NON-LEAGUE: WALLY'S DEPARTURE LEAVES HUGE SHADOW

Plenty to think about: Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick

Big Loss: James Walshaw in action for Guiseley

By James Grayson
Since his low key arrival at Nethermoor in March 2009, there is no doubt James Walshaw has led to Guiseley to the lofty heights they currently hold.

Walshaw had left UniBond First Division North side Wakefield to join his old mentor from his Ossett Town days, Steve Kittrick’s team as the Lions were trying to save their season.

Stranded outside the UniBond Premier play-off zone, Walshaw spearheaded a new-look system and Guiseley's fortunes dramatically changed.

Guiseley made the top five before bowing to eventual winners Ilkeston Town in the semi-final.

The rest is history – Guiseley went onto win the league the following season with Walshaw bagging both goals on the unforgettable final day – two of 27.

The Conference North beckoned and with 34 goals plundered in last season, it is easy to see why Blue Square Premier outfit Darlington have taken a punt on the 27-year-old.

But, for Guiseley, it’s the end of an era and Kittrick faces a daunting task in finding his replacement.

The Lions boss revealed this week he is talking to a striker from Altrincham, but without naming the candidates, Walshaw’s 34-goal haul leaves a huge void.

Not many strikers score that many times during a campaign and those who do are already tied up at other clubs.

Kittrick has kept hold of the services of Joe O’Neil and signed Danny Forrest (Barrow) and Alex Davidson (North Ferriby), but the trio are unlikely to match Walshaw’s efforts.

If Guiseley want to repeat last season’s heroics and go one better by winning promotion, they need a big non-league name.

Lee Ellington may be another option.

Kittrick is long-time admirer of the former Farsley man – who is also out of contract at Harrogate Town where he has just endured an injury ravaged campaign.

Locally-based Ellington is proven at Conference North level with his scoring records at Gainsborough, Stalybridge and Farsley along to justify bringing him to Nethermoor.

But, because of last season, ‘The Duke’ would be a gamble.

However, with O’Neil, Forrest and Davidson and possibly Ellington, it would be a lethal quartet and surely Walshaw’s goals can be shared around.