Allen capture is proof of Avenue ambition (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Allen capture is proof of Avenue ambition

10:37am Friday 17th August 2007 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Avenue have pulled off a major coup by signing the vastly-experienced Graham Allen from Coca Cola League Division Two outfit Chester City.

Following news that they have lost skipper Gary Shaw, they have replaced one captain with another.

Allen, who began his career at Everton, will be wearing the armband this season and will fill the gap left in the centre of defence by Shaw.

After coming through the ranks at Goodison Park, which included two first-team starts, he moved across the estuary to make over 200 appearances for Tranmere Rovers, scoring ten goals.

Allen left Prenton Park to sign for Rushden & Diamonds and was part of the side that beat Bradford City in the FA Cup. He then joined Chester at the beginning of last season.

Despite having a week longer than most clubs to prepare for the season - Avenue's UniBond Division One North campaign begins at home to Skelmersdale today - the squad recruitment is not complete, even after Allen's signing.

That is something manager Benny Phillips planned, his intention being to attract players late in the day who have rejected deals or who have fallen down the pecking order due to summer signings.

Allen had been in training with Blue Square Premier outfit Droylsden in pre-season. He was offered terms with them but chose a deal at Horsfall Stadium instead.

Meanwhile, the result may not have gone the way the club wanted in the final friendly but the overnight stay in Wales was a resounding success.

"It was a very good trip to Bangor", said Phillips, whose side lost 3-1.

"The squad bonded well on the journey and after the game. All in all we got exactly what we wanted out of the weekend."

"If there was a down side it was that we could have played better but then we were good enough to have taken something out of the game. There were some decisions that we would have been very annoyed about had it been a league game.

"These things do happen. Thankfully it's very rare but they do happen. You can't legislate for them so you just get on with it."

Four of the squad were missing from the trip - Allen, Griff Jones, the recently-signed Adam Morn-ing and Darren Hockenhull - so it is still a work in progress for Phillips.

"The signing of Adam will also be a big plus for the club. He is a striker that has troubled Avenue when he has been on opposing sides," added the manager.

"We are looking at a squad of 18 to 20 players not 11 good ones and some who could do a job in case of injuries and suspensions.

"The club needs 20 players who are good enough to play at this level and above. Our latest two recruits show that ambition."