Paul Cook named manager of Accrington

Accrington have appointed Paul Cook as their new manager after reaching an agreement with Sligo Rovers for his release.

Caretaker manager Leam Richardson will remain in charge for tomorrow night's npower League Two trip to Rotherham before taking up the role of Cook's assistant.

Former Stanley midfielder Cook, 44, takes up the reins set down by John Coleman when he ended a 13-year association with the Reds by joining Rochdale last month.

"It's with great sadness that I leave Sligo," Cook told Accrington's official website. "But all my thoughts now are on trying to maintain the success that Accrington Stanley have enjoyed since I was here as a player."

Cook, who also played for Wolves, Tranmere and Burnley, makes the move to the Crown Ground despite Sligo's insistence over the weekend that he would not be leaving, and Stanley chief executive Rob Heys admitted his delight at completing the deal.

"We are delighted to welcome Paul to the Crown Ground and look forward to seeing him and Leam Richardson continue to take Accrington Stanley forward," Heys said.

"Paul knows what the club is all about, he knows that he will have the support of everyone here from the board to the staff, the supporters and the players."

Cook joined Sligo in 2007, winning the Irish League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure, and Rovers chairman Michael Toolan told his club's official website: "Paul Cook has the distinction of being the most successful manager in the history of Sligo Rovers.

"His achievements will live long in the memory of everybody associated with Rovers and we want to thank him for his outstanding and historic contribution to us."

PA