NEW management duo Russ O'Neill and Marcus Bignot like what they have seen so far at Guiseley, and both men are excited by the challenge of managing the new National League North club.

Speaking to the club's official website, O'Neill admitted that the role was one that had always interested him, saying: "I've known the people at Guiseley for a long time and had a good relationship with the previous managers. I've always helped them out with players.

"I've had the opportunity to go back into management (after Alfreton) two or three times but as soon as I got the phone call from Guiseley, I was 100 per cent committed and ready to go again."

Questioned about his partnership with former Chester City manager Bignot, he enthused: "Marcus and I have come across each other on numerous occasions.

"There's mutual respect between us and we'll both bring different attributes to the cause. Also, the more experience that people have got at this level can only help Guiseley."

Asked about his long-term goals for the club, O'Neill said: "We want to create an environment where young players can come and see a pathway.

"We've got a good academy and we'll play those lads if we have to. If you're good enough you're old enough, that's how we see it."

O'Neill is pleased with everyone's efforts at the club and he said: "We're getting all the help we can from volunteers and staff and I love that. We want commitment on and off the pitch and we want players to be proud to play at Guiseley."

Bignot spoke of the importance of the club's hierarchy sharing the duo's vision, saying: "Russ and I share the same values and principles on football.

"We sat down with the directors and we heard what we wanted to hear. I want to work with good people and the right people and I get that impression here.

"We've got experience at this level and we've also been successful having both won the division before. But we need time for that and that's what we've got here."

He expressed caution going forward, admitting: "There's a lot of hard work to be done. There's a lot of liability carried on into this season, with some of the players' contracts, and we can't sustain that level of financial commitment.

"It's a busy time and we need to speak to a lot of players who are still under contract as well as players we want to bring in."

Bignot is excited to get started though, and he said: "I can't wait to get to work on the first day of pre-season.

"This season, you're going to get a management team and a group of players that care, will be approachable and you'll be proud of us all. Together, nothing's impossible."