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Crown Ground clash could clear turbulent air for either team
Accrington Stanley, one of the many tests of a football fan supporting any club below somewhere near Toddington services on the M1. Carlisle, of course, is one to tick off because of its sheer distance up the country. Southend and Luton always make the list because of economy-class seating arrangements and, in the case of Kenilworth Road, because you end up clambering through somebody’s balcony to reach your less-than-impressive plastic perch.
But there is something about heading to the Crown Ground that continues to test any away fan. I considered whether it’s the distance, but I don’t think it is. Plymouth, for example, is a long way away but a reasonably pleasant day out with a gentle sea breeze ruffling the hair and especially enjoyable in the summer. In terms of climate, Accrington’s no Adelaide – but even that’s not the problem.
And despite its size, the ground is nice and tidy and provides a decent view from terracing behind the goal. Around the corner is a cosy public house with affordable drink. Ticket prices have remained steady despite the club’s small attendances and impressive rise to the Football League.
So what can it be?
Well, it struck me that it is nothing to do with the journey and, on arrival, the surroundings but what you find when when your team lines up on the pitch. Until this week, John Coleman was the third longest-serving manager in the country, racking up just shy of 600 league games in charge across 12-and-a-half years. His teams gave him everything, and the opposition nothing.
Many will remember that cold Tuesday night FA Cup defeat a few years ago and of course the entertaining/demoralising 7-4 defeat there last season. Even the return ties at Priestfield have been tricky affairs, with good passing football gelled together with persistent harrying off the ball and a strong physical presence.
Not really the place to be heading for an under-fire Gillingham side and manager tomorrow, then. But Coleman’s departure to Rochdale creates an intriguing situation as Accrington try and come to terms with the exit of their figurehead.
Normally, the departure of a manager fails to rock the boat as much as expected, but tomorrow could be different. A tight-knit club has lost a man who led it to three promotions and a comfortable League Two position, even reaching the play-offs last year.
Yet Gillingham have their own problems at the back, and with a poor start to 2012 and a faltering push for promotion this season, neither side is going into the game in tip-top shape.
A win tomorrow will help resolve a few questions for either team. Let’s just hope it’s three points for the men wearing blue, a few answers and an easier journey back for those making the trip to Accrington.
