OPPORTUNITIES to manage in the top leagues can be few and far between. However, for Guiseley joint-manager Marcus Bignot he has been granted another shot, 16 years since his last.

The Lions boss has been appointed interim manager at FA Women's Super League side Aston Villa Women with immediate effect until the end of the season.

Bignot, who will still stay in his role at Guiseley, is seen as a pioneer when it comes to the women's game after gaining years of experience earlier in his career.

In 1998, he became Birmingham City Ladies manager at the young age of 24 and immediately revamped the entire youth structure at the club.

Whilst playing in the Football League for the likes of Crewe Alexandra and Queens Park Rangers, the right back clinched a couple of promotions to drag City to the pinnacle of the English game.

Financial difficulties meant he left his role in 2005 but nevertheless made a mark which will never be forgotten.

The 46-year-old went onto manage Solihull Moors, Grimsby Town and Chester before landing at Nethermoor, where he balances working alongside Russ O'Neill with being a coach for England's under-19s.

After capturing the FA Women's Championship title last season, Villa are in a predicament much-like Guiseley this term. They sit second-bottom only five points above basement side Bristol City.

Bignot will work in conjunction with the club's current coaching team, led by Gemma Davies.

He told Villa's website: “I am delighted to be able to help at such a progressive club in women’s football.

"It is also a great opportunity to mentor a talented young coaching group led by Gemma.”

England legend turned Villa Women’s sporting director Eniola Aluko added: “Marcus is a very welcome addition to our club and has an enormous amount of experience in the game which we want to tap into.”

Elsewhere in the world of Guiseley, the club have raised thousands to cover the costs of hosting games behind closed doors.

The Lions predicted £9,600 was needed for the likely 12 opening home matches before fans would be allowed back in March.

Unlike, most other Vanarama National League North clubs who have tried to generate the money through chargeable streams, Guiseley decided on a unique approach.

They've been posting games for free live on YouTube, asking supporters to 'pay what its worth' whilst watching. This has led to, at time of writing, £6337 being raised.

Although with the league in the balance after undergoing a suspension on Friday, it remains to be seen if the remaining five games of the quota will be played at all.