Last season's leading scorer Steve Olek-sewycz has signed a new 12-month contract.

It is a coup for new manager Gary Brook because several clubs were chasing the striker.

Oleksewycz had been considering his options following Avenue's relegation from the Conference North but he felt that the board had made the right appointment in bringing the former Ossett Town boss back into the game. And he feels Brook is a man he can trust and relate to.

"I think Gary Brook is a very good manager, who did a fine job with little or no resources at Ossett," said Oleksewycz, who was signed by Brook when he was released by Halifax Town.

The Shaymen are one of Brook's former clubs but he was not there at the same time as Oleksewycz. However, the fact that he still has links with the Conference club could benefit Avenue.

"I wasn't at Ossett when they missed out on promotion. I joined the following summer and stayed for a year. I left the club at the same time as Gary," added Oleksewycz.

"He had a very good young team there and it would have been interesting to see how it would have developed if he had stayed. I'm sure it would have been able to rival the team he built there before.

"I think Avenue have done well to get him, he is a good choice. I think he will surprise a few, and they will be pleasantly surprised. He has been around and knows what's what at this level.

"He isn't a really big name and I'm sure that is a positive. He is the ideal type of person to be taking over at this stage. I should imagine it

will be a good campaign for the club now he is settled."

Relegation from the Conference North not only hit the club hard, the players were devastated and have to come to terms with it.

"I have been made a good offer to stay at the club," said Oleksewycz.

"I love Avenue and have enjoyed playing here. I have had a couple of offers from clubs still in the Conference North.

"Avenue wanted me to stay and it shows their intentions to bounce back up. They are certainly giving out the right signals."