The Lions are bringing another local striker home after adding Lee Ellington to their squad for next season following the recent capture of Danny Forrest on a permanent deal.

The two Bradford-born forwards will link up at Nethermoor as life after James Walshaw begins.

Walshaw was the club’s top scorer last season but has moved on to the Conference Premier after signing for Darlington on a full-time basis.

Ellington, 30, is the brother of former Premier League striker Nathan, and lists Farsley Celtic among his former clubs. He has a wealth of experience at this level.

Forrest, a former Bradford City youth who went on to play for the first team, rejoins Guiseley after a loan spell from Barrow last term.

Lions boss Steve Kittrick said: “It has been a busy period. It is unbelievable at the moment because there have been meetings with players and their representatives going late into the evening on so many occasions.

“It will be like this right up until the Conference League dinner at Celtic Manor but you have to do these things because the close season is when most of the transfer business is done.

“You need to have your squad somewhere near complete before pre-season training.”

Kittrick did not want to lose Walshaw and offered him improved terms to remain but the player wanted to step up to a full-time contract.

The Guiseley chief said: “We didn’t want ‘Wally’ to go but it is a step up for the lad and good luck to him. He will be hard to replace but we all wish him all the best because he is a smashing lad.

“We have since got some very good players in and things soon move on. Joe O’Neill re-signed, which was important, and we have added other quality men.

“But some have gone as well, so it’s not just Wally we have lost.

“But you look at the experience of Mark Bower coming in and providing competition for Danny Ellis and Simon Ainge at the back and you can’t wait to get started. It is an exciting time for the club.”

Other arrivals include strikers Alex Davidson, from North Ferriby United, and Gavin Allott, from Goole AFC, plus utility player James Booker from Leeds United’s reserves.

Midfielder Liam Needham, who has joined FC Halifax Town, and full back Ryan Toulson have followed Wal-shaw through the exit door.