BRADFORD Park Avenue boss John Deacey has been named Vanarama Conference North manager of the month for February.

During that time, Avenue recorded ten points out of 15 to push them out of the drop zone.

Deacey was keen to deflect individual praise, saying: "It wasn't down to me, it was down to all the people we have here. It was down to Martin (Drury), who has really turned the players round.

"I accept it on behalf of the whole squad of players really. Hopefully now we can go on to safety as quickly as possible."

The official award panel said in a statement: "Not only has the club faced extreme difficulties with its pitch over recent months, which led to a loss of game time and inactivity for Avenue in the Vanarama Conference North.

"John has also had to contend with the position of the club in the relegation zone at the start of February – and by some distance from those above them.

"His aim for the month was to get the club above the drop line and he has achieved this with some notable victories, amassing ten points along with a tightening up of the defence.

"His target must now be to drive on and secure even more points to meet the aspirations of the new ownership at Horsfall Stadium."