And you the get the feeling he will do everything in his power to achieve what he failed to do in his previous eight-year stint in charge – promotion.

Padiham finished fourth twice during his previous tenure, and were frequently found in the leading pack early on in a campaign, only to fall away.

But he is out to make amends this time around, and finally guide "Tadiham" into the top tier of the Vodkat North West Counties Football League.

Speaking this week, he said: "It was fantastic to come back to Padiham in the summer, it really was.

"I've always loved it here, and I suppose you could call this my spiritual home.

"I'm loving every minute of it, but I suppose you always enjoy things more when you're winning!

"We have managed to put ourselves in a good position at this time of the season, but now need to make sure we keep in touch with the sides at the top.

"The likes of AFC Liverpool, Bootle and Wigan are all up there already and will no doubt stay there, so it is up to us to be in there where it matters."

Howarth was brought back to the club in the summer as a replacement for Anthony McCluskey, who decided not to turn his caretaker role from last season into a permanent fixture.

Upon leaving the Arbories in 2004, Howarth immediately tasted success with Nelson, guiding them to third spot and promotion to the Vodkat League Premier Division.

And after six straight league wins with Padiham this time around, the foundations are already in place for another promotion tilt this time around.

A run of eight straight victories in all competitions was brought to a shuddering halt on Wednesday night, as they were hammered 7-2 at home by UniBond Premier Division side Kendal Town in the Lancashire Co-Operatives Challenge Trophy.

But having fielded an understrength side, boasting no fewer than five players under the age of 19, Howarth is refusing to let the result bear any real significance: "We were never going to win that competition, so you have to put the result into perspective.

"You have to look at who they are, what level they play their football at and how well they are doing this season.

"It was always going to be a tough game, and I took the opportunity to change the side a bit and give some youngsters a run out.

"But we have to make sure this does not affect our league form, starting at Eccleshall this weekend."

Paul Fildes netted both goals against Kendal, but at the time of each, the visitors had already stamped their authority on proceedings.

His first made it 3-1 just before half-time, after he latched on to a throughball and rounded the keeper before slotting home.

And after two quickfire Kendal goals in the second half, Fildes made it 5-2 when Robbie Smith and Danny Sharples combined to set up the chance.

But the Storks will look to put the result to the back of their minds tomorrow when they travel to Staffordshire side Eccleshall (kick-off 3 p.m.).