SILSDEN boss James Gill has made two players with Evo-Stik League experience his first signings for the new season.

The Cobbydalers chief has snapped up goalkeeper Callum Jakovlevs from Clitheroe and midfielder Luke Richardson, who was at Ossett Albion.

He is delighted with his acquisitions as he looks to build a squad capable of returning to the top flight of the North West Counties League following relegation last season.

Jakovlevs was formerly on Burnley's books and Gill said: "Getting him to sign for us is a major coup. He is only 20 and has played at a level a couple of leagues above us so I am really pleased to get him.

“I knew once we got him to pre-season that he would like what he saw and he’s fitted in really well with the rest of the lads.

“Callum is very loud and a very good organiser. He’s a great shot stopper who will only get better and better with experience.”

The former Clarets trainee said: “I am really happy to join Silsden for the forthcoming season.

“I can’t wait to be back on the pitch after a patchy season last term that was hampered with an injury.

“Hopefully I can come here to win games, keep clean sheets and try get promotion back to the Premier Division.”

And on Richardson, he added: "Luke has played in the Evo-Stik League for a number of years and was with Bradford City as a youngster.

"He's a very experienced midfielder and comes with a very good pedigree.

"These signings really show the statement we are putting out there about the calibre of player we can attract."

Gill is keen to make further additions, though he does not want to completely overhaul last season's squad.

He said: "Despite going down, we finished the season really well and I am quite pleased with the squad. We want to carry that form on but we've identified a few areas where we need a bit more. I'll be looking to add four or five new players to last season's group."

Silsden start their warm-up schedule at home to last season's NWCL champions Colne on Saturday.

Gill said: "I was keen to arrange this friendly as Colne's manager Steve Cunningham is a good friend of mine.

"Playing the champions is a good catch for the club and will be a really good test for us."

The match is part of a family fun day in which funds are being raised for breast cancer charity the Pink Ribbon Foundation. It will also feature a veterans match at 5.30pm – featuring Silsden's successful Saturday and Sunday sides from years gone by – in memory of the late club president Arthur Tillotson.

"We thought it would be a fitting tribute to stage a memorial game for a trophy in his name," said Gill.

Entry to the afternoon is 'pay what you want', with junior matches starting at 12.45pm, while evening entertainment (£10 per person) includes a live band and hog roast.

Silsden continue their pre-season build-up with an away trip to West Yorkshire League neighbours Oxenhope on Tuesday.

Silsden friendly schedule: Sat July 9 Colne (H), Tue July 12 Oxenhope (A), Sat July 16 Clitheroe (H), Tue July 19 Thackley (A), Fri July 22 Albion Sports (H), Tue July 26 Campion (A), Thur July 28 Burnley United (A), Sat Jul 30 Hemsworth (A).