Thackley manager Dave Morgan is such an ardent City fan that he can be seen in his Bantams kit while in the dugout at Dennyfield – and he now has a debt to his home-town club.

The Bantams releasing Matt Convey has given Thackley the best young goalkeeper they have had in many years. Morgan snapped up the young stopper and he took no time at all in establishing himself as the Dennyboys’ number one.

Morgan said: “I heard through the grapevine that Matt had been released so I thought I would give him a call and find out his situation. It turned out he didn’t have any plans so I asked him to come down to our place.

“He got into the team and has been in superb form for us this season. That is a great shame for Ben Higginson because he was our first choice last season and had a great season.

“The good thing is that Ben has stayed with us and got down to some serious work in training. We also have Garry Stokes back down here now, so he is working with the keepers. He is a good coach and can do more for them then either me or Graham (assistant Clifford) can.”

Convey has saved four penalties awarded against Thackley this season, giving him a 100 per cent record. His shot-stopping in open play and aerial ability has also saved and won a lot of points.

“We came close to promotion last season but one of the things we knew we needed was a bigger squad with serious competition for every place,” said Morgan.

“All of the lads are at the club because they like the club – they are certainly not here for the money.

“That’s why there is such a good atmosphere around the place and the players are all really keen to keep their place or get back into the side. But they do it the right way.”