GUISELEY caretaker Sean St Ledger believes the recent trimming of his 40-man playing squad will benefit his side as they look to engineer a great escape from relegation in the Vanarama National League.

The latest outgoings from Nethermoor this week saw centre back Elliot Green loaned out to Alfreton Town until the end of the campaign while right back Jake Sheppard has returned to his parent club Reading.

St Ledger explained: "I think when you're down at the bottom you need a good team spirit, and I think that it's more difficult if you have high numbers, rather than a small, tight-knit unit.

"Sometimes I feel like it's better to have smaller numbers so there's not as many players disappointed and there's less negativity when you come into training on a Monday."

The former Republic of Ireland international is currently preparing the Lions for their scheduled home clash with Dagenham on Saturday – if the cold snap relents.

With Saturday's visitors suffering financial difficulties at present, the Lions may see this game as a good opportunity to pick up three points.

It is the first of two home games coming up after the midweek clash with lowly Barrow was postponed due to snow and rescheduled for next Tuesday (March 6).

St Ledger has admitted he would prefer to focus on his managerial role while he remains in caretaker charge but he started himself for a second consecutive game last Saturday in the 4-0 loss to Sutton.

He said: "The reason I played was due to an injury (to Victor Nirennold in the warm-up) in the Fylde game and then obviously we won that.

"Just through the history of managers I've played under, they never really changed a winning side.

"I came off (against Sutton) because my hamstring was a bit sore so I'll just have to wait and see how playing goes."

St Ledger said that he has no control over his future in charge at Nethermoor, but is happy to continue as long as he is wanted by the club's hierarchy.

He said: "I'm just doing what the chairman and the owner ask of me and trying to give my best to try and create some confidence in the squad and hopefully get some results.

"The situation we're in, it's all about getting wins and I'll do my best whether I'm the manager or a player."