NEW Silsden boss Ryan Haigh wants to tap into more young local talent as he looks to build on his predecessor’s good work.

The 38-year-old officially took over the reins from Andy Geary last week and wants to continue the emphasis on youth.

Having worked as Geary’s number two since the start of last season, Haigh has seen the average age of the Cobbydalers squad come down considerably.

It is a policy which is paying off, with Silsden on course for possibly their highest ever finish since they joined the North West Counties League top flight.

Haigh, who is an FA level three-qualified coach, said: “Eighteen months ago, we cleared the decks and changed an ageing squad into one with an average age in the early 20s.

“We don’t have a huge budget and we have to work within our means and work with players on the training ground to bring them on.

“That’s what I am keen to do and bring in young talent from the local area.”

Haigh says his assistant Chris Price, whom he worked with at Padiham, is well placed to help bring in the right kind of players.

“Chris knows lads at lower levels very well and we’re looking to tap into that. He knows the Yorkshire area better than I do,” said the Silsden chief, who is from Barrowford in Lancashire.

Danny Bolton, who has just rejoined the coaching staff, also has good local knowledge of the player market. The club plan to hold open trials in the summer.

Haigh has playing experience in the North West Counties League and was part of Accrington Stanley’s youth set-up before they joined the Football League.

He is currently enjoying his second spell at the Angel Telecom Stadium, having previously been the Cobbydalers’ reserve coach for two and half years after joining during Chris Reape’s tenure.

His first stint was followed by a successful period as joint-manager of Padiham reserves, winning the league and cup.

While his focus remains on finishing this season as well as possible – their best final position was ninth in 2009 and they are currently 11th – Haigh hopes to bring further improvement next year with a top six or seven position his target.

But he knows it won’t come easy. He said: “There are sides in our league that have players with four, five and six years’ experience at this level. That’s when you can really push for a top-six spot.

“We have an average age of 22, a quarter of some budgets and less experience but we’re aiming to do it this way.”