[g jones]

I first went to Rovers in 73 but started regularly in 78 and had a season ticket up to 94. Couldn't afford between 94-2000 so went occasionally. Had a season ticket since 2000.

My dad is from Mill Hill and at the time like many my age only had Burnley and Rovers to choose. All my friends similarly are Rovers fans and we still go as lifelong friends. Stanley's demise did lead to a generation going elsewhere. My uncle was an apprentice when they went bust. Rovers took him on briefly.

I try to get to Stanley. I always go when I can and always pay as a poi for principle even though I know the previous owners well.

Stanley tend to pair off their fixtures with Rovers sadly and mid weeks are impossible. I reckon I get to about 10 games a season.

Out of town retail parks hit town centre spend. Accrington is struggling. It will take many years before it turns around but it will and we can accelerate that by having a long term view.

That view is to;

Have many more people living in the town centre
Reduce the edge of town shops and overall numbers
Improve transport links
Focus on being a market town and the great heritage
Build the market hall up so people come from further afield
Move from general to bespoke, retail to leisure retail

Slow progress is being made on all of those.

Graham