Former Bury boss Andy Welsh has taken charge at Northern Premier League top flight side Guiseley.

The 40-year-old departed Gigg Lane last month and was succeeded by Dave McNabb in the hot seat.

Welsh will watch his new side from the stands tonight as they welcome Marine to Nethermoor Park in league action.

“We are excited to get started at Guiseley, a club at non-league with a lot of history, with the potential to help grow the fan base," he told the club website. "Bringing together the local community to support and get behind their team is something we are looking forward to.

"This league is a very tough division and we need everyone getting behind the team, home and away, to bring that feel-good factor back to the stands.

"The current squad looks strong but I believe this division is the strongest it has ever been, so we know the next month of games is going to be really tough against the top teams in this league.

"Add to that the start to the season has been up and down. Levels need to be lifted as we are mid-table at the minute with a tough run of games. This will show us where the players are at if they want to compete and battle when our backs are against the wall.

"I’m sure they are capable of doing this, but we all have to work together to create a hard to beat mentality when clubs visit us at Nethermoor.

"Our potential is as hard as everyone wants to work, both on and off the field, and the buy in from players, staff, supporters and the community is really important from day one.”

Guiseley currently sit 13th in the table, having won four of their opening 11 league matches.

General manage James Pickles added: “While still relatively young in managerial terms, Andy has taken charge of over 200 non-league games already with a highly impressive win percentage.

"Combined with his playing career which included Sunderland in the Premier League, he has a wealth of experience at a young age.

"Andy’s hunger to progress all aspects of the club and himself came across massively in his interview and we’re excited to have him on board as first-team manager.”