IT is an early start to pre-season for Otley Town and manager Chris Peachey, but he needs all of that time as he looks to strengthen his first team and oversee the development of exciting new sides at the club.

The firsts won promotion to Division One of the West Yorkshire Association League and they begin training again this Saturday. There may be some new faces too, as the club are looking to host 'trials' for new players to come and join them.

Peachey said: "It's a general recruitment drive and I'm not shutting the door on any position. If we can add some strength anywhere across the pitch, we'll welcome it.

"It's a bit of competition for places as well. People can't get complacent in their starting positions.

The manager is not expecting many outgoings though, saying: "We have a couple of younger lads from the third team which have found themselves going to university.

"From the first team's perspective, Matthew Houton is in his mid-30s and he's seen the better of his playing days! He's hanging his boots up but other than that, everyone else is staying with us, so we're just adding to what we've already got."

Houton may want to consider joining one of Otley's new teams in the near future. Town have set up a Veterans (+35) side to play in the Harrogate & District Mundial League, while their new U21s will play in the West Riding Floodlit League.

Peachey is hoping to encourage players to join those sides too, and is enthusiastic about the development of both.

He said: "The thought process behind the senior team is that we want people to see it as a club forever. We don't want them to get to 35 or 36 and think they have to retire from the game.

"We encourage them to stay playing veterans football or come into management in the junior set up. We want to keep people within the club."

Regarding the youngsters, he added: "I'm heading up the whole development of the club on the coaching front. We're unifying how the juniors and seniors are run to build one club ethos.

"The U21 side will be a fantastic bridge between the junior and the senior team."

Those wanting to play for the first-team can attend this Saturday's training session at 10am and sessions will run twice a week, on Saturdays from 10am-12pm and Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Old Showground on Pool Road.

Any queries about joining any of the club's sides should be directed to Peachey on 07887511958 or cpeachey08@outlook.com.