Eric Whalley has stepped down as chairman of Accrington.

He will be replaced by David O'Neill, who has been the club`s general manager of late, as a deal to take the majority of Whalley's shares nears completion.

O'Neill, who has put £150,000 into Stanley during the last year, will take control of the day-to-day running of the club with immediate effect.

He has held voluntary positions as commercial manager and general manager since joining 18 months ago.

Whalley enjoyed a stint managing the side before buying the controlling share from John Alty and has also helped guide the club through three promotions.