We are delighted to announce the signing of exciting forward Joao Silva. 

Following an unsettling season last time out with the beleagured Farsley Celtic Guiseley AFC’s new signing Joao Silva is looking for a more stable campaign as the new season approaches, writes Rachel O’Connor.

The 21 year-old forward comes to Nethermoor with the express intention of promotion to the National League North, where he played 27 games for Farsley last season.

Of his ambition for promotion he said: “I hope it is as winners of the league, play-offs are too stressful for the fans and the players.”

He added: “I know Guiseley have tried to get back to National League North over the past few seasons, I hope as a club they achieve that this time.”

Born on the African island of Sao Tome the young Silva started playing football in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of five and signed for Sporting Lisbon as a youngster.

The family moved to Leeds five years ago and Silva started playing again at school in Leeds before signing for Eccleshill United in the Northern Counties East League.

His form saw him snapped up by Farsley last summer and he had a loan spell at Ossett United.

By November he was elevated to the first team and playing in the National League.

At the age of 21 he has already experienced the thrill of playing for his country with an international call up to the Soa Tome and Principe squad for their World Cup qualifiers.

Of the opportunity he said: “Coming on as a substitute in the game against Liberia was an amazing experience. It is a real honour to play for your country and I hope to have many more opportunities to do so.”

Of joining Guiseley Silva said:”Guiseley are an excellent club. I know they were big rivals of Farsley but I am hoping to make progress with them. I am only young but I have ambitions to play at higher levels and the next step will be to get promotion with Guiseley.”

Joao’s home, away and training kits are all available to sponsor, please email james.pickles@guiseleyafc.co.uk for more information.

More information on further players under contract and our full retained list will be announced in the coming days.