JAMES Gill’s first full season in charge of Silsden will begin with a visit from 2015-16 North West Counties League Premier Division champions Colne (now in Evo-Stik Division One North) on Saturday, July 9 for a Roses friendly derby that will be the centrepiece of a charity fun day.

The Cobbydalers have announced eight games – three at home and five away – as they build-up to life in the Hallmark Security League (formerly the North West Counties League) Division One following last term’s relegation.

Other home pre-season friendlies are against Clitheroe on Saturday, July 16 and Albion Sports on Friday, July 22.

Away fixtures are against Oxenhope Recreation on Tuesday, July 12, Thackley a week later, Northern Counties East League new boys Campion on Tuesday, July 26, Burnley United two days later and Hemsworth on Saturday, July 30.

Among Silsden's opponents in Division One are six clubs who have been promoted onto the football pyramid – Carlisle City, Charnock Richard, City of Liverpool FC, FC Oswestry Town, Prestwich Heys and Sandbach United.

League secretary John Deal explained: "City of Liverpool FC were not originally allocated to us but won their appeal to the FA, while Rochdale Town have been relegated to the Manchester League for failing their ground grading inspection."

The North West Counties League, who start their fixtures on Saturday, August 6, have signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Hallmark Security, a Widnes-based business that has already been hired by several NWC League clubs throughout Cheshire.

The company expects the deal to help them expand throughout the north west, while the league feels that they are building on a successful partnership.

The NWC League followed the announcement of new naming rights with confirmation of a second sponsorship deal less than 24 hours later.

Sportswear firm Macron will become the Hallmark Security League’s official teamwear partner for the next four years, while the League Cup will be known as the Macron Challenge Cup.

Macron, who also sponsor Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City, still regard grassroots football as a core element of their business.