Accrington won promotion back to the Football League in 2006 (Getty)

Accrington assistant manager Jimmy Bell believes falling attendances at the Fraser Eagle Stadium will have a major impact on the club's finances.

Community initiatives to boost crowds - which regularly fall below the 1,500 mark - is something Bell is keen for supporters to take advantage of.

"At present, it's not working," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"The crowds are dwindling and that could affect us in players we're trying to attract."

The way the crowds have dwindled in the last 12 months is alarming Accrington assistant manager Jimmy Bell

An April Fool's Day joke which claimed Accrington could change its name to Lancashire Stanley could still become a viable option if things do not change.

"It was a bit tongue-in-cheek by [Stanley chief executive] Rob Heys but I think it was to let people know the way the club is.

"We just can't keep living on the name Accrington Stanley. I think it was a slight dig at the stay-away fans to try and get them talking and buzzing about the place."

Accrington are currently 17th in League Two and Bell said unless attendances improve they could make a quick return to the Blue Square Premier.

"This is only our second season in the Football League and the way the crowds have dwindled in the last 12 months is alarming.

"If it carries on it could hit the club long-term."