BRADFORD (Park Avenue)’s new manager knows he’ll have a job on his hands if he wants to save the side from a second successive relegation.

Avenue are expected to appoint someone to take charge in the coming days, with that need only accelerated after the departure of interim head coach Luca Havern from the club on Saturday.

The BD6 side will also miss Havern’s presence at centre-half, where he had been a mainstay for several years.

Confirming his exit, Havern told the club: “As I step down as interim manager, I have also decided it’s the right time to step away from my role as player/coach.

“I wish the new management team and the lads the best of luck, and the club every success in rebuilding.

“Thank you to all the fans, players and management during my six years at the club.”

Havern had been due to take charge for one last time on Saturday, alongside fellow player/coach Oli Johnson, but Avenue’s Northern Premier League Premier Division home clash with Warrington Rylands was called off due to snow and ice on the Horsfall pitch.

Several games in the division were called off, but Avenue’s relegation rivals Basford United did manage to play, earning a 1-1 draw at home to Whitby Town.

That result took Basford out of the four-team drop zone and on to 15 points.

Marske United are fourth-bottom on goal difference now, while Avenue are a point behind that pair, having only won three and drawn five of their 18 league games so far.

Avenue’s next league match is this Saturday, as they face a must-win encounter at home to rock-bottom Atherton Collieries.