GUISELEY have announced that Kallan Murphy and Leigh Whelan have signed new contracts with the club for the 2023/24 season.

Both born in the Republic of Ireland they crossed the water together to join Chesterfield’s Academy three years ago looking to make the grade as professional footballers in England.

They still have that ambition and Guiseley fans were delighted with their whole-hearted performances last season.

Murphy, a forward, and Whelan, a midfielder, took slightly different routes with Murphy playing all his football with his local club Enniscorthy Town.

Whelan meanwhile progressed through three levels of football in Ireland playing for Cabinteely FC and moving to Dublin to play for the Shelbourne club in the League of Ireland.

Both born and raised in Wexford they have known each other since they were 12 years-old.

Murphy, 20, said: “Moving to England together has been great for us. We have been able to look after each other. Chesterfield as a club were really good to us and we cannot thank them enough but we are Guiseley players now and we just love the club.”

Whelan, 21, added: “Ever since joining Guiseley we have been well looked after. I felt at home and the fans were top class. It was a no brainer to sign for them again. We have had a nice break back home in Ireland and now we are raring to go again.

“It feels like we have a very good squad and we have competed well in pre-season against some good teams. I think we can have a good go at promotion and that is my ambition for the new season.”

For his part Murphy said: “We look to have a great squad and I was happy to get back to training. All the lads are grand and the fans have been good to us. I just wanted to be back around them all.”

The players, who for now continue to live in Chesterfield, signed for Matlock Town where they played under current Guiseley manager Paul Phillips and his assistant Kayde Coppin.

Murphy said: “Paul and Kayde gave me and Leigh the opportunity to play first team at Matlock so when they got in touch to play for Guiseley it was a no brainer.”

Whilst at the Chesterfield Academy, where Murphy was Under-19s Player-of-the-Season, both players had spells out on loan to experience men’s football.

Murphy spent time at Mansfield outfit Clipstone FC and Whelan played for Sheffield FC and Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Guiseley have also announced that midfielder Callum Chippendale has signed a new deal with the club for the 2023/24 campaign.