Full time is way forward for Guiseley, says St Ledger

Interim boss Sean St Ledger believes staying a full-time club will be crucial for Guiseley following their relegation from the National League.
Sean St Ledger.Sean St Ledger.
Sean St Ledger.

The 1-0 defeat to Barrow on Tuesday night finally confirmed the Lions’ demotion to the National North and although Dagenham and Redbridge are the visitors to Nethermoor tonight (kick-off 7.45pm), St Ledger has already turned his thoughts to next season.

“Is it a coincidence that so many teams in the National North are full-time? Maybe, but I don’t think it is,” said St Ledger.

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“The transition period from going part-time to full-time wasn’t the best thing that’s ever happened. It won’t be easy (next season), I think five of the top seven in the league are full-time football clubs so it will be tough. Being full time is important though, it gives you time to implement your coaching sessions, your ideas. You’re clearly going to be fitter than people who are coming and training on Tuesdays and Fridays.”

“That would be my advice, whether I’m here or not, but we just have to see what happens. The owners, the board, everyone has been fantastic here.”

Despite the disappointment of relegation, St Ledger is still placing great value on this evening’s fixture against the Daggers as well as the three games that follow it.

The former Republic of Ireland international is determined that his players keep fighting until the final whistle of their final game at Boreham Wood a week on Saturday.

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St Ledger added: “When you get relegated you keep fighting until the end and if you feel relief then you shouldn’t be a footballer in my eyes, nothing should be a relief, especially when it comes to relegation.

“If you want to play here next season, if you want to play for me then you have to show what you’re all about.

“You have to show you’re committed and that you’re ready to work hard. I will try and build as if I’m here next season. We want to try and get off of the foot of the table.

“I’m driven as a manager and as a player and the players need to be driven too.”