Guiseley joint-boss Marcus Bignot joins England coaching team

Guiseley joint-manager Marcus Bignot has joined England’s under-18s as an assistant to head coach Ian Foster.
Guiseley joint-manager Marcus Bignot.Guiseley joint-manager Marcus Bignot.
Guiseley joint-manager Marcus Bignot.

The appointment has been made as part of the Football Association’s programme to solve the challenge of under-representation of BAME coaches.

Former Charlton and Huddersfield manager Chris Powell will work under England boss Gareth Southgate, ex-Birmingham defender Michael Johnson will work with Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd, while Jason Euell, Bignot, Omer Riza and Matthew Thorpe will join other age-group sides.

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Guiseley, meanwhile, could move within one point of National League North leaders York City if they can claim all three points against the Minstermen at Nethermoor tonight. A late goal from Kaine Felix was enough for the Lions to see off Curzon Ashton 1-0 on Saturday and move up to fourth spot in the table but joint-boss Russ O’Neill knows his side will face arguably their toughest test of the season tonight.

Guiseley
 joint-manager  Russ O'Neill.Guiseley
 joint-manager  Russ O'Neill.
Guiseley joint-manager Russ O'Neill.

O’Neill said: “We have put a good young group together who are hungry and eager to do well, we have started well, let’s see what Tuesday brings it will be a massive test.

“They have the backing, the stature and everything, it looks like the manager has got it right with a lot of experienced signings. We are going into it with a lot of confidence and really looking forward to it.”

Guiseley midfielder Dylan Barkers, who was the Lions’ man of the match in the victory over Curzon Ashton added: “It is a great dressing room, everyone is young and positive all the time, we are going to have to get another three points, we are looking forward to it.”

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York have dropped only four points so far this season, having picked up six wins and two draws so far but they also have a 100 per cent record away from Bootham Crescent.

Guiseley's Dylan Barkers.Guiseley's Dylan Barkers.
Guiseley's Dylan Barkers.

Elsewhere tonight, 12th-placed Farsley Celtic make the short trip to Bradford Park Avenue.

Adam Lakeland’s Celts currently sit in mid-table while Park Avenue dropped into the relegation zone on Saturday following their home defeat to AFC Telford United.

In the National League tonight, Harrogate Town host Chorley while second-placed FC Halifax Town travel to Chesterfield.