Accrington Stanley

Owner Andy Holt answered questions about Accrington Stanley at a packed Sports Bar tonight.

Andy discussed the club's finances, the new training ground, the playing budget among other items.

He highlighted how the club made a profit of £1.5m last year when, in 2014 when he took over, it was running at a loss.

He said John Coleman's playing budget is £1.6m for the new season  - this is set so the club breaks even and doesn't include extra revenue from player sales and any cup runs.

"It means we have the second lowest budget in League One, I think only Wycombe's will be lower," said Andy.

Andy says the average home league attendance has risen to 2,972 - and he hopes it will rise to 4,000 over the next few years as they make Stanley a real community club.

He talked about the new training ground at King George's Playing Fields, rented off Hyndburn Borough Council, and the £200,000 spent on the pitch over the summer to stop it flooding.

"I think we will have one of the best pitches in League One now," he said. "I did not want to spend it but it had to be done and I am pleased with the pitch."

Andy stressed he wanted to keep the ethos of the club as work continues around the ground.

"I want it to be Accrington Stanley and not corporate, all shirt and ties."

He added: "I am proud of what we have achieved over the last four years and there is more work to be done but I do want to retire in 10 years time, I have children and grandchildren, and I want to make Accrington Stanley a real community club that can survive on its own and I will come as a fan, have a pint and no stress!"