PADIHAM secretary Alan Smith is excited about ushering in a new era with new manager Steve Wilkes.

Former Darwen manager Wilkes was announced as the new Storks chief on Monday, ending a 10-year spell at the Anchor Ground as both player and manager.

Longevity has also been key for Padiham, with former boss Graham Haworth leaving the club after seven years.

But Smith believes it was time for both Padiham and Wilkes to ring the changes.

"I think Padiham and Darwen have been very similar for a period of time," he said.

"Whereas other clubs have swapped and changed mangers, Padiham and Darwen have had the same manager for a number of years.

"Graham decided he wanted to resign from his position with us, and Steve admitted he had got to a stage where he was looking for a different challenge and hopefully we can provide him with that."

And Smith hopes new recruits Wilkes, his assistant, Paul Baker and coach Jimmy Khan, can steer North West Counties Second Division side Padiham in the right direction after a disappointing season.

"We would like to be challenging for a promotion place next season, as every club would in the second division," he said.

"The season before last we were there or thereabouts, but last season was disappointing because we were inconsistent.

"But we are hoping Steve can transform us from a mid-table club to one that can challenge for a place in the first division.

"It's not going to be easy but he has got the experience and I think his enthusiasm will rub off on the players."

He added: "I'm looking forward to next season because they will come in with new ideas and we will help him as much as he wants."