Boss John Deacey has paid tribute to crowd favourite Tom Greaves following his departure to FC United of Manchester.

The striker wanted to play more football and has dropped down a division to sign for the club he scored a dramatic winner against for Avenue in last season’s Evo-Stik Premier Division play-off final.

Deacey said: “Tom is a good player and really nice kid who always gave everything in his time here.

“I think I speak for everyone at the club when I wish him all the best in the future.

“I would like to thank him for all his efforts and hope his move works out for him. His attitude is always spot on, his work-rate is tremendous and he has scored some crucial goals for Avenue.

“He is a Bradford lad and I’m sure our paths will cross again.”

Avenue still retain his registration for the Conference League as that does not affect him signing and playing for FC United in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Greaves, who has chalked up more than 200 appearances in two stints at Horsfall Stadium, said: “It was a tough decision to leave as I have made some great friends over the years, not just the players, but the supporters too.

“I will take an endless list of memories that will stick with me forever but, with the lack of game time this season, I felt the time was right to move on and take a new challenge.

“I’m not one to shy away from competition but I felt like I was slipping down the order and it wasn’t doing my fitness or confidence any good.”

Jamie Jackson has also departed but only on a second loan spell with Worksop Town.

The timing is not ideal for the club but Deacey was prepared to allow both deals because he has plenty of options in the forward department.

Deacey had hoped to be back to almost full strength but was left sweating over his teamsheet for today’s trip to third-placed Brackley Town.

Martin Drury was the manager’s main concern after the left back suffered a setback on his recovery trail.

Deacey said: “I had hoped to get Dru involved in a friendly match against Goole on Wednesday but he couldn’t play. He was the main reason why we arranged the game but it backfired on us because his knee swelled up last Sunday after he had been doing a bit of running.”

Drury funded his own operation after damaging his knee and was back in the squad as an unused substitute for last Saturday’s clash with leaders Chester FC.