Club stalwart Steven Drench has left the club to take up a new challenge with recently relegated Halifax Town.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to ever don the Guiseley jersey, Steven was offered a lucrative deal at The Shay to join new manager Billy Heath at the National League North club.

Drench spent six successful years at Nethermoor culminating in promotion to the National League at the end of the 2014-15 season and subsequently securing safety on the last day of the 2015-16 season.

Guiseley boss Mark Bower said of the departure; “We’re obviously disappointed to lose a goalkeeper of Steven’s quality, but we thank him for his efforts over the past 6 years.”

The one-year contract he signed last summer had an option to extend for a further year and was all set to be signed when Halifax came in at the eleventh hour with an offer that Steven couldn’t refuse.

Bower explained; “Steven’s current contract reflects the high regard that we hold him in and he had the option to extend this contract for a further year. We were informed earlier in the week that he would be taking up the option to remain with us, however he has since received an offer from Halifax which he has accepted.

He leaves with our best wishes and everyone at the club will be forever grateful for the part he played in getting the club to the level it is at today.”

All at Guiseley AFC wish Steven well on his new venture and thank him for all he has contributed to the club, both on and off the pitch.