ROY Mason is happy to play a waiting game as he explores all avenues to bolster his Steeton squad for next season.

The Chevrons return to pre-season training on Tuesday, June 25 as they look to build on their first season in Hallmark Security League Division One North.

Mason revealed he has contacted a number of managers of professional clubs, including Bradford City's Gary Bowyer, as he enquires about taking players on loan next season.

In the meantime Mason says patience needs to prevail for his club as they look to add new recruits.

Steeton have only announced so far that last year's leading scorer with 20, striker Andy Briggs, has agreed to return for the 2019-20 campaign. Striker Callum Meade has left Steeton to re-join Golcar United, while Joe Mason departed to go travelling.

Mason said: "It's a bit of a waiting game.

"It makes me laugh when clubs say on social media that they have signed players. They may have a commitment, but until they sign players then nothing is concluded. All it does is alert other clubs that players are available.

"I'm not going to announce anything about new players on social media, you set yourselves up for a fall.

"I can assure our supporters that we are working seven days a week off the field at the moment. This is a lot happening off the field.

"I have been talking to managers of professional clubs, who have been very supportive. They want to lend a hand.

"I had a chat with Gary Bowyer. He was positive about us taking one or two of his players on loan. He has taken my number

"People who follow Steeton are realistic. They know our expectations, we have to be self-sustainable.

"We are always looking for players to improve the strength of the squad. It's a difficult time for managers at this level. A lot of players are undecided at this stage.

"It's important when we sign a player that they are with us for the right reasons. We've got to decide how they fit into the dynamics of the club. We don't want Big Time Charlies and bad apples. If you get a disruptive influence, they can case a rift with anyone else. Teams in football win matches, not individuals."

Mason is also looking to build a team of mostly young players, but add in a selection of older heads to aid their development.

He added: "The key for us is getting younger players, some from the Keighley area, who could see us as a good stage to play at.

"Last season we played 10 players who started training with us when they were 16 years or under. We want to bring in lads who have played at a higher level but now have a point to prove.

"We also want to bring in one or two experienced players who have played at a higher level and have good game management.

Steeton are looking for businesses to sign up as sponsors, particularly for a company to sponsor the players' training kit for next season. Email mason@steeton.afc.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Steeton have announced their pre-season friendly schedule which includes clashes with Thackley and Liversedge.

The Chevrons start their pre-season campaign on July 4 with a trip to West Yorkshire side Field AFC, before a home game with Thackley, who Steeton knocked out of the County Cup last year, two days later.

They then face two West Yorkshire sides in Kirk Deighton on July 13 and Salts three days later.

On July 20 Steeton host Barnoldswick Town in the first of an annual pre-season trophy game when the sides will play for the first Archie Airdrie Trophy.

Airdrie, who died in December 2017, was a former player and committee member of Steeton for a number of years and his son, Stewart, is the chairman of Barnoldswick Town. They then finish their campaign with a trip to NEC side Liversedge on July 30.

The proceeds of the game will be donated to Airedale Hospital Oncology Department. The game, as with all Steeton's pre-season clashes, will be played at Summerhill Lane.

Steeton first-team: Thursday, July 4: Field AFC Away; Saturday, July 6: Thackley Home; Saturday, July 13: Kirk Deighton (a); Tuesday, July 16: Salts (h); Saturday, July 20: Barnoldswick (h); Tuesday, July 30: Liversedge (a).

Steeton reserves: Saturday, July 27: Oxenhope (a); Saturday, August 3: Campion Reserves (h); Saturday; August 10: Grassington (a); Wednesday, August 14: Bingley Town (h).