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

A club statement from the Irish side this weekend stated Cook would be remaining with them, but reports on Monday morning suggesting the ex-Wolves, Tranmere, Burnley and Stanley midfielder was still set to succeed John Coleman at the Crown Ground have proved to be accurate.

"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."

Caretaker manager Leam Richardson will remain in charge for Tuesday night's npower League Two trip to Rotherham before taking up the role of Cook's assistant, as the 44-year-old takes up the reins set down by Coleman when he ended a 13-year association with the Reds by joining Rochdale last month.

Stanley chief executive Rob Heys added: "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."

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."