THERE were grown men crying on Saturday as Accrington Stanley sealed their place back in the Football League amid a tide of emotion.
Forty four years since resigning from the league, "the biggest little club in the world" regained their place in Coca Cola League Two after they clinched the Conference title.
All the years of hurt disappeared in one moment as Paul Mullin's goal sealed a 1-0 win at Woking which guaranteed the Reds League football next season - and wrote the current squad into Stanley history.
The famous club has been swamped with messages of congratulations from all over the world as well as the national media swarming round the club in one of the great football stories of the season.
"We have hundreds of letters and faxes including ones from Blackburn Rovers, Burnley and Preston Football Clubs," said chairman Eric Whalley, who has fulfilled a long-held dream by watching Stanley regain their League status. "It is unbelievable - and they keep coming in!"
It will be another dramatic day tomorrow (Sat) at the Interlink when the Reds finally get their hands on the Conference trophy.
The medals will be presented to the players after the game and, after more than 3,000 turned up to watch the champions win on Monday against Scarborough, the club are hoping there is a record crowd for the visit of Tamworth.
"I hope there is a bumper crowd and the players can say thank-you to the fans who have supported them throughout the season," said manager John Coleman.
