Guiseley AFC are not prepared to sit on their laurels after a seven match unbeaten run and instead have gone out to strengthen their squad by signing recent Bradford City defender Liam Ridehalgh, writes Rachel O’Connor.

The left-footed 33 year-old’s two year contract with City ended in the summer and in the meantime he has been weighing up his options.

Ridehalgh said: “After leaving City I spent my time training with Oldham and at the PFA camp. I have also done a lot of training on my own as I now contemplate being a part-time player for the first time.

“I stayed committed to playing football and I am excited that I have now signed somewhere where I will be looking forward to new and different challenges. I am hoping to bring my experience at higher levels to help Guiseley in their bid to gain promotion.”

The Halifax-born player added: “I am also looking at maybe going to university to study physiotherapy, sports injuries are something I am interested in studying.”

Ridehalgh started his career in the Academy system at Huddersfield Town, joining them at the age of 12. He signed professional at the end of the 2008-09 season and made his Terriers debut in 2010 at home to Charlton Athletic.

A bout of glandular fever didn’t help with his progress and when he recovered he found himself loaned out to Swindon Town, Chesterfield, Rotherham and Tranmere Rovers.

In 2014 he joined Tranmere permanently and in his time with them up to 2021 he made over 200 appearances for the club.

In 2021 he signed for Bradford City making 85 appearances over three seasons before his contract ended in the summer just gone, in which he figured in 28 games.

The player is very happy to sign for Guiseley, where he joins his old pal Jake Lawlor, saying: “They are a team on the up and they have a real chance of promotion. I know of Mark Bower’s involvement with City and of his and Danny Boshell’s involvement at Avenue. I have always had an interest in the lower leagues and have seen what Guiseley have done in the past.”

He added: “I mostly played at left-back in my pro career but have been utilised on the left of a back three and enjoyed it. My ambition this season is to play as many games as I can and to bring my experience to the group.

“I was at last Saturday’s win over Northwich and I saw a lot of good things. I feel that promotion to the National League is where this club belongs.”