NEWLYWED, new dad, new job ... there may be no more fitting an appointment than Leam Richardson to lead the way as a new era sweeps over Accrington Stanley.

The 32-year-old was put in caretaker charge of first team affairs once John Coleman and Jimmy Bell left on Monday to take over at Rochdale, ending their 12-and-a-half year reign.

On top of losing Andy Procter to Preston last Friday, it has been a landmark week in the history of the club.

But when tomorrow comes, Richardson hopes it will be business as usual, with the Reds looking to continue their climb up the League Two ladder.

After a sticky start to the season, understandable considering they returned in the summer with only a handful of contracted players, and a troop of trialists to make up the numbers in training, Coleman and Bell built them back up into a team that looks capable of challenging in the play-offs for the second year in a row.

Going into tomorrow’s visit of Gillingham, they are just a win away from seventh spot.

Richardson, flanked by youth team coach Phil Hackney and experienced midfielder Bryan Hughes, is ready to pick up where Scouse duo left off, but he is refusing to be called ‘Gaffer’.

“I’ve told them you’ve got to win 20 games before you get called that. We’re just sticking to Leam at the minute,” said Richardson.

“I’ve spoken to a couple of the lads at Leeds United, Ian Miller and Simon Grayson.

“I’ve still got a good few friends at Blackburn who I keep in touch with, people like David Dunn. They have all been on and wishing me well and offering their help, which is really refreshing because at this time you need all the help and support you can get really.”

Richardson, who has worked under nine managers since turning professional under Brian Kidd at Blackburn in 1999, is drawing on all that experience too.

“I’ve played under some very good managers, managers who have been internationals – some of them have been very successful,” he said.

He added: “I don’t think anybody wished this to happen or thought it would happen, the gaffer and Jimmy going to Rochdale, but it did and I was lucky enough to be asked to take over first team affairs, which at the minute I’m relishing.

“The lads are really upbeat after the initial meeting we had and the first couple of sessions we’ve done have been brilliant.

“Straight away I looked at the dvds and got the scouting reports (on Gillingham) so we’ve been working on a few bits and bobs. The lads will be more than ready for the game.”

Richardson already knows he has the support of the players, as they were the ones who encouraged him to put himself forward as Colem-an’s successor.

He hopes to have the same backing from the fans as he takes his place in the dugout tomorrow, admitting being at home is a bonus.

“I think it will help in the fact that the fans can offer their support, which will be absolutely massive for us,” he said.

“We’ve had ups and downs but we’ve always pulled together, we’ve always pulled through and we’ve always come up trumps in the end.”