Accrington Stanley: James Beattie signs up Nicky Hunt

Former Rotherham United defender Nicky Hunt has become Accrington Stanley boss James Beattie's first signing since being appointed manager in May.

The 29-year-old former Bolton Wanderers right-back first moved to the Store First Stadium on loan in the January transfer window, making 11 appearances.

But, after his end-of-season release by Rotherham, he has now signed a two-year deal to make the move permanent.

"This was always a club I was thinking about coming back to," said Hunt.

"Whether Leam Richardson was the manager or James got the job, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here last season.

"Staying up was a massive achievement for the club considering the position we were in in January. It is up there in my career achievements, purely because of the way it ended.

"It was absolutely fantastic to be part of it. This is a small club but the people have got big hearts."