Guiseley assistant-manager Wayne Benn has defended boss Steve Kittrick's decision to restructure the budget.

There was some unrest among the Nethermoor faithful when news broke that six of the squad would not be offered new contacts.

The players - Simon Sturdy, Richard Dunning, Gavin Knight, Aron Wilford, Nathan Hay and Steve Dickinson - were not jettisoned but it seems they have all rejected new non-contract terms.

Benn said: "We have had a lot of criticism for not renewing the contracts of the likes of Simon Sturdy and Richard Dunning but the quality of our three new signings has raised eyebrows."

Ryan Crossley, Alex Callery and Mark Whitehouse all come to Guiseley with experience of the Conference League. Benn feels that should send out clear signals as to the ambition of the club.

"I'm a great believer in the old adage that the league table doesn't lie," continued Benn.

"We finished where we did last season because we didn't get enough points.

"In the end we just missed out on the play-offs by one point, but we missed out because we weren't good enough.We were just a touch short on quality.

"There were improvements to the consistency towards the end of last season but then again the supporters that travelled away with us saw the best of the team.

"That is something we intend to put right as well as bringing a certain type of player to the club.

"Steve and I want winners. With the ones already signed and the targets we still have, I'm sure we will be a threat to anyone in our division in the coming season."

One of their rivals will be Leigh RMI, who were relegated from the Blue Square North. All six of the former contracted players at Guiseley are thought to be interesting the UniBond Premier newcomers.