ACCRINGTON Stanley have terminated the contract of manager James Beattie by mutual consent, with immediate effect.

In a statement, Beattie said: "It is with a hugely heavy heart that I decided to end this journey.

"I can never fully repay the faith and backing I got from the players, my staff and of course the fans who always gave me 100 per cent."

“I thank them from the bottom of my heart for granting me the opportunity and privilege to be part of your unique club.”

Stanley celebrated their first win of the season last weekend, beating Tranmere Rovers 3-2 at home.

They host AFC Wimbledon tomorrow, with assistant manager Paul Stephenson put in interim charge for that game.