John Doolan paid tribute to ‘legend’ Sean McConville following Saturday’s testimonial against Barnsley at the Wham Stadium.
The Accrington Stanley boss said the long-serving midfielder - who has now joined NPL West side Clitheroe as player-coach - got the send off he deserved while they Reds got to test themselves against high-league opposition.
“Really good to see Sean, really good to see his family and he contributed on the pitch which was really pleasing,” Doolan told the club website.
“I hope he had a great day, it was all about Sean, it had to be all about Sean, it was in terms of what he has achieved for the club. Pat on the back for him, he has been absolutely outstanding, he is an legend but it was also a bit of business for us in terms of pre-season.”
While Barnsley went on to win 3-0, Doolan said the fixture was a good test for his players and they look to build up their fitness ahead of their opening League Two game of the the 2024/25 campaign at Doncaster Rovers on August 10.
“What I learnt is that there was some really, really good play we just didn’t reward ourselves with a bit of quality in terms of a cross, a shot, with hitting the back of the net, with hitting the target so that is all ongoing,” he said.
“It is so easy to play a lesser opposition but we chose these teams to play against because we wanted a test.
“Looking at Barnsley, they were in the playoffs last year, they have some top players, quality players and it was a good test for the lads, in the first half and the second period."
He added: “We learnt lots, stuff that we had worked on this week, that was evident at times with some of the moves and movement and the understanding that the players have got, getting the ball wide and putting the ball in the box.
"But again there was just that lack of quality in terms of someone getting on the end of it or someone making a block or their keeper making a save, so some of it was very pleasing.”
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