GUISELEY boss Mark Bower admits the last-day drama which saw Guiseley retain their status in the top flight of non-League football was a totally new experience to him – despite decades in the game.

After years in the Football League as a player, most of them spent with Bradford City, the former Bantams skipper moved on to Halifax Town and then Guiseley to cut his teeth in coaching and management.

Now he is looking forward to his second full season in charge at Nethermoor – but he is still reflecting on his side's 4-3 home win over Torquay United on the last day of the season.

"It was a strange feeling and I've never known anything like that in football before," said Bower.

"The other games that mattered to us were minutes behind us and when our game finished, we knew that even though we'd won we could still be relegated.

"There was a lot of uncertainty and there were worried faces all around. Everyone was on the pitch – the players, all us from the technical area and the supporters, all just milling around.

"Then someone heard the result, from a mobile phone call or from social media, and the place erupted.

"Some people were still in disbelief but as it became clear that we were safe, it was a really good feeling. It was pure relief – but we don't want a repeat of that next season."

Bower's planning for the coming campaign is already underway with eight players released, four of last season's regulars signing new contracts and the securing of the management team that the Lions boss relied on last term.

"We have put offers to a lot of the players that are already here and some have put pen to paper but some haven't as yet," said Bower.

"It's a long process because there is a lot to consider from the club's point of view and the players. I expect it's going to be a busy summer."