4:20pm Friday 19th June 2009
By Ian Whiting
Keeper Steve Dickinson had an 11th-hour change of heart and ended up signing for Avenue rather than linking up with his former Guiseley team-mate and subsequent manager Neil Parsley at Throstle Nest.
Farsley Celtic’s loss is Avenue’s gain as the Bradford club now have the experienced stopper they needed after releasing Jon Worsnop.
Parsley has criticised the player over his actions after claiming Dickinson verbally agreed to sign for the Celts but has stressed that he has no beef with Avenue.
Bradford boss Lee Sinnott was unaware of any possible talks Dickinson had had before the pair spoke at Horsfall Stadium. However, he knew there would be interest in Dickinson from rival clubs and is concentrating on the positive of landing the player.
Sinnott said: “Everyone is fully aware of what Steve has done in the game, he has seen it and done it. Maybe he has even got the t-shirt to prove it.
“He is a very good keeper and the locals will know all about him after his time with Guiseley before moving into the Conference with Southport.
“He finished last season at Alfreton Town in the Blue Square North and his form was top-notch. His clean sheets towards the end of the season helped the club into the play offs.
“It is what he brings to the team and the dressing room as well as his impressive displays on the pitch. The people in front of him will benefit because of his authority in the box and his experience.”
The Avenue manager is off on his family holiday on Monday and he will rest easy in the knowledge that his top two priority signings are in the bag.
“We had to bring in a left back (Martin Drury) and a keeper and that is done now,” said Sinnott.
“It was never a case of wholesale changes but we did need to make additions to the squad and we are still in negotiations with players.
“There are three positions we would like to strengthen so we are keeping our eyes and ears open. I will be away for ten days or so after this weekend but whenever I’m not here John (Deacey) is in total control.
“I have full trust in him, as I do all my staff, and if he has got to act quickly he will.
“We all know what the club needs and we are in contact most of the time. John, Gary (Stokes) and myself all work really closely together so if things need doing while I’m on holiday, I know they will be done.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/trade_directory/