Accrington Stanley sign big Swede for European campaign

 

We don't tend to cover football transfers and match reports here at PetrolBlog, but when we caught wind of the news that Accrington Stanley had signed a big Swede for their trip into Europe, we couldn't resist taking a closer look.

As it turns out, Accrington Stanley - yes, the Accrington Stanley from the famous milk ads from the 1980s - have bought a Volvo 940 S automatic specifically for the ‘Monte Carlo or Bust’ rally. Under the rules of the rally, teams from all over the world are tasked with buying a car for £250 or less and then getting to Monaco in three days to raise money for their chosen charity.

In the case of Accrington Stanley it's to raise £10k for a new bar and revamped toilets for the fans. This is as far away from the glamour of the Premier League as you can possibly get.

The League Two club narrowly avoided relegation from the Football League last season and will no doubt be hoping that the big Swede inspires its players to greater things during the next campaign. Who knows, perhaps the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sebastian Larsson will follow the Volvo through the gates of the Crown Ground?

The Volvo - which has been fitted out in full football-inspired livery, including a ‘pitch’ on the bonnet, roof and A-pillars - will be driven by Stanley's MD, Rob Heys. The car will be unveiled at the prestigious and world-famous* Accrington Carnival on the 15th June, where the squad will be drumming up support for the campaign.

You wouldn't bet against the Volvo turning in a good performance on its European campaign. It's done a mere 132,000, which for a Volvo 940 means it's just about run-in. And at the end of the day, it gets dark and it's a game of two halves. What's more, the lads did well and the gaffer is well pleased with the result. Cheers Gary.

The ‘Monte Carlo or Bust’ rally runs from the 12th to the 14th July. More details can be found on the website. Anyone wishing to donate some cash to Stanley and the big Swede should contact Neil McGuinness.

Rumours that Ian Rush will be taking part in the rally in a milk tanker are sadly unfounded.

*we might be over-egging it a little here.