The sheer size of the squad currently training and appearing in the pre-season friendlies is the only headache new Avenue boss Simon Collins has at the moment.

A comfortable victory over an uninspiring Durham City side last Saturday and a good performance against a strong Huddersfield team in midweek have Collins believing that he has the basis of side that will do well in the forthcoming Evo-Stik Premier Division season.

Striker David Heagney has been tempted down from the Scottish League and Tom Greaves has also returned to Horsfall. Greaves was one of the bright young things tipped for stardom in Carl Shutt’s side that competed in the Conference North’s inaugural season.

Director Kevin Hainsworth, one of the people on the interviewing panel that selected Collins to replace the departed John Deacey, says the club’s board are impressed with their new manager.

“John took over when we were in a difficult position and underperforming,” said Hainsworth.

“He turned our season around, with the same squad that Lee Sinnott left him with, and we came so close to promotion (Avenue lost in extra time of the play-off final at home to Boston United).

“In a way, Simon has some big boots to fill and I think we are seeing signs that he is going to be able to do that.

“It was a very good showing for us on Wednesday because the Huddersfield Town side we played contained ten of the players expected to start their first league game in a few weeks.

Another good sign for Avenue was that James Knowles played for them against the Terriers.

Hainsworth said: “We are still working on keeping him here, although he has had some offers from other clubs. That is no surprise because he is a tremendous player and has always been a great asset to us.

“Heagney was injured in that game against Town. He picked up a dead leg and had to go off halfway through the first half. I hope he is fit for tomorrow’s game against Droylsden because he has looked a class apart and you can tell he has played at a higher level.

“He is one of Simon’s signings and the team is taking shape now. We think Simon is doing a cracking job and has been very proactive during the close season. All things considered, we are very happy about the way he has started his job here.”