DEPARTED boss John Deacey can look back on his three spells in charge of Bradford Park Avenue with pride after leaving with a highly creditable record.

Deacey first took charge just before Christmas 2008 and his last game as Horsfall boss was at one of his former clubs as Avenue played out a goalless draw with FA Trophy winners North Ferriby United on the final Saturday of last month.

Avenue were in their first season back in the Northern Premier League when Deacey took over from Dave Cameron and he got off to a wining start.

Overall he won just over half of the games under his watch and in total went unbeaten close to 200 times.

Club statistician and historian Tim Clapham recalled: "John's first match was at Witton on December 20 and he had a 4-1 winning start as the team avenged that home loss which triggered Dave Cameron's departure.

"Avenue were promoted under Cameron but he resigned following a humbling defeat to basement side Witton on November 22. Cameron's assistant Mike Marsh (the former Liverpool midfielder) took temporary charge.

"After Deacey's appointment, he oversaw four games – three wins and a draw – but stepped down to become number two to Lee Sinnott, who surprisingly came in as manager midway through January.

"Sinnott's reign didn't last a year, the former Port Vale boss resigning after a home FA Cup third qualifying round defeat to Buxton in November. By then the team included present-day manager Martin Drury and defender Simon Ainge.

"After Sinnott left, Deacey commenced his second spell as manager and quickly turned things round, although the season ended in disappointment with a play-off final loss at home to Boston United. Deacey then rocked the club by his decision to walk away."

Former Huddersfield Town man Simon Collins followed Deacey but, with a reduced budget, he failed to get the results and also tendered his resignation.

Clapham remembers what happened next clearly: "Deacey made a sensational return to Horsfall on November 4, 2010 and the board were delighted to have him back. Deacey cited unfinished business as his motive for seeking a return to the hot seat.

"He guided the team to the play-offs for a second time, only to lose out to FC United of Manchester in the semi-finals at Horsfall.

"The following season wasn't going to be easy, with the likes of Chester now in the division, but John made some shrewd signings with Richard Marshall and Michael Duckworth among them.

"He guided the team into the play-offs again and it was third time lucky as Avenue beat FC United in that memorable final at Horsfall which saw Tom Greaves grab the winner in the last few moments.

"The last three seasons have seen the club establish themselves as a solid Conference North side, finishing seventh, tenth and 13th."

Deacey's notable achievements include: 2011-12 – NPL play-off winners, FA Cup first round, West Riding County Cup finalists; 2012-13 – FA Cup first round; 2014-15 – West Riding County Cup winners. Overall record: Played 278 (league and cup), wins 140, draws 50, losses 88.