We are delighted to announce that last season’s top scorer Gabriel Johnson has signed a new deal with the club for the 2024/25 campaign.
When the new season kicks-off striker Gabriel Johnson will be hoping to add to his tally of goals for Guiseley in a big way, writes Rachel O’Connor.
The man who netted 22 in league and cup games in the season just ended is itching to get started again and is setting himself a target of 30 goals for next season.
He is seeking to be a player rather reminiscent of the one he arrived at Guiseley with for the 2019/20 season – Aaron Martin.
The pair arrived from Brighouse Town in the summer of 2019 having had a prolific strike partnership at Brighouse Town.
It is well-known that Martin became the National League North’s leading scorer in the early stages of the season with a rapid 16 goals.
He came to the notice of a number of clubs and signed for Harrogate Town the following March, going on to play for them in the National League Play-Off final at Wembley when they gained promotion to the Football League.
The 27 year-old Johnson, a former Sheffield United Academy player, was and still is inspired by his former teammate Martin, a player who has just left South Shields.
“I always looked up to him, we had a great partnership,” said Johnson.
Johnson is hoping a Summer of playing tennis and walking in the Peak District will set him up for another season with Guiseley. This time with added success.
“All our hopes for last season were to get to the play-offs so we were very disappointed with how it ended. We wanted to achieve much more than that,” said the striker.
He added: “If we can keep the majority of last season’s squad and build from there I think we can do well under the new management team. I cannot wait to get started.
“Last season there was too much chopping and changing and it effected the players. We had good support all season and they were always positive and really got behind us.
“Hopefully we will achieve more and it should be an exciting summer of anticipation for us all – players and spectators. I hope everyone really gets to see the ambition of the club. I want to see us go from strength to strength and get a real connection between us all.
He continued: “I am excited for pre-season, it cannot come quick enough for me. I cannot wait to get back with the lads.
“We also need to make it more difficult for people to play against us at home. Our away form was good but we need to improve our home form.”
Johnson played in two Covid hit seasons for Guiseley before returning in August 2023 for a second spell with the club.
The Sheffield man had spells as a youngster with Manchester United U-14s and Leeds United U-17s before his season with the Academy at Sheffield United. He has also played for Hallam FC, Sheffield FC and Doncaster Rovers.