GUISELEY feel that they have lost the best goalkeeper to pull on a Lions shirt after Steven Drench, who was initially thought to be staying at Nethermoor, decided to drop down a division to sign for FC Halifax Town.

The Shaymen, who are under new boss Billy Heath, were in the market for a keeper after Sam Johnson returned to Port Vale and his understudy Jordan Porter was released.

Johnson’s loan spell ended as Halifax lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley following a 1-0 win over Grimsby Town, who will be back in Sky Bet League Two next season following promotion.

Drench, who lives in east Lancashire, began his career at Blackburn Rovers.

The 30-year-old gave up a coaching role with the Championship outfit in order to continue playing for Guiseley last season as they spent their first campaign in the top flight of non-league football.

The agile and talented Drench was expected to continue at Nethermoor as the Lions build-up for a second term in the National League.

There was an option for another season in his existing contract but it’s understood that Halifax came in and made him a more lucrative offer.

Guiseley boss Mark Bower said: “We’re obviously disappointed to lose a goalkeeper of Steven’s quality.

“The one-year contract he signed last summer had an option to extend for a further year and was all set to be signed when Halifax came in at the 11th hour with an offer that Steven couldn’t refuse.

“Steven’s contract reflected the high regard that we held him in and he had the option to extend this contract for a further year.

"We were informed earlier in the week that he would be taking up the option to remain with us. However, he has since received an offer from Halifax which he has accepted.

“He leaves with our best wishes and everyone at the club will be forever grateful for the part he played in getting the club to the level it is at today.”

Drench, who played more than 200 times for Guiseley, has also played at Morecambe and Southport.

Guiseley, meanwhile, have announced the signing of versatile winger Nicky Clee and the contract renewal of young forward Luke Porritt.

Clee follows Michael Rankine to Nethermoor from Altrincham, where he spent seven successful years and became a fans’ favourite.

The 32-year-old Clee is known to be a skilful winger with an eye for goal, and Bower said: “Nicky has come to us on an appearance-based deal and turned down more security elsewhere for the chance to prove himself with us at National League level.

"He’s a very gifted footballer with a great left foot and can play in numerous positions. We’re pleased Nicky has decided to join us and feel he will be a real asset to the team for the coming season.”

Porritt enjoyed a fine pre-season in 2015 before being restricted to a peripheral role due to injuries and a loan spell with Ossett Albion.

Bower added: “Luke missed the last four months of the season through injury, so we’re hopeful he’ll be fit for the start of pre-season and get a consistent run of games under his belt to push for a place in the first team and fulfil his potential.

"Luke will be doing extra work with (physio) Martin Stringfellow through the summer in preparation for our return to training.”

FC Halifax Town defender James Bolton has signed for Vanarama National side Gateshead.

The 22-year-old joined the Shaymen in January 2014 on loan from Macclesfield Town before making the move permanently that summer under Neil Aspin, who is now Gateshead's manager.

Bolton's last appearance for Town was the 1-0 FA Trophy final win over Grimsby Town at Wembley.