Guiseley manager's pride at life with the Lions (From Ilkley Gazette)

Guiseley manager's pride at life with the Lions

12:10pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in Sport By Bill Marshall

Steve Kittrick, who celebrates his fourth anniversary as Guiseley manager next month, has reflected on how far the Lions have progressed in that time.

Kittrick, who came to Nethermoor after four seasons at Ossett Town, said yesterday: “Four years ago we would have had 200 people watching a midweek home game but on Tuesday against Stalybridge, when it was cold and rainy, we got 475.”

During Kittrick’s tenure, Guiseley have been promoted from the UniBond League, been play-off semi-finalists and finalists in Blue Square Bet North, reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy and reached the first round proper of the FA Cup.

In that time, the Lions have attracted players of England semi-professional quality, and three of their C internationals have left to have a bash at the full-time game.

Kittrick said: “James Walshaw was with us for two or three seasons and went to Darlington, where things didn’t work out for him before he came back to us.

“Stephen Brogan, who was always going to go full-time, went to Forest Green, and last week Simon Ainge, who has been at Guiseley for four seasons, went to Luton.

“Guiseley, and the players that have been with us at the time, have made players such as James and Simon what they are.”

Ainge, who has signed on a one-month loan deal at Kenilworth Road, may get a permanent move in January.