Striker James Walshaw has left Guiseley to sign for their Conference North rivals Altrincham.

Walshaw originally arrived at Nethermoor in the 2008-09 season and scored 27 goals, including 13 penalties, the following season.

He was again Nethermoor’s top scorer with 32 goals in 2010-11 and, after going full-time with Darlington before the Quakers hit financial problems, he went on loan to FC Halifax Town before re-signing for the Lions in early 2012.

Dewsbury-born Walshaw, 29, who has also played for Ossett Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Farsley Celtic and Wakefield, scored ten goals in 29 matches for Guiseley last season.

Atrincham manager Lee Sinnott moved quickly to take Walshaw to Moss Lane after the former Bantams defender lost targetman and supporters’ player of the year Duncan Watmore shortly after Alti’s last game of the season.

The 19-year-old striker, who had six years with Manchester United before arriving at Moss Lane four years ago, has signed a two-year deal with Premier League side Sunderland.

Walshaw is the fifth player to leave Nethermoor as Lions boss Steve Kittrick reshapes his squad for a fourth attempt at promotion to the Blue Square Premier.

Departures include Kevin Holsgrove, to Halifax, Sean O’Reilly, Danny Boshell and Matt Wilson, while Gavin Rothery, Jack Rea, Wayne Brooksby, Zack Dale and Phil Marsh have already signed on for next season.

Wilson’s exit was only confirmed over the Bank Holiday weekend. He has dropped down a division to sign for North Ferriby United after stating he wanted to play his football nearer to his Lincolnshire home for family reasons.

Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick explained: “Matt lives in Lincoln and his girlfriend is expecting soon so he wants to cut down on his travelling. As for James, maybe he fancied a change.

“I haven’t been able to speak to all the players about next season as I have been ironing out one or two things with the club.

“I spoke to about half the players at our presentation evening but couldn’t speak to them all that night.

“Now I know more information and the Bank Holiday weekend is over, I will be speaking to the rest of the squad, but some players are impatient and won’t wait.”