WITH the development of the new 3G pitch at Ben Rhydding getting closer, Ilkley Town have announced a re-structuring of their management team.

Former first team boss Simon Armstrong has taken on the head of player development role with existing first team coaches Dave Houlston and Greg Beswick taking over as joint managers.

Anthony Hart and Ian McDonell have joined forces to take control of the under-21 team, with the aim of developing the club's youngsters to help them break into the academy.

Hart will combine the role with his academy manager duties alongside McDonell who has managed junior teams at Ilkley for over seven years.

First team player Danny Keating takes on the position of senior secretary at the club.

Chairman Richard Giles said: “I am pleased with these changes as they allow us to plan for the 3G pitch coming while keeping continuity. We are a family and will promote from within whenever we can”.

“I would like to pay particular thanks to Simon for managing the first team for the last three years. ”

The club has seen plenty of success in that time, winning two Wharfedale FA Challenge Cups and earning promotion to the West Yorkshire Premier Division in 2016.

Giles added: “Simon leaves the first team in a strong position. Dave Houlston and Greg Beswick are experienced coaches and have worked with our first team so are ideally placed to pick up the baton.”