MARK Bower promised some new signings before the Vanarama National League North season kicked off and late this week Jamie Spencer returned on a permanent basis after short loan period last term.

The young midfielder was with Huddersfield Town at the time and was skipper of their under-18 side but he has come back to the Horsfall Stadium following his release from the newly-promoted Terriers.

Spencer had played for Town’s under-23s whilst captain of the under-18s and his performances earned him a pro deal with the Terriers.

However, since David Wagner got them promoted to the Premier League through a Wembley play-off victory, there has been a clear out of reserves and younger players.

Bower knows the potential of the player, who can also fill a defensive role, and has played Spencer as a trialist in many of the pre-season friendly games.

The Avenue boss said, “Jamie came in at the back end of last season and did well for us. He played the last two games and impressed us with his performances.

“We knew he was going to be available in the summer so we wanted to get him in and give him a chance. "Obviously all the fans have seen that he’s been here on trial throughout the summer, but he was always one we wanted to bring in for the start of the season.

“Jamie is keen to do well and keen to learn and we have a lot of experience in the team so he is one that can learn from the older heads.

"I see no reason why, once he gets in the team and puts a run of appearances together, he can’t attract attention from higher up the ladder.

“The challenge is there for him to get back into the Football League, hopefully we can be the platform for him to showcase his talents.

"But it’s down to him to play well now, all young players have ambitions of playing in the League and hopefully he can help us along the way.

“I think with the qualities he has he’s got the potential to get himself back up there - playing football at a much higher level.”