A ex-Bradford City youngster, and a former coach at Thackley and Bradford (Park Avenue) has parted ways with Frickley Athletic.

Pat McGuire, a Bradford native who played twice for the Bantams, once in the FA Cup and once in the Football League Trophy in the 2006/07 season.

After a playing career that saw him spend time at the likes of Farsley Celtic, Buxton and Guiseley, McGuire spent several years as a Thackley player, then as their player-manager, before being sacked in December 2022 after a poor run of form.

After Avenue’s academy got up and running again after the Covid lockdowns, McGuire took up a job in that set up as the scholarship lead coach.

He spent a year there from August 2022 to August 2023, and spent six months working in that role for six months alongside his duties as first-team boss at Frickley, where he took charge last February.

McGuire left Avenue late last summer and a couple of months later, he took up a role as an academy coach with the Bantams, where he has now been in post for five months and counting.

But his bread and butter was taking charge of Frickley, and though they are well clear of the Norther Counties East League Premier Division relegation zone, an awful run of form has seen them take just two points from their last 10 games.

With the side marooned down in 13th place, the board have acted decisively and relieved McGuire of his duties.

In a club statement, Frickley said: “Unfortunately, due to the recent run of poor results, the board have decided to release Pat McGuire as our club manager.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Pat for all his incredible hard work during his time at the club and wish him all the very best for the future."