David (51), an insurance company boss, thinks the proposed ground move will take the club to a new level.

''I'm an optimistic person and for me the glass is always half full.

''With plans for the new ground about to go before the council and what we are aiming for on the pitch, I think we are on the cusp of very exciting times ahead with the club.

''The planned new ground will be right at the side of the A61 and motorists passing through will be able to see it.

''It is a massive thing for the town, a new stadium can become the centre for lots of things in addition to football.'' he said.

David, who takes over the vice-chairman's role from Jason Elliott who stood down at the end of last season, believes manager Lee Richardson is the right man to take the team onwards and upwards.

''Lee is a very innovative young manager and we hope he can do well for us and be our manager for many years to come,'' he said.