The only fly in the ointment at Guiseley as they look to a bright new future in a higher division is the cloud created by Jon Worsnop’s accident.

The goalkeeper is a popular figure at Nethermoor after starring in some tough games in the Lions’ UniBond League Premier Division title-winning campaign.

Worsnop remains in hospital awaiting the surgeon’s knife after he was knocked off his motorbike outside the stadium last Saturday morning.

Guiseley director and spokesman Stuart Allen said: “Jon was taken to Leeds General by ambulance following the incident and he is not in any danger but very despondent. He has broken a bone in his back and needs an operation.”

Worsnop, who began his career at Valley Parade as a youth with Bradford City, only signed for the Lions last close season.

He moved there after a successful season at Bradford Park Avenue that saw him crowned the supporters’ player of the season.

The keeper left after changes at the top at Horsfall Stadium left him marginalised but he remained a fans’ favourite.

Allen said: “Jon has been ruled out for the start of the season because he will still be recovering. He has no chance of making a comeback for some time but that is not our main concern.

“Steve (manager Kittrick) has other keepers to turn to but he is like the rest of us at the moment and is just concerned about Jon’s well-being. Football is secondary in a case like this.

“The players and the club in general will rally around him, like they did with Anthony Lloyd when he suffered that horrendous injury at Kendal Town.”