[shillelagh]

From this weeks accy observer

Stanley chiefs have insisted the save out stanley campaign has not stalled, despite the club collecting just over half of its £150,000 target at this stage.
The SOS was given a flying start with £35,000 raised by a friendly match at turf moor but the total now stands at just over £80,000 in the three weeks since fundraising began - despite owner dave o'neill aiming to raise £50,000 every seven days.

The red have been given until 24 October to clear a tax debt of £308,000 or face the very real threat of a winding up order issued by the tax man. Owner Mr O'Neill has just embarked on a short holiday, while vice chairman Peter Marsden has also been away recently.

But chief executive Rob Heys insists the money raising has not been neglected and there remains the promise of directors finding money out of their own pockets to match the donations of fans.

Last saturday stanley midfielder john mullin was officially presented with the massive cheque by generous neighbours burnley, ahead of the clarets match with sunderland at turf moor.

In the latest venture the stanley supporters club will be selling wrist bands costing £1.50 each at the ground tonight (friday) ahead of the crewe alexandra match - and the club is hoping for another bumper turnout having brought the fixture forward by a day.

Mr Heys said: "There have been a few days over the last week or so when we haved had to concentrate on the day to day running of the club. However that doesnt mean we have neglected the fundraising altogether".

Stanley are also eyeing matches against a blackburn rover XI and an american side from the united soccer league first division at the crown ground.

Mr Heys said fundraising events continue to be organised around the country including a race night in london's porters bar, bucket collections are planned at both ewood park and anfield for premier league matches tomorrow, and then on sunday there will be a fundraising evening arranged by stanley pa announcer dominic walker at rewind in burnley. Gormer 2br sports presenter dominic waker, who presents on rock fm and heat radio will be djing along with rewind resident dj alex o'neill.
Stanley staff and management will be there and party goers will get the chance to win a mascot package at a stanley game and a signed reds shirt. The event starts at 9pm and admission is £2 all of which goes straight to the save our stanley fund. Also tonight there will be disco in the crown pub after the crewe game.

Mr Heys added: "Donations continue to come into the club both through the post and in person, and also via paypal through the save our stanley website. Looking ahead to the next few weeks we have been invited to join local swimming club pioneer 79 for their 30th anniversary dinner at mytton fold at which barry fry will be the guest speaker". The event is pencilled in for 9 october and 20 per cent of the proceeds raised will be donated to the club. Tickets available now from steve makin on 07747 843456 at £30 each.