Marsh in charge after Cameron quits

7:30am Tuesday 25th November 2008

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The humbling home defeat to basement outfit Witton Albion at the weekend proved the final straw for Avenue boss Dave Cameron as he sensationally quit ahead of tonight’s derby cup tie against Guiseley.

Former Liverpool star Mike Marsh will be in sole charge when neighbours Guiseley visit Horsfall Stadium after being been named caretaker manager for the UniBond League Challenge Cup third-round tie.

It seems that Marsh, who also played for West Ham, Coventry City and Galatasaray, will be at the helm for a longer period.

Avenue chief executive Bob Blackburn says the board are insisting on a period of reflection and that Marsh could be on the eventual shortlist for the permanent appointment.

Blackburn said: “I’m very upset on a personal level that Dave has decided to leave us. I have had to work very closely with him since last March and I have a lot of time for the guy.

“To say I’m disappointed with the way things have worked out is a massive understatement. We have a lot of talent in the squad, some of the best-paid players in the UniBond Premier Division, and they have all been hand-selected.

“Why or where it all went wrong I just don’t know. Dave didn’t either and I think that is why he has made the decision and I have got to applaud his honesty. Everyone at Bradford admires the man and he goes with his pride intact.”

As with every club, once there are changes at the top the board immediately get behind the new man. With no appointment imminent, Marsh is the man in situ and he could make a strong case for taking over full time.

Tonight’s cup derby at Guiseley, who also lost 2-0 at the weekend, is followed by a league game at home to struggling Leigh Genesis on Saturday.

Blackburn said: “I spoke to Mike after the board reluctantly accepted Dave’s resignation and he didn’t rule himself out.

“In fact, I’m sure he would be interested and the board – Dr John Dean, Kevin Hainsworth and myself – encouraged him to apply for the job.

“However, nothing will be done short term. I think we have to let the dust settle and gather our thoughts, we have to take stock for a week or two.

“Who knows what will develop in that time. I had two calls before 9pm last night from interested parties. One is a big name in these parts with a proven record.

“News travels like wildfire within the game and people are quick off the mark. Others might follow, so we will give it a while before reassessing the situation.”