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Accrington chairman Peter Barrett is hoping new professional Mark Bailey can transform the ailing Lancashire League club's fortunes.

The 28-year-old New Zealander, who plays for Northern Districts, will replace Ryan Campbell as paid man next season.

And Barrett wants his new man to have a positive influence on and off the pitch as the Thorneyholme Road outfit aim to put four poor seasons behind them.

``We are hoping he can come in and stabilise the side but we also want someone who will generate a bit more interest in the club,'' said Barrett. ``He's a bit of an unknown to us in a sense but he seems to have been scoring quite a lot of runs this season and he also bowls medium pace.

``Ryan was a good pro in the sense that he was a quality player.

``But he didn't go on to win as many games as we hoped he would.

``This guy is that bit older and more experienced and hopefully he will be more of a club man.''

Meanwhile, Russ Cuddihy has stepped down as cricket section chairman at the club.

Cuddihy, a former Accrington player, has quit the post after a three-year stint in order to concentrate on his role as Youth Development Officer for the Lancashire League.

``I went back to help out on the playing side because the club were in trouble and I said from the outset I would only do it for three years,'' said Cuddihy.

``Those three years are now up and I've decided to step down. There hasn't been any falling out.''

No replacement will be sought for Cuddihy as Barrett will now become overall chairman.