MARCUS Bignot says opportunity will knock for any player who signs for Guiseley this summer.

The Lions joint-manager adds he is willing to take gambles in the transfer market to compete Motorama National League North next season after releasing 10 players earlier this month.

Aaron Martin became Guiseley's first signing for next season after the striker joined from Brighouse Town.

Martin was a prolific scorer with Town in the Evo-Stik League East last season, netting 30 goals in 42 games plus 11 assists.

The 6ft Sheffield-born player, 27, joined Staveley MW at the age of 17 before spells with Worksop Parramore and Goole AFC. He then enjoyed five years with Sheffield FC before he joined Brighouse.

Bignot says it is a "calculated gamble" to recruit Martin from a lower level and, due to Guiseley's financial restrictions, he is looking for a mix of youth and experience during the pre-season as he looks to shape his squad.

He adds he is looking at players willing to drop down the divisions during the twilight of their careers, as well as academy products.

Bignot says he is delighted to give Martin a platform at a higher level and says if it doesn't work out then the club's budget will not take too much of a hit.

The former Queens Park Rangers defender said: "We have got to find tomorrow's best players, rather than today's best players.

"It's a financially sound one for us as a football club. There is a player there. I hope he hits it off straight away. From that point of view it's a calculated gamble.

"We're delighted we have given him the opportunity to play at this level.

"If it doesn't work out, he's not been a burden on our budget.

"We will be looking to sign senior players as well as young players. It is capturing these players in that transition.

"We want to work off a group of 18 players. We will be bringing them in from my academy and from Guiseley's academy.

"This time of year is massive, recruitment is massive. We inherited a squad last year and that has transitioned in year two and in year three you get your own squad together. Year two is a mixture of inheritance and getting your own squad. It takes time, if you get the time to do it."

Meanwhile, Guiseley have announced a number of pre-season friendlies.

Bradford City, looking towards life in League Two, will visit Nethermoor on Saturday, July 6 (3pm kick-off). Other clashes include a trip to Harrogate Town on July 16 and a home date against Stockport County four days later.

Further friendly clashes will be announced in due course.