GUISELEY boss Mark Bower is relishing the prospect of facing boyhood team Bradford City next Tuesday.

The Lions will again host their big-city neighbours following Saturday’s trip to Brighouse Town and it promises to be a special occasion for Bradford-born Bower.

The former defender progressed through the ranks and enjoyed a successful playing career at Valley Parade before steering Guiseley to promotion last term.

Bower said: “Despite facing the likes of Leeds and Huddersfield, Bradford has always been a big game for us at Guiseley.

“Under Phil Parkinson they have always been ultra-fit and it’s a really good test for us.

“We’re looking forward to it and hopefully we can give them a better game than we maybe have in the last couple of seasons. Hopefully we can show how far we have come.”

Bower looks back fondly on his time with the Bantams.

He said: “I was born in Bradford and I started going with my dad from the age of six.

“I barely missed a home game since then and joined the club as an apprentice when I was 16.

“I spent 13 years there as a player and apprentice but I still work in Bradford and plenty of people pop into my office to have a chat about City. The club was a big part of my life.”

Former Guiseley striker James Hanson recently pledged his future to Bradford after turning down a move to Millwall, which would have given the Lions a financial windfall.

Bower added: “Hanson is a big part of how Bradford play and he’s a really good target man.

“He’s matured as a player over the past few seasons but, with my Guiseley hat on, I was kind of hoping they would sell him so we could get some money from the sell-on clause!

“It looks like he has decided to stay there and hopefully Bradford can go on and get promoted – I certainly hope they do it.

“We have taken a few players from there in the past couple of seasons and Phil has always been very helpful.

“With everything he has achieved, he’s someone I look up to and have a lot of respect for.”

Guiseley drew 0-0 with Barnsley on Tuesday but Bower said: “We played very well and more than matched them for long periods.

“I think we’ll provide a good test for Bradford and on a decent playing surface too.”

Former Bradford striker Andy Gray, currently on trial at Guiseley, is likely to remain sidelined with a hamstring strain for another week at least.