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After impressing as a triallist in pre-season games centre-back Andy Hollins signed a contract with Guiseley AFC on 13th August 2021.
He was given plenty of minutes to impress managers Russ O’Neill and Marcus Bignot in the challenging pre-season games against the likes of Leeds United, Bradford City, Everton U-23s, FC Halifax Town and Stockport County.
Unfazed by the opposition the 6ft 4ins defender linked well with skipper Hamza Bencherif in what looked a solid centre-back pairing and he is looking forward to making his mark with Guiseley.
He said: “I didn’t really get a look in as a youngster with Southport and I am looking forward to playing at this level and improving all the time. I think I have the potential to play at a higher level and it feels good to have the managers at Guiseley backing me to do that. I really want to re-pay their faith in me and I am sure that I will learn a lot from playing alongside Hamza and having Russ and Marcus as my coaches.”
Hollins also impressed in the pre-season games by the way in which he was a constant help to the young Academy players in the games. He belied his own tender years as he came across as a voice of experience.
The player, who coaches children at primary schools during the day, said: “I know I am still only young myself in terms of being a centre-back at this level but I have had quite a lot of experience. I have been in the position those young lads have been in and if I can help them along I will.”
Looking forward to the new season Hollins said:”I am learning on the job all the time and I know I can learn a lot from Hamza and the gaffers here. I have mostly been a centre-back because of my height but I did have a spell as a midfielder which I think helped with my ball playing skills and gives me another dimension as a centre-back.
“I am looking forward to the league season starting. It is quite a while since we have played competitive football due to Covid so I am looking forward to playing plenty of games and hopefully a full season. It will be great to have the fans back in and getting back to normal and to have the chance to prove myself at this level.
“This club has a good reputation for bringing young players on and getting them chances to play at higher levels and I am pleased to be part of it. My friend Chris Sang had a spell here and he has told me what a good club it is.”
Prior to signing for Guiseley Hollins played for Hyde United, Colne and Southport. He had Academy experience from the age of eight with Liverpool moving to Merseyside rivals Everton at 10 then back to the Reds at 12 before joining Stoke at 15 and then becoming a scholar at Rochdale at the age of 16.
On 26th June 2022 it was confirmed that Andy had rejected the offer of a new contract and left the club to sign for Marine which was much closer to his Merseyside home. Andy made 25 Lions appearances and scored one goal during his time at Nethermoor.