Stocksbridge boss Ian Richards appointed new Guiseley manager

Richards joins the club following impressive spells at Stocksbridge and Penistone Church, and signs a deal running until May 2028.

He will be joined at Nethermoor by his trusted backroom team of long-serving assistant Andy Ring and first team coach Pete Goldstraw. 

Last season, Richards steered the Steels to promotion to the Northern Premier League's top division for the first time in 11 years.

During his time in charge of Stocksbridge, he evolved the team from a mid-table side to play-off challengers in two of his three full seasons at Bracken Moor.

In his 11 years with Penistone Church prior to that, Richards took the club from the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Senior League through to the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League.

During their rise through the divisions, he led the club to five cup finals and three trophies, whilst also reaching the FA Cup third qualifying round in their first-ever foray into the competition.

Discussing their decision to appoint Richards, the club said that his " longer term body of work and reputation for developing players and forming competitive hard working squads that achieve results" were key factor, with the vacancy attracting more than 20 credible applicants.

“It is a privilege to be appointed as the first team manager at Guiseley AFC," he said.

"Thank you to the board for giving me the opportunity to lead this excellent football club into the next chapter of their ambition to return to the National League North.

"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. However, we know we must focus on getting the confidence and belief back within the squad and start winning football matches to move out of the bottom half of the league.

“I have clear principles and values in how I want my teams to play, and I am confident it is one that the large and loyal fan base will enjoy watching and the players will embrace and allow them to play their best football.

“Finally, a huge thank you to Liam [Ridehalgh, interim manager] on his professionalism and commitment to lead the club positively through the change in management. I look forward to seeing him return back to fitness as a player.”

Interim boss Ridehalgh will remain in charge this weekend for the club's home game against Hednesford Town.

The newly-appointed Richards will then take control of first team affairs ahead of his first game in the Lions dugout, which will come away at Whitby Town seven days later.