Wilkes returns for second Padiham spell (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Wilkes returns for second Padiham spell

10:51am Friday 1st June 2012 in North West Counties By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter

STEVE Wilkes has returned to Padiham for his second spell as manager.

The Storks, who received an application from former Burnley striker Andy Payton, announced the appointment two weeks after parting company with Craig Chadwick.

It is over four years since Wilkes left the Arbories for Runcorn Linnets, after missing out on promotion to North West Counties Division One following a league restructure.

But the former Darwen boss has returned, with secretary Alan Smith believing he has unfinished business with the club.

“We were very impressed by what Steve, and his assistant Steve Cunningham, had to say when they came to speak to us,” said Smith.

“He knows what we are about and what we want to do.

“Our aim is get more players from the area, and the ability to attract players is what we were looking for in the interview process.

“We had some high calibre applicants - a lot of highly qualified coaches who have worked in the Football League, but we wanted someone who had experience of managing at this level and could work with a limited budget.

“It’s about contacts.”

It is understood former Padiham striker Paul Fildes had applied to be Payton’s assistant.

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