Silksworth CW manager has this challenge for squad

The Welfare Park club were sat just below mid-table when an FA Council ratified a decision to void the current season as the country continues to contend with the coronavirus epidemic.

The move could not have come at a worse time for Silksworth, who had shown positive signs since Cole replaced Bill Harper and Stephen Durrant in the dugout in late January.

After he made his managerial bow with a 2-2 league draw with high-flying Gateshead Leam Rangers, Cole led Silksworth to consecutive wins over league leaders Horden CW to progress into the semi-final of the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and the final of the Shipowners Charity Cup.

That meant a continuation of the club’s impressive form in cup competitions during the 2018/19 season when they claimed two of the four cups that are on offer for Wearside League clubs.

Planning for next season is already underway, despite the uncertainty over when the competitive action will resume – and Cole is hopeful that he can help the club push for a place in the upper reaches of the table.

He told The Echo: “We had just started to gel with a settled squad when the coronavirus epidemic started to spread.

“We were into one cup final and into the semi-final of another cup – so it was a kick in the teeth that it has happened.

“Obviously, it’s just one of those things and nobody could have predicted this coming.

“We always seem to do well in the cups, but the aim for next season is to try and continue that form and improve in the league too.

“I would like to hold on to the squad we have and get some players I am hoping to add.

“Even if you have won the league, you have to try and strengthen to stay ahead of the pack, and we probably need four or five players.

“We have been working on that and we have already identified who they are.”