When your new president turns up to watch, you certainly have to turn on the style – especially when it’s Sky pundit David Lloyd.
Lloyd is certainly no shrinking voilet and has taken the top role at Accrington, having a tough act to follow in Peter Barratt, who passed away recently.
But the Accrington-born cricketer-England manager-turned TV star was overlooking his charges for the first time in his new position on Sunday as the title challengers took on East Lancs.
And son Graham’s half-ton, with pro Ashar Zaidi also celebrating 54 alongside six wickets from David Ormerod, made sure Accrington are not letting Lowerhouse take complete control at the top of the table.
"David does have his work cut out to follow Peter, he has a lot to live up to, but he is a different kind of person," said skipper Jimmy Hayhurst. "Having David there, because he is well known, means he can have more influence with sponsorship and publicity.
"David is very businesslike and, like Peter before him, wants to make sure we develop the young players and bring them through and that we have the facilities and equipment at the club to do that. He is ambitious for us and it can only be good for the club."
The 64-year-old is the face of Sky cricket but, down at Thorneyholme Road, they are used to him being around. He started his cricket career there and came back to play a part in their title winning season two years ago.
But Hayhurst admitted some of the newer players were a bit star struck by the familiar face.
"Most of us have got used to him being around and just say ‘Hiyah David’ and that’s that.
"I have even had to rub Deep Heat into his leg when he hurt his calf playing for us so I am certainly used to him!
"But our most recent players like Marley Ali were a bit in awe of him when they met him this week. You could see it in their faces that they were star struck.
"He has got a presence about him and that can only be good for our club. People listen to him when he speaks and he commands a bit of order. It can only be good to have him on board."
Accrington are perhaps something of a surprise package this season. After two title successes, they fell away last season but after 13 league games, they have still only lost two.
They are matching Lowerhouse stride for stride in what is a tight title race with half the season now gone.
"We are doing okay but we don’t want to get too carried away as we know things can quickly change in cricket," said the skipper.
"But I am pleased so far. We had four guys away on a stag party the weekend before last and so we had a weakened side but we had a plan and managed to win.
"Things that we are trying are working for us, sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t but it is positive at the moment.
"At the weekend, we moved Graham and our pro up the order and that paid off against East Lancs.
"We do seem to have a bit of depth at the club and everyone is playing their part and not letting anyone down.
"We are disciplined and it is good that we are pressing and we just have to keep plugging away and cobbling results together."
Accrington will be expected to beat Burnley and Colne this weekend in a double header but Hayhurst admitted: "We have got to stay business-like against these teams as this league can spring up a few surprises and we don’t want to be on the end of one of them.
"You only have to look at Rishton beating Enfield last weekend – they weren’t expected to do that and that’s why you have got to treat every game like you are playing the champions Ramsbottom.
"These games are important but I think the league will be decided when the likes of ourselves play Lowerhouse or Ramsbottom.
"But teams all the way down to sixth-placed Haslingden will fancy their chances and it should be an interesting second half to the season."
TO help pay off a debt owed to Thwaites Brewery, Accrington CC has developed a bond scheme to raise the necessary funds. Bonds are available to purchase at £1000, £500 and £100 paying interest at 2 per cent per annum and are repayable after 15 years.
For more information about the bond scheme contact Steve Davies on 01254 382418 or 07780 517641. For more information about the club visit www.accringtoncc.com
