The dust is still settling at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium after Ian Banks and his assistant Ian Mason called time on their tenure last Monday, so the midweek postponement was well timed.

The Eagles were due to host basement outfit Appleby Frodingham in Division One of the Baris Northern Counties East League on Wednesday but the excessive wet weather put a stop to that.

It was frustrating for the players because they sensed a victory was on the cards after a disappointing home defeat last Saturday – which was the catalyst for the parting of the ways between management and club.

Eagles director of football Mark Ellis said: “Ian is a great coach and football man and we had a very good relationship. We had a chat at the weekend and again on Monday before he went and we parted on good terms.

“Ian has always worked high up the scale and things are a bit different at the level Eccleshill are at because you don’t get time to work with the players and that means the consistency isn’t always there.

“That can lead to frustration but while he was with us Ian did an exceptional job.”

Former Bantams’ winger ‘Mega’ placed reserve team manager Dai Jones in interim charge but he has not had a chance to work his magic yet.

Wednesday’s game fell foul of a waterlogged pitch and tomorrow’s scheduled derby against Albion Sports has had to be shelved because Avenue have a home game at Horsfall Stadium.

“Dai has a wealth of experience after being a scout and coach with the England Under-21s and he knows a lot of our overseas players because they have played in our Under-19s and reserves,” said Ellis. “He will look after the team for as long as it takes.”

Eccleshill have not advertised the position but they are expecting a lot of interest in the post and they will look at the qualities and experience of any potential applicants.