GUISELEY'S relegation was confirmed on Tuesday after a 1-0 home defeat to Barrow and manager Sean St Ledger has suggested that one reason for their poor campaign was the Lions' decision to switch to being a full-time side this season.

However, although St Ledger admits that the club could have handled that transition more smoothly, he stressed the importance of remaining full-time as they try to gain promotion back to the Vanarama National League at the first attempt.

The former Irish international explained: “Five of the top seven in the league below are full-time and I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

"If you go full-time, you have time to implement your coaching sessions and ideas and you’re clearly going to be fitter than people who are training on Tuesday and Thursday and working during the week.

"That would be my advice, to remain full-time, whether I'm here or not.

"We'll just have to wait and see what happens (regarding my tenure). I'm sure I'll have discussions with the board and I hope that they're happy with what I've done and what I've brought to the club so far."

Guiseley take on Dagenham & Redbridge at Nethermoor tonight in a rearranged fixture and St Ledger said: "We have to try and get off the foot of the table and go from there.

"It’s about individuals now. It's about what motivates you, whether it’s to be at Guiseley or to go and get a move somewhere else if you’re out of contract.

"You have to do what’s right for yourself. Nine times out of 10 when you get individual performances, collectively, as a team, you get a result."

There are only two days between the Barrow and Dagenham games and St Ledger expects to be making changes, saying: "I’ve got such a big squad to choose from so it will almost be a different 11.

"We’ve called back Elliott Green and we'll be calling back Curtis Morrison. It’s an opportunity to play for those that haven’t been in the squad.

“If you want to play for me next season, if I’m here again, you need to show me what you’re all about and you’re committed and ready to work hard."