Silsden are gearing up for life in the top flight of the North West Counties League after beginning pre-season training last week.

And they are aiming to hit the ground running in the league programme after fixing up six pre-season friendlies -- beginning with a visit to re-formed Emley.

They also take on Campion, Barnoldswick Town, Ovenden, Hemsworth and Bradford Park Avenue.

Manager Andy Geary has also spoken to all of last season's promotion-winning heroes and was delighted with the response he got.

"I have had a word with them individually, told them they were all retained and am glad to report that they all seem happy to come back for more," said Geary.

"We will see who turns up at our old ground on Keighley Road at 7pm. From the feedback I have got I'm sure it will be a good turnout. Most of our home friendlies are at Keighley Road but we have got the use of Cougar Park for the Park Avenue game."

Geary, who guided Silsden to runners-up spot in North West Counties Division Two last season, is looking to bolster his squad for this season's campaign.

"We have invited some new players to join us at training. A couple are former Guiseley and there is one who used to be with Thackley. They are the types of player that will add quality.

"Nothing is cut and dried yet. We will see what they have to offer and they will have the chance to see how we operate. Recruitment is needed and I'm sure that last season's promotion has helped convince players to come and give us a try.

"We are also very keen to nurture local talent and if there are any people out there in the Keighley, Silsden or Steeton area who think they can make the grade we would like to hear from them. We are going forward as a club, and though we have a strong squad from last year we are always on the look-out for quality players."

Geary knows that standing still in the game is tantamount to taking a backward step. That is why he is searching for fresh faces, but after several years at the club he also knows the genuine worth of his stalwarts.

"Dale Hoyle has committed himself to another season, " said Geary. "He is getting on and he won't mind me saying that but his goals have been priceless.

"At the end of last season he threw his boots away and said if anyone saw him going near a football pitch they had his permission to stop him by fair means or foul. I spoke to him last week and he has bought a new pair of boots. That is the best news this club could have had because he is still a massive asset."

n Pre-season fixtures: Emley, away July 20; Campion, home, July 30, Barnoldswick Town, away, August 1; Ovenden, home, August 3; Hemsworth, away, August 6; Bradford Park Avenue, home (Cougar Park).