FORMER Bradford Park Avenue boss Martin Drury will not be coming up against his old employers as he is no longer with today’s opponents Boston United – he is, in fact, back in Bradford but working for the 'other club'!

Drury, who stepped up into coaching and management early following a career-ending injury, is with the Bantams and is ‘absolutely loving’ his new job.

He is coaching at Bradford City’s Academy, and said: “It's long hours and there is a lot to do but I’m absolutely loving it.”

Drury also enjoyed his time with the Pilgrims after he left Avenue, and was asked to stay on for this season, which he would have considered before he landed the plum role.

“Having left Bradford Park Avenue, I spoke with Dennis Greene at Boston, where I was offered a role on their staff,” said Drury.

“I enjoyed the couple of months I was there at the end of last season and was pleased to be a part of their success in reaching the play-off final.

"Unfortunately, I lost my father the week of the play-offs, so was unable to attend those games.

“North Ferriby came out victorious but I think both clubs were rightly proud of their achievements, considering the strength of the Conference North last season.”

Greene’s right-hand man moved on, so he offered Drury the assistant manager’s job, but the former left back had already received an offer he couldn’t refuse – a route back into the full-time game.

Drury said: “Shortly after the season had finished, I was fortunate to be offered a position at Bradford City Football Club. It was to become the lead YPD (youth player development) coach, which I happily accepted.

”It was soon evident that it wouldn't be possible to do both the Bradford City job and one with another club, so unfortunately I had to leave Boston United to fulfil the role.

”In June, I attended the UEFA A Licence coaching course at St George's Park – the England national team’s base – for an eight-day residential course, where I was among some fantastic candidates – Fabrice Muamba, Kevin Phillips, Freddie Kanoute and many others, including close friends Danny Schofield and Micky Collins.

“It was a productive week meeting good people from all backgrounds and sharing experiences in football from all over the world.

”Following this, I was then back to work with Bradford City, where I have spent the last three months.

"The staff here are very easy to work with and the working environment itself is great for developing footballers and coaches.

“The role is to work under Alan Nevison in managing four age groups approaching the professional development phase, while overseeing six coaching staff to ensure we are providing players with the best chance of having a successful career in professional football.

“We have good coaches who are all working together to achieve our objectives, and hopefully we can follow up the good work that's been done in recent seasons.

"I’m looking forward to the season ahead and the future beyond.”