Simply the best was how former Avenue stalwart Wayne Benn described Trevor Storton today as tributes poured in for the one-time Bradford boss.

Benn began his career in Bradford, but at Valley Parade, and on his release by the Bantams he stayed in the city by moving to Avenue.

He was signed by Storton, who lost his fight against cancer on Wednesday, and the two of them became very close.

Benn said: “We all knew Trevor was poorly, so the news wasn’t shocking, but it came as a huge wrench all the same.

"James Stansfield, one of my old team-mates, rang to tell me and to say it saddened me would be an understatement - it knocked me sideways.

“He was an absolutely fantastic man - one of a kind. All the time I have known him, he has shown what a top man should be like. He was simply the best.

"I know it sounds clichéd and it is easy to say things after someone has died but in Trevor’s case its all true.

“He was manager at Avenue for seven, pushing eight years and I was his captain, his on-field voice, and we had a good relationship. I have never worked under a better manager with such good methods, and I include full-time managers in that.

“He played a massive part in mine and others’ football development and shaped my career. I will be eternally grateful to him, glad and privileged to have known him and been close enough to see the real Trevor.

“Everyone who had ever been in contact with him will be saddened. He taught me how to act properly on and off the field, he showed me the correct way to be a man. Avenue are paying their respects at the next home game on Monday night and I will be there”

Benn was choking back his emotions while recalling his time, days that he called special’ at Avenue with Storton, his first assistant Bobby Barr and subsequent number two Ian Thompson.

He also said that he thought Storton’s physical condition would be a key factor in him winning his fight against the disease.

Ben said: “Trevor was the fittest guy I ever knew, and when he was diagnosed I thought if anyone can beat this then it’s him but this just brings it home - cancer can get the best of us. His loss to the game is phenomenal because of his knowledge and man- management skills.

“Once you leave a club you lose touch, but I didn’t with Trevor, and when I went into the management side of it, he was always there for me.

"We all lost touch towards the end because Trevor was a proud man and wouldn’t have wanted anyone to see him so poorly and suffering. It must have been a nightmare for his family because they and football were his only passions.

“I’m glad I didn’t see him really badly because it leaves me with the memory of the Trevor that was so full of life, racing around the training ground leading by example, so committed and so energetic.”