GUISELEY supporters will being having mixed feelings after the club signed up one midfielder and let another go to a rival.

Prince Ekpolo has committed to the 2019/20 season, while the highly talented Jamie Spencer turned down an opportunity, favouring a move to Spennymoor Town.

Ekpolo made his debut coming off the bench against Darlington in January and earned his first start in the West Riding County Cup win at Goole Town.

The 26-year-old started the following five games and captured the sponsors’ man-of-the-match award in the home clash with Leamington.

Before joining Guiseley, he had made 27 appearances for Northern Premier League Division One South East side Glossop North End.

Meanwhile, Spencer scored six goals in his injury hit 26 games after arriving at the Lions last summer.

Joint manager Russ O'Neill is delighted to have the Nigerian on board, saying: “He is going to be massive for us, he will be a big part of our team going forward.

"Prince took our physicality in the midfield area to a new level in the games he got in for us before covid 19 ended the season. He was a non contract player last season so it was our priority to secure him on a contract. I am now looking forward to seeing him move up to an even better level.

“Before bringing him to Guiseley, I really thought that he had real potential and before lockdown came he had proved that he has got what it takes to play at our level in the National League North. I think we will see the best of him in the coming season.”

There is also some good news in the goalkeeper department as academy stopper Declan Lambton has signed a first team contract.

The 19-year-old spent the last three seasons on loan at Bradford side Campion but is now ready to step up his game to Step Two level.

The former Bradford City keeper joined the Lions at 16 before winning the league with Guiseley's academy side in the 2018-19 campaign.

Despite only making the odd appearance for the under-19s last term, he played a key role in the thrilling 10-9 penalty shoot out win over Chester in the League Cup, saving two penalties and scoring one.

O’Neill added: "Declan trained with the first team squad all last season whilst playing his senior football out on loan with Campion. He continued to improve so has been rewarded with another year’s contract. Hopefully he will kick on and show further improvement.”