The club are celebrating a £100,000 grant awarded to help pay for a major upgrade of facilities.

The cash, from the Football Association, will enable the club to replace several dilapidated buildings at our Keighley Road home.

A new 100-seat stand, hospitality unit, ticket office and standing terracing form part of the scheme, which Club President Barry Thomas says will leave a legacy to Silsden “for generations to come”.

It is hoped – coronavirus permitting – that at least some of the new facilities could be built and ready for the start of next season.

Club President Barry Thomas, who co-ordinated the bid for funds, said the grant was “brilliant news”.

“It has been obvious for some years that several structures at the ground have been getting near to the end of their useful life – and they have further deteriorated significantly in recent months due to sustained inclement weather,” he said.

Among the buildings to be replaced is the John McNulty Stand, a wooden structure built in 1936 with old railway sleepers as a foundation. It is rotting and has woodworm.

The plan is to construct in its place a steel-fabricated stand, which would be built onsite.

An existing hospitality unit, housed in a dilapidated portable cabin, will also be replaced. The new purpose-built unit will be constructed in stone matching the clubhouse will include disabled facilities and will be utilised by Senior and Junior sections.

Stone will be used too to build the replacement ticket office, currently also an old portable cabin.

And a new, covered standing terrace – accommodating 50 spectators – will be provided between existing clubhouse porches.

Mr Thomas said all the construction, electrical and joinery work would be carried out by locally-based companies – Cobbydale Construction, Danny Clarke Building and Groundworks and Shane Parker Building Solutions.

The project will be managed by Andy Consoli, with Stephen Edwards of Cobbydale Construction, and accounts manager is Andrew Phillips.

“These are exciting times which continue the dreams and expectations of our club founder Dr John Purcell – who in 1904 envisaged health and outdoor activities every hour of the day for the people of Silsden,” added Mr Thomas.

First Team Manager Danny Forrest paid tribute to Barry and the rest of the committee:

“I’m so pleased for the likes of Barry who has worked so hard in securing the funding. Barry like many others has been involved with the club for many years and their dreams are turning in to a reality.

It just shows that we’re a forward thinking club, and the new facilities will raise the bar again and hopefully prove to be an attractive proposition for people.

We’re looking to build on what we have achieved on the pitch during the last few years and I’m delighted that’s matched by ambition off it.

These are exciting times for the club, preparations for next season continue to take place every day and we’re all looking forward to getting back to football as soon as we know it is safe to do so.”

All action midfielder Joe Mitchell rejoined the Cobbydalers in 2018 after a two year absence plying his trade for Clitheroe FC. He was Club Captain during this first spell with the Sils, and still demonstrates those leadership qualities now demanding high standards and leading by example during games. It’s fair to say ‘Mitch’ wears his heart on his sleeve, however, this is more than matched by his footballing ability and top quality performances. A consistent and reliable classy leader. Here Joe gives the verdict on his fellow teammates…

 

Best mate – Has to be Josh Kaine, known each other since before secondary school and been very close friends ever since.

Joker – There’s a couple on this one, Chris Wademan and Arley Barnes are defo two jokers.

Teacher’s pet – I’d go with Dan Illingworth, but with all the right meanings on wanting to get better and how we get better as a team.

Hardest worker –  Well I’ll go with the gaffa for this one (I’m being a teacher’s pet here) but no he does everything in his power for us lads.

Most skilful – Khurram Shazad, he is a joke with some of the stuff he pulls out.

Best dancer – Arley Barnes, he is a smooth guy on most things he does haha.

Future gaffer – Dan Illingworth for sure.

Toughest – I’d go with Ben Higginson, Liam Hudson likes to get weighed in and Josh Kaine, it’s a toss-up between them 3.

Worst dress sense – Tough one this, I’d have to go with Dan Illingworth, even though this hard because I don’t really see any of the lads out of their Silsden gear, but to be fair if I’m honest all the lads aren’t bad with their dress sense at all. Illo is just taking one for me there hahaha.

