DANNY Forrest is pleased with the squad he has assembled for his first full season as Silsden manager.

The Cobbydalers kick off at home to Sandbach today, with the former Bantams and Guiseley striker particularly pleased to snap up two familiar faces.

He said: “It’s a very young squad but I think we’ve got the right blend and we’re all looking forward to the new season.

“We got Joe Gaughan and Arley Barnes signed up and those two returning to the club is huge for us. If they stay fit and maintain the form that we expect from them they will be two key players, no doubt about it.

“Arley’s a fantastic player and a leader, not just on the pitch. He’s a great lad and the others in the squad look up to him, which I’m very happy about because he always sets a good example on and off the pitch in how to conduct yourself.

“What Joe brings is his goals and his overall attitude. Again he’s a big character, great to have around the club, be it match-day, training or a social event, and he’s very popular with the rest of the lads which encourages that team spirit.

“They are still young men but people might forget that they have played around a hundred games or more at this club and others at this level in their short careers, so they bring experience.

“They tick a lot of boxes and they’re two great acquisitions. We want to keep the progress going after the second half of last season and I’m glad to see them back at the club and we’re all looking to take Silsden football club forward again.”