Howarth enjoys Padiham challenge

Padiham manager Graham Howarth has praised his side for the start they have made in their first Vodkat League Premier Division campaign.

Howarth believes the East Lancashire side, who are currently eighth in the top-flight, are building a squad for the future.

"We set our stall out to make sure we could compete in this Division," said the manager.

"My aim as a minimum is to finish the best side around here."

Howarth was previously in charge of Nelson when they won promotion to the Premier Division in 2006.

He believes he can build the experience of the following season when the club struggled to come to terms with a higher division. But he also realises a different set of circumstances will dictate Padiham's future.

If you prove yourself as a good established side it will give a good platform from which to push on Padiham manager Graham Howarth

"When I went up with Nelson, in the summer I went away for a month on holiday and when I came back about five or six of our better players had been allowed to leave the club," said Howarth.

"Trying to compete at this level with half the side gone after getting promoted was always going to be hard, and I ended up playing lads who were in the reserves the season before in a lower division. We were on a hiding to nothing then.

"The difference this time at Padiham is that the committee backed my judgement, which has meant I've been able to bring in a few experienced lads at this level and that has made a huge difference.

"We had to strengthen anyway as we lost quite a few of last season's team in the summer.

"The set up and facilities here are in place, the pitch is second to none, so if you prove yourself as a good established side it will give a good platform from which to push on."