In this series of pieces, we get to know the men behind the faces that make up Silsden AFC.

This time, Craig Bentham is the man under the spotlight.

What are your earliest memories of football?

CB: “My earliest memories of football are going down to Elland Road with my dad to watch Leeds every week.

“I got the bug of playing when I was asked by a friend at first school if I wanted to go to training at Sandy Lane Juniors. That was where the rollercoaster journey that is football began.”

How long have you been in the world of professional/semi-professional football and which clubs have you been at during this time?

CB: “I left school at 16 to start my YTS with Bradford City. That was 18 years ago.

“I was lucky enough to go on and sign a professional contract.

“Since then I have played for Farsley Celtic, Guiseley, Balcatta SC (Perth, Australia), Thackley and now Silsden.”

What’s your favourite footballing memory to date?

CB: “I think it has to be my professional debut for Bradford City away to Walsall.

“I was subbed on with us winning 1-0 to man mark Paul Merson. Unfortunately we ended up drawing 1-1 but it was an unforgettable day.

“I also loved my time at Guiseley. We had a brilliant team but also an amazing togetherness. We went on to win the Unibond Premier that season which was no less than we deserved.”

Who’s the best player you’ve played with?

CB: “I’ve been lucky enough to play with some top players but I think Lee Sharpe has to be at the top of the list.

“I played with him in the reserves at Bradford as he was coming back from injury but the things he did in training with ease were unreal.”

Who’s the best player you’ve played against?

CB: “It has to be Juninho, or at least his shadow, as at times that was the closest I got to him.

“That day there were over 20,000 fans at the Riverside to see his return and they had to delay kick-off to get them all in.

“When I was at Bradford they had just dropped out of the Premier League but remained in the Reserve Premier League. We played against some amazing players young and old. I was only 17 or 18 years old so it was a real eye opener.”

whO’S THE BEST MANAGER YOU’VE PLAYED UNDER?

CB: “I think it probably has to be Bobby Davison when he was my youth team coach at Bradford.

“He just got what I was all about as a player and took me under his wing.

“He went on to work with Colin Todd and the first team which also aided my development.”

How long have you been at Silsden now?

CB: “I joined in October 2017 so it’s been just over a year now.”

What’s your favourite memory at Silsden so far?

CB: “Without doubt, winning the league last season.

“I joined in the middle of the unbeaten run. We had a little dip over the Christmas period but in the second half of the season we showed why we deserved that trophy come the end of the season.”

How do you think the season is going so far?

CB: “Individually it has been a learning curve after becoming assistant manager in the summer. I am really enjoying the responsibility this brings.

“In terms of playing, it has been testing. I have played in a number of positions this season but I have always been lucky enough that I can adapt and I enjoy the challenge it brings.

“I picked up an injury in the Boxing Day game against Barnoldswick and I am finding it hard to shake but fingers crossed I’ll be back soon.

“As a squad we started this season like a house on fire and we could not have imagined how well it was going. We also went on the best FA Vase run the club has ever had which is something we should be very proud of.

“Unfortunately this hasn’t continued but we are always striving to turn our fortunes around and get the rewards for all our hard work. We have some tough games coming up but as we have showed in the early parts of the season we are a match for anyone in this league.”

What are your realistic aims for the rest of the season?

CB: “The aim is to finish the season as strong as possible.

“We need to pick up as many points as we can and build towards next season.

“We have a very talented squad and the lads need to keep believing in themselves and build the confidence again.”