Paul Cook has left Sligo Rovers to become the new manager of Accrington Stanley.

The 44-year-old, who spent three seasons with Stanley up until 2006, has admitted that it was a hard decision to leave Irish club Rovers.

"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 League Two trip to Rotherham before taking up the role of Cook's assistant.