Accrington Stanley boss won’t be affected by emotions for Rochdale clash
9:20pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
PAUL Cook has turned his attentions to Rochdale’s League Two visit on Saturday – but insists the eagerly anticipated match is just about three points.
The clash sees the return of former Stanley boss John Coleman and assistant Jimmy Bell, as well as a number of ex-Accrington players, but Cook won’t let his side be affected by any sentiment.
The Accrington Stanley boss, who backed the decision to call last night’s visit of Rotherham off after heavy rain, believes the duo will receive a deserved heroes’ welcome but insists it is then ‘business as usual’.
He said: “The referee has got my backing on it. We are very disappointed for the fans who have travelled on a wet evening but that is what makes football supporters. I am sure they will be back next game.
“The pitch looks great by the way. What damage would’ve been done to the pitch if we had played? And if you are a passing team, like we are, having a quality pitch to play on is vital. The lads starting were really looking forward but we go away and pick a team ready for Rochdale.
“We look forward to the Rochdale game and prepare for it. It is just another game. It is for John and Jimmy and Joe Hinnigan coming back, but once the game starts we have to forget about the atmosphere.
“It is football. You get three points in any game. It has obviously got big sentimental value to the game for what the lads have done at the club and we respect that.
“Hopefully they get the reception they deserve, and I’m sure they will, because it will probably be the first time a manager comes back and gets clapped by the whole ground.
“They are good friends of ours but once that balls moves and they have had their reception, we will all be professionals.
“I don’t think there is more to the game. Press people and media people can build anything up but it is not Lennox Lewis fighting Mike Tyson.”
