Guiseley manager Mark Bower brought another crowd favourite back to Nethermoor this week when he signed striker Danny Forrest from Workington.

The former Bradford City youth, who forced his way into the first-team squad at Valley Parade, returns for another spell with the Lions and is available for his second debut against one of his former clubs tomorrow.

The Lions host Barrow, who Forrest played for when they were in the Conference Premier.

The Cumbrian outfit are struggling in the Conference North this term following their relegation last season.

Former Bantams skipper Bower is keen to get his players back into meaningful action after almost a fortnight without a game.

Following six straight defeats, the first of those under previous manager Steve Kittrick, the Lions picked up four points from a possible six before their resurgence was checked by a free weekend.

Bower said: “It is important that we have Gav (Rothery) back because he makes things happen for us up front. Because we haven’t played many games lately his two-game suspension took a while to clear.

“It is a pity we didn’t have a game in midweek or last weekend because we had just built up a bit of momentum. But we worked on fitness and we had time to do a few deals and get players in.

“I think the break worked in our favour because changes were needed and it gave us time to step back and have a look at things.”

Forrest’s signing comes on the back of Danny Boshell’s return to the club as assistant player-manager, the capture of experienced defender Adam Lockwood from Bury and the permanent signing of young striker Alex Johnson, who was on loan from FC Halifax Town.

Bower also secured agreement with Bradford City to extend the loan of young striker Louie Swain by a further two months.

It means he will be with the club up to December 26 and the Nethermoor boss has been pleased with Swain’s attitude.

“He came at a difficult time but has fitted in well,” said Bower.

“He has done well for us and has worked hard on his game.

“It hasn’t helped that during his initial one-month loan that we had two weekends without a game.

“Now we have a busier programme ahead and that means he should have the chance to get more games under his belt.”

Bower kept himself busy during the enforced break from action. He used last weekend to watch future opponents Stalybridge and Leamington play.