Dave Cameron has quit as manager of Avenue.

During a series of conversations with chief executive Bob Blackburn, Cameron expressed his wish to leave the club with immediate effect.

Mike Marsh, recently appointed first-team coach, will take charge of the side for tomorrow’s UniBond League Challenge Cup tie at neighbours Guiseley.

A statement from the Horsfall club said: “It is with great regret that the board of Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC have received the resignation of their football manager Dave Cameron.

“Clearly the results of the team over the last couple of months have not been as either he or the board would have wished for, culminating in an extremely disappointing defeat against the bottom club, Witton Albion, last Saturday.

“Dave felt that, with the best interests of the club at heart, he should leave now to give the new manager every opportunity to achieve promotion this season.

“The board would like to express its sincere thanks to Dave for all the hard work and effort he has put in during his tenure at Horsfall Stadium.”

Cameron succeeded Benny Phillips as manager last season and went on to secure promotion to the UniBond League Premier Division with a storming finish to the campaign.

They began the current season with a series of impressive results but have recently tailed off and currently lie eighth, 11 points adrift of leaders Hednesford and eight behind second-placed Guiseley.

Avenue chairman Dr John Dean said: “It is easy to forget that Dave came to us last season with our promotion dream turning into a nightmare.

“He steadied the ship, took us on a seven-game unbeaten run and secured the UniBond Division One North title. We will be forever grateful.”

The board have appointed Marsh as caretaker manager to allow for a period of reflection and give the interview process time to take its’ natural progression.

“We will not be rushing in to appoint someone,” said club spokesman and board member Kevin Hainsworth.

“We were not expecting this from Dave but we fully respect his decision and all the board pass on their thanks and best wishes for the future.”