SILSDEN manager James Gill is looking forward to his first full season in charge, and he is happy with how the club’s pre-season went.

Ahead of tomorrow’s season-opening FA Cup extra-preliminary round tie at Bridlington Town, he said: “Overall I have been very pleased with our pre-season.

"With the squad changing somewhat, I felt it was important to get back in early and play a number of games.

“We have seven or eight new faces, and they have impressed me in the way they have gelled in a short space of time.

"But I still believe we need to add a couple of players over the next week or so to be at full strength.

“It can sometimes be difficult at our level with Evo-Stik clubs starting later.

"A lot of players are still trying to get in squads at a higher level but we are happy with our recruitment so far and are confident we can bring two new faces in.”

The Evo-Stik League begins a week tomorrow, so those clubs still have the opportunity to make signings in time for their opening games.

Following relegation last term, Gill, who took over with the club in a perilous position, hopes to lead them to an instant return to the top tier of the North West Counties League, which is now sponsored by Hallmark Security.

The Silsden boss added: "Our two main aims this season are to develop a young, local team to add some stability that the club hasn't had in recent seasons, with the other objective being promotion back to the Premier Division.

“I was a part of the promotion-winning side all those years ago, so to be able to take the club back where they belong as manager is my main priority.

"Having someone as experienced as Danny Forrest as my assistant is also a huge positive. His experience and knowledge of the game are a huge asset to both myself and the football club.

“We will both be registered as players and believe we have the right attributes to take the club forward, both on and off the pitch, but Danny will be playing far more than myself.

"He's a great player and his goals will be a real plus point this season.

“On a personal level, I don't really want to play much as I believe my focus should be on managing the squad.

"I think juggling both is a huge ask but I would never rule out playing if I believed it was needed.

“We can't wait to get started in the FA Cup away to Bridlington Town.

"I don't think we could have asked for a trickier tie but, again, I believe it's one the squad will relish, and we will go there with only one aim, and that's to progress the club into the next round.”