PAUL Cook admitted he would have to put up with the celebrations of the Accrington Stanley fans after his return to the Crown Ground ended in defeat yesterday.

Cook’s departure to Chesterfield in October upset many supporters, who particularly enjoyed Stanley’s 1-0 win over the Spireites yesterday.

Stanley’s players had used some pre-match quotes from Cook, when he said ‘I know what dressing room I’d rather be in’ for the game, as motivation for the fixture.

“Accrington are a fantastic football club and it’s a great night for them to beat us,” Cook said.

“People can laugh at me as much they want, it’s their night and I hope they enjoy it.

“The lads were always going to be a little bit more up for the game because of the manager coming back. They responded really well for Leam (Richardson), it’s a big win for Accrington and it’s a very disappointing result for us.”

Stanley are expected to bring in former Morecambe player Laurence Wilson, who was recently released by Rotherham and can play at left back and in a number of other positions, before Saturday’s home game against Dagenham and Redbridge. They may also attempt to extend Cameron Belford’s loan from Bury.

Boss Leam Richardson said: “I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. I’m really pleased for every single lad.”