STEETON have appointed former Silsden coach Brian Blackwell onto their first-team backroom staff as they look to move off the bottom of the North West Counties First Division North.

The Chevrons have struggled so far this season, propping up the rest of the league after only recording three victories in their 13 fixtures.

Manager Roy Mason has acted by recruiting a UEFA B-licensed coach with extensive experience, including FA youth, talent identification and football psychology qualifications.

Blackwell worked under Danny Forrest at the Cobbydalers and has a track record of developing young players. He worked at Guiseley AFC’s Centre of Excellence, guiding the Under-16s to the Junior Premier League National Elite title in 2018.

Mason is excited to work with his new staff member and believes the club are in a fortunate position to have a coach with his credentials involved.

He said: “We’re trying to develop young players and with Chris Reape and Brian on the coaching staff as UEFA (licensed) coaches, it puts us in a really strong position for the future.”

Blackwell added: “I’m really looking forward to working with Roy and Chris as they attempt to turn around the fortunes of the club. Hopefully, we’ll be able to push on and achieve great things in the future.”

The new coach will be involved with training for the first time tonight and will travel with the team for their league fixture against Holker on Saturday.