As Newport County prepare to take on Accrington Stanley, we take a closer look at Saturday’s opposition.
What’s their story?
Accrington Stanley, reformed in 1968 after the original club's collapse in 1966, has a rich history dating back to its founding as one of the English Football League's original members in 1888.
The original club folded just six years later, but the reformed Stanley has seen its share of success. Under the long-serving manager John Coleman, the club won three titles between 1999 and 2006, earning promotion to the English Football League and eventually reaching League One in 2018.
After five seasons in League One, Stanley was relegated in 2023. In March 2024, Coleman was replaced by John Doolan, who led the team to a 17th-place finish in League Two.
Who’s the boss?
John Doolan is currently in his first managerial role, but he’s no stranger to Accrington Stanley, having served as the Reds’ first-team coach from 2017 to 2024.
A former defender, Doolan is best remembered for his time at Wigan Athletic, where he made 38 appearances for the Tics. Doolan also played for the likes of Knowsley United, Mossley, Barrow, Ashton United and Accrington Stanley.
In his brief managerial career so far, Doolan has overseen 14 games, recording three wins, three draws, and eight losses, resulting in a win percentage of 21.4%.
Who’s the captain?
Seamus Conneely is the second-highest appearance maker in Accrington Stanley’s history and currently serves as the club's captain. With 350 appearances since joining in January 2015, Conneely has been the heart of the Reds’ midfield.
The Irishman began his career at Galway United, where he made 85 appearances and scored two goals. His performances caught the eye of Sheffield United, who signed him on an 18-month deal in January 2011. Though he never made a first-team appearance for the Blades, Conneely was a regular in the reserves and was even appointed captain.
In March 2012, Conneely joined Alfreton Town on a one-month loan, making nine appearances. He debuted the day after signing, coming off the bench in Alfreton's 1-0 victory over Lincoln City at Sincil Bank.
Conneely then returned to Ireland, signing with Sligo Rovers, where he played for three seasons. He won the League of Ireland Premier Division title in his first year and made 78 appearances, scoring three goals. In 2015, Conneely joined Accrington Stanley, reuniting with his former Sligo Rovers manager, John Coleman.
Key Player
Tyler Walton has kicked off the 2024-25 season in sensational form, quickly establishing himself as Accrington Stanley’s standout player.
The left winger made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in the Reds’ Sky Bet League Two opener, despite their 4-1 loss to Doncaster Rovers, where Walton was undoubtedly Accrington’s most impressive performer. He continued to shine amidst his team's struggles, delivering a Man of the Match performance in Accrington’s 3-3 draw with Harrogate Town, contributing a goal and an assist.
Walton developed through the youth systems of Manchester City, Leeds United, and Barnsley but made his professional debut with York City, where he had just one appearance between 2016 and 2018. After a brief spell with Frickley Athletic, Walton signed for Farsley Celtic, making 73 appearances and scoring 4 goals.
He then joined Southport in the sixth tier of English football, initially on loan before making the move permanent. During his two years at Southport, Walton made over 80 appearances and scored 10 goals. His performances caught the eye of Accrington Stanley, who signed him at the start of this season.