Meet the youth footballers who definitely do not want to play for Accrington Stanley when they grow up.

Nearly 15 years after Liverpool legend Ian Rush encouraged young footballers to drink milk if they wanted to make it to the top, Saltdean under-7s are following his advice and it is paying dividends.

Rush starred in an Eighties television commercial warning aspiring young players that if they did not drink milk, they would only be able to play for the likes of Accrington Stanley.

Paul Hubbard's young Saltdean side are sponsored by Coombe Farm dairies of Saltdean who have supplied the team with kit, money and milk for their games.

And Hubbard's charges have responded positively, winning all seven of their games this season. The latest victims were Hangleton who were dispatched 7-0 last weekend.

On that occasion, Harry Meale was the star with a five-goal salvo, but all of the boys have been turning in five-star performances this season.

Hubbard said: "All the lads love the milk and they drink it after games. Children don't get free milk in school anymore and it's a nice treat for the team.

"I doubt many sponsors donate a crate of milk for post-match drinks. Most Sunday footballers would probably prefer a crate of beer.

"I pick the milk up at 9am before game on a Sunday and it's always really fresh. It is an incentive for the players and they all look forward to it after games.

"The whole sponsorship deal has been very good. Financially we are well off and we shall use some of the money to have a Christmas party."

Hubbard confessed he has not grown out of having a drink of the white stuff himself.

He said: "I love it, but then I like a pint of anything. Whenever there is a little left we use it later for coffee back at the football club."

Hubbard's son Harry is one of the members of his dad's unbeaten side but the youngster admitted he reveres the present king of the kop at Anfield more than Rush.

The six-year-old defender, in his first season of playing, said: "I like Liverpool and Michael Owen is my favourite player. Milk is my best drink."

Saltdean also benefit from a deal with A.C.W. Law who sponsor the Tigers' tracksuits and match-balls.

Good luck to the team for the rest of the season.