BRADFORD Park Avenue manager Mark Bower has been named as the Vanarama National League North manager of the month for February.

Avenue had a 100 per cent record in the league throughout last month with three victories before being frustrated by a postponement at fellow strugglers Stalybridge Celtic.

They began February in the relegation places but ended it in 18th place with a three-point cushion over the clubs in the drop zone, although that has since been cut to two.

Bower said: “I’m obviously pleased because it comes as recognition for the club getting out of the relegation places.

“It’s not a personal award but one for the whole club.

"The players, coaching staff and the volunteers who give up a lot of their free time to make sure that the team has the best preparation for match days, and even for training, all deserve the credit.”

The Avenue boss was modest about the award but his record since taking over in late September has been good.

Last Saturday was his 20th league game in charge and the club has won nine and drawn one under his stewardship.

Had the club achieved that average from the start of the campaign, they would currently be 12th.

Bower added: “We only had three games in the month so we had a good chance of winning it. Let’s keep focused on what is a big game against Halifax on Saturday.

“If we can win that, at home, it’ll really give the supporters something to shout about, and that’s our aim. The fans have been great, home and away, but they’ve not always seen the best of us at Horsfall.”