As the new season is now underway, David Lloyd is continuing to look for at least 250 'Red Knights' to each donate £1,000 and 10 'Red Barons' to each donate £10,000 to Accrington Stanley FC.
Already a number of Red Knights have signed up to the scheme, and as we start our tenth season back in the Football League we are looking for more people to sign up and support the club!
Remember that each 'Red Knight' will have their name and a short personal message inscribed in a 'Wall Of Honour' to be a focal point at the stadium whose location will be decided in consultation with the Official Supporters Club. Interspersed with the bricks will be names of past and present Stanley heroes for which supporters will be given the chance to vote on their inclusion within the Wall.
Each 'Red Baron' will have their name and a short personal message inscribed in a Memorial Arch leading up to the Ground. The Memorial Arch will feature people and events of a non-footballing nature that have shaped the heritage of the town of Accrington.
Whilst it would be fantastic if as many of our loyal regular supporters as possible could individually (or collectively club together) to take part, we are only too aware that for many times are quite hard.
It is hoped that this Red Knight / Red Baron initiative will particularly appeal to those supporters of ours who are based up and down the country and abroad who for geographical reasons are unable to come to many home games but still wish to show their love for the Club in some tangible way.
Possibly others drawn towards the campaign are those who follow other bigger clubs but who have a soft spot for Accy, those with a love of grassroots 'real' football, those who are naturally inclined to support the underdog or those wishing to right the wrongs of 1962.
An inscribed brick would also be an ideal way of honouring a departed loved one who was a keen Stanley supporter or player.
We also hope local businesses will wish to help, as testimony to their support not just for the football club but for the town of Accrington. A vibrant football club is important for business as it reflects the well-being of the town.
David Lloyd says "we are unique in name, founder member of the Football League and the Club That Wouldn't Die. We want to build on that and would ask our friends and supporters worldwide for their support. We want to ensure that our Community has a football team that is on a firm footing and a team that our wonderful loyal supporters can be proud of".
Club Chairman Peter Marsden says "every £1,000 received will not only go towards making the Club more sustainable but the nearer we get to the £250,000 target (£350,000 if we include the Memorial Arch) the more it allows us to 'push on'. By this I mean giving John Coleman the money to put together a promotion chasing squad with better training facilities too and also set aside money to carry out improvements to the ground which will enhance spectator experience. An even better squad and a better ground will we hope lead to better gates.
"I am deeply grateful for David Lloyd (Accrington's most famous sporting son and a lifelong Red) to agreeing to personally lead this initiative and I would urge all those who are able to help take this Club to another level and be recognised with another ‘Bumble Brick'".
Club CEO Alan Pickup says "Stanley is the smallest and we believe the proudest club in the Football League. For a Club our size we are unique in the level of national and international fame and support that we carry. This initiative gives the opportunity for our supporters wherever they are enable us to build on this and break new ground...please help put “Another Brick in the Wall” (Pink Floyd 1979)”
Manager John Coleman says "having been here at the start of our journey into the Football League, it is great to still be here competing in the League at the level we do. The people of Accrington have been wonderful in helping us achieve our dream and it would help us immensely if all those with Stanley in their heart can assist in this venture”
How to contact us:
By post to The StoreFirst Stadium, Livingston Road, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5BX, England
By phone to +44 (0) 1254 356950
By e-mail to info@accringtonstanley.co.uk
Methods of payment we are able to accept:
By cheque drawn on a UK Bank. Please make payable to “Accrington Stanley Football Club”.
By direct bank transfer to:
Accrington Stanley – Stanley Legends Account
Account No: 10116010
Sort Code: 16-11-14
IBAN (for transfers from overseas accounts): GB81RBOS16111410116010
By credit/debit card by phone (Red Knights and Red Barons)