Stanley legend Paul Mullin says home form is key in the Reds’ battle for League Two survival.
Leam Richardson’s side have eight games left out of their 14 at the Store First Stadium and several against the teams around them including Torquay, AFC Wimbledon and Barnet.
Mullin played alongside Richardson at the Reds and backs his former team-mate to come up with the goods to ensure League Two football at Stanley next season.
“Leam probably undertook the toughest job in Football League management as his first manager’s job at Accrington,” said Mullin, a Crown Ground favourite from 2000 to 2009.
“He will have the lowest resources in the league, the club constantly punch above their weight just being in the Football League and I think it is an achievement every year just keeping Accrington up.
“The first few years I was at the club in League Two we had a battle against relegation but we had quite a settled, experienced team which certainly helped.
“There have been a lot of changes in the last year with John Coleman going, Paul Cook coming in and then Leam taking over as manager and I know he has a young team there and it will be hard dealing with the league battles week in week out for players who aren’t used to it.
“League Two is an unforgiving league and it’s vital that Accrington now win their home games. Win a number of them and they don’t need to worry about their away form as that will be enough.
“They need to turn the Store First Stadium into a fortress and I am sure Leam and his team can do it.”
The Reds record appearance holder Mullin, now a financial advisor, continued: “I see Leam quite a bit and he seems upbeat and confident.
“Obviously he is under pressure but the good thing about Leam is he is laid-back and he will soak up the pressure so the players do not feel it as much.
“It must be difficult for him but he understands the game and has a good knowledge of the game and good contacts.
“He will keep as calm as he can and just want the players to express themselves on the pitch and not get too nervous about their position.
“It’s also important to have characters such as Bavs (Ian Dunbavin) keeping the spirits up too.
“They just need a scrappy 1-0 win and that could be the springboard to taking them up the league table and I really hope it does.
“I know Les Parry is a big miss for Leam as he was someone with a lot of experience to lean on but Paul Stephenson and Paul Lodge are providing him with solid back-up and it has been all hands to the pump.
“They have all got a battle on their hands but I would back Leam to do it and then progress next season. I am sure he will keep them up.”
