WHOEVER takes over at Guiseley has a huge task of restoring both morale and pride to the Nethermoor club.

Being able to perform a footballing miracle might also be on the list of desirable qualities when the owners get down to finding a replacement for Paul Cox.

Guiseley have escaped relegation from the National League on the final day of the past two seasons but to do so again seems improbable given that the team are marooned at the bottom of the table and haven’t won this year.

What was billed as a season of transformation, one where the club would not be fighting for survival, has become a campaign of turmoil.

While Guiseley needed to become full-time to compete in the National League, doing it during the season has proven to be a painful error.

Some club favourites, including Danny Lowe who scored the goal that saved the Lions in the last minutes of last season, have been left out in the cold for staying part-time.

New players have come in and out almost on a weekly basis and the lack of continuity and harmony has led to the Lions plunging to the bottom of the league.

The style of football and the dismal results have seen crowds dwindle at Nethermoor.

The depressing doom-laden atmosphere for Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat by Gateshead clearly forced owner Steve Parkin’s hand.

The club are keeping their cards close to their chest about their plans for a replacement.

They need a motivator and a person who can instil fight and spirit into a team that has looked devoid of those qualities of late.

Above all they need to be able to rouse an underdog mentality at the club in the hope it will at least give fans something to cheer.