After a long chase from Manager Danny Forrest, Liam Hudson arrived at the Cobbydale Construction Stadium in Summer 2019. Liam quickly became a valued member of the squad with some strong performances at right-back. In the latter stages of the season, he played a vital role in midfield, protecting the back four and showing composure and quality on the ball as the Sils finished the season on a seven-game unbeaten run. A valued member of the squad on and off the pitch, here’s what Liam had to say about his teammates…

Best mate – Probably Ben Higginson the big dope. I’ve known him a while and we do a lot of work together! It can get a bit heated at times!

Joker – Probably Chris Wademan, he tries a bit too hard though at times and doesn’t have an off switch unfortunately. Arley Barnes a close second, he comes out with some beauty one-liners.

Teacher’s pet – Think everyone’s said this one… Dan Illingworth.

Hardest worker – Definitely between Joe Mitchell and Arley Barnes, they cover some serious ground.

Most skilful – Khurram Shazad without a shadow of doubt! Seen him tie several players in knots, including myself in training! Loves a megs!

Best Dancer – Not that I’ve seen him do much dancing, but Laurence Sorhaindo is always doing a few moves to himself in the changing room.

Future Gaffer- Could probably see Josh Kaine taking a managerial role, he’s a good skipper so I reckon he could take that to a gaffers role in the future.

Toughest – I don’t think anyone has said him yet but I wouldn’t like to take a dig from Ben Higginson, seen him dish some out, not for me!

Worst dress sense – Probably Chris Wademan, not seen much but he’s definitely got some rascal gear.

 

 

Khurram Shazad joined the Cobbydalers in summer 2019 and went on to be an instant hit amongst his fellow players and supporters with some sizzling early season form. Khurram’s signing proved to be a significant one, going on to score 8 goals, contributing many assists and often being the heartbeat behind a lot of our attacking play. An extremely likeable and popular character, Khurram has become a big part of the club in such a short space of time. Here he gives us the low down on his teammates…

Best mate – Jake Taylor, we just got on so well from the start.

Joker – Chris Wademan, most things that come out of his mouth just make me laugh. He’s a legend!

Teachers pet – Got to be Dan Illingworth, he just loves it.

Hardest worker – Tough one between Joe Mitchell and Arley Barnes, they both cover some serious miles. Mainly because I don’t get back in time!.

Most skilful – I’d say Laurence Sorhaindo, he probably doesn’t look the most skilful but I’ve seen him twist up a few people.

Best dancer – Not seen anyone dance but I’d go with Arley Barnes, I think he would have a few moves up his sleeve.

Future gaffer –  Mark Everingham, he always seems to have something on his mind, he’s very professional too.

Toughest – I’d go with Liam Hudson. Loves a tackle and always got my back in games 🙂

Worst dress sense – Not sure about this one, could be a few candidates though!!

 

Josh Brown returned to the club in summer 2019 after a four-year absence. During that time he has suffered two serious knee injuries, eventually recovering to have an outstanding season 2018/19 with neighbours and friends Silsden Whitestar. Josh has made a significant impact this season, his aerial ability and effectiveness in both boxes has been his trademark and he managed to bag a headed brace against Hemsworth back in December. Josh is currently recovering from another setback but we’re all looking forward to seeing back in a Sils shirt next season.

Best Mate – Probably Chris Wademan, I’ve known him the longest and we have played together a long time.

Joker – Got to be Chris Wademan again, you’re never safe when he’s around.

Teachers Pet – Dan Illingworth, loves showing off with his warmups and stretches.

Hardest Worker – Got to be Joe Mitchell, he never stops running.

Most Skilful – Khurram Shazad, easy one.

Best Dancer – I haven’t seen many of the lads dancing, but I’ve seen Matty Moses a few times and he likes to think he’s fairly decent at dancing.

