Accrington Stanley appoint Cook as manager (From This Is Lancashire)

Accrington Stanley appoint Cook as manager

2:06pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Football

ACCRINGTON Stanley have confirmed the appointment of Paul Cook as their new boss.

Cook leaves Irish side Sligo Rovers after the two clubs agreed compensation and the 44-year-old finalised a two-and-a-half-year deal with Stanley.

Leam Richardson, who had been working as caretaker manager, will become Cook’s assistant.

Cook will officially take charge of first-team affairs on Wednesday, with Richardson guiding the team for tomorrow’s League Two trip to Rotherham.

"It's with great sadness that I leave Sligo," Cook said.

"But all my thoughts now are on trying to maintain the success that Accrington Stanley have enjoyed since I was here as a player."

Stanley chief executive Rob Heys said: "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.

"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."

A Stanley statement continued: "Everyone at Accrington Stanley would like to thank Sligo Chairman Michael Toolan and his committee for all of their support and co-operation over the last few days.

"We have developed strong links between the clubs over the last week or so and as part of the agreement between the two clubs Accrington Stanley will travel to Sligo Rovers to play friendlies in 2012 and 2013."