Bally in Stanley talks

Last updated : 03 October 2002 By Tony Scholes
Accrington Stanley - Who are they?
Even before the rumours of a Burnley return surfaced around a week ago we had been told of Accrington Stanley's interest and it was indeed the local Unibond club who were attracting him back to Lancashire.

Bally was there last night as Stanley picked up another win, this time against promotion rivals Burscough. They even came back from 2-0 down to win the game 4-2.

The contact came via Paul Cook who is a friend of Accrington manager John Coleman and Bally agreed to talk to them saying that he had a lot of time for Cooky.

Accrington remain hopeful, and what a brilliant signing he would be at that level, and Bally gives the impression that he is keen. With no club recently he has taken a leaf out of Stan's book and been tending his garden but is itching to get back. His only football has been regular visits to the Stadium of Light to watch Sunderland where he has been an ever present.

Of the possibility of joining one of the world's most famous clubs he said,

"I have spoken to John Coleman and I know what his aims are and you can see this is an ambitious club but I have got to consider a number of things. It would obviously be a massive, massive change for me as I played 43 games near the top of the First Division last season.

"I have to know the move would be right and I would want to do myself justice. To be honest it would be a whole different ball game.

"I also need to consider the travellign side of it. I live up near Sinderland and it is a very big consideration because for the last three years I have had a lot of time away from home at Fulham and Burnley."

John Coleman though remains hopeful and said,

"I think he would like to come and I know he is the type of lad who would come here and be desperate to do well. We understand the travelling might be difficult for him but we will do all we can to help. If he does come it would be unbelievable."

So will it be a bit of gardening for Bally on Saturday (Sunderland are away) or will it be Bradford Park Avenue v Accrington Stanley?