffer
Breaking Ceilings
Years ago, I managed to change my attitude towards defeats.
Losses used to hit me really hard; sometimes I’d be down for weeks on end. I was replaying games in my head over and over and over again.
It was affecting my life and my family’s life. It just wasn’t healthy.
Click here to read the rest of the interview on the Coaches Voice website
FREE 22/23 League One Fantasy League for Accrington Stanley supporters
Full Time
That’s all for this issue, I hope you found something of interest to you or maybe you’d like to suggest topics for future editions. On Stanley On!
Mike Procter editor@onstanleyon.com