Thackley have confirmed that former Bantams youth striker Andy Patterson will be staying on as their manager next season.

Patterson was placed in temporary charge following Lee Clapham’s acrimonious departure and the resignation of joint-manager Dave Morgan at the end of March.

Results did not take a significant upturn following Patterson’s appointment but the Dennyboys and the new boss both had time to test the water during the final six games of the campaign.

The club have now decided that Patterson is the man to take the helm and they hope it will be for the long-term.

Following their final Toolstation Northern Counties East League game of the season last weekend, Thackley spokesman Steve Paley said: “The committee and Andy have got together and he will be staying on.

“He has got the job on a permanent basis and Greg Beswick, who only came in a few weeks ago to run the reserves, will be helping him.

“Mick Watson will join them as a three-man management team concentrating on first-team affairs.

“I think the club decided to go with Andy because he knows the set-up and it will bring a bit of stability and continuity.

“He has been a player here and reserve-team manager – with Mick assisting him – and has also been in management at other clubs, notably local rivals Eccleshill United.

“We think he is the best man for the job and he had a word with the players a couple of weeks back regarding all sticking together.

“The club thought it would remove any uncertainty within the squad by getting the management role defined now.

“Everybody can look ahead to next season now, the squad is sorted and settled, some new players to add to the picture are lined up and everyone is on board.

“It makes everything clear and gives us all time to plan ahead for the summer, the return of the players to training and the pre-season friendly fixtures.”