In this series of pieces, we get to know the men behind the faces that make up Silsden AFC.
First up is the gaffer, Danny Forrest.
What are your earliest memories of football?
DF: “My earliest memories are kicking a ball around whenever and wherever with my Dad.
“It wasn’t long before he was taking me to watch Bradford City and soon after I joined Burley Juniors, aged six.
“I just loved football from a young age and it’s been my life since.”
How long have you been in the world of professional/semi-professional football and which clubs have you been at during this time?
DF: “Around 18 years. I left school at 16 and went straight onto an apprenticeship with Bradford City.
“Since then I’ve played professionally in the first team at Bradford City and then Halifax Town, Crawley Town and Barrow AFC.
“My first taste of ‘semi-pro’ football was with Guiseley in the Conference North. I then had a spell at Harrogate Town before going back to Guiseley and finally to Gainsborough Trinity.”
What’s your favourite footballing memory to date?
DF: “There’s so many to choose from.
“Scoring against Ipswich on my league debut for Bradford City has to be up there. It was a special day after following the club up and down the country for so long as a fan. I lived and breathed the club.
“I also have to mention a night down in Essex when I was with Halifax Town and we beat Grays Athletic in the Conference play-off semi final. That was my favourite season in football.
“Chris Wilder built a young, talented team on a shoestring budget and really got the best out of us. No one gave us a chance that night even though we took a one goal advantage into the second leg. It was one of the best games I’ve ever played in as we ended up drawing 2-2 and going through 5-4 on aggregate.
“The scenes at the end of that game will live with me forever.”
Who’s the best player you’ve played with?
DF: “I came across David Bentley when playing for England U19s. In terms of ability he was streets ahead of anyone and technically the best I’ve ever come across.”
Who’s the best player you’ve played against?
DF: “We played Luton Town away in the FA Youth Cup in 2002. Curtis Davies played for them that day and I always remember him standing out, it was a tough evening.”
whO’S THE BEST MANAGER YOU’VE PLAYED UNDER?
DF: “I’d have to say Chris Wilder.
“I had a three year spell at Halifax Town under him and Wayne Jacobs. To see what Chris is doing now at Sheffield United isn’t surprising at all.
“He was so thorough and detailed on the training ground, he demanded high standards and knew how to get the best out of his players. His man management was brilliant. He had a ruthless side as well, luckily I didn’t feel that side of him too much.”
How long have you been at Silsden now?
DF: “It’s coming up to three years, just over two as manager.”
What’s your favourite memory at Silsden so far?
DF: “Winning the league last season.
“It was a special season as we won the first 17 games on the bounce and finished with over 100 points and 100 goals. This, all with a great set of lads.”
How do you think the season is going so far?
DF: “We started off extremely well during first couple of months and really gathered some momentum.
“The last few months have been below the standards we set and there’s been some very disappointing performances and results. After being so successful over a period of around 15 months, it’s been a testing time just recently for everyone.
“As a group of staff we’re not the type of people to rest on it and accept it. It hurts us and we’re giving everything we can to improve.
“The players just have to learn from their experiences so far this season. We have a young group but they can’t get down about the situation, they’re very good players who will be stronger because of this season.
“Every game and training session is an opportunity to learn and get better.”
What are your realistic aims for the rest of the season?
DF: “With 12 games left, the aim simply has to be to get as many points as we can and finish as high up the table as possible.”
