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Stanley have Eastern promise

22/12/2006

ACCRINGTON Stanley are hoping to win a following in football crazy Asia.

They are playing China League side Chengdu Blades at the Fraser Eagle Stadium in a friendly game on January 9.

And Hong-Kong based publisher Barry Grindrod, who was born in Lancashire, is spreading the word by launching an "Accrington Stanley Asia" website this week.

Asia is a lucrative market for football clubs with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid having big followings there.

And the Reds are hoping to attract some fans from this Asian adventure.

Mr Grindrod said: "I remember Stanley's demise in 1962 and I have watched their progress since they were brought back from the dead by a loyal group of supporters in 1968.

"They have journeyed through the amateur leagues, to the UniBond, Conference and now back into the league.

"I started to think that it would be a great challenge to introduce this little club with a great long-standing tradition to the hurly burly of Asia's soccer arena."

He approached the club and the Asian website will run to mirror the official club website.

But it will have an Asian feel with Stanley products for sale - some with a unique Asia flavour.

And the website will also have a forum where fans can talk to each other all over the world.

"Stanley already has fans around the world but through a dedicated Asian website we hope to attract many more."

Reds Chief Executive Rob Heys said: "We are an ambitious club and it would be nice to get a piece of the action in Asia. We see it as a chance for fans to support the little club, the underdog."

The web-site address is www.accringtonstanleyasia.com.