BRADFORD Park Avenue boss John Deacey is delighted to be back in his hands-on role at the club despite his brief sabbatical being a self-imposed one.

Deacey took a short break from his day-to-day duties for personal reasons but was happy to do so in the knowledge that assistant manager Martin Drury and first-team coach Jamie Price were capable in his absence.

The Avenue manager said: "I had to take some time out but I’m back in the fold and I’m enjoying it and looking forward to the future.

"These are exciting times for Bradford and I’ve sat down with the new owner Gareth (Roberts) and Kevin (Hainsworth) and we’ve discussed my position.

"Nothing has altered as Martin is still the assistant, Jamie is player coach and I’m the manager guiding them along.

"Gareth has told me that’s how he wants things and Kevin is staying as long as it takes to get someone to take over from him.

"They have made it clear that they want me, Martin and Jamie to run the playing side as a threesome and our first job is keeping the club in the Conference League. There is too much to lose if the club gets relegated so we must fight tooth and nail to keep our status."

Avenue are currently in the relegation zone but have games in hand on many of the clubs around them.

A horrendous run of long-term injuries is a key factor behind Avenue’s struggles.

Drury was first-choice left back at the beginning of the campaign but he was forced into early retirement – just one of a number of Avenue players who have gone under the surgeon’s knife.

However, Deacey feels Drury still has a long career in the game ahead of him. The boss said: "Martin has been fantastic as my assistant and being in charge when I wasn’t here. He is really good at the job and I think he will make a great manager and will probably work at a higher level than Avenue are at right now.

"He and Jamie have bags and bags of enthusiasm and bring masses of energy to the roles that they are fulfilling.

"They have surprised me with their knowledge and they have brought a lot to training with new methods and fitness regimes and the players are feeling the benefit of that now.

"They have been scouting players, identifying targets and handling negotiations. They have great contacts in the game and they are highly respected so players want to play for them.

"They get a bit carried away at times and I think they would try and sign Aguero and Messi if they could squeeze enough money out of the board, but they are great lads.”