MARK BOWER thinks the National League will see a wiser Guiseley when the new campaign kicks-off.
The Yorkshire club completed their main objective of survival in Non-League's top tier by finishing one point above the drop zone.
Boss Bower, who guided the Lions to Conference North play-off glory the season before, says he's learned lots of lessons from his first foray at the level.
His summer recruitment has been aimed at reducing the squad's average age, as well as addressing their vulnerability at set-pieces.
Created
“Ultimately, we realised early on staying up would be the number one target and we just about managed to do that,” Bower told The NLP.
“There are little things along the way that can make us a lot better. We created a lot of chances. We just didn't have that clinical goalscorer to turn those draws into wins that would have meant we were comfortable with a couple of weeks to go.
“So, there are a few areas where we think we can make a big difference, and the experience we had last year will definitely stand us in good stead.
“For the club and myself, it was a little step into the unknown. I'd never been in the Conference before and neither had the club.
“Doing it as a part-time team, it was always going to be a case of seeing how it went. We'll be better for the experience.
“Especially early on, we thought we were matching teams. We were just being done by clinical finishing at the other end. Obviously, the big clubs have got players who should be playing in the Football League and you've got to adapt every week.
“But it's a big jump. The fitness levels, which allow players to be better for longer, was certainly something that stood out. We've made a conscious effort to get the average age of the squad down.
“Set-pieces were a big thing last year, too, and it's also the logistics – when we are better to stay overnight and things like that. It's now knowing where we're going and what to expect. Once you've got that experience, it gives you a good platform.”
Bower also thinks Guiseley are already feeling the benefit from a season at National League level when it comes to player talks.
Increased
“We've found this summer that, when we're speaking to players, they know a bit more about us,” Bower said. “Whereas, this time last year people didn't know Guiseley and expected us to struggle to get off the bottom of the table and go straight back down.
“Last year has increased the profile of the club among potential recruits and players who might come in.
“Danny East is a classic example. He was at Grimsby last year and we put in two good performances against them. That played a massive part in him coming to us because he knows the kind of football we play now.
“The longer we keep improving at this level, the more foundations we're putting down for the club to progress.”
