GUISELEY chairman Gary Douglas has hit out at speculation the departure of manager Danny Ellis was linked with the arrival of former boss Russ O'Neill as sporting director.
Ellis, pictured, was appointed in the summer with the Lions looking to win promotion back to the National League North at the first time of asking.
O'Neill was brought on board in October to help revive a sticky start to the NPL Premier campaign, but the pair worked together for just a month before Ellis was axed despite steering the Lions to a 1-0 win at Warrington Town in the FA Trophy last Saturday,
“The board's decision to part company with Danny Ellis was obviously based on many factors and not least of all the results on the pitch,” Douglas said.
“Russ had no part in the initial appointment of Danny as we deemed that unfair. Russ gave Danny his full backing right up to the last minutes of his tenure so to suggest he had any involvement in the decision to part ways with him couldn't be further from the truth.
“Russ was brought in to be in charge of recruitment, and he is doing exceptionally well for us in that regard. There is no plan now or in the future for Russ to be coming back into a team management role, that is neither his, nor the board's desire.”
