Coleman says Stanley defence must improve to avoid the drop
Published:A poor string of results has seen Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman issue a warning to his squad as Accrington drop closer to the relegation zone.
Having started the season very strongly, Accrington were unbeaten in their first seven games, the north west club have lost four of their last five which has seen them slip from play-off contenders to relegation contenders.
“If we concede goals the way we’re conceding them at this moment, we’ll go down,” warned Coleman.
““It’s my job to respond and maybe do a bit of wheeling and dealing.”
Coleman would have to find some bargains of the Del Boy quality as Accrington are currently unable to afford anybody without having to let a current squad member leave.
Loan deals are an option for the club if they can negotiate paying a lower percentage rate than the 20% standard, but Coleman will have to move fast if he is to bring anyone in before the Reds FA Cup first round tie with Oldham Atheltic on Saturday.
It’s something of a derby for both clubs and Oldham will make the 30 minute drive north confident of victory – they are 5/4 favourites to beat Accrington.
But Coleman will want to use the FA Cup game to stop the current drought that Accrington find themselves in, and Coleman will find motivating his side for a tie with a local team that are 30 places higher than them in the Football League.
Accrington are 7/4 to upset the League One side and a win would instil some confidence in a side that faces winnable games at Southend and Bradford, and at home to Stevenage, in their following three fixtures.
Three wins would see Accrington rise back up the table again and they shouldn’t be ruled out of challenging for the play-offs.
Although at 80/1 to win League Two, the title is beyond Coleman’s side. See the full League Two football betting odds here.
