Lamb is flavour of the month as Avenue head for exciting finale (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Lamb is flavour of the month as Avenue head for exciting finale

3:00pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Goalkeeper John Lamb has been an integral part of the inspired back-up team to Avenue manager John Deacey

Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey praised the behind-the-scenes work of his assistant and one of his senior players this week and assured the supporters that the final third of the season could be the most exciting.

Avenue are just outside the play-off places in the Evo-Stik Premier Division but they are looking to get back into the top five tomorrow, and have games in hand.

They have progressed to the semi-finals of the West Riding County Cup and reached the quarter-finals of the Doodson Sports Cup, which is the Evo-Stik's League Cup.

Deacey is not side-tracked by trophies - he has never been a glory hunter because he believes the success of a club is based on their league record and standing.

That is why he would love to finally get Bradford Park Avenue promoted after consecutive seasons of play-off heartache.

He feels they have a good chance this term because of the input from goalkeeper John Lamb and assistant manager Mark Hume.

There might also be a couple of cup finals for the fans to look forward to - if things go to plan.

Deacey said: “Lamby has been tremendous this season, and not just in goal.

“He has been great in the dressing room and in general around the club, whether it’s during training, lifting the spirits of the lads who have been injured or substituted or at the social occasions.

“He gets a lot of stick from opposing teams and their fans but he takes that in his stride and usually shuts them up with his ability.

“He has been absolutely superb ever since he came back to the club, and I think people should know that about him.

“Looking from outside, you don’t always see these things that make a heck of a difference.”

Deacey offered Hume his first role in coaching and management and has spoken in the past about how well the former centre back had taken to it.

Deacey feels Hume has learned a lot over the past 12 months and that is making him an even better No 2.

“Mark is great, and has been since day one. He has a way with the players and they all look up to him, which is half of the battle. He has grown into that role of being the buffer between me and the squad.

“I have to be in charge and take the flak from both sides. That’s what managers do - they make tough and unpopular decisions.

“With Lamby, Mark, the other people we have helping us and our supporters, we can continue to go forward because of a great team effort.”