Cook seeks Stanley talks

Irish club Sligo Rovers' boss Paul Cook has asked for permission to speak to Accrington over their vacant managerial position.

Cook ended his extensive playing career with a three-year spell at Stanley between 2003 and 2006 before moving into management and subsequently taking charge at Rovers in 2007. But the Irish top-flight outfit have warned off League Two Accrington as they look for a replacement to succeed John Coleman. A statement on the club's official website read: "Sligo Rovers can confirm that Paul Cook has asked for permission to speak to Accrington Stanley over their vacant manager position with a view to his long-held desire to one day return to England to be closer to his family. "Accrington have been informed that Paul Cook is under contract at Sligo Rovers and we have no desire to see him leave the club. "The management committee has been working with Paul in recent months to assemble an excellent squad of players and it is our intention that this should continue at this critical time in our pre-season."