NPL Premier Division
Guiseley manager Paul Phillips is looking up the table and not writing off the campaign.
The ex-Buxton and Matlock Town chief is four weeks into his tenure at Nethermoor and the Lions sit four points above the relegation zone but only eight off the play-offs.
Guiseley also have games-in-hand so Phillips is thinking positively.
“You can ask that (question regarding whether Gusieley are in a relegation or potential late challenge for the play-offs) to ten or 12 clubs looking at the points tallies,” Phillips told Non League Yorkshire.
“I think one-and-two wins and you’re in a play-offs place.
“One or two losses and you’re down near the bottom.
“I think when it settles down after Christmas (you will see it iron out) but this club is too big to be involved in a relegation battle.
“I think we have too much in our squad but we need to be winning games.
“There’s teams who have played 23 or 24 games and they’re in the top six so for me if we can win those games-in-hand then we will be back in the mix.
“Again, it is about winning them games and putting points on the board and that’s down to the lads.
“It is a very tough league and we’re going in the right direction but people need to get on board sooner rather than later if they want to stay on board because we won’t wait for anyone.
“In certain individuals going out you’ve seen that already.”
Phillips has made a modest start having won two and lost one of his three league games in charge.
Recruitment has been relatively low key but Phillips is looking to strengthen.
“It is alright saying we have done well winning two, losing one, I want to be winning 12 or 13 on the bounce and getting us up there,” he said.
“We probably need one-or-two more faces to give us that balance and know-how in how to do that.
“It is hard at this time of year because good players are tied and people don’t want to lose good players.
“If we don’t get players in I’ll work with what we have got.
“The people at the club are always looking to improve the squad and we’ll keep doing that whether we’re top or bottom of the league.
“Recruitment is a key thing. We’re always on the lookout for better players who will push us onto the next level.”
Jake Cassidy will be almost like a new signing when he returns to the side.
“Jake Cassidy was man of the match in the first game under me and he’s been out for four weeks which has been a blow,” Phillips said.
“I’m hoping to have him back in the next seven days.
“Spencer Harris is a bit further down the line and may not play again this season.
“Having Jake Cassidy back will be a big plus for us because of his experience and the fact he’s our top goal-scorer.
A home clash with Nantwich Town awaits tomorrow and Phillips is targeting a third straight home win.
That would go a long way towards continuing their recent revival under Phillips who is ambitious about the club’s future.
“(The long term is) to get back where they have been,” he said.
“I think it is set up to go to the next level and hold its own at the next level and push onto the league above that.
“I think everything is in place to do that.
“We have to put the team and infrastructure in place to do that and ensure it is sustainable.”