CLARETS boss Steve Cotterill has backed the Lancashire Evening Telegraph campaign to get the people of Accrington behind their club.

The Burnley superemo knows only to well how hard it is get into the Football League, after having a similar struggle with Cheltenham Town.

But Cotterill has joined a growing number of local celebrities in backing Stanley's promotion push.

He said: "We have a good relationship with Accrington Stanley. We've played them in a couple of pre-season friendlies since I've been here and we now play our reserve games at their ground.

"I saw Eric Whalley sitting comfortably in his chair recently and I'm delighted for him because it's a fantastic little club. It reminds me very much of Cheltenham when I first went there.

"They look as though they could do with a similar stand on the far side as we had at Whaddon Road, and if Eric is reading this, can you please hurry up because we keep losing bleeding balls!

"But seriously, I am absolutely delighted for them. John Coleman has done a fantastic job along with his assistants, Jimmy Bell and Paul Cook.

"I am really pleased and I really hope they achieve their dream of getting into the Football League because you go through lots of highs and lows in your managerial careeer, but I think when you take someone into the League it is a little bit special.

"These guys have worked so hard along with the players and all I can say is that we, at Burnley Football Club, will certainly be rooting for them. And if they do it, they will have a great night!"

Cotterill took Cheltenham into the Conference and ultimately into the Football League in the late 1990s, and he urged the Stanley faithful to stay patient with their team.

He added: "We went from the Dr Marten's League, so they (Stanley) have come a long way and it's even better when you know the people there.

"It's a wonderful achievement, so we are delighted and it's good for the area as well.

"Everyone knows about Stanley and their great history and it was no different in Cheltenham.

"I love it when I go there.

"I just think they are great people and I just hope that all the people speaking out and saying good things doesn't put the kiss of death on them.

"The important thing is their fans must stay patient because, while they are clear at the top, between now and the end of the season the chances are there will be a sticky result or two.

"They mustn't get anxious about that.

"They have had a wonderful season and I look at their results and the way they are playing and I am confident they can finish it off."