ACCRINGTON Stanley's new chairperson Marcelle Lazarus is hopeful she can deliever a level of 'Premier League professionalism' to the League Two club.

The 47-year-old businesswoman – who has built up a portfolio of mobile phone companies – was appointed earlier this week in a bid to improve Stanley's profile and develop their commercial and public relation activities.

And working alongside Accrington owner Dave O'Neill, Lazarus is confident they can improve the club's business performance over the coming years.

“There is an awful lot of potential at this club,” said Lazarus. "I would like to see Accrington run as a Premier League club - but to a smaller level.

“Just because it is a League Two club, it doesn't mean it has to be run any less professionally as the biggest clubs in the country.

“We are talking about the day-to-day running of the club and match-days. It will take some time, but we can get there with the right approach.”

Over the past decade, Lazarus has developed close links with Premier League sides Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool, as well as speedway side Belle Vue Aces.

And it is with those high-profile contacts that the mother-of-six wants to realise Stanley's potential.

She said: “Dave will be doing the everyday running of the club and I intend to bring in some of my contacts.

“I deal with football clubs from the Premier League all the way down and, hopefully, I can help in that way.

“There's going to be an awful lot happening over the new few months. It's going to be really exciting for the club.”