NATIONAL LEAGUE strugglers Guiseley have added some Football League experience to their squad with the signing of ex-Leeds United midfielder and England U19 international Simon Walton.
Walton, still only 28, was released by League Two side Crawley Town at the end of last season following 37 appearances.
The midfielder, who started his career at Elland Road, has made over 250 Football League appearances in total for the likes of Ipswich Town, Hull City, Plymouth Argyle, Crewe Alexandra, Hartlepool United and Stevenage.
Walton dropped into Non-League following his Crawley release and had a brief spell with Northern Counties East League side Garforth Town to get some match fitness.
Now he’s stepping back up the Pyramid with Guiseley but has outlined his determination to work his way back into the Football League.
“The thing for me was just to get back playing competitive football again and I’m looking forward to it,” Walton told BBC Radio Leeds.
“It’s no secret that I still want to play League football and I still believe that I’m good enough to play League football, but I’ve watched plenty of National League games and the standard gets better and better every year.
“It’s going to be tough but I’m looking forward to it and if it can help everybody here out at the same time, then that’s great.”
The Lions have struggled so far this season and currently sit bottom of the National League with just one point from their opening eight league games.
Veteran defender Adam Lockwood is currently in interim charge at Nethermoor following the sacking of Mark Bower five games into the campaign.
