Guiseley tried to get game called off (From Wharfedale Observer)

Guiseley tried to get game called off

8:24am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport By Bill Marshall

Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick has admitted that he tried to get last Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against Chester postponed.

The Lions manager explained: “We had three players in last night’s England C match against Belgium, Forest Green also had three and fellow Conference team Grimsby had two players involved.

“All three of us asked the Blue Square Conference if we could postpone our matches and all three of us were told no.

“If three players from a Football League club are involved in an international weekend, they can have their matches postponed.

“I was worried that the players might have their minds on England rather than the Chester match - one foot with us and one foot with England so to speak.

”England C manager Paul Fairclough named Simon Ainge and Stephen Brogan in his starting XI for the crucial International Challenge Trophy Group A clash at Zaventem, with Josh Wilson among the five substitutes.

Kittrick will certainly be hoping for a response after the limp display against Chester when they host Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday and Harrogate Town on Tuesday.

The Lions then travel to Bamber Bridge on Saturday, September 22 for an FA Cup second qualifying round tie.

The Guiseley boss, whose team are now third in the table, said; “We are a scalp for opponents now, and Bamber Bridge will be a tough tie.

”Meanwhile, Guiseley have signed midfielder Jack Rea from Stalybridge Celtic - even though the transfer fee, after much discussion between the clubs, will be subject to an FA tribunal.

Kittrick said: “We have offered Stalybridge an amount of money but they want a ridiculous amount for him.

“So we have taken the bull by the horns and gone to a tribunal, which could be sitting in eight weeks or 13 weeks – you never quite know.