ACCRINGTON Stanley have been fined £5,000 for appointing manager James Beattie before he had the relevant coaching qualifications – and will have to pay £15,000 more if he does not complete a course by May 1.

Managers in League One and League Two have to hold a UEFA B licence and clubs now face a fine if they appoint someone who does not hold the badge.

Beattie was appointed in May 2013 and it was found at a Football Disciplinary Commission hearing this month that the former England striker had still not attended a course or confirmed a place on a future course.

It is understood that Beattie has now made moves to earn the qualification by May 1, however.

That would see Stanley only have to pay a fine of £5,000 rather than £20,000.