CHRIS Waddle is planning a triumphant return to East Lancashire tomorrow as Worksop attempt to knock Accrington Stanley off the top of the UniBond Premier Division table.

The former England international and Burnley boss is now the creative genius behind the Tigers own title charge.

And officials at the Crown Ground are expecting a bumper crowd as one of the most gifted players of his generation rolls into town.

The 39-year-old is struggling to shake off a bout of tendonitis which kept him out of Worksop's midweek game against Lancaster City.

But he is hoping to be fit for the clash which is sure to attract a host of Burnley fans who still hold the jovial Geordie in high regard.

"We like to play football and, if Accrington do too, then it should be a good game," said Waddle. "They've started well after just coming up, they've spent a bit of money on a centre forward and they probably fancy their chances of going up again.

"And they seem to be attracting decent crowds so they've got the potential to go further.

"There's certainly room in East Lancashire for another Conference club so it would be good for the area.

"But we've made an encouraging start too. We've played five games of which I've played in four and I haven't seen anyone better than us.

"But I can see this league being very frustrating because I don't think there's any really consistent teams.

"Different sides seem to play different styles. When we played Runcorn and Hucknall they were very direct.

"But Droylsden and Leek Town tried to play football against us so it depends from game to game." Waddle had hung up his boots but Worksop boss Paul Mitchell tempted him out of retirement in the summer. And so far he's revelling in his stint in the semi-professional ranks.

"I'm really enjoying myself at the minute," said Waddle. "Worksop are a good, friendly club who like to play football and that was important in my decision to come here.

"But I've always enjoyed playing my football and the level doesn't really matter. I don't look at it and think 'I'm too good to be playing here.'

"I'm not here to prove a point to anybody, I'm here because I enjoy playing football. And I've been impressed with the standard.

"Players and clubs are becoming more and more professional and it's not really a game for part-timers anymore.

"Teams are well organised these days and they take their football very seriously."

Waddle's career has gone full circle after he started off life with Northern League outfit Tow Law Town.

But, during a professional career in which he made two short of 600 appearances, he has always retained a keen interest in the non-League scene.

"I've always followed my non-league football closely and throughout my career, if there's ever been a game I've fancied watching, then I've never been afraid to go along.

"I get as many non-league magazines as I do professional ones. And I like to keep an eye on what's going on in all the different leagues."

Despite his aging limbs, the former Marseille star is still capable of turning on the magic. In Worksop's recent 5-0 victory over Droylsden, Waddle set up four of his side's goals.

And his mercurial skills have forced the opposition to take drastic action.

"One lad got sent off against me when we played Hucknall," said Waddle. "He had a bit of a swing at me in the last 10 minutes but, generally speaking, I've been received very well apart from that.

"I don't mind people getting stuck in but I think there's a time and a place for certain things.

"You've just got to have a sense of humour about it. But as long as you get a bit of respect I don't mind."

Meanwhile Stanley manager John Coleman is sure his side can keep track of Waddle.

"We don't fear anybody in this league and know Chris Waddle will be scared of Paul Burns!" joked the Reds boss who's only major doubt for tomorrow's game is Mark Shirley.

Paul Mullin is available again after missing the midweek victory over Runcorn.