PAUL Cook is hoping Accrington Stanley can end the heartbreak of having his Football League career abruptly ended.

The former Burnley midfielder is bidding to revive his career at Accrington Stanley after his ties with the Clarets were cut in the aftermath of the ITV Digital collapse.

The 35-year-old was one of 13 players to be released by Burnley manager Stan Ternent at the end of last season and, like former team-mate Andy Payton, vowed he would never play for another Football League club.

So he was delighted to accept Stanley manager John Coleman's two-year contract offer and start another chapter in his long career.

"I'm really pleased because it's a good club," said the former Wigan Athletic, Wolves and Tranmere star.

"It's a good club, I know the manager very well and the chairman (Eric Whalley) and I'm really looking forward to the new season.

"The club is ambitious. After all, what's the point of labouring around the bottom of the league?

"You've got to aim to try to get into the play-offs.

"The nucleus of last season's successful side has been kept and with one or two more new signings, I think we'll be challenging."

And Cook, who has been joined at the Crown Ground by Burnley team-mate Gordon Armstrong, is hoping to make a big impression on his Nationwide Conference journey.

"I'm sure playing in the Conference will be an eye opener because it will be a completely new thing for me," he said.

"But if I could help get the club back in the Football League that would be a great way to finish my career."

Nevertheless, Cook admits he was gutted when he was told he was no longer part of Ternent's plans at Turf Moor after four years at the club.

"I was hoping for another season but I think the financial position of the club determined it wasn't to be for me and a lot of the lads," he explained.

"I was disappointed about leaving Burnley because I really like the manager."

But he has parted on good terms with Ternent and his backroom staff and is hoping to instigate a pre-season friendly against the Clarets at the Crown Ground.

He added: "I had some great years at Burnley. But it's a great area for football and I'm delighted to have signed for Accrington Stanley.

"Contrary to what some people think, although Accrington have looked after me, the club isn't paying me the type of money these people are making out.

"I'm not going to break the club - I wouldn't do that.

"Besides, the chairman has already said he'll sack me if I don't shape up, so at least I know where I stand!"