New Accrington Stanley manager James Beattie has insisted that he will do all that he can to ensure that the team are not involved in a relegation battle next season.

The 35-year-old, who joined the club as a player last January, was handed the manager's job yesterday afternoon.

Turning his attention to the future, the former England international has vowed to use all of his contacts within the game to keep Accrington away from the League Two drop zone.

"We all believe that we're going to be successful and the aim is to get promoted. I'll be utilising everything within my power and my network of friends," he told the club's official website.

"It's all right me saying that, people might say 'he's dreaming', but I think you've got to aim high."

Beattie has signed a two-year contract at the Crown Ground.