DESPITE Guiseley's relegation from the Vanarama National League, there has been something to cheer, with the club's academy side winning the National League Youth Alliance Division J title and going unbeaten all season.

First team manager Sean St Ledger was there to see the youngsters clinch top spot with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against South Shields and he reserved special praise for the man in charge there, Dave Currie.

As well as looking after the academy players, Currie has been a reliable right-hand man for St Ledger during the 33-year-old's time at the club.

The former Republic of Ireland international enthused: "Dave's been fantastic. He's had a lot of work to do with the academy and building for next year.

"But he's always helped me out with the first team. He's done the set-pieces and he's just someone for me to share ideas with.

"I thought that going along on Monday and supporting him was the least I could do after all the help he's given me over the last couple of months.

"It was extremely pleasing for me to see the smiles on the lads' faces and the smile on Dave's face because I know how much it means to him."

St Ledger also confirmed that he would not rule out using some of the successful academy's youngsters in the National League North next season.

He said: "I would probably have done it at the end of this season if the players had been registered.

"They've done extremely well this year to win the title and and it will be good for them to keep on learning in men's football.

"It's definitely something we need to look at."

St Ledger was impressed with what he saw on Monday, saying: "The lads showed extremely good spirit and determination as well as a willingness to work hard.

"At the end, they won it with their team spirit and togetherness. They were able to hold out in the last 10 minutes when they were under a lot of pressure.

"That's credit to Dave and (coach) Danny Ellis for the work that they've done."