SILSDEN skipper Josh Kaine has been speaking to the club's head of media, Byron Whalley, about last season, the transfer between leagues and a rosy looking future, both on and off the pitch.

You can read the full interview below:

What were your thoughts on how last season went as a whole before it came to an end?

Last season was really up and down to be honest.

We obviously had a horrible spell and couldn’t buy a win but then we finished really strongly and were on a good run.

We were gutted the season got cut short but it was a good test and learning curve for us in a new league, and both the bad and good runs we had will help and prepare us well for the new season.

It was your first season in the Northern Counties East League after moving over from the North West Counties Football League, how did you and the squad take to the transition?

I think the leagues are fairly similar to be honest. In both, you have teams that like to play and get the ball down and teams that are physical and are more direct in their approach, which isn’t anything new.

I do believe we can compete more, not only on the pitch but off it too, in the NCEL.

The squad last season was one of the youngest in comparison to seasons gone by. What was that like for you captaining the side and what were your overall thoughts on the squad?

I’ve enjoyed working within this group. I would say it’s the most honest, hard-working group we’ve had in a long time.

Everyone is on board and buying into what the management believe in and want, so it’s a good match.

In terms of the age of the group, I think it’s shown at times this season (2019/20) we’ve lacked that bit of experience in some games, but we definitely grew in confidence as a group and gelled.

On the whole though, the age of the group has to be seen as a positive, especially if we can have a good pre-season with not many departures, which I don’t expect. We are only going to get better.

What are your thoughts going into next season and are you looking forward to playing in front of the new facilities?

We’ve added a few quality signings and kept the majority of the squad, so I think I speak on behalf of everyone in the squad that we are quietly confident we can have a good season and challenge to be within or around the top six.

The new facilities will be great for the club. Everyone at the club and in the community benefits and we can’t wait to see it finished and play our football at the ground next season.

The committee works so hard and we as players are grateful for everything they do.

(ends)

NOTE: Kaine's comments on the facilities come after Silsden were awarded a £100,000 grant at the end of April from the FA.

It is helping them build a new 100-seat stand, hospitality unit, ticket office and standing terracing.