ILKLEY Town have announced the appointment of Matt Fryer as the club’s U23s Manager.

The Bah’tatters conducted an extensive search in May, and that search has led to the arrival of Fryer – who has a wealth of coaching experience.

After graduating with a coaching degree from the University of Central Lancashire, he started out as a video analyst at Leeds United and Hearts in Scotland before moving on to coach at Loughborough University.

Most notably, Fryer was the first team manager at Headingley AFC for four years at Step Seven, in the West Yorkshire Premier League. The newly appointed manager will start with immediate effect, and it’s expected that he’ll be a fantastic addition to the senior men's coaching staff.

Following his appointment, Fryer said: "I am really looking forward to working at a club I’ve always admired for their professional approach and style of play. I am really driven to help improve all the players I work with, and my aim is to push as many of the younger players at the club towards the first team.”

He added: “I want to get to know the players as quickly as possible over the course of the summer and will be attending pre-season training with the first team and reserves, before the 23s season commences in September and I can't wait to start.”