THACKLEY have confirmed that current striker/interim boss Tom Greaves and former Silsden supremo Danny Forrest have been appointed as joint managers of the first team.

Greaves had been player/assistant manager since joining in the summer of 2022 from Bury AFC and is Thackley’s current top goal-scorer with 20 goals already this season.

He took on the interim manager role after the departure of long-serving boss Pat McGuire last month.

Greaves had already had experience in the dugout at FC United of Manchester, where he was also player-manager, going on to become their all-time record goalscorer.

He also played for Bradford (Park Avenue) in his younger days.

Forrest takes the reins alongside Greaves after leaving his role as assistant manager of Guiseley in November 2022.

Forrest was Silsden’s manager in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division for six years, only leaving to join Guiseley ahead of this season.

Prior to management, Forrest began his playing career at Bradford City, where he made 50 appearances as a striker, before playing for clubs including Halifax Town and Crawley Town.

Chairman Ben Oliver said: "The club are delighted to unveil Tom and Danny as joint managers for Thackley AFC.

"It has been clear that since Tom has taken charge on a temporary basis that there has been a lift in the spirits around the club and especially among the playing squad.

"There hasn’t been a significant turnover of players in the squad, but a few tweaks to systems, shape and personnel has resulted in a noticeable change in performances and results.

"The club was mindful that this group of players went through a period of nine wins, one draw and two defeats from 12 games in September and October, and we were a big believer that this squad of players had more to offer than the current league position would suggest.

"We see the appointment of Tom, a well-liked and respected figure in the dressing room, as an appointment which will help retain and motivate our first-team squad.

"It is now for Tom to continue his good work and to see us through to the end of this season and build into next season."

Oliver added: "We knew that if Tom was to take the role, we would need to ensure he had a strong voice on the sidelines whenever he was on the pitch.

"Tom has scored 20 goals so far this season and we wanted to ensure we did not lose him from the playing squad by him being appointed as permanent manager.

"We are therefore delighted to welcome Danny to Thackley AFC.

"Danny is one of the brightest young managers in the area and is a real asset to the club.

"From a period of uncertainty, we feel that we have secured a high-calibre management team.

"It is now up to us as a club to ensure that we provide Tom and Danny with the best support possible off the pitch to allow them to bring consistent success on it."

Both Greaves and Forrest will be assisted by first team players Aiden Chippendale and Kris Hargreaves.

The pair will continue in their roles as player/coaches, offering support to the new management team when required. 

Additionally, James Greaves will assist the first team management through training and analysis.

Physio Joe Tate will be continuing in his position and will work alongside Greaves, Forrest and the first team management. 

Chris Holland will also remain in charge of the reserve team.

He will work closely with Greaves and Forrest to ensure player progression between the reserves and first team.