ACCRINGTON Stanley have confirmed the re-appointment of John Coleman as manager, replacing James Beattie.

Coleman and assistant manager Jimmy Bell left the Reds in 2012 after almost 13 years in charge, during which time they guided the club back into the Football League.

The duo, who only took over at Sligo Rovers in June, have signed rolling contracts at the Store a First Stadium, after leaving the League of Ireland club.

Coleman said: “We hope this is going to be an exciting time for the players, staff and supporters,” said Coleman. “It’s certainly an exciting time for me and Jimmy. We’ve never really stopped supporting the club since we left, we’ve seen a lot of games and we can’t wait to work with this group of players.

“It’s no secret that I’ve wanted to manage in the Football League again and when a job comes up at a club as close to your heart as Accrington then that ticks two boxes.”

Stanley chairman Peter Marsden said: "John and Jimmy's passion and enthusiasm and knowledge of the game are legendary.

"We have to get the feel good factor back and we need to get our gates back up to a respectable 2,000. It will take time but Coley and Jimmy can do it."

Marsden paid tribute to the work of interim manager Paul Stephenson since Beattie left the club last week.

Stephenson, who will remain at the club, has been in charge of two games, winning the first at home to AFC Wimbledon last weekend.

"I would like to say a special thank you for Paul Stephenson for being an absolute rock and behaving in a very dignified manner at the change in management," said Marsden.

"Paul is still very much an integral part of the present set up and I am hoping that he and John and Jimmy can feed off each other."