Stanley eyeing capital gains

Accrington are hoping an eye-catching London publicity drive aimed at attracting new shareholders will pay dividends.

In line with chairman Ilyas Khan's stated aim to broaden the ownership of the club, Stanley launched a £1million share issue at the end of October, with shares available to be purchased at £100 each.

On Monday, Khan joined a Stanley street-team that toured some of the capital's most famous landmarks to raise awareness of the initiative.

"We launched the share issue a few weeks ago and we've done lots of work around Accrington and east Lancashire, but we came down to London to spread the word," Stanley chief executive Rob Heys told Press Association Sport.

"Obviously so many things get handed out in London and there's all sorts of hard-faced business men passing by who would not usually give you the time of day. But with it being Accrington Stanley, people wanted to stop for a chat. It's amazing how people have a connection with Accrington.

"It wasn't about selling hundreds of shares, but we handed out hundreds of leaflets and hopefully some of that will come back to us in share sales. But it was mainly really nice to see such a positive response towards Accrington Stanley."