Silsden may still have the spectre of relegation hovering over their shoulders but they have confirmed that interim boss Andy Geary will be back as permanent manager next season.

The Cobbydalers are not mathematically safe in the North West Counties League, being just five points above second-from-bottom Squires Gate, but they are picking up points.

Also, with rumours rife that only one club will go down this season, it is unlikely that Silsden will lose their Premier Division status.

Secretary and spokesman Jim Rosser said: “We are at home to mid-table AFC Blackpool tomorrow, so we hope to get something from that. Our home games could be a key factor as we also have (14th-placed) Alsager Town next week.

“But I think we’ll be all right. There have been some really good performances lately and Andy has got the team spirit back - and he is happy so we should be. Andy will be in charge next season and he is looking forward to it.”

Rosser added: “Some of the older lads who have come back to help us out have worked very hard. We had both Blands (twins Martin and Matthew) available last Wednesday and that really is a blast from the past.

“But it’s not just a short-term thing because Andy has got a squad all playing together. We had a very young side before and consistency was lacking and when we started losing, well, confidence just nose-dived.

“Andy has brought some even younger lads in but, on the plus side, has a few older heads in the team, and that has settled things down.

“We could have been safe already because we have been unlucky not to hold on to leads we have taken in a couple of recent games. The atmosphere is fairly upbeat around the place.”