With uncertainty about the future of Bradford boss John Deacey and speculation about players rife, the dust has still to settle at Horsfall Stadium following last weekend’s play-off final defeat.

Avenue will still be in the UniBond League Premier Division next season, and that is the only thing set in stone.

Guiseley and play-off vic-tors Boston United have booked their places in the Conference North.

Deacey took over from former Bantams defender and Farsley Celtic and Port Vale boss Lee Sinnott but it appears he may well be departing.

The board have asked Deacey to have a rethink about resigning after Avenue missed out on the title by a single point.

Chief executive Bob Blackburn said: “It was a crying shame we missed out but it was our own silly fault in the end because we had the capabilities to clinch it.

“We were so close to the championship and the one automatic promotion place, and even then just one game away from going up through the play-offs.

“It was hard to take but I stayed to see Boston getting their trophy for winning the play-offs and their supp-orters celebrating with their players. They were the better team after about 70 minutes or so but we pushed them all the way.”

Avenue ended the regular season as runners-up to Guiseley, with Boston claiming third, as all three leading clubs stuttered towards the finish line.

Injuries played a huge part in Avenue’s failure to land the title. Blackburn and Deacey have commented on that in the last few weeks but refuse to dwell on it.

The board want Deacey to stay and hope to retain the playing squad he built up in his seven months in the hot-seat.

Blackburn added: “There is no point crying over spilt milk. We are where we are because we didn’t get enough points over the season and lost a massive game at the end of it. We will regroup, take stock and go again because we have a league to win next season.

“It’s a bit glib to say we just ‘move on’ because a lot of work went into that sea-son but Guiseley were deserved champions and we wish the very best of luck to them and Boston.”