Seven-up Cameron gets first breather

10:40pm Friday 28th March 2008

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Manager Dave Cameron has finally had time to work with the players on the training ground after the most intense of starts to his Avenue career.

Seven games in little under three weeks has meant the new man has had scant opportunity to develop his squad away from the heat of the action.

But that has certainly not affected Cameron, who has a 100 per cent record since he took over.

He said: "Thursday was the first training session we have had as a squad since having seven games on the trot.

"The only other one was the Thursday before my first game in charge against Lancaster City at Horsfall.

"It has been a bit hectic to say the least but I didn't even dare dream of a start like this and I look at my players and wonder when it will end because they are playing so well and showing such character.

"In a week's time, we have Curzon Ashton on the Saturday and FC United of Manchester on the Monday, and that is a weekend I'm really looking forward to.

"You can talk about massive games and must-win contests but those two games back to back will sort the men from the boys.

"I will back my players to come out on top but we like to do things quietly so we won't be making any great claims until we have the position to back that up.

"That position has to be top spot. I'm not interested in runners-up place and a battle in the play-offs."

Cameron is stamping his own authority at the club and revealed he had signed Tris Whitman, who was on loan from Farsley Celtic, on a permanent deal today.

He said: "That is a coup for the club because Tris is a player who has played at a higher level and still could.

"But he has decided to join us because he sees the long-term plans and has enjoyed his loan spell here. He lives in Nottingham but even that hasn't put him off signing a deal for the rest of this season and the next one."

Cameron is also thankful that predecessor Benny Phillips had such a good eye for players.

He said: "Steve Connors is a worthy captain and an immense player, while Tom Baker has been doing so well alongside him and is another key figure who is playing out of his skin at the moment.

"I'm sure they did a good job for Benny when he was here - that shows their loyalty to the club rather than an individual. Marine tried to buy Steve for five grand just days after I took over but I didn't want to lose him and we rejected that bid out of hand."

• Bradford Park Avenue Supporters' Club's annual programme and badge fair will be held at the social club at Horsfall Stadium on Sunday from 10.30am to 1.30pm.