ONE of the key figures in Guiseley's recent revival has given the club a further boost by agreeing to stay for the rest of the season.

Former Leeds United midfielder Simon Walton, 29, has signed and extended deal which means he can play a full part in the club's bid to preserve their National League status.

When Walton initially joined Guiseley in September he was a free agent after making 37 appearances for Crawley Town in League Two last season.

In November he signed an initial contract until January but has now agreed to see out the remainder of the campaign.

His record of over 250 Football League appearances includes stints with Plymouth Argyle, Charlton Athletic and QPR after starting his career as a youth player at Elland Road..

He made 34 first team appearances for Leeds between 2004 and 2006 before moving on to Charlton Athletic. He had loan spells at Ipswich and Cardiff before signing for QPR in 2007-8 season.

Walton also had a loan spell at Hull City before joining Plymouth in 2008 and had further moves to Blackpool, Crewe and Sheffield United.

He then joined Hartlepool in 2012 before leaving in 2014 to join Stevenage.

The following season he signed for Crawley Town before departing at the end of 2015-16 season.

He played a handful of games with Garforth Town to maintain his fitness before joining National League side Guiseley on a Non-Contract basis.

Walton has made a positive impact in the Guiseley midfield and has helped manager Adam Lockwood's side turn their fortunes around following their desperate start to the season which saw them lose their opening seven games.

Walton has provided much-needed stability and has also proved to be a successful penalty taker.