There won't be many clubs - if any - in the country who have had just four secretaries in 112 years but this was the proud boast of Stanley United until Paul Fowler took over before the start of the current season.

The club, formed in 1890 by the merger of Stanley Nops and Stanley Albion had previously been served by Rob Walker, Bill Nicholson, George Midgley and Vince Kirkup, who held the post until just a few weeks ago.

It was then that the long-serving stalwart persuaded Fowler to become only the fifth secretary in the 112-year history of the Hill Top club.

"I haven't played football," said 29-year old Paul, "and until the start of the 1996/7 season I was a Crook Town supporter. A mate and I went to watch them play at Stanley United and immediately liked the set-up and the atmosphere.

"We got good vibes about the club and because I was born at nearby Billy Row, I decided to watch Stanley play on a regular basis."

Fowler not only saw the side play at home but began travelling to the away matches. "There was a joke going around at the time that if you were seen at

three consecutive away games, you were invited onto the committee and within a short time I was roped in."

After serving on the committee for four years, he was asked during the summer by Kirkup if he would take a more active role in the management of the club.

Kirkup, who had combined the roles of manager and secretary for more than two decades, invited him to take over the secretarial reins and so far he is enjoying every minute of it.

"Sometimes, there is a bit of pressure but if you do things when they should be done and don't put off, then it is not too bad."

Kirkup, meanwhile, is happy to let Paul get on in his new role and concentrate on being manager. The pair are obviously working well together since Stanley

United have made a better than anticipated start to the season and until last week's defeat, were in the top half of the table - something of a luxury for the Hill Top club.

"Vince is a tremendous worker for the club and if I can help him and other members of the committee to move the side into a higher position, then I will be more than satisfied," exclaimed Fowler