THACKLEY AFC have appointed a 'stand-out candidate' as their reserve team manager for the 2021-22 season.

Harley Hirst will take up the hotseat working closely with first team manager Patrick McGuire and his coaching staff.

Hirst joins from Headingley AFC where he had led their reserves to a lofty position in the West Yorkshire Saturday League, most recently pushing for a top three finish and reaching league cup semi finals and finals.

Prior to that gig, he was first team manager at FC Armley achieving three consecutive promotions, a league cup and being crowned Premier Division champions.

Hirst has experience from his previous posts of working with younger players as well as first team players returning from injury, both of which were vital to the club when making this appointment.

Hirst said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Thackley AFC.

"I am looking forward to working with both first team players and younger players, including those produced through the Thackley Juniors set-up, helping them on their journey to becoming first team players.

"It is an exciting time for the club and I am proud to be a part of it.”

McGuire added: "It was pleasing for the club to receive applications from such strong candidates, showing how Thackley AFC is a place people want to be a part of.

"After speaking with Harley, it was clear he would fit into the current staff well and his passion and desire to achieve, backed up with his fantastic record of success, made him the ideal appointment.

"Harley will become part of the first team staff alongside managing the reserve side to ensure a close working relationship between the two teams, helping to develop young players to make the step up to First Team football, and provide game time for senior players at a good standard of football.

"The establishment of a reserve side further highlights the ongoing development and progression at Thackley AFC and Harley possesses the qualities to aid the club's success."

Thackley's reserves will be hosting an open-trial date in the coming pre-season, where they will be looking for players who can immediately join the squad and push for a First Team place.

The club also placed on record its thanks to the high quality applicants who applied for the role.