NELSON boss Alex Norwood believes relegation to the Hallmark Security League First Division could prove a blessing in disguise for the Admirals.

Norwood’s men are not down yet but defeat at title chasing Bootle tomorrow and neighbours Padiham on Monday would see them drop into the first division.

Even two wins looks unlikely to save the Little Wembley men with Nelson 10 points off safety with only five games to play.

Norwood admits his side have been preparing for the drop in recent weeks with the Admirals chief pledging to turn to youth in a bid to give the club an identity.

He said: “We’ve not given up but we are realistic and we know the position we are in.

“What we want to do is give Nelson Football Club an identity and we will now look to promote young players.

“If you are good enough then this is the club for you. We won’t put you in a development squad with no real intention of playing you in the first team.

“We can’t have 11 young players. You need some experience in there and the likes of Christopher Anderson, Ben Hoskin and Mark Sharples have been brilliant in working with the youngsters and helping to bring them on.”

Norwood will remain in charge at the club next season regardless of which division Nelson are in and the Admirals boss is determined to help the club build towards a brighter future.

Norwood, who took over at the club 10 games into this campaign, said: “I have my ideas of what to do and thankfully there is an alignment there and we all want to work towards creating an identity for Nelson.”

The Admirals’ last game, a 2-2 draw with Cammell Laird, was watched by a crowd of 130 as part of the club’s community day which saw free entry for spectators and Norwood was pleased with the outcome of the initiative.

He added: “It’s something the club have done in the past and something they are keen to carry on.

“It was a good turnout last week and what we want to do is give the people who came a reason to keep coming and to keep their interest.”

Meanwhile, Nelson’s opponents on Monday, Padiham, have appointed former Burnley striker Andy Payton as the club’s new first team coach, working alongside manager Steve Wilkes.

The 49-year-old spent five seasons with the Clarets from 1998-2003 and is looking forward to joining the Hallmark League Security Premier Division club.

Payton tweeted: “Really looking forward to linking up with Padiham FC and Steve Wilkes. Having grown up in Padiham it’s a real honour.”

The Storks are without a game tomorrow before travelling to Nelson on Easter Monday (3pm). It will be the second successive derby for Padiham who came from behind to win away at AFC Darwen on Wednesday night.

Mohamed Nabeel put the Salmoners in front just before the hour but Brandon Barski levelled five minutes later. And the visitors pinched the points in the closing stages when Kieran Pickup netted a last minute winner.

Darwen, nine points clear of the bottom three and with a game in hand, entertain Hanley Town tomorrow at the Anchor Ground (3pm) before travelling to Atherton Collieries on Monday where the fixture kicks off at 11am as part of Groundhop 2017.

Elsewhere, Barnoldswick Town are without a game tomorrow but return to action on Monday away at New Mills.

In the first division Bacup Borough will bid to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Prestwich Heys when they host Whitchurch Alport tomorrow (3pm).