WITH the new campaign just around the corner, Guiseley have been busy finalising their squad and they have announced that George Smith will take over the reigns as the new Club Captain.

The new arrival at left-back, aged 25, who joined Barnsley at the age of 12 and progressed to play for the first team, said of his appointment: “I am as proud as Punch to be given the honour of captaining Guiseley AFC.

“Thanks to the gaffer Danny Ellis for giving me this role, I feel honoured and privileged. I am looking forward to being captain and to being a mentor for the young lads.”

This is the first time in his career that the former Darlington teammate of his current boss Ellis has captained a team full time.

He said: “I have done it on odd occasions in the past but never full time. It is very nice for me to have that privilege, especially with this group of players. The squad looks to be shaping up well and we performed well in our win over York, it is all coming together nicely.

“The two Dannys (Ellis and Forrest) have worked hard to pull this squad together after the club were relegated last season. Since their appointment they have done a good job in bringing players in.

“I feel we will put a good side out when we step out in our opening league game against Marine on 13th August. In this Pitching In Northern Premier League it is all about consistency and that is what we will be looking for.”

Smith added: “We have had a number of friendlies now but only a few training sessions together. Some lads have been added to the mix from the trialists who have been on view. Danny will want to cover every position, you always get injuries and he will want to be ready for that. He has to be a good judge of character as well as playing ability, especially with the youngsters.

“You can see that he has brought some quality in and they are a good set of lads. When you get a good set in the changing room then it brings out the good football. We look in good shape for the season ahead and I cannot wait for it to start.”

Speaking before the game against Darlington on Tuesday, where he played alongside his current Guiseley teammates Ellis and Jake Cassidy.

He said: “The game against Darlo will not feel like a pre-season friendly to me. I will be giving my all for the team I am now proud to wear the captain’s armband for.”

Guiseley did go onto win the game, a Jake Cassidy double and a John Johnston strike earning the Lions a full time score of, Guiseley AFC 3-0 Darlington.

The victory after a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Brighouse Town on Friday.

However, the Guiseley management ran the rule over several trialists on the evening as they look to finalise their squad for the opening Northern Premier League game against Marine on August 13.

The starting eleven included four trialists with another one sat on the bench and despite the makeshift line-up, the Lions got off to the best possible start with a goal after just four minutes when Trialist D beat the home keeper to a through ball and took it round him before slotting into the empty net.

Unfortunately, it wasn't to be for the visitors and an inspired Brighouse comeback ensured the game ended in defeat for Danny Ellis and his Guiseley players.