Future Gaffer – I reckon Josh Kaine will be a good gaffer one day, he’s a good leader on the pitch.

Toughest –  Ben Higginson is always banging on about how hard he is, haven’t seen anything to back this up though.

Worst Dress Sense – Hard to call. I’ve seen Dan Illingworth’s work shoes though so I’ll go with him.

 

Since joining the club in March 2017 Mark Everingham has been a constant both on and off the pitch. Another player who has clocked up 100 appearances for the club recently, his versatility has seen him used in various positions. His performances as an attacking full-back have caught the eye, playing a significant part in 2017/18 title-winning season. His consistency on the pitch is matched by that off of it, he has a fantastic attitude and holds himself like a true pro; honest, dedicated, committed, and hungry to progress.

Best mate – I’d Probably say Josh McKiernon, we’ve known each other for a few years now and played with each other as school boys at Guiseley AFC.

Joker – Chris Wademan, always pulling pranks at training and making everybody laugh. Arley Barnes has some great one liners too.

Teachers pet – I’d go for Dan Illingworth, can be busy. But we all love it really, he has a good attitude.

Hardest worker – I’d say Joe Mitchell, always gives everything on a matchday as well as in training. As do all the lads really.

Most skilful – Easily Khurram Shazad, an absolute nightmare to play against in training, unreal feet.

Best dancer – It’s been a while since we had a night out but I believe Arley Barnes has a bit from what I remember.

Future gaffer – This is a tough one, I think I’d say Josh Kaine. He’s a good captain and leads by example on and off the pitch. A good organiser & possibly a future manager who knows.

Toughest – Not to make his head any bigger but I’d probably say Myles Foley. If he’s not playing football you’ll find him at the gym.

Worst dress sense – Nobody is that bad really. Again I’d probably have to stitch up Dan Illingworth for dodgy footwear. Loves a Doc Martin – not my style.

Dan Illingworth joined the Sils in January 2017 initially on a dual registration with Brighouse Town. The move may have raised a few eyebrows at the time, but it signified the intent of both parties and Dan’s arrival certainly felt like a milestone. His professionalism and attitude helped raise standards across the board. Three years, over 100 appearances, a league title and various personal accolades later, the bond between player and club remains as strong as ever, here’s what he had to say on his fellow teammates……

Best mate – ICE bath 

Joker – Chris Wademan, he is always up to mischief that lad!

Teachers Pet – Clive Murgatroyd , loves a warm-up – brilliant at 2 good quality squats and setting up a bleep test prior to kick off. However, he doesn’t know the difference between opening and closing the gate (groin).

Hardest Worker – Joe Mitchell and Arley Barnes, unbelievable love child these lads are like Non-league Kante’s!

Most skilful – Khurram Shazad, the megnuts genius! Absolute game-changer when he pulls the strings.

Best dancer – Josh McKiernon, he loves a bit of gun fingers when Trilla drops.

Future Gaffer – Mark Everingham, calm, collected and professional attitude in everything he does. Top bloke!

Toughest – Myles Foley aka Incredible Hulk. Liam Hudson talks a good game but he couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag.

Worst dress sense – Laurence Sorhaindo, NASA hat say no more!!!

Jake Taylor joined the Cobbydalers on loan from Halifax Town in September 2019 alongside full back Jay Benn. The popular Australian made a great start to life at Sils by notching a brace on his debut v Garforth in a 7-1 victory. Jake has gone on to make 25 appearances scoring some valuable and memorable goals, but it’s his professionalism, attitude and consistent performances that have made him a firm favourite amongst the players and supporters. Here’s what he had to say on his fellow players….

Best mate – I’d have to say Khurram Shazad, baller, really nice guy.

Joker – Social Media man, Byron Whalley, some of the stories I’ve heard are unbelievable!

Teachers pet – Dan Illingworth is always having a word with the gaffer.

