Coleman became Accrington manager in 1999

Accrington manager John Coleman has paid tribute to his players after revealing they have not been paid this month's wages.

Stanley made it into the play-off places following Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Southend.

"They've had another kick in the teeth and have taken it in their stride," Coleman told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"They've had to deal with a number of other things over the last six or seven weeks so I can't praise them enough."

Accrington, who were promoted back to the Football League in 2006, have faced financial problems over recent seasons, including the threat of being wound up in 2009 over unpaid debts to HM Revenue and Customs.

We've got a set of lads who want to work for each other and at the moment that's what's making them happy Accrington manager John Coleman

But despite off-the-field distractions, which also saw a restructuring of the club's board at the end of March, Coleman believes his players deserve immense credit for their continued determination.

"We're showing a different side to ourselves now," he said. "We're showing a great deal of character, especially considering what they're going through off the field.

"They've got mortgages to pay, they've got families to feed so they're showing a remarkable appetite and a remarkable professionalism.

"There's a lot of people who could use our players as an example of how to fight in times of adversity.

"You see some players on £60-70,000 a week and they're not happy. But we've got a set of lads who want to work for each other and at the moment that's what's making them happy."

Accrington could move into the automatic promotion places if they beat Macclesfield on Friday.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version