FORMER Lancashire star Karl Brown has joined Accrington as professional for the 2019 season.

Brown stood in as sub pro for the Lancashire League side once last term and impressed club officials and his teammates with an unbeaten 94 and 3-85.

And he has now joined the Thorneyholme Road men as they prepare for life in the top tier of the league when it resumes as a two-division format in 2019.

"I’m really pleased to be joining Accrington as professional for the 2019 season," said Brown. "The challenge of playing in the top division of the Lancashire league is something I’m looking forward to.

"I know the club are very ambitious and I will be working closely with captain Ross Brown to hopefully make 2019 one to remember."

Brown, 30, was released by the Red Rose at the end of last season having scored more than 3,5000 first class runs since making his debut in 2006.

And Accrington club spokesman Jimmy Hayhurst is delighted to have Brown on board.

He added: "Karl was the stand-out candidate for the role after impressing the players and the committee with his performance for Clitheroe against us last year as their stand in professional.

"We where very keen to secure his services and we now start our preparations for the forthcoming season.

"We feel he has lots to offer the club on and of the field as we feel he is the perfect fit with his experience and our developing team we are looking forward to are first year in the new divisional format and we will be looking to draw on his experience to help develop our club over the coming season.

"Karl is locally based and with most overseas players coming late and going home early we feel is is important for the club to have him around in pre season and throughout the season and provide stability.

"We would like to wish Karl and captain Ross Brown the best of luck for the forthcoming season."