Forged at Steels! Ian Richards takes charge at Guiseley

Guiseley have announced the arrival of Ian Richards as the club’s new first team manager following the departure of Mark Bower. 

Richards joins from divisional rivals Stocksbridge Park Steels after leading his side to promotion in the play-off final last campaign. 

Assistant Andy Ring and coach Pete Goldstraw join Richards at the Lions, with the trio signing contracts until 2028. 

Richards spent 11 years with Penistone Church before joining the Steels in 2021.

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Excited

After a third-place finish in the NPL Division One East last campaign, the 46-year-old led the club to an extra-time victory over Belper Town in the semi-finals before seeing off Dunston on penalties in the final. 

He leaves the Steels 17th in the NPL table, having won seven of their last eight in both league and cup. 

Following his appointment, Richards said: “I am excited to work with this excellent group of players who I believe have the ability and experience to be challenging at the top end of the league.”

Guiseley football secretary and general manager added in the official statement: “Ian is a manager who has impressed for a number of years and one whom we have kept an eye on as his Stocksbridge team went from strength to strength, especially over the last 18 months.”

Richards will take his place in the dugout for the first time for the Lions’ away fixture at Whitby Town, with Liam Ridehalgh returning to the playing squad following his time as interim boss. 

Gutted

Stocksbridge released an official statement thanking the departing trio, writing: “We at the club wish Ian, Andy and Pete all the best for the future. They will always be welcome at Bracken Moor.”

A further addition from the players read: “As players, we are absolutely gutted to see Ian, Pete and Ringy leave the club. We wish them nothing but success in whatever comes next.” 

Swapping South Yorkshire for West Yorkshire is a simple relocation for Richards but time will tell if he is the man to turn Guiseley’s fortunes around and steer them back towards the top half of the table.

READ MORE: Guiseley AFC part ways with Mark Bower amid poor run of form