James Beattie to discuss Accrington Stanley future

James Beattie will hold talks about his future as he approaches the end of his short-term contract with Accrington.

The 34-year-old former England striker became player-coach at the League Two club in November and has scored four times in 10 appearances for Stanley.

Beattie's three-month deal at the Crown Ground is due to expire on Wednesday.

"With his family, his personal life and his professional life, it can't just be decided on a whim," manager Leam Richardson told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We need to talk about it properly, which we will do."

Beattie had been without a club since being released by Sheffield United at the end of the 2011-12 season and he admitted that he had found it difficult to find new employment, even offering to turn out for teams on a "pay as you play" basis.

Since his arrival, Beattie has been assisting Richardson, who was named Accrington manager on 1 November.

The Lancashire side are currently 18th in League Two.