Guiseley parade a host of new signings

Among the newcomers are the club's former goalkeeper Steve Dickinson, who has spent seven years with Southport in the Conference, and former Glasgow Celtic, Reading, Oxford and Rushden and Diamonds midfielder Stuart Gray.

Former Diamonds captain Gray played against Bradford City in the FA Cup last season. He is the son of Leeds United legend Eddie Gray and his brother Nick is a current Leeds United reserve team player.

Guiseley's new investors have set their sights on the Nationwide Conference within three years. Millionaire trio Steve Parkin, Gary Douglas and John Gill have joined forces with past directors Phil Rogerson and Stuart Allen and have big plans for the UniBond side. They have not been afraid to splash the cash in an attempt to draw good players to Nethermoor Park.

The signing of Dickinson for a fee of £5,000 has obviously pleased Guiseley fans who hold the keeper in the highest regard.

Other newcomers include a pair of strikers in whom the club have invested thousands of pounds. Both Marc Smith from Conference North side Harrogate Town and Gavin Knight from Conference side Barrow, have cost the club fees in four figures.

Lincolnshire-based Knight joined Barrow in the summer of 2003 and scored 48 goals in 139 appearances for them. He had previously played for North Ferriby, Appleby Frodingham and Brigg Town.

Also joining Guiseley are former Harrogate Town midfielder Richard Dunning, who will captain the side, and former Harrogate and Droylsden centre-back Simon Sturdy.

In the pre-season games Sturdy has formed an excellent partnership with Danny Ellis with Danny's former Bradford City teammate Sam Denton also remaining in the Guiseley squad after trials with a league club.

Former Leeds United youth team player Andy Wright has also joined Guiseley and has put in some good performances on the the left of midfield in pre-season games which culminated in a 2-0 win over Bradford City last Saturday.

Guiseley also recorded a 3-2 win at Farsley Celtic, a 0-0 draw at Harrogate Town, a 3-2 win at Harrogate Railway and a 3-1 win at Yorkshire Amateurs in their pre-season warm up.

Their likely line-up for the opening game is: Steve Dickinson; Nathan Hay, Danny Ellis, Simon Sturdy, Neil Grayston; Matt Smithard, Richard Dunning, Stuart Gray, Andy Wright; Marc Smith, Gavin Knight. Subs Scott Jackson, Sam Denton, Marc Thompson, Tony Lennon, Will Ryder.

New director Steve Parkin, a former Guiseley player, was part of a consortium that tried to gain control of Leeds United two years ago.

He together with GHD millionaire Gary Douglas (a former Guiseley chairman) and fellow entrepreneur John Gill (also having invested in Guiseley previously) have joined Chairman Phil Rogerson and Stuart Allen on the Guiseley board.

Their investment has been a massive boost to Guiseley and the club are now looking for the local populace to turn out in increasing numbers to watch the revamped side.

Parkin said: "We will be the richest club in Non-League - and probably richer than some League clubs. It's all about having a plan in place. On the football front we've got to target Conference football within three years.

"I played for the team in the 80s and felt that this was a chance to give something back to the town."

The new board's investment has increased expectations on manager Neil Parsley.

"I'm a winner in life and don't want to be second in anything," said Parkin. "I'm looking forward to seeing good players and good football this season. Neil is the man in charge but like any manager he will be judged on results. He understands that. Me and my colleagues will be investing a lot of money so we expect results."

Nethermoor has undergone a sprucing up for the start of the season and work is also ongoing on the club's project of providing an all weather pitch where the old tennis courts used to be.

This will be invaluable for the club's training as well as providing a venue for five-a-side football and training for other clubs as well as a facility to be used by local schools.

Phil Rogerson has worked hard for a number of years to get this project underway and it is expected to be completed and in use by September.

Guiseley have been grateful once more for the use of the excellent facilities at St Mary's School, Menston, for their pre-season training.

The reserve team started their Lancashire League campaign at Altrincham last night, Wednesday, and then on Saturday travel to Cheshire once more to play Woodley Sports.

Of the new season Chairman Rogerson said: "We are all looking forward to a new era, it is quite exciting. We hope to get off to a good start and we hope that we will get good support."