As Newport County prepare to travel to Accrington Stanley, we take a closer look at Tuesday night's opponents.
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.
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
Shaun Whalley, a key player for Accrington Stanley, began his career at Norwich City and Southport before making his Football League debut with Chester City in 2004.
fter stints in non-league football with Runcorn, Witton Albion, and Wrexham, he joined Accrington Stanley in 2006. After a brief return to non-league, he moved to Luton Town in 2013 and was loaned to AFC Telford United, winning both the Conference Premier and Conference North titles in 2014.
He later joined Shrewsbury Town before rejoining Accrington in 2022. In January 2025, he earned the EFL League Two Player of the Month award after a run of four goals in five matches, and extended his contract with Accrington in May 2024.
