Paul Cook has been confirmed as the new manager of Accrington Stanley after reaching an agreement with Sligo Rovers for his release.
Cook joins the English League Two side after almost five years with the Bit o‘ Red. The Lancashire side currently lie in eighth position in the league - one place off the play-off spots.
Former Stanley midfielder Cook, 44, takes up the reins set down by John Coleman.
"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 joined Sligo in 2007, winning the Irish League Cup and FAI 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.
“Paul is greatly admired for his management skills but also the attractive style of football his team produced, his engagement with supporters and the hunger to see Sligo Rovers win honours. It produced three trophies, regular European football and some of the best league seasons we have ever had.
"It made him universally popular with the club’s fans, the wider community in Sligo and beyond. We did not want to lose Paul but we also respected his wish of returning to England.
“The process of appointing a manager to build on the progress of the club starts now and with a view to challenging for major honours in 2012, our intentions and ambitions remain as high as ever.
“We have a large and talented squad already assembled and we're setting our sights on a high-calibre replacement to give ourselves the best platform possible.”
Gerry Carr will take charge of the club’s friendly with Limerick in Galway tonight.
