Former Carlisle United winger Andy Welsh has left NPL Premier Division play-off hopefuls Guiseley – with just five games left to play.
A 3-2 home defeat to ex-Workington boss Chris Willcock’s Lancaster City yesterday proved to be a defeat too many.
The Guiseley board issued the following statement: “Guiseley AFC have today parted company with first team manager Andy Welsh.
“Whilst we appreciate that coming in mid-season with a settled squad was a difficult task. unfortunately we haven’t seen the desired improvements and momentum in the team’s performances and results as we approach the final stages of the season and felt a change was needed to give the squad the best chance of picking up as many points as possible in the last five games, whilst we look to continue to build into next season with a settled team.
“We thank Andy for his time and efforts with the club, leading us to the county cup semi finals and keeping the side within three points of the playoffs, including a notable double against Radcliffe.
“Club captain Liam Tongue will lead the team as caretaker for the remainder of the season, with his assistant staff to be confirmed.”
Tongue was captain of Lancaster City under new Reds boss Mark Fell and left to join Guiseley as a player shortly before Willcock was announced as the Dolly Blues’ new manager.
Welsh played over 300 games in his playing career, which started at Stockport County before moving to Sunderland, Leicester, Blackpool, Yeovil, Carlisle and Scunthorpe.
He played 33 League games for Carlisle between 2011-13 and ended his playing career at Ossett Albion where he was appointed player-manager.
Welsh enjoyed success there and at Bury before being appointed Guiseley manager in October.
They currently lie eighth in the table but just three points behind Hyde who are in the last play-off berth – and have two games in hand.
Guiseley’s final game of the season on April 27 is a visit to Workington’s Borough Park.
