The Ian Richards regime begins this weekend, with the new boss keen to end Guiseley’s recent run of poor form. He and his management team face a tough opening test though as they travel to the seaside to take on Whitby Town, writes Scott Kelly.

“The game was over after four minutes. They scored two really poor goals. It was a really difficult day for the club. There were no positives today”

Liam Ridehalgh was brutally honest post-match following the 5-1 defeat to Hednesford Town and felt Derren Boyle’s senior debut was the only positive from the game.

The Lions have lost four games on the bounce in the league for the first time since November 2022.

Team News

Will Longbottom was replaced just before half-time, with Ridehalgh appearing to insist it was purely pre-cautionary.

Sheffield United loanee Sam Aston impressed on what was his debut in albeit a very frustrating game, and he will be hoping to keep his place. Likewise, George Goodman who was making his home debut.

John Lufudu saw red against Hednesford and he will miss out through suspension but academy midfielder Derren Boyle could play a part in successive games.

But of course, with Ian Richards now at the helm, he could see fit to ring the changes.

After taking a step from interim management duties, Ridehalgh can now concentrate on improving his fitness, with Saturday’s game likely to come too soon for him.

The Opposition

The Seasiders find themselves amongst the chasing play-off pack going into this weekends encounter. Just one defeat in five sees them in 8th place and just one point below the top five.

Like the Lions last month, they picked up a respectable goalless draw at promotion chasing Lancaster City. This was preceded by a 3-1 home victory over Rushall Olympic.

The current manager of the club is Gary Liddle. At 39, Liddle took over management duties from Nathan Haslam in October 2024 and occasionally gets his boots on. Official retirement in February was followed by a U-turn in April. He started his youth career at nearby Middlesbrough, and he has played EFL football for the likes of Chesterfield, Carlisle United and Hartlepool United, where he also currently coaches.

He led Whitby to a 16th place finish last season, and it appears they will likely better that this time around.

Shane Bland plays in between the sticks with Alex Nelson, Sam Collins and Nathan McGInley operating as centre-backs. McGinley though is likely to miss this game through injury. Michael Woods, who captains the side and started his youth career at Leeds United, operates at centre midfield. Winger Jarrett Rivers spent time at Darlington and Blyth Spartans.

Former Lion Jake Charles scored the Whitby goal in Guiseley’s last visit and plays as a striker alongside Layton Watts and James Harrison. Another former Lion Donald Chimalilo, has recently joined the club from Ashton United.

Previous Meetings

This will be the first meeting between the sides in 2025. The Lions won on their visit to this stadium, with Ollie Brown netting late on to secure a 2-1 triumph back in August 2024. The Lions also won the following December 3-1 at Nethermoor.

You would have to go all the way back to 2006 for the last time Guiseley lost at this venue. It was a 2-0 defeat that day and the Lions have won six of the seven meetings in North Yorkshire since.

Listen Live

If you cannot make it to North Yorkshire, live audio commentary can be found via the Mixlr app or via guiseleyradio.mixlr.com from 2:50pm on Saturday.

Tickets & Travel

Tickets can be purchased on the day at the turnstiles with cash or card payment, you can also purchase online here.

Tickets are priced at:

• £13 Adults
• £9 Concessions (65+ and students)
• £5 U18s
• U16s FREE with a full paying adult

Coach travel is available with Guiseley AFC Supporters’ Club, just call Paul on 07518 445861 to secure a seat.

The coach leaves Nethermoor at 10:15am priced at £25 for members and £30 for non-members.