PAUL Cox says he will be bringing in new players to bolster his squad before Saturday’s FA Trophy first round tie at Gateshead.

And the Guiseley boss is planning further additions before the Lions kick off their Christmas programme with a crucial National League home game against Aldershot on December 23.

Cox ran the rule over a number of trialists on Tuesday when Guiseley played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leeds United.

“I need to bring in quality and I need to act now. I have to make sure we have enough players for Saturday and also that numbers are healthy for the Christmas period,” said Cox.

“I am 100 per cent certain that we will have new players for Saturday and I want to bring in more before we play Aldershot so that we have plenty of cover for the holiday period.”

Although Cox has a squad of 34 he has ten players injured, Chris M’Boungou and Darren Holden suspended, and six players out on loan.

For last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet which left them just one point off the foot of the table, Guiseley were down to the bare bones.

“Danny Lowe strapped himself up and got through the game having looked extremely doubtful on Friday, while Mike Fondop was struggling with an injury," said Cox.

“I cannot afford to wait for the players on the injury list to get fit. Some haven’t played this season and will need a lot of work to get to full fitness.

“We need to turn things around. It has felt as if all the adrenalin that had built up in the cup drained away after the Mansfield defeat.”

Cox is expecting another tough test for his side at Gateshead. “It is always hard playing there because the fans are a long way from the pitch, but we will be giving it our best shot.”

The two clubs have agreed that the tie will be settled on Saturday. There will be extra-time and penalties if required but no replay.