ILKLEY Town are looking to build on their success in winning the Wharfedale Cup last season and take that momentum into the new season.

The priority for the first team is to achieve promotion into the West Yorkshire League Premier Division.

The backroom team has been reinforced with Greg Beswick joining first team manager Simon Armstrong as his assistant. Dave Houlston will continue in his role coaching the first team squad and will also support the development of the talented junior players as they make the transition into senior football.

The reserve team will be managed by Jamie Cheik following his promotion from the Academy side and he will join Danny Keating.

Pete Illif will step up from the juniors to manage the Academy side and Ryan Dunne take on a coaching role while he recovers from a knee operation. Damian Smith will manage the under-21 team.

Club chairman Richard Giles said: “Getting the right managers and coaches in place is so important. We already have a high standard of coaches with Dave, Simon and Jamie. I am delighted that we are building on this and helping our coaches to progress within the club and are able to support Ryan while he recovers from injury. Greg will be a good addition and help to freshen things up as well.”

Pre-season training starts on Monday, July 6 at Ben Rhydding Sports Club (7am) and will run on Monday and Wednesday evenings during the summer.

First team manager Armstrong said: “I am excited by prospect of seeing the group of young players who emerged last year develop this season.

"We are adding one or two new players to an already strong squad. Last season finished on high point with the victory in the Cup Final. We will be setting our sights on promotion this season and I expect a good level of competition for places that will help all the players to reach a higher standard. I can’t wait to get started.”