Hardest worker – I think everyone in the team works really hard in the games especially in recent weeks on the defensive side getting clean sheets.

Most skilful – Ginner (Ben Higginson) is absolutely mesmerising when he’s on the ball.

Best dancer – To be honest I haven’t seen anyone dance but I’m sure Josh Mckiernon is good.

Future gaffer – Dan Illingworth or Josh Kaine , both leaders on the pitch.

Toughest – Liam Hudson and Craig Bentham fly into challenges, smash players and haven’t seen them get injured from it once.

Worst dress sense – Dan Illingworth comes in some very formal clothing, not my style .

 

After a long pursuit, Myles Foley joined the club in early January and it hasn’t been hard to see why the manager was delighted to finally land his long term target. Myles has been a huge positive on and off the pitch with his assured performances and positive attitude. Myles has a wealth of experience for such a young age, featuring at this level and above for Albion Sports, Ossett United and Campion. We’re all looking forward to seeing him a Silsden shirt again (whenever that might be!). He had his say on his fellow players in our Teammates series…..

Best Mate: Josh Mckiernon – We’ve been playing football together for around 5 years now – Guiseley, Albion Sports and now Silsden AFC.

Joker: I haven’t stopped laughing since the arrival of media man Byron Whalley. The stories he tells us on the way to away games are hilarious, he’s a good lad to have around the changing room and has good banter with the lads.

Teacher’s Pet: Connor Thompson – I’ve known Connor for a few years now and he’s always been the teacher’s pet at any club we’ve both been at. He would do anything to impress the Gaffer, his attitude is spot on both on and off the pitch.

Hardest Worker: Arley Barnes – He never stops running, playing next to him makes life a lot easier, he always wants the ball, tracks back, wins tackles and never gives up. He’s very important for the team.

Most Skilful: Khurram Shazad – I dread playing against him in training, his feet are unbelievable, I haven’t seen a better dribbler.

Best Dancer: Dan Illingworth – We always see him dancing before games, he loves a bit of bassline.

Future Gaffer: Josh Kaine – captain of the club and a good leader on the pitch, always stays calm and talks his fellow players through games, he would make a good manager.

Toughest: Me – It has to be, I’m one of the youngest but I’d say I was definitely the hardest. Josh Mckiernon thinks he’d have me but he needs to get in the gym a bit more to stand any chance.

Worst Dress Sense: Connor Thompson – It was a tough one but I have to go with Connor, I don’t think I’ve seen him out of his Lacoste tracksuit he bought about 5 years ago.

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Over the years Josh Kaine has been a main stay, clocking up over 170 appearances and wearing the captain’s armband for the vast majority. His solitary goal for the club was a sublime volley away at Eccleshall in early 2017. During his time Josh has seen a lot in terms of development of the club on and off the pitch and his loyalty and consistent performances have earned him a cult hero status at Silsden AFC. Captain. Leader. Sils Legend. Here’s what he had to say on his fellow players…..

Best Mate: Joe Mitchell – I’ve known him since our Bradford Boys/Bradford City days. Car chases, head butts and plenty of laughs along the way!

Joker: Chris Wademan – Got to be aware at all times especially in training. Running backwards minding your own business…. it’s too late!

Teacher’s Pet: Dan Illingworth – It’s got to be him! But we all love it. Great guy.

Hardest Worker: Arley ‘Farah’ Barnes – Fitness freak. He would run to all away games if Danny would let him.

Most Skilful: Khurram Shazad – He’s an absolute wizard, tie your legs shut if you don’t want to look stupid.

Best Dancer: Arley Barnes – He has some slick moves to be fair.

Future Gaffer: Ben Higginson – “Don’t tell me how to play football” is used in every team talk.

Toughest: Liam ‘Moneybags’ Hudson – With his boxing career.

Worst Dress Sense: Jake Taylor – Comes out dressed like Steve Irwin every night out.