Paul Phillips Appointed New Guiseley AFC Manager

We are delighted to announce Paul Phillips as our new First Team Manager.

Phillips is vastly experienced both as a player and manager in the Northern Premier League, most recently leading both Matlock Town and Buxton to the playoffs. Paul also had success at Ashton United, leading them to playoffs finishes for three consecutive seasons between 2013/14 and 2015/16.

Several applications were received and other management teams shortlisted, however we were overwhelmed with Paul’s enthusiasm and his knowledge not only of our squad, but the league as a whole and we have no doubts he is the best candidate to arrest our current slide and start to move the club in the right direction.

Upon the appointment James Pickles said “Paul’s CV speaks for itself, in that he has a track record in taking over clubs/squads at the wrong end of the table and turning around their fortunes, ultimately taking both Matlock Town and Buxton to the playoffs in recent seasons. We believe he has the skillset required to turn around our season and be a success in the long term. Whilst our budget is competitive and our position in the table does not reflect where we should be financially, we cannot recruit the most experienced and skilled player in each position. Paul is fully appreciative of this and agrees that if we can create a good environment, with solid experienced players in key positions, then it provides the stable changing room in which young players can also flourish. Our ambition is to achieve promotion back to the National League North, and Paul can take us there, however we all need to be pulling in the same direction, creating a healthy environment for our staff and players to develop and succeed.”

Paul Phillips added “I’m thankful for the club for giving me this opportunity. I will work tirelessly to make every success of this new challenge that we face”

Gary Douglas commented “Paul is experienced at this level of football and exactly what the team needs at this moment in time. The board, staff and players at the club will give Paul every resource available to us that he needs to be a success at the club and I’m sure you as supporters will do the same in giving him your complete backing. I note that some supporters are unhappy with how decisions are made at Board level, I assure you every decision is made with the clubs best interests at heart and not without due care and consideration. The Board have a combined experience of over 100 years in non-league football and specifically at Guiseley AFC but we are always open to additional support should any individuals be in a position to do so. Whether that be in time and expertise, or fundraising/direct funding to help grow the infrastructure of the club and team”

Paul will be assisted by Kayde Coppin who was his assistant previously at Matlock Town. Kayde will also be registering as a player, having played at Matlock Town, Buxton, Ashton United and Glossop North End over the last few seasons.

A full interview with Paul will be conducted and published in the coming days.

Next Up:

3:00 pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Guiseley vs Ilkeston Town