With a new boss working alongside the previous management pairing, there is even more experience on call to help the club as they focus on a return to the UniBond Premier Division at the first time of asking.

There have been so many changes in recent weeks that fans could be excused for not being up to date.

People have left the board, Robert Blackburn is the new owner and Benny Phillips is the new manager.

"There has been a lot happening at the club. The changes have been fast and furious - on the playing side as well as behind the scenes," said Avenue chairman Dr John Dean this week.

"Phil (Sharpe) and Clive (Freeman) worked very hard to bring in players before the transfer deadline once Rob bought the major shareholding of the club.

"After the takeover was completed, it was obvious we needed a full-time manager. Neither Phil nor Clive was in the position to fill that role.

"With that in mind, Benny was appointed and he brings a lot to the club. He has a good pedigree on the football side and he is going to be involved in the commercial side, bringing in sponsorship and advertising revenue.

"It is the all-round package that he can deliver that put him top of our list. It is a very exciting time for Bradford Park Avenue and we hope to go from strength to strength in the long term. In the short term we remain fairly confident we can get promotion this season."

Phillips, who played in the pro game for Crewe Alexandra, Macclesfield Town and Bury, has had extensive spells as player, coach and manager in the higher reaches of the semi-pro ranks.

He joins Avenue after moving from UniBond Premier Division outfit Witton Albion, where he was assistant manager and also involved on the commercial side.

"It is a new start for me and I'm looking forward to carrying on the good work that Phil and Clive have done so far," said Phillips, who has been given control of every side under the Avenue banner.

"We have all sat down and discussed what is best for the club and agreed to work together.

"I was delighted with the start when we beat Shepshed Dynamo at home 5-0 and pleased with Easter Monday's game at Wakefield.

"It ended in a draw for us but that is an awkward place to go. I have seen a lot of positives in the weeks I have been here but most of all I'm happy with the squad. The players we have here have quality and can get us promoted.

"I have been very impressed with the attitude of everyone. They are an excellent group of people - on the pitch and off it."

Avenue's board have appointed Mark Nelson, of Kelvic Holdings and Developments Ltd, as finance director.

Paul Grayson, Trevor Heylings and Alan Hirst have tendered their resignations from the board, but Grayson and Heylings will continue to support the club in their senior management positions.

Hirst, has however, stood down due to work commitments.