Following a period under the interim stewardship of Marcus Law, Bower has agreed to return to the club alongside assistant-manager Danny Boshell - the pair having left Avenue by `mutual consent` in May.

Club owner Gareth Roberts told https://bpafc.com: “The club has endured a difficult time this year on and off the field but these issues have been dealt with and the club is ready to get back to winning ways. We obviously have a lot of confidence in Mark and Danny.”

Bower, who lead the Avenue to two successive National League North play-off places, joins the side at the start of a lull in league action, with the first team not due to take to the field until the 12th October, when they face off against Hereford FC.

Bower said: “I’m really pleased to be coming back. There’s no denying it`s a big job. We are where we are and have to be realistic, there’s no magic wand. It’s going to take a lot of hard work to turn it around.

“I’ve spoken to Gareth, and off the pitch the club is going the right way and getting into a much better shape. To get it right on the pitch we need everyone pulling in the right direction, young players need supporting, led by a core of experience.

“It won`t be easy. We will have some dark days but can’t dwell on those. We have to get everyone together, and work to get out of the bottom Two. The target is to stay up.”

With this appointment, interim manager Marcus law and assistant Lee Fowler have left the club.

Roberts stated: “I would like to recognise and thank the interim management team of Marcus Law and Lee Fowler for stepping in at short notice and helping us out”.