John Deacey was installed as Simon Collins’ successor at Avenue following a board meeting at teatime yesterday and he cites “unfinished business” as his motive for seeking a return to Horsfall.

Deacey was in charge twice – either side of Lee Sinnott’s brief spell, during which time Deacey was the former Bantams man’s number two – and was almost talked out of walking away from the club last May.

Avenue had looked like taking the one automatic promotion place from the UniBond League Premier Division until neighbours Guiseley pipped them by winning both the derby clashes and lifting the title.

That left the Bradford side as runners-up and looking at promotion via the play-offs. They won the semi-final and had home advantage in the play-off final, because they finished second, but lost out to Boston United after extra-time.

It was a heartbreaking end and Avenue fans had another shock in store when Deacey announced his resignation immediately after the game.

The club’s board did what they could to persuade Deacey to change his mind but, because of illness and family reasons, the manager bowed out.

The rumour mill was working overtime when Bob Blackburn admitted he had taken three phone calls from interested parties within hours of Collins quitting last Saturday.

Events gathered pace in the week and the board held discussions with certain applicants before it emerged on Wednesday that there was a firm favourite.

Avenue chief executive officer Blackburn said: “We spoke to John and he was very keen to return because he felt he had unfinished business. Those were his exact words and we had a very positive meeting but broke so that we could all sleep on it.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the best football the team has played in the last three years was when John stepped up after Lee went. We went on that fantastic run and looked certainties for promotion at one point.

“We are in a similar situation now and John’s appointment will be very popular with the supporters. There have been some changes to the playing squad but John knows most of the ones we have very well and can work with them.

“It could be asking a lot for the same to happen now John is in charge again but let’s see if the magic can be recreated. He has a proven track record here and, as a board, we have given him the opportunity he asked for.”