GRAHAM Alexander admits he will need to be on his toes just as much as the players to try and get one over Accrington this afternoon.

As City do battle with seventh-placed Stanley determined to end their four-game league losing streak, the new boss will be locked in his own duel on the touchline.

John Coleman is very much Mr Accrington after more than 1,000 games and two decades in charge during two spells in east Lancashire.

The 61-year-old is currently the second longest-serving manager in the domestic pro game since returning to the club in September 2014 – after a previous 13-year stint steering them up the ladder of part-time football back into the EFL.

Not that Coleman’s competitive nature, or that of his long-time lieutenant Jimmy Bell, has mellowed one bit from such a long run.

“It’s great to see that longevity in football,” said Alexander. “There’s been a lot of energy spent by him as well doing the same job year in, year out and producing results out of nothing.

“Not only has the team got a fight on their hands, I think I have as well!

“I think passion for your job is important, certainly in football.

“It’s how you express that and we’re all capable of showing that passion in different ways and at different times.

“If you haven’t got the energy and passion for winning games then football’s going to churn you up and spit you out. That’s the reality of the situation.

“You must have that inner drive and love for everything. It’s not just the results but the day to day.

“There are certain things you’d love to park and never see again but there’s enough in the game and the role to get immense enjoyment from it.

“I’m sure he’s had those moments over the years.”

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Like Simon Weaver at Harrogate, Coleman’s remarkable record is very much the exception to the rule in such a cut-throat trade.

Alexander, still raw from experiencing that ruthless nature in his short stay at MK Dons, is full of admiration for how the Accrington boss has stayed the course.

“I think he’s earned that time. I don’t think anyone’s just given it to him, it’s justified because of the success he’s brought to the club.

“We’re all in short-term positions, to be honest, because we’re in a short-term sport. You have to earn that time.

“There may be occasions when you feel that you’ve been harshly treated. But if you’ve been at a club as long as he has in two different spells, I’m sure he’s earned that.

“It’s not just with success on the pitch but how he’s built a team up and earned money for the club with recruitment and selling players on.

“If you want a culture that’s developed by one person or one idea, it takes time to do that.

“There’s such a turnaround in players that cultures can change at clubs every six or nine months.

“But when you’ve been there as long as John has, you can get it working exactly how it needs to be.

“There are always different aspects at different clubs and Accrington is unique. But nobody knows it better than John Coleman because they come hand in hand.”