READ skipper Chris Holt has left Whalley Road to become the new professional at Ribblesdale League neighbours Padiham.

Holt, who starred with both bat and ball as Read finished second to Clitheroe this summer, had been linked with a move into the Lancashire League but replaces the long-serving Kashif Siddique as paid man at The Arbories.

The opening bat and left-arm spinner had previously played for Lancashire League outfit Colne.

Padiham have also appoined John Bushell as skipper for 2011 in place of Anthony Hall.