ACCRINGTON Stanley legend David Brown is confident his old club will survive in League Two this season.

The Bolton-born striker was part of the Reds team that sealed promotion back to the Football League in 2006 and still keeps an eye on results at the Wham Stadium.

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While he admits missing out on promotion last May has 'took the stuffing' out John Coleman's side this season, he is backing his old boss to steer them away from the drop zone.

Brown, who started his career at Manchester United and went on to play for a host of clubs including Hull City and Hereford United in a 14-year career, said: “Last season they were a minute from automatic promotion to League One and I think staying down took the stuffing out of them.

"When you’re at that level, quite a few players move on and come in, so it’s unsettling and difficult to keep the momentum from last season.

“The rub of the green has gone against them this season but Coley (John Coleman) has done a great job for the team and I hope the fans don’t turn on him and let him do his job.

"I have every confidence they’ll stay up and kick on next year.

"John has always been good at spotting players, and players like Noor Husin are repaying his faith in them.”

Brown still has fond memories of that promotion-winning season, sealed with a 1-0 win at Woking, and also praised the Stanley fans for the support that has kept their club in existence over the years.

“The promotion season was brilliant, there was a fantastic team spirit," he said.

"For a small club like Accrington, to do what we did against much bigger teams was amazing.

"After 40 years, to get the team back in to the Football League was a very proud moment for me.

"Everything was stacked against us but we didn’t let it faze us.”

He added: “I’ve been at a few clubs that have either folded, reformed or almost faced extinction and the one thing that is constant is the fans.

"Keeping the fans on board is absolutely essential because a lot of clubs were saved by community projects and fan groups.

"Accrington Stanley have a great set of loyal fans and have helped the club stay on its feet.”

Read the full interview with David Brown, courtesy of bwin, at https://sports.bwin.com/en/news/football-betting/premier-league/david-brown,122046.html