SILSDEN have made former Guiseley and Bradford Park Avenue striker Lee Spires their first summer signing as they prepare for next season's campaign in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.

The club won the second tier last season and manager Danny Forrest will feel that his team have built on that momentum by purchasing an experienced, high-quality player like Spires.

The forward joins on the back of a 34-goal season with Ilkley Town and he brings a wide range of experience, after playing for over 12 years as a professional and semi-pro in Spain before returning to England and relocating to Yorkshire three years ago.

Spires joins the club in a player/coach role and Forrest was delighted to sign him, saying: “Lee is someone who I’ve known about for quite a while now. He comes off the back of a great season at Ilkley Town and ticks a lot of boxes for us.

"He’s played at a higher level, he has a lot of ability and he’s particularly good in dead ball situations - an area I wanted to improve on.

"After meeting up with Lee I came away impressed by his desire to test himself at a higher level again and be part of the professional set up we have at the club.

"Lee will work closely with myself, Craig (Bentham) and the rest of the staff. At 31, he’s at a great age to help guide and mentor our young group and I believe he’s in a good position to have a positive influence on and off the pitch.”

Forrest confirmed that Bentham will become the club’s new assistant manager ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Bentham brings a wealth of experience after playing spells at Bradford City, Farsley Celtic and Thackley. After making an enormous contribution on the pitch to the 2017/18 title-winning season, he is seen as the ideal appointment.

Forrest enthused: "We've known each other a long time and I feel we are cut from the same cloth in football terms. His whole persona and professionalism epitomises what we're trying to do at the club.

"The lads already have huge respect for Craig and I’m sure it will prove to be a popular and successful appointment."

Bentham is not the only appointment that Silsden have made in the past week at backroom level.

Brian Blackwell joins the club as head of youth development and first team coach while Jamie Longley takes the role of U21 manager, alongside Russell Waite, who will become his assistant.

Meanwhile, Matt McNeil and Paul Evans will both leave their respective roles at the club. Kev Whitaker steps down from the U21 set up but is still an integral part of the club as manager of Silsden U13s.