GUISELEY manager Mark Bower has said a heartfelt thanks to the man who lifted the Vanarama Conference North play-off trophy just 18 days ago.

Andy Holdsworth, who led the Lions in their 3-2 victory at Chorley, has left the Lions to take a full-time role with Barnsley’s Academy.

Bower said of the 31-year-old former Huddersfield Town stalwart: “He has been a character within the dressing room and, as an experienced player, he has been a massive help to me since I took the job on as manager.

“Andy will be missed and we thank him for his efforts and professionalism during his time with us and wish him every success in the future. He’ll always be welcome at Nethermoor.”

Also moving on are 23-year-old Alex Johnson and 20-year-old Kyle Harrison, with Bower adding: “AJ did well for us the season before last.

“But this season he has been affected by injuries and has been in and out of the side and was never really able to get going.

“He probably needed a fresh start and will get one at Stalybridge, who have a club and a manager that I know.

“As for Kyle, he is a young lad who couldn’t quite make the breakthrough.

“He needs to go to a club where he will get 35 to 40 games next season but because of his potential we will be keeping in touch with him.”

With Oli Johnson, Jake Lawlor and Liam Dickinson already under contract for next season and, with Danny Lowe, Ryan Toulson, Danny Hall and Adam Boyes having agreed deals for 2015-16, Bower says he should know by the weekend about the outcome of offers that have been made to Steven Drench, Danny Ellis, Ben Parker, Gavin Rothery, Wayne Brooksby and Nicky Boshell.

In addition, Jack Stockdill and Jordan Hendrie have been invited back for pre-season, while Steve Dickinson will boost the backroom staff as goalkeeping coach and will also sign on again as a player.

With Guiseley playing in the fifth tier next season, Bower added: “We have been contacted by players who might not otherwise have been in touch but we still have to work within our budget.

“It is a difficult time of year telling players they are going etc but it also exciting because we know we are going to be playing at a higher level.”

Midfieldman Jake Lawlor collected the players’ player of the year award at the club’s annual dinner.

It completed a double for Lawlor as he had already been voted the supporters’ player of the year. Leading scorer Adam Boyes won the management’s player of the year accolade.