Football is one of those industries in which who you know outweighs what you know and the old pals act certainly had a positive effect on Avenue’s first friendly.

Dave Cameron’s men faced Macclesfield Town last week and the Coca-Cola League Two club brought their entire first-team squad.

Eight of the starting team and four of the six substitutes, all used, were regulars last term. The rest were promising youths or professionals looking to earn contracts.

If Avenue’s nearest neighbours, and Macclesfield’s divisional rivals, the Bantams do the same today it should be a great occasion for Bradford. With just three promotions, or relegations, separating the city’s clubs, it will be an interesting clash.

Avenue boss Cameron explained why the Silkmen sent their strongest possible squad for last Saturday’s game.

“It was a favour to me because I approached Keith Alexander and asked him to give us a good test and assured him that our players would give them the same,” said Cameron.

The big striker played under Alexander at Lincoln City and the pair have kept in touch ever since.

Cameron said: “Keith is a good friend and a great man. I learned a lot with him as my gaffer and I hope we can still help each other out in the future.

“I have asked him about any young players he might want to send out on loan, as we could help them develop.

“I have also offered him any assistance on players from our league that he wants advice on, or if he feels any of our players could do a job for Macclesfield then we could talk about that.”

Cameron is keen to nurture the relationship between the clubs. As ever, he feels it is a two-way street, with possible loan deals coming Avenue’s way while potential signings will know they are being monitored by a Football League outfit and a route to the full-time game is open.

Some former Avenue players have resurfaced at nearby Halifax Town now that the beleaguered Shaymen’s place in the UniBond Division One North, a division below Avenue and Guiseley, has been confirmed.

Last season’s vice-captain Ross Clegg has made the move and will be joined by striker Neil Ross and winger Tony Lennon, brother of Tottenham Hotspur star Aaron.

The Town supporters wanted Paul Stoneman to return but he left Horsfall this summer for Newcastle Blue Star because he still lives in the north east and wanted to cut back on travelling time.

Avenue’s long-serving goalkeeping coach Karl Lenaghan, who began his career with Bradford City, has also departed. He has taken up a similar role with UniBond Premier rivals FC United of Manchester.