Accrington Stanley appoint James Beattie

James Beattie has been appointed as the surprise new manager of Accrington Stanley. The former England international has been player-coach at the club since November but will now make the step up in what is his first job in management.
Since Leam Richardson departed for Chesterfield last month the club have received over 100 applications, 40 of which were seriously considered. However, the club opted for Beattie, a former Southampton, Everton and Stoke player, who made 27 league and cup appearances for Stanley last season. The club will officially reveal him as their new in a press conference at the Store First Stadium on Tuesday morning.
Last season Stanley ended up finishing 18th in League Two, just three points above the relegation zone. Beattie will now look to bring in a few players in order to bolster his squad before the 2013/14 season gets underway.