We begin to take a look through the sides that we will come up against in League Two next season.
Who Are They?
Following the collapse of the original Accrington Stanley FC and the subsequent liquidation back in 1966, the current 'Accy Stanley' was formed two years later in 1968. The rebuilding project then began and promotion back into the Football League was earned in 2006 via winning the Conference title.
Their first season in League Two proved a real test as they battled the prospect of an immediate return to non-league football, but they finished 20th and safety was achieved. Since then, Stanley have reached the League Two play-offs on two occasions and they are now an established name in the Football League.
How Did They Perform Last Season?
After losing to AFC Wimbledon over two legs in the 2015/16 League Two Play-Off Semi-Final, there was an overhaul of the squad during the summer transfer window, meaning plenty of new faces were on show at the Wham Stadium. Stanley finished in a respectable 13th place with 65 points to their name.
They also reached the third round of the EFL cup where they eventually lost to Premier League West Ham United after edging past Bradford City and Burnley in the earlier rounds. Fellow top flight side Middlesbrough then prevailed 1-0 to knock Accrington out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage. There wasn't to be as much success in the Checkatrade Trophy, however, as a group stage exit was confirmed following a heavy defeat at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s.
Our Last Meeting
Vale last faced Accrington Stanley on the 2nd February 2013 at Vale Park in a League Two fixture. The visitors saw Charlie Barnett issued with a red card following a challenge on Daniel Jones after just four minutes and the Valiants made the most of their one-man advantage.
Lee Hughes bagged a brace on his home debut with goals coming either side of a Darren Purse strike. The 3-0 triumph meant that Vale leapfrogged Gillingham at the top of the table, but the defeat for Accrington kept them just two points above the relegation zone.
How To Get There
Accrington Stanley's Wham Stadium is 74 miles from Vale Park and the quickest route in a car is via the M6 as follows:
Get on the M6 in Cheshire East from A500
Follow M6 and M65 to Dunkenhalgh Way/A6185 in Clayton-le-Moors. Take exit 7 from M65.
Take Blackburn Road/A678 and Whalley Road/A680 to Livingstone Road in Accrington.
Travel By Train
You can also get to the Wham Stadium via train.
The nearest railway station to the stadium is Accrington which is approximately a 20-minute walk away.
Odds On Promotion
According to Sky Bet, Accrington are 5/1 to get promoted from League Two this season. They are also ranked at 20/1 to lift the league title.