GUISELEY boss Mark Bower has set his sights on strengthening his squad "in all areas" after releasing eight players from Nethermoor.

Bower has had a number of targets lined up for several weeks but uncertainty lingered over the club’s league status with survival only secured on a dramatic final day of the season.

Only three players – Jake Lawlor, Adam Lockwood and academy prospect Will Wells – are currently contracted to the Lions for next season.

The club is currently discussing terms with Will Hatfield, Dan Atkinson, Danny Lowe, Oli Johnson, Adam Boyes, Luke Porritt, Steven Drench, Adam Smith and Rob Atkinson.

But Ryan Toulson, Ben Parker, Gavin Rothery, Danny Hall, Liam Dickinson, Nicky Boshell, Oliver Norburn and James Hurst have all been released.

Bower said: "Obviously we've been in this league for a year now and have had to make some decisions based on freeing up funds to be able to bring some new players in.

"There were some difficult decisions made and we maybe had one too many defenders in the squad last year.

"Therefore I've had to let a couple of defenders go and, in or two other areas, there were players probably needing a bit of a fresh start.

"It's unfortunate at this time of year that people have got to go, but that has to be the case to bring some new blood in and to freshen the squad up again.

"I think we pretty much need to strengthen in all areas and, more specifically, we were short of goals last year.

"We definitely need to strengthen the top end of the pitch and we're trying to bring a little bit more youth into the squad as well.

"We've had an experienced squad over the last season so maybe a little bit more youth and pace in the team is what we need."

Key defender Rob Atkinson won the club’s player of the year awards for both the players’ player and manager’s player categories.

Bower said: "He had a very consistent season and, while I think it was tight on both votes, he just nicked it.

"We are hopeful he will be with us next year and enjoys another successful season with us."

Bower, meanwhile, is hoping his old club Bradford City can win promotion as they prepare to face Millwall in the League One play-off semi-finals.

The first leg is at Valley Parade on Sunday lunchtime and former Bantams defender Bower said: "It would be nice to see Bradford City get promoted and they're certainly in great form.

"As we have seen this season, funny things can happen in football and if Bradford can go up this season, who's to say they can't kick on again and go full circle by returning to the Premier League in the next few years? It would be fantastic for everyone involved."