Whalley became Accrington chairman in 1995

Accrington chairman Eric Whalley has revealed why he rejected an attempt by former Blackburn-based businessman John Batchelor to buy the club.

Batchelor had tabled an offer of �1.5m for the League Two side as well as proposing moving a newly-formed Lancashire United to Leigh.

"He made us an offer and I told him we weren't interested," Whalley told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I would have been stupid to consider taking it as a franchise to Leigh."

Batchelor, former owner of Blue Square Premier side York City, recently had a separate bid to buy struggling Mansfield turned down.

He also made his intentions clear he wanted to re-brand them Harchester United after the "Dream Team" television programme.

"Mr Batchelor initially came along about six months ago, but I told him to come back with another offer," said Whalley.

Our second meeting was very short because there was no way I would have ever let anybody change the name of Accrington Stanley Eric Whalley

"He came back and offered us �1.5m, but our second meeting was very short because there was no way I would have ever let anybody change the name of Accrington Stanley."

Whalley reckons Batchelor's bid for Mansfield is a non-starter.

"I think he's a dreamer. I mean to take a franchise, you're not talking about America.

"I don't think Mansfield will ever be interested in anything like that."

The chairman also had special praise for the small contingent of fans who have followed the club since their return to the Football League.

"I think you can't beat the 1,200 fans who come regularly. They've had to put up with two years of fighting for survival and hopefully we can do better next year," he added.