Avenue duo back to former club

12:29pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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Dave Cameron and his assistant Carl Ruffer will be on familiar ground when Avenue line up for their final friendly fixture in north Wales on Saturday.

Hosts Rhyl were employers of Cameron and Ruffer this time last year, with player-coach Cameron switching to Bradford when Benny Phillips was sacked and skipper and centre half Ruffer joining last month.

The Avenue boss will enjoy renewing friendships but his main concern is making sure his new squad get the best out of the game and the weekend.

Cameron said: “The game is what it’s all about. I will have one new addition, another trialist keeper and a better squad than we took to Clitheroe last Saturday.

“Stuart Graves (injury) and Tom Baker (virus) should be fit and Mark Haran and Jamie Tandy, who had to come off injured at Clitheroe, will be in the squad. I hope we have a bit more luck regarding bumps and bruises this week.”

With UniBond League games not beginning until Saturday week, Cameron has decided to allow his players to let their hair down and it will be the first chance for many of the close-season signings to socialise.

The players and staff will be making it into an overnight stay and Cameron said: “It will be a bit of bonding for the lads and everyone is travelling up to Liverpool for a night out.

“That has been arranged by Mr Ruffer, who is a resident of that borough – well, Ellesmere Port at least.

“The lads need an opportunity to mix together away from football and the training ground, so I’m all for it. The season starts a week later, so from Sunday morning on it is very much best behaviour, minimum drinking and early nights.”