STEVE Mallory has returned to Bradford Park Avenue in the middle of a busy week for the Conference North club.

The defender made 15 appearances and scored three crucial goals in his first spell before leaving after being tempted away by rivals Harrogate Town.

Mallory was released by Town at the end of last season as they rebuild after missing out on the play-offs.

He has been involved with Avenue throughout their pre-season preparations and has now put pen to paper.

Mallory said: "I'm pleased to sign for Bradford. I was grateful to John (Deacey) for giving me the chance to play at this level and I'm glad that I've been able to return to the club.

"Now I'm looking forward to the season ahead and hopefully we can achieve our goals."

Horsfall boss Deacey is glad to see Mallory back in an Avenue shirt and said: "I'm delighted that Steve has decided to return.

"He's done very well during pre-season and will be an important part of the squad for next season."

Martin Drury has also committed his immediate future to the club.

After verbally agreeing to extend his stay at Avenue earlier in pre-season, the left back has now signed a new deal for the 2014-15 campaign.

Drury said: "I'm glad to have finally signed. We've brought some players into the club during the summer and I think over the next week we will get more settled and find the right balance for the first game of the new season.

"It will be a tough league but the aim is to reach the play-offs and I think, with the squad we have, we can achieve that."

Meanwhile, Nicky Boshell – who was on Guiseley’s wanted list for much of last season – has now returned to the club.

The brother of Lions player-assistant manager Danny Boshell has moved to Nethermoor after having his Avenue contract cancelled.

Guiseley made a number of inquiries for the 27-year-old striker last term but their Conference North rivals did not want to part with him.

Mark Bower will be hoping Boshell will be able to achieve the same scoring rate he enjoyed in his previous spell at the club. He scored 11 goals in 19 games before leaving midway through the 2012-13 season.

Boshell made his return for the Lions in Tuesday night’s 1-0 friendly win at Clitheroe and will also feature in Saturday’s final warm-up game against Farsley Celtic at Throstle Nest.

Guiseley boss Bower is delighted to have Boshell back in the fold and said: “Nicky can play a number of positions and it is a bonus that he is left-footed. We did try to sign him last season and we are glad he is now on board for the new season.”

Tonight's pre-season action sees Liversedge at home to Yorkshire Amateur.