We are delighted to announce that Prince Ekpolo has signed a new contract for the 20/21 season.
Manager Russ O’Neill said: “He is going to be massive for us, he will be a big part of our team going forward.”
The 26 year-old Nigerian midfielder joined The Lions as a Non-Contract player last season from Bet Victor South East Division side Glossop North End.
O’Neill is looking forward to seeing the player pull on a Guiseley shirt once more. He said: “Prince took our physicality in the midfield area to a new level in the games he got in for us before Covid-19 ended the season. He was a Non-Contract player last season so it was our priority to secure him on a contract. I am now looking forward to seeing him move up to an even better level.”
O’Neill, who had watched Ekpolo play a number of times before signing him, said: “Before bringing him to Guiseley I really thought that he had real potential and before lockdown came he had proved that he has got what it takes to play at our level in the Vanarama National League North. I think we will see the best of him in the coming season.”
Ekpolo was on the bench for the first time at Altrincham on 11th January but had to be patient and wait for his chance. He made his debut off the bench in the home game with Darlington on 21st January and his first start was in the West Riding County Cup win at Goole Town on 18th February.
His performance sealed a start in the following four league games and the County Cup semi-final win at Harrogate Town before Covid-19 brought an early end to the season.
In all Prince made six starts for the club and three appearances from the subs bench quickly becoming a fans’ favourite.
In his third start he won the sponsors’ Man-of-the-Match award in the home clash with Leamington.
Before joining Guiseley he had made 27 appearances in the season for the Bet Victor South East Division side having previously played for Burscough.