MARK Bower has hailed Wayne Brooksby as one of the most consistent players of his Guiseley reign following the winger's departure.

Brooksby left Nethermoor yesterday by mutual consent after struggling for games this season. He had recently been on loan at former club North Ferriby.

"Wayne leaves with our best wishes and the decision was made in the best interests of all concerned," said Bower.

"He has been one of our most consistent performers during my time here as both player and manager and I'm sure he won't be without a club for long."

Bower admits his first season in the National League has been a learning process and has improved him as a manager.

Pitting his wits against the likes of Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson and the experienced Jim Harvey at Halifax is proving to be a valuable lesson.

"When we were in the Conference North, we were coming up against a different type of player and we were winning a lot of games," said Bower.

"When you gain promotion, everything changes and suddenly you're up against a different challenge altogether.

"You know the wins are going to be hard to come by and the players have to get used to that first and foremost.

"We're going to places like Grimsby, Wrexham, Cheltenham and Tranmere and coming up against top managers. You have to adapt and do things differently to win games. You need a lot more flexibility in the systems and tactics.

"These are full-time managers with full-time squads and obviously the higher up you get, the better the class of manager – and player – you are faced with.

"It's been hard but it's definitely improved me as a manager."

The Lions boss would like to have more points on the board but he feels that the club have done a good job in the first half of the season. He is satisfied that his squad have adapted to the higher standard.

"I think we got used to the level quickly enough and a lot of the players we have got have played Football League, so that experience is vital," said Bower.

"It's not been too much of an eye opener for the players, although they have had to step up their fitness to compete with lads who spend all week training.

"It's difficult when you're part-time because we're all together on a Saturday but then we don't see the lads until Tuesday when we're getting on the bus or at the ground for a home game.

"They have to do things on their own in between – but they have been keeping their fitness up and it shows. The players have done really well and they're enjoying it."