Accrington Stanley were at one time the butt of the football jokes.

Most people can remember the milk advert, the conversation between two Liverpudlian youngsters in the 1980s.

"If you don't drink your milk you will end up playing for Accrington Stanley," said one.

"Who are they?" came the response. "Exactly."

But this season, Stanley might just get their revenge for this long-standing dig as they make the footballing fraternity sit up and take notice of the club for the right reasons.

Chairman Eric Whalley has had a dream to get Stanley back into the Football League.

It has been scoffed at in certain quarters, surely 'the biggest little club in the world' can't possibly make it back to where they were in 1962, before finances forced them to resign from the League?

Whalley has always been determined it will happen - and those doubters might just have to eat their words in the coming seasons.

Stanley have flattered to deceive recently as they have bounced around the UniBond League.

The last two seasons in the Premier Division have seen them finish high up without really making an impact for that all important number one place.

But this season everything has clicked into place - and if they blow it now, they only have themselves to blame.

One big reason for the change is the introduction of two influential players with league experience.

Former Liverpool midfielder Mike Marsh, who won an FA Cup winners' medal with the Reds, can make a killer pass while Mark Sertori is a rock in the heart of the backline and has tightened up what had been a leaky defence last season.

Along with that is that the current crop of players who have learnt a lot from the agony and frustrations of last season.

A bad start then almost ended their hopes before the season had kicked off. However they went onto give their fans something to cheer about with three trophies. Okay, they might not have been the hardest cups in the world to win but they did it which was a boost for everyone.

And the players have returned stronger and more determined.

Skipper Peter Cavanagh is a danger at set-pieces, Jonathan Smith has grown in stature as every season progresses, Steve Halford has come on great guns since his move from Chester while midfielder Robbie Williams has been a revelation.

Coleman knows the strikers will always come up with the goods. Lutel James's pace causes all kinds of problems while Paul Mullin gets his head to most balls. And Simon Carden can always chip in with a few.

Then there is the squad. As football increasingly becomes a squad game, Coleman is trying to keep at least 18 players happy. The Reds chief thinks he can - time will tell - but he has worthy replacements on the sidelines who can step in and gel into the side.

A lot of people say Stanley throw money around. If they do, so what? A lot of other clubs seem to.

It just all goes to prove what can eventually happen if you do drink your milk!

STANLEY make the trip to Coleman's former club Ashton United tonight looking to extend their 10 game unbeaten run.