The Opposition: Accrington Stanley (A)

The Opposition: Accrington Stanley (A)
Everything you need to know about Saturday's opponents

March 2nd 2023FGR Media

We make our first trip to the Wham Stadium since 2018 on Saturday to take on Accrington Stanley.

This weekend's hosts currently sit 21st in the League One table. Here's everything you need to know about our opponents ahead of the trip to Lancashire.

IN THE DUGOUT: JOHN COLEMAN

Following Gareth Ainsworth's departure from Wycombe Wanderers last week, Accrington boss John Coleman is now the second longest-serving manager out of the 92 Premier League and Football League clubs.

Coleman has been at the Wham Stadium since September 2014 - and his achievements with Stanley have been remarkable. Accrington were rooted towards the bottom of League Two when he took over nearly nine years ago, and now they are into their fifth consecutive season in League One.

Since being promoted to the third tier, Coleman has led Accy to 14th, 17th, 11th and 12th-placed finishes. This season is proving a little bit more of a struggle, with the Lancashire-based club currently 21st - but they do have games in hand over every other team in the relegation scrap.

ONE TO WATCH: SHAUN WHALLEY

Whalley signed for Accrington last summer after playing over 250 games at Shrewsbury Town during a seven-year period. The 35-year-old is now well into his second spell at Accrington between 2006 and 2008.

Whalley is a vastly-experienced operator at League One level, playing over 245 games in the third tier. According to FBREF, Whalley is the most fouled player in League One this season, drawing 63 fouls in total.

He can play anywhere across the forward line, and is likely to play just off Brentford loanee Aaron Pressley on Saturday.

FORM: DLWLD

25/02/23 - Burton Albion 0-0 Accrington Stanley

22/02/23 - Accrington Stanley 0-2 Bolton Wanderers (Papa Johns Trophy)

18/02/23 - Accrington Stanley 1-0 Shrewsbury Town

14/02/23 - Accrington Stanley 0-2 Wycombe Wanderers

11/02/23 - Cheltenham Town 0-0 Accrington Stanley

PLAYED FOR BOTH SIDES

Here's a look at three players who have played for both Forest Green and Accrington Stanley.

FARREND RAWSON

Before joining Forest Green in January 2018, Rawson had spent the first half of the season on loan at Accrington Stanley from Derby County.

Rawson played 14 games on loan at the Wham Stadium, before he returned to Pride Park in January, when Rovers swooped in and signed the defender on an initial 18-month deal.

JONNY MAXTED

Maxted won the League Two title with Accrington in the 2017/18 season, despite only playing one game. He served as back-up to Aaron Chapman - but he played 19 times in League One in the following season.