STEVE Wilkes is the new manager of Darwen Football Club.

The ex-Preston North End player was club captain and succeeds Ian McGarry who resigned last week.

Darwen chairman Kathleen Marah said the club had moved fast to fill the void left by McGarry's shock decision.

"Steve Wilkes has a lot of experience and he knows people. We think he'll be a good appointment for the club," she said.

"He's got the game and Darwen Football Club at heart.

"Players know and respect him and it seemed to make sense appointing him as manager. Ian's resignation was a blow. But the club hasn't had the support of the town for a lot of years and maybe a change of face will help."

A new commercial manager, Brian Wilkes (the new manager's father), has also been appointed to help generate advertising, sponsorship and interest in the club.

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