Ryan Haigh and Danny Bolton are hoping to lead Silsden to a successful season
Silsden want to improve on their tenth place finish in the North West Counties Premier Division next season.
That’s what joint managers Danny Bolton and Ryan Haigh are aiming to do as they start preparing for their first full campaign in charge.
Haigh replaced Andy Geary earlier this year and he was joined by Bolton last month.
The pair believe Silsden have a great chance of being successful in the next 12 months and they are currently working round the clock.
Bolton said: “Whilst we maybe in the close season and the lads are enjoying having their feet up and enjoying the holidays, it’s is anything but rest for both Ryan and I.
“We have been busy planning for the forthcoming season and retaining the current talented squad has been our priority.
“We are also looking at how we can improve the squad and build upon the success that last season brought in equalling the highest points total the club has had at this level.
“There are numerous targets that have been identified and we have been in communication and had meetings with all of them.
“This season we have set our targets in achieving a top eight finish and we genuinely believe that with the current squad and new additions that this is a realistic possibility.
“There are some tough challenges ahead for us and there are teams most notably Colne, Northwich 1874, Runcorn Linnets and Nelson who will be up there challenging for the championship this time around.
“These teams and several others command high budgets for their playing squads, but we at Silsden AFC are striving to maximise the potential that the football club has.
“The facilities are exceptional and the Chairman is working tirelessly to maintain the pitch and provide a playing surface that deserves to hold matches at the highest level.”
Bolton has also confirmed that Silsden have plenty of friendlies lined-up.
“We have already secured Fleetwood Town to come play in a pre-season friendly and they have shown their intent by confirming that they are going to bring a strong first team squad with them for the fixture.
“We have also agreed a further two other massive fixtures with Leeds United and Burnley, but we are waiting on confirmation of dates for both these games.
“Clearly all three matches will generate a great deal of local interest and we are excited by the fact that these huge professional teams have chosen to come play Silsden when other football clubs have been trying to get them to play the fixture.
“We have secured three other pre season friendlies against Bamber Bridge and Brighouse Town from the Evo-Stick league and also against my old pal Chris Reape’s Thackley.
“I have spoken with Mark Bower at Guiseley and we have agreed to play another pre season friendly, but once again the dates of this fixture are to be confirmed.”
Some of those friendlies could bring big crowds into Silsden – something that Bolton wants to see for league games next season.
“I would like to reach out to the community of Silsden and surrounding areas to come down to the Angel Telecom Stadium and show their support for all the home matches.
“We regularly see a healthy crowd come through the gates, but another ambition of ours is to increase the average support coming through the gates.
“The clubhouse is a great establishment to come and relax prior to the games and afterwards and we welcome all existing and new fans who want to come and join us on our journey.
“These are exciting times for both Ryan and I, are chomping’ at the bit to get the boys back in and getting them ready for the challenge of the season ahead.”