THERE are two big pairs of boots to fill at Bradford Park Avenue after Martin Drury and John Lamb chose to hang theirs up.

Goalkeeper Lamb has retired again and this time he says it is for good, while Drury looks to have had his career cut short by injury.

The defender has been digesting medical advice but it is understood that privately he has accepted that his playing days are over.

The pair are both crowd favourites after amassing more than 300 appearances between them and have become part of the fixtures and fittings at Horsfall Stadium.

Their team-mates will also feel bereft without Lamb and Drury shoulder to shoulder beside them.

Avenue historian Tim Clapham said: "I'm sorry to hear Drury's career may be over. He has made 179 appearances up to being injured at Gainsborough on August 30.

"He made his debut as a substitute at home to North Ferriby on August 31, 2009 in the NPL Premier, so his Avenue career has spanned exactly five years.

"Lamb first appeared for the club on March 11, 2006 in an NPL President's Cup tie at Brigg Town.

"Avenue won that semi-final 4-3 on penalties, the game having finished 1-1 after extra time. It was Phil Sharpe's first game in charge (assisted by Clive Freeman) following the sacking of Gary Brook.

"After several departures and reappearances, Lamb made his 164th and final appearance against Oxford City."

Lamb may have made an heroic Avenue debut when being the best keeper in a penalty shoot-out but his last appearance was less memorable as Avenue sunk to a 5-0 home defeat.

The keeper, who has also had spells with Harrogate Town and Guiseley, has been racked with pain from a long-standing back injury and, after speaking with manager John Deacey, he brought the curtain down on his career.

Former Chester stopper John Danby was signed as a replacement and made his Avenue debut last weekend, keeping a clean sheet in the goalless draw at home to Brackley Town.

The 31-year-old made over 200 appearances for Chester in two spells and played for them against Avenue.

Danby's signing came on the day the club announced that Drury was their new fitness coach.

His new role will include him helping Deacey and assistant Mark Hulme with training and also see him working on improving the overall fitness of the squad.