IT'S good to see Accrington Stanley back in the league.

I have great memories of my time in Lancashire, joining the RAF (with Portsmouth the biggest navy base in the UK) and serving at nearby RAF Weeton.

A girlfriend from Clayton-le-Moors introduced me to The Stanley.' I know Burnley and Blackburn had the history but there was always something about Accrington that drew supporters who really loved their team.

Walter Gilbraith was the Clark Gable' of the football world in those days.

Just look at any photos of the time of him and his team.

Les Cocker, Charlie Sneddon, John Ryden, they sold to Spurs.

I thought they were really a good side and Blackburn had a top notch centre forward, Tommy Briggs, he scored seven out of eight in 1955 against Bristol Rovers.

It was a real pleasure to watch Accrington in those days and only a few seasons previous I had seen Proud Pompey win the English first division two seasons on the run.

I knew Ralph Hunt (still the record holder for Norwich) and brother Dennis personally as my brother-in-law played with them at Fratton Park.

Don't forget The Stanley had two epic cup ties with Portsmouth in 1957-58, 0-0 at Peel Park and losing at Fratton Park.

Great days and great teams. Now Accrington are back where they belong, let's hope they can recapture the good old days.

ROY ROGERS, Kelly Court, Hilsea, Portsmouth.