John Coleman can’t wait for what he calls a ‘special game’ as Morecambe visit the Wham Stadium on Saturday for a Lancashire derby.
The two sides have faced each other from non-league days all the way through to League One and they are usually exciting games, in front of a passionate crowd, as both sides look for local bragging rights.
The Shrimps are currently 21st in the table but beat promotion-chasing Wycombe last week, lost narrowly to league leaders Wigan the game before, and have a big threat in 20-goal striker Cole Stockton.
The teams dream 3-3 at Morecambe in September, despite the Shrimps being down to ten men with Shane McLoughlin sent off, with Stockton scoring a late equaliser.
“Jimmy (Bell) still moans about game at Morecambe, it was a freak occasion when things conspire against you and that was one," said Coleman, whose side are in 13th place.
“Having played in the fixture for Morecambe against Accrington, I know it’s a special game and I know they will be buoyed by a good win last week, it will be a bumper crowd and a good atmosphere.
“I did the Play-Off semi-finals for Radio Lancashire and there was no one happier than me that Morecambe got promoted.
“Everyone knows my affinity to them and I had my best footballing years there. I met a lot of really good people who I am still good friends with. I want Morecambe to do well, just not against us.
“Stephen Robinson is a good lad, I did my coaching badges with him. He is a good footballing person, he knows his onions, he has done remarkably well to get a team going and they have had some great results this season.
“They have got one of the leading goalscorers in Cole Stockton and they have good footballers and he will be scratching his head about why it goes awry, as we all do, but that’s life in League One.”
Stanley will be looking to bounce back after the 2-1 defeat at Ipswich stopped their five-game unbeaten run.
Ross Sykes is back in the fold after suspension with midfielder David Morgan pushing for a first team place.
Both came through an Under 23s 7-0 victory over Walsall midweek.
“Ross Sykes got 90 minutes, it was good to get some minutes into the bulk of the lads who are making up the squad. The lads played well and it was a good win.
“We have plenty of competition in midfield when we get everyone fit. Seamus Conneely isn’t a million miles away, this weekend might be too soon for Tommy Leigh but he should be back soon.
“The area we are light on is strikers and we are still trying to get a couple in before Monday, we will find out more in the next couple of days.
“There are plenty out there, you just have to get the right ones.”
The full pre-match interview video with John Coleman is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!