Guiseley have signed left-sided midfielder Michael Burns.

The 22-year-old, who can also play in defence, was a member of the Liverpool team that won the 2007 FA Youth Cup final 4-2 on penalties against Manchester United.

Burns, who represented England under-16s three times, played alongside Wolves winger Adam Hammill, Anfield proteges Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing and Bradford City left back Robbie Threlfall over the two legs of the final.

Bolton, under Sammy Lee, then signed Burns, and he later played for Carlisle United, Accrington Stanley and Newport County, as well as Stafford Rangers and Runcorn.

“He has a good pedigree,” said Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick, “and he was a free agent having played for Newport County at the back end of last season.”

Kittrick’s defence and midfield have now been sorted for the forthcoming Blue Square Bet North campaign but he has also been in talks with a back-up goalkeeper who has featured for a West Yorkshire professional club.

The Lions boss said: “I cannot wait for pre-season to start now. We begin training on Tuesday, July 5.

“We have used Guiseley School in the past but I am 99 per cent certain that we will be using West Park Bramhope Rugby Union Club this time.”

Kittrick added: “I must have taken 50 phone calls when I was on holiday in Portugal last week but I would rather do that than risk missing out on something.

“I do get that look from the wife sometimes but she is used to me by now!”

July 5 is also the date when the fixtures for the new Blue Square Bet North season will be announced, as well as those for Blue Square Bet South and the Blue Square Premier.

Kittrick said: “They are being announced later than some fixtures but it doesn’t matter to me as we have to play everybody some time, though I would like to know who we play in our first match.”

* Guiseley AFC Supporters Club will be holding an inaugural pre-season barbecue at Nethermoor on Sunday, July 31 (2pm).

Members are asked to attend, renew their membership for the 2011-12 season and bring their families to what is a free event.

The supporters’ club can be contacted by phone on 01943-874534 or 07538-432461, by e-mail to gafcsupporters@aol.com, via the club web-site at www.guiseleyafc.com or via the fans’ forum at www.gafcforum.proboards.com.