Cook on brink of stanley job
PAUL COOK could be Accrington Stanley manager by Monday -- the League 2 club have made a formal approach for the Sligo boss, WRITES RUAIDHRI O'CONNOR.
The Liverpudlian is 1/8 favourite for the role, but Sligo have yet to grant the English club permission to speak with him. Stanley have yet to come close to meeting the Bit O'Red's valuation of the man who led them to two FAI Cups in a row.
Cook has been linked with a number of vacancies across the water and last year turned down an offer from St Johnstone. He also spoke to Derry about the managerial vacancy left by Stephen Kenny in December.
He was in Liverpool last night, but cannot open formal negotiations until Sligo grant permission.
Stanley's long-standing manager John Coleman moved to Rochdale last month.
Caretaker boss Leam Richardson was an early favourite to take over, but it now appears that Cook has stolen a march on him and could return to his former club next week.
The 44-year-old former midfielder finished his career at the Crown Ground and had a spell as the club's first-team coach.
Cook has been at the Showgrounds for five seasons and has gained a reputation for success and good football, winning the League Cup and the last two FAI Cups. Sligo finished second in the league last season.
His departure would leave a huge gap at the north-western club, with no obvious successor available to take over and less than a month to go before the start of the new season.
Irish Independent
