Guiseley have left lasting impression on St Ledger

Namely, that he will always look out for the results of the Nethermoor outfit, with the club having left a big impression upon him during his short time in West Yorkshire, whatever transpires for him.

The Lions interim-manager, whose side welcome Leyton Orient in the National League this afternoon (3pm), has embraced his first experience of life in the dug-out at the club, having fully immersed himself in his new footballing challenge.

And whether he stays at the club beyond the end of next month or not, he will always cherish his time with the Lions.

The former Republic of Ireland defender said: “I have to admit that I have got a real fondness for the club and the people. The players, for one, because I have enjoyed coming in, day in and day out. They aren’t difficult to work with, they are good.

“Since becoming the manager, I have also been in touch with people behind the scenes such as James Pickles, John Gill, Steve Parkin; the groundsmen and people who look after the sponsors’ lounge. I have to admit every person I have come across has been fantastic.

“People have a love for Guiseley and it is a real community club and I want to do my best for the club for the people who love this football club.

“Whether I am here in a year’s time or five years’ time, they will always be supporters of Guiseley. They are the most important people as they put their time and energy into making it run, and if I can help that along the way, then I am really happy to do that.”

As for his future, St Ledger is currently unsure what that holds, although he is unequivocal in his declaration that he has relished the new challenge of management, even accounting for Guiseley’s parlous position.

Barring the mother-of-all late Great Escape acts, Guiseley’s odyssey in football’s fifth-tier will come to an end on April 28, although no-one is quite ready to give up the ghost yet.

On his future, St Ledger added: “The most important thing is to take each game as it comes and win games, one by one.

“It is not important what happens to me. I will do as I am told; I am paid by the football club, so I will do whatever they ask of me. I will try my hardest and know that the players are also trying their hardest to do that.

“The most important thing for Guiseley Football Club at the moment is to win games to try and to stay in the National League.

“We are all pulling together to try and do that.

“It has been a challenge. But throughout my career, I have always enjoyed a challenge when people kind of say ‘you cannot do this and that’. That is when my best has always come out.

“Hopefully, I can add some experience and guidance to the lads, but I think that is all that they need. I look at the squad and don’t think it is a bottom-of-the-table squad, if I am completely honest. But we are where we are.

“I am enjoying it, but I would enjoy it even more if we get some wins under our belt.

“We are in a results-based business and it is all about winning football games, at the end of the day.

“As players and management, you are judged on that and I am under no illusions that we have to win football games here.”

Elsewhere today, FC Halifax Town travel to AFC Fylde.

Second-placed Harrogate Town will be looking to get back on the winning track when they travel to third-placed Brackley Town today in National North following Tuesday night’s home defeat to Spennymoor.

Bradford Park Avenue will hope to move closer to the play-off zone by beating Stockport County this afternoon.