John Deacey (pictured) has been replaced by Martin Drury in his role as manager of Bradford (Park Avenue)
Martin Drury is the new manager of Bradford (Park Avenue), replacing the outgoing John Deacey.
Drury has been Deacey’s assistant since September after retiring from playing and is credited with a key role in the club’s successful battle against relegation.
He will be assisted by Jamie Price, who was the West Riding County Cup winners’ player/coach.
The pair also took charge of a number of matches when Deacey was away.
The announcement ends former Farsley Celtic boss Deacey’s third spell in charge which began in October 2010 and ranks as one of their most successful periods of history.
Under Deacey, Avenue won promotion to the Conference North as well as the County Cup.
Avenue chairman Dr John Dean said: “John Deacey has done a fantastic job for us and we are immensely grateful for the role he has played in bringing us this far.
“We wish him well. We do feel, however, that Martin and Jamie have played a crucial role in our recent turnaround.
“In February, we were second from bottom. They both helped achieve signings of key players and bring in an improved training regime which engaged players and paid dividends on the pitch.
“Without their input we could easily have been relegated. Our decision reflects our belief in them.”
“We need people who are willing and able to throw themselves into that broader work; for example, to help us create a second team and substantially develop what we do with our ladies’ and juniors’ teams.
“There will be a major role for the manager and his assistant in the community aspects of the club, going well beyond the remit that our manager has traditionally had working just with the first team.
“We felt that Martin and Jamie were the right people to deliver on these new objectives.
“We have been very impressed by their talent and enthusiasm and we believe that their rapport with the players – and their contacts in the broader football community – will be an asset in building on John Deacey’s legacy.”