Guiseley manager Mark Bower has declared his busy Bank Holiday weekend a success after persuading three more key players to extend their stays at the club.
Gateshead striker Adam Boyes has agreed a permanent deal with the Conference North outfit after his successful loan period last season while defenders Ben Parker and Danny Hall have also agreed new terms.
The Lions faced competition for the trio and Bower confirmed: “The three of them all had more lucrative offers from other clubs, but they wanted to be a part of what we are doing at Guiseley.
“They all enjoyed playing for the club last season and I am delighted that they want to try and help the club win promotion next season.
“They liked the way we play, the people at the club and are happy to continue to play for Guiseley. That is a big plus for me.”
Having worked hard to secure the services of Boyes, Parker and Hall, Bower’s squad building is almost complete.
He has hinted that he may have a look at a few young lads who are released from professional clubs during the Summer, but he is adamant that he won’t be splashing the cash to bring in new blood.
He added: “My priority has been to retain as many of last season’s squad as possible. There isn’t going to be a big influx of players and there doesn’t need to be.
“We have to work to a budget and making sure we have good players like Adam, Ben and Danny on board is important.
“The team spirit was fantastic during our great second half to last season and I don’t want to disturb that.”
Bower has been upset with suggestions that his club have been trying to unsettle Bradford Park Avenue striker Nicky Boshell, brother of his assistant manager Danny.
“We made three offers for Nicky last season and all were rejected.,” he said. They were conducted in a proper manner and through the right channels. It was Avenue’s right to say no. He is their player, they want him to be part of their squad, and that is the end of the matter for me.”
Bower is expecting the 2014-15 campaign to be highly-competitive. He said: “Harrogate have been investing in new players such as James Walshaw and are clearly ambitious, while I expect relegated Chester and the two promoted clubs Chorley and Fylde to be looking to make a big impression.
“There’s also Barrow who now have a wealthy American backer and they will be aiming to challenge for honours.
“They will all we want to do well but getting a new team to bed in isn’t easy. We have the advantage of a settled squad and I believe it will be to our benefit.”
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