Guiseley snap up Irish duo

The pair previously played under recently-appointed Lions boss Paul Phillips when he managed Matlock Town, having arrived at the club in the summer.

Murphy and Whelan, both born in Wexford, joined Chesterfield’s Academy two years ago.

Murphy, a forward, and Whelan, a midfielder, took slightly different routes with Murphy playing all his football with his local club Enniscorthy Town.

Whelan, meanwhile, progressed through three levels of football in Ireland, playing for Cabinteely FC and moving to Dublin to play for Shelbourne in the League of Ireland.

They will link up with a Guiseley side currently 15th in the Northern Premier League table heading into Christmas.

The Gladiators duo become Phillips' third and fourth signings since he took charge, with former Liversedge striker Zak Dearnley and on-loan Southport goalkeeper Cam Mason also joining the club.

On the move, Murphy said: “Paul and Kayde gave me and Leigh the opportunity to play first team at Matlock, so when they got in touch it was a no-brainer to come and join them at Guiseley.

“I want to try and get as many wins as we can at Guiseley and try to get in the play-offs.”

Photo credit: Guiseley