THERE is a sign at the Wham Stadium that reads: The Club That Wouldn’t Die.

Current Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman has never been its biggest fan, insisting he wants the club to live and live well.

The Reds are certainly doing that this season, riding high in fifth in League One and on a 10-game unbeaten third tier run ahead of the trip to Shrewsbury today.

But, at the risk of irking Coleman, the sign seems particularly poignant this weekend. 50 years ago today Stanley were reformed.

The club had resigned from the league 33 games into the 1961-62 fourth division campaign having taken 23 points.

One of the 12 founder members of the Football League was gone, the last game a 4-0 defeat to Crewe.

It would be 44 years before they returned to the Football League but just six before a new Accrington was born.

On October 7, 1968, after a meeting in Bold Street Working Mens Club, the new club was formed and former Stanley player Jimmy Hinksman appointed as manager.

A little under two years later the Reds played their first game, in the Lancashire Combination, with Formby the visitors.

Dave Baron, who was a member of the original Accrington squad before returning to club as Hinksman’s first signing, recalls the revitalisation.

“I had played for the old Accrington and when Jimmy Hinksman went back there and asked me to play again I was first in the queue,” said the now 73-year-old.

“I think I was his first signing. I would probably have been 25 when we played that first game against Formby.

“I do remember that there were a lot on for that first game against Formby, the pitch was just basically a field and there was no real stand or standing area. As soon as the weather turned bad the pitch became a quagmire.

“I had been at the old Accrington in the reserves and then went to Blackburn when the club folded but it didn’t work out.

“I took a contract in South Africa, then I played in Ireland for a bit and came back and played locally with Clitheroe and Bacup before signing for Accrington.

“I jumped at the chance to come back.

“We obviously had a new group of players but they were a fantastic group of lads and it worked with us all together.

“I stayed there for the rest of my career and then ended up as manager for a couple of seasons.

“We had some good success at the club and I still look for the result now.

“I am very proud to have played a part in their history and it is a club that is always very very close to my heart.”

Baron, an all action midfielder, grew up a Blackburn Rovers fan and is still a season ticket holder at Ewood Park but he keeps a close eye on Stanley and is delighted with the feelgood factor currently surrounding the club.

“It is great to see them where they are now,” added Baron who lives in Oswaldtwistle and remained at Accrington for the rest of his playing career.

“If I could sum it up in two words it would be ‘bloody fantastic’.

“Eric Whalley and Andy Holt have been able to put a bit of money in and when you see how the club has progressed it is fantastic.

“They have achieved something now that not only has captured the imagination of people around here but also everyone across the country has heard of Accrington again.

“Everyone knew the old club, they were a famous name and it is a bit like that again now.

“The promotion last year was brilliant and John Coleman and Jimmy Bell are doing a fantastic job. They have made some really good signings.

“To see them playing the likes of Sunderland is fantastic and I hope they have another good season.”