Carden beats rivals to coveted post

Carden, pictured, landed the coveted role at Cantilever Park on Wednesday when he was appointed as the successor to former joint managers Stuart Mellish and Lee Smith following their departure last weekend.

The 37-year-old takes charge on Saturday for the first time when the Wire host EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division rivals Nantwich Town in the first qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy. He will be assisted by ex-Yellows striker Mark Beesley as first team coach and is expected to name his assistant manager after the weekend.

Carden, who enjoyed a lengthy playing career in midfield with a number of clubs including Chester and Cambridge United before moving into management at Southport in January 2015, took over as interim manager of Rovers in September 2016 after a spell as assistant manager.

Carden, who left the National League outfit on "good terms" last week says he is "excited to build on something very special at Warrington" and believes he has an "exciting opportunity" after the club's recent successes, including last season's promotion. Although there is little room for error, he also believes a play-off spot is still achievable too.

In a club statement announcing his appointment, he said: "I already know quite a few of the lads including Kinsella, Deegan and Ventre and believe they can step up to the next level. But we have quite a few out injured or carrying injuries so I will be looking to strengthen the squad.

"Historically, the team that finishes fifth loses 12 games and we have already lost eight. But we have not had many draws so if we can put a good run together it is still possible."

Warrington Town chairman Toby Macormac told supporters he was delighted to appoint Carden and Beesley who managed Burscough last season following his own lengthy playing career which took in Chester, Forest Green and Cambridge United.

Macormac said: "I am very pleased with these appointments. They give us experience from our current level right up to Conference National and we still have the assistant to add which will be announced in a press release on Monday morning, adding further strength to the appointed team.

"Paul is vastly experienced and has the right pedigree to take the club forward while Mark also has great experience. Paul and Mark are of similar ages with same beliefs and will become a solid team to take us forward."

Image courtesy of Warrington Town

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