John Coleman admits he has fond feelings for Morecambe - except when Stanley play them.
The two clash today at the Globe Arena with Stanley boasting an enviable record of never losing to the Shrimps in the league since 2005 - that's 16 league appearances.
Coleman was a Morecambe legend in his time as a striker and admits: "I have a lot of friends at Morecambe. I regard the management team as two friends and a number of the directors are my friends.
"I had a smashing time there and I wish them no ill unless the times when we play them.
"They are always competitive and entertaining games and today will be no different."
Last season's encounter was a feisty affair with Terry Gornell sent off in the 1-1 draw and Coleman sent to the stands after an altercation in the dug-outs.
"There will be no trouble in the technical area," said Coleman. "There was only trouble last time because one of the Morecambe staff got carried away.
"We are both searching for that first win of the season to get our seasons up and running.
"It's irrelevant what has happened in previous games. They count for nothing now and you have to take each game on his own merits.
"The record may play on their minds a little bit but it will have no bearing on how we play. It's two sides 11 v 11 at the start - and I hope it is 11 v 11 at the end - and the best team will come out on top."
Morecambe captain Peter Murphy, who came through the ranks with the Reds, will miss the game after damaging his knee ligaments in their league opener, a 2-0 loss to Hartlepool, while former Stanley winger Lee Molyneux could start for the Shrimps.
"I spoke to Peter on Sunday and he is hoping it's not as serious as first thought," said Coleman. "I feel for him missing our game and the game against another of his former club's Wycombe as I know he will have wanted to play in them.
"He is a good player and would have been a threat and knowing Peter he will be back sooner than expected.
"Lee (Molyneux) is a talent and he has the ability to hurt us so we will have to be on our mettle."