Three of Accrington’s former stars are confident the Reds can win promotion to League One.
Stanley lie just out of the play-offs in eighth spot on goal difference, with five games to go.
They are looking for their ninth straight home win against Oxford tomorrow in what has been an superb season so far.
League One is in their sights and Paul Mullin, Peter Cavanagh and Brett Ormerod are backing John Coleman’s side to claim a place in the third tier of English football, last achieved in the 1950s.
Stanley’s league record appearance holder Mullin, who was in the play-offs with Morecambe last season, says he would be one of the happiest fans at Old Trafford if the Reds reach the play-off finals.
"I am rooting for them," said the 37-year-old who expects to retire from full-time football at the end of the season with a slipped disc ruling him out for the rest of the Shrimps’ season.
"Their chances of getting there are really good. There is usually one team who makes a run into the play-off places and it was Morecambe last season.
"Accrington are on a good run and can take a lot of heart from Morecambe and Dagenham, who won the final last season and are a similar sized club to Accrington and look like they could survive in League One this season.
"Accy are so strong at home and, with three home games left, you have got to fancy them. I have played on the Crown Ground pitch and it isn’t the best so to cope with that, especially the way Stanley play with passing football, is full credit to them.
"They have a lot of quality in their side. I know Proc (Andy Procter) is my mate but he is one of the unsung heroes in the side although I’m glad I haven’t spoken to him since his Macclesfield goal or else I would still be on the phone!
"I speak to the gaffer and he always has good words about Proc doing the ugly side of the game which allows the likes of Ian Craney and Jimmy Ryan to work their magic. And I know Luke Joyce has done well for them too.
"They have a lot of good players and teams don’t like going to Accrington – I think that’s what kept us in the Football League in the first few years and this year, they have taken their home form to another level.
"With their budgets, the likes of Morecambe and Accrington shouldn’t even be up there but they, along with Dagenham, show money doesn’t guarantee success.
"You can’t underestimate the team spirit the gaffer fosters at Accrington and he has them well-organised and playing good football.
"Year after year, he has put together a good set of lads while Rob Heys (chief executive) works hard behind the scenes and to keep the club going is a massive achievement, especially in the last few years with the ownership problems."
Mullin, who is a trained chartered financial planner and may play part-time next season, said he has one piece of advice for Stanley though if they get through to the play-off semi-finals.
"Don’t blow it in the first leg!" he said after his Morecambe side lost 6-0 to Dagenham in their first leg encounter last season.
Blackpool striker Ormerod, born in Accrington and who played for Stanley in the 1990s, said he is rooting for the Reds.
"I watch out for their results, read the Observer and keep tabs on them all the time. I have always said for Accrington even to be in the Football League is fantastic, for a club with their resources, and the fairytale continues for them.
"For Stanley to get into League One is a dream come true but it can be done.
"They are hitting momentum at the right time, they have made the Crown Ground something of a fortress and they have just got to keep it going now. They will also be full of confidence.
"They have a good manager and some good players and I go to the Crown Ground when I can. I hope they do it."
Meanwhile Stanley’s most successful captain Cavanagh says the big problem the club will face is keeping hold of their players and manager after such a stunning campaign.
While Coleman has signed a contract until 2015, the majority of the players are out of contact at the end of this season.
"You can imagine that there are a few outsiders keeping their eye on the Stanley squad and casting a few envious glances," said Cavanagh who is chasing his own play-off final appearance with Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood with that final at Eastlands.
"The big thing for the club now will be keeping hold of the manager and the players as it is a massive achievement for Accrington even to be challenging for League One.
"You would say ‘No, Stanley shouldn’t be up there with the budget and the facilities’ but, knowing Coley as I do over the last 10 years, you do expect it because of his ambition and his ability to get unpolished gems and turn them into diamonds which he does year after year.
"It’s a great club and I have seen Accrington in a few games at home this season and I enjoy watching them, the standard is so high.
"The front four are a real handful for any side in the division – Terry Gornell is a foil for the rest of the midfielders – and the backline are keeping clean sheets and that’s a recipe for success.
"At home they are really strong. I have spoken to Coley and a number of the players and I know they are disappointed they haven’t got more points away from home and, if they had, they would have a nice cushion.
"But I think if they win their remaining three home games, it will be enough to get them into the top seven.
"Then I will be there at Old Trafford, if they get there, hopefully celebrating with the Stanley fans."
