Burton set for role as striker
Assistant manager Wayne Benn feels new Guiseley signing Steve Burton will be deployed mainly as a striker in the coming season.
Benn was very versatile himself, so he knows the down side of being a utility player.
He stressed that Burton would be given a preferred role but would be invaluable because of his ability and footballing brain.
"Firstly, it's great to have Steve on board as he is a very good footballer and has played a lot in the full-time ranks," said Benn, who began his own career with Bradford City.
"He started out at Ipswich Town and also had experience in the Football League with Doncaster Rovers and Boston United.
"Up until Christmas last year he was full time with Kettering Town in the Blue Square North. He went from there to rivals Harrogate Town, who we signed him from.
"We played against Harrogate in the West Riding County Cup at the end of January and Steve played for them in central midfield and he ran the game.
"We followed his progress and watched him do the same in the cup final against Bradford Park Avenue. He is comfortable on the ball, reads the game well, can hit a defence-splitting pass and hardly ever loses possession.
"The obvious thing to do was to ask the lad the question where do you feel most comfortable' but he told us he had no real preference. He just wants to play regularly and likes the look of our club."
After being in the Conference North last season and the Football League previously, Burton wants to move back up the pyramid and feels he can do so with Guiseley.
Benn said: "Players who can play in more than one position are worth their weight in gold, especially these days. Every club is looking to keep squad numbers down because of the cost.
"We need specialised players but we also need lads like Steve who are flexible and adaptable. At any given time in a game he can switch positions if we have a problem with an injury elsewhere in the side.
"I know from first-hand experience that it can work against you, being able to play in a few positions. You can get pushed and shoved about and not be fully appreciated.
"That won't happen to Steve because we won't let it and also because of the lad's attitude. It's spot on."
3:42pm Monday 16th June 2008
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