Thackley boss Chris Reape has lost his right-hand man but he has restructured the Dennyboys’ management team and an old face is back in the spotlight.

Paul Clayton was Reape’s assistant over the last few seasons, but work commitments forced him to relinquish his role.

Stepping into his shoes is Andy Patterson, the former Bradford City youth striker who began his career at Thackley and later rejoined the Dennyboys, finishing as the club’s leading scorer for three successive seasons.

Reape has also brought former Halifax Town player Niall O’Brien in as first-team coach to complete the trio.

All three will be involved with training and team selection and will be in the dug out on match days.

Thackley spokesman Mick Lodge said: “Paul was promoted at work midway through last season and he had to scale back his involvement but he stayed with us until the end, and we’re very grateful to him for that.

“Paul was travelling an awful lot from his home to training so he left at the end of the season and has since joined Knaresborough Town. He got an offer from them and their ground is only about ten minutes from his home, so he accepted it.

“He goes with our blessing after what he’s done for us and I have to say he is a top man, and he’ll be missed.”

Patterson needs no introduction after his spell with the Bantams, where he showed great promise, and spells as a player, coach and assistant manager at Eccleshill United and Thackley.

Lodge added: “Andy has always been involved with the first team over the last few years and he’s a big part of the club.

“He has helped out with training while Chris and Paul were here and he’s pitched in with other jobs and generally made the place a lot happier. He’s one of the lads and has a great rapport with the players and supporters.

“Niall’s a former pro footballer and he has known Chris since way back.

"He fits in and will bring a lot to the fitness and development of the squad and, of course, he knows about the club after his spell as a player with us a couple of seasons ago.

“That was towards the back end of his playing career but he’s still very fit and has been in the game in some capacity since he left us.

"I don’t think anybody wanted changes after a good season but we’ve been very fortunate with the appointments that have been made.”