Former Saints striker James Beattie has been appointed as player-coach at Accrington Stanley.

The 34-year-old has signed an initial deal with the League Two club that runs until January.

Beattie will be reunited with his old Blackburn colleague Leam Richardson at the Crown Ground.

“I’m delighted to be here,” he said. “Leam has taken over as manager and asked me to come along and play some games and do a little bit in a coaching role. I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started.

“The coaching role has put another angle on things for me but I’ve signed a playing contract so I want to get involved in that as soon as possible. If there’s anything I can lend to Leam and the coaching staff here then that’ll be great.”