ROB Heys has returned to Accrington Stanley as chief executive after serving his Football Association ban for betting offences.

Heys held the job when Stanley were promoted from the Conference but was handed a 21 month ban from football by the FA in 2013.

But under new majority shareholder Andy Holt Heys has returned to the club, replacing Alan Pickup in the role.

"Rob has experience in the role and has great affinity with the club," said Holt. "With the support of the team I expect this appointment to help transition the club from near bankruptcy to a stable community focused club.

"I take this opportunity to wish Rob every success in his new role and hope and trust that all connected parties get behind him.

"I'd like to thank Alan Pickup for his all his hard work in the role at the club over the last few years."

Chairman Peter Marsden said: "I have known Rob for many years and I can categorically say he is Accy Stanley through and through. He also knows what makes the club tick.

"I am sure that being away from the club for a period has shown Rob what he has missed and because of this has made him determined to prove to people that he still has a great deal to offer.

"I am sure that Rob will grasp the opportunity with both hands.

"As part-time acting CEO Alan has put in sterling work for the club and I am sure he will continue to be a familiar face on matchdays."

Heys is pleased to be returning to the Wham Stadium and taking up his role with the club under new ownership.

"I was really disappointed to have to leave the club due to my ban a couple of years ago," he said.

"As I said at the time, ignorance of the rules was no defence and I accepted the consequences.

"At the time I was humbled by the support I received from pretty much everyone involved with the club, including the board, players, staff and supporters, particularly as I was in the wrong.

"I am extremely grateful to have been given a second chance and going forward I am determined to repay the faith that has been shown in me.

"I still feel like there is a lot of unfinished business here at my club.

"I have been fortunate enough to have been involved on an amazing journey so far, starting in our part time non-league days and continuing right through to becoming an established professional Football League side, and we are now at the start of a new and very exciting chapter in the life of Accrington Stanley Football Club."