BRADFORD Park Avenue boss John Deacey is delighted that his talismanic goalkeeper has returned for another season.

John Lamb struggles with chronic back pain due to long-term wear and tear, and towards the end of the last two seasons he has considered retirement without deciding he was hanging up his gloves.

He missed almost all of the pre-season but made an unannounced and dramatic return to the team for the final friendly at Witton Albion.

Lamb has also played in both of the Vanarama Conference North fixtures and is set to start at home against Leamington tomorrow.

Deacey said: “It is good to get 'Lamby' back – he makes a huge difference to morale. He is well liked and is good for the dressing room because everything is positive with him.

“He is a very good keeper and has a great personality. He is a big character and you need people like that in and around the club.”

Deacey feels Lamb returning is one of the best pieces of business he has done over the close season, even though a host of new faces have come in.

The Avenue manager is also pleased with the newcomers and is looking for them to help the club progress.

Former Bradford City men Joe Colbeck and Scott Kerr have joined, and Nathan Turner was snapped up on his release from Leeds United. They have not come for big pay-days – they still have ambitions in the game.

Deacey said: “Joe and Scott have been fantastic with the other lads and their experience is rubbing off on the others. Nathan looks a very good prospect and he comes to us with a very good pedigree.

“Scott has not started the first two games but his attitude has been first class and he will play a major role for this club this season. The competition for places has already helped bring the best out of all of the players.

“The boys have worked hard and done well. Ryan Qualter and Nathan Hotte have been excellent, and Martin Drury has been asked to play a more advanced role and has taken to it like a duck to water.”