LEAM Richardson has been tipped to become manager of Accrington Stanley one day after being hailed as ‘a Mourinho in the making’.

Stanley opted for experience when they installed Paul Cook as their new boss this week ahead of 32-year-old Richardson, who has become the club’s assistant manager after impressing as caretaker.

“We see Leam as a Mourinho in the making,” said club president Peter Marsden, who was heavily involved in the process of appointing a new manager.

“He’s got a very modern way of working and we do rate him very highly. He could go to become Accrington Stanley manager in the future.

“We just felt we needed a safe pair of hands rather than putting immediate pressure on Leam for results.

“Paul Cook knows the club and the area, he was very highly rated by John Coleman and Jimmy Bell, he’s got the contacts and he’s done well with Sligo in Ireland with a limited budget.

“We think he will be a good wheeler dealer in the transfer market, which is a must for this club.”