Cook leaves Sligo for Accrington Stanley

Paul Cook has finally made the move to become the new manager at Accrington Stanley, leaving Sligo Rovers without a manager two weeks from the beginning of the season.

The move confirmed by the Bit O'Red via a statement, states that a package has been agreed between the two clubs and the current assistant Gerry Carr will take charge of the team for tonight's friendly against Limerick in Terryland Park.

Speaking via the press release, the club chairman Michael Toolan spoke highly of Cook's tenure in charge of the Bit O'Red calling him "The most successful manager in the history of Sligo Rovers."

His praise didn't stop there as he then spoke of the style of football that his sides played which won both him and club many plaudits throughout Cook's tenure in charge.  

“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."

Cook will be returning to Accrington having previously both played and coached for the side, and was a part of their historic 2006 side that saw them promoted to the Football League and will be linking up with his former player Padraig Amond, who's on loan from Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira.

However, Toolan then spoke of the upcoming task at hand in replacing "The most successful manager in the history of Sligo Rovers."

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.”

Its clear that Cook's appeal amongst the fans in the club extended far beyond his impressive trophy haul and the style of football which Cook's side played and replacing the popular Liverpudlian is going to be no easy task.


Full Statement

 

Sligo Rovers can confirm that manager Paul Cook will leave the club to join Accrington Stanley
 

The clubs have finalised a package for Paul to join the English side after almost five years with the Bit o‘ Red.
 

Sligo Rovers would like to wish Paul the best of luck with his new role and thank him for the massive contribution he made to us during his tenure.
 

Rovers chairman Michael Toolan said: “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.