GUISELEY boss Mark Bower has hailed the acquisition of defender Ashley Palmer and revealed: There are more signings to come.

The Pontefract-born 23-year-old helped North Ferriby United to promotion from the Vanarama National League North last season.

That followed a successful stint at Buxton, where he first caught Bower’s eye, and the Lions boss is delighted to have him on board.

The centre-half’s arrival will be followed by more signings in the coming days as Guiseley step up their pre-season preparations after returning for training last Saturday.

Bower said: “I’m really pleased to get Ashley on board. He is someone we have watched for a number of years now, dating back to when he was at Buxton a couple of years ago.

“Ashley has done very well with North Ferriby, helping them to get promoted, and is a player with a lot of potential.

“We look forward to working with him at a higher level and helping him to improve and progress his career.

“We have got a couple of players who are committed and signed up to us, which we will announce in due course.”

Bower admits the Lions’ squad will be reduced in size this season but is confident they can build on last season’s survival exploits.

He added: “Progress is being made with the squad and we have got a fair number of players signed up already.

“Yes, we have left nine players go but we did have a big squad last season and will be operating with smaller numbers this time around.

“We have a couple more signings which are done and a couple more who are in the pipeline.”

Bower, meanwhile, has applauded his players after they returned for pre-season training in tip-top condition last weekend.

That ensured the Lions could hit the ground running with football-based skills work as opposed to fitness-based running.

“It’s common knowledge through football now that the fitness levels of the players are better than ever,” explained Bower.

“They come back in excellent condition and part-time players possibly even more so.

“Being a part-time player, you have got to keep on top of your fitness and do extras away from training.

“Our certainly came back in excellent shape and there was no flogging the lads with 45-minute runs.

“We were straight into the sharp stuff, working with the ball, and the lads deserve a lot of credit for the way they have come back again.

“Hopefully that will stand us in good stead.”

Guiseley will face Leeds United at Nethermoor on Friday, July 22 in a 7.45pm kick-off, with new Whites boss Garry Monk expected to bring a strong side to Nethermoor.

The game will be all-ticket.

The Lions will also face Huddersfield Town and Bower’s old club Bradford City at Nethermoor next Wednesday and Saturday respectively.

Former Guiseley defender Ryan Toulson, one of the players who departed the club at the end of last season, has joined Bradford Park Avenue.