Guiseley making great strides under Kittrick (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Guiseley making great strides under Kittrick

4:40pm Monday 8th October 2012 in Guiseley By Bill Marshall, T&A Sports Reporter

Steve Kittrick, who celebrates his fourth anniversary as Guiseley manager next month, has reflected on how far the Lions have progressed in that time.

Kittrick, who came to Nethermoor after four seasons at Ossett Town, said: “Four years ago we would have had 200 people watching a midweek home game but against Stalybridge last week, on a Tuesday night, when it was cold and rainy, we got 475.

“Not only have the club made great strides on the pitch but also off it and there is a lot that goes into our football club these days.”

During Kittrick’s tenure, Guiseley have been promoted from the UniBond League, been play-off semi-finalists and finalists in Blue Square Bet North, reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy and reached the first round proper of the FA Cup.

In that time, the club have attracted players of England semi-professional quality, and three of their England C internationals have left to have a bash at the full-time game.

Kittrick said: “James Walshaw was with us for two or three seasons and went to Darlington, where things didn’t work out for him before he came back to us.

“Stephen Brogan, who was always going to go full-time, went to Forest Green and now Simon Ainge, who has been at Guiseley for four seasons, has gone to Luton.

“Guiseley, and the players that have been with us at the time, have made players such as James and Simon what they are.”

Kittrick conceded, however, that it is a difficult balancing act because they want to have players like Walshaw, Brogan and Ainge but because Guiseley are doing well it is always a possibility that clubs higher up the league pyramid will want to sign their star men.