Derek Asamoah at Hamilton Academicals
Picture: Creative Commons
By Cameron Hogwood
Guiseley fans are counting on the arrival of experienced players in the transfer window to boost their chances of survival ahead of a testing stage of the season.
The January market saw the 22nd-placed side bring in Mansfield midfielder Kevan Hurst and former Carlisle United striker Derek Asamoah in preparation for a set of potentially season-defining games.
Adam Bridson, a Guiseley Supporters’ Club committee member, believes both players are capable of having a significant impact during the second half of the campaign.
He said: “Asamoah had a solid debut and played well, he’s a tricky player and looks to cause problems for defences. Kevan has played at a good level for a number of years and could be a good signing for us, his previous experience and ability will probably come in handy.”
Hurst has made 16 appearances in League Two this season and is expected to make his debut in Saturday’s clash with Wrexham.
The introduction of the well-travelled Asamoah is undoubtedly the more eye-catching piece of business.
He arrives having gained four international caps for Ghana in 2006 as well as spending time with South Korean sides Pohang Steelers and Daegu FC.
The 35-year-old has also enjoyed spells in Scotland with Hamilton Academicals, at Lokomotiv Sofia in Bulgaria as well as with French outfit OGC Nice.
Guiseley enter this weekend’s fixture having only lost one of their last eight league games, earning four wins and three draws in the process.
Bridson is optimistic that there is still time to turn things around with now only five points separating the bottom seven sides.
He said: “It’s not been the season we as supporters had hoped for but it is getting better after a slow start. Hopefully we can survive this year and push on next year.”