After agreeing a new deal with the club, Avenue defender Shane Killock claimed that he “jumped at the chance to stay” when the opportunity was handed to him by manager Mark Bower.

He spent the summer of 2017 on the sidelines, leading to a loan spell at Boston United in the early stages of the season to help the former Scarborough Athletic man regain match fitness.

After completing his recovery, the robust centre-back made 27 appearances in all competitions for Avenue and was a key figure in the side’s late burst into the play-offs.

The 29-year-old told us that he didn’t hesitate to commit to another season at the Horsfall Stadium:

“The new deal is a huge reflection on how much I’ve enjoyed my time with the club so far. I really enjoyed last season and jumped at the chance to stay. When the manager told me that he wanted me for another year, it was an easy decision for me. The success we had last season was massive for the club and was fantastic to be a part of.

I’m really looking forward to the new campaign. It’s nice to have a few weeks off at the end of the season but after a few weeks, you find yourself missing it. I’ve missed going to training, being around the lads and playing matches. I’ll be keeping myself ticking over during the off-season so that I can hopefully hit the ground running when we get back.

I’d like to thank the club and the management team of Mark, Danny and Ryan for putting their faith in me and giving me the opportunity to contribute to the team next season.”

Huddersfield Town’s academy will now visit the Horsfall Stadium on Wednesday 25th July after the fixture was re-arranged.

The friendly had previously been scheduled for Tuesday 24th July but will now take place on the Wednesday evening with a 7:45pm kick-off.

Admission details will be released closer to the time, as is the case with all pre-season friendlies.

Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The club can confirm that Wayne Brooksby has left the club to join Scarborough Athletic.

The tricky winger initially joined on loan from Harrogate Town before making the move permanent and becoming an integral part of Mark Bower’s side.

The club would like to thank Wayne for his efforts during his time with us and wish him all the best for the future.

Bradford Park Avenue fans can now get ready for next season and purchase their 2018-19 Season Tickets.

An adult Season Ticket, valid for admission to all league games in the forthcoming Vanarama National League North campaign, will be priced at just £135, and includes free admission for one under-16.

For the adult alone, that works out at under £7 per game, brilliant value to watch Mark Bower lead his Avenue side into their seventh successive campaign at this level.

Concession (over 60) prices will be £110 for the entire season.

Students and apprentices are priced at £30 and anyone under the age of 16 can purchase a Season Ticket for just £20.

Supporters can prepare for the new season, by completing their Season Ticket application form now. To download the form and purchase your 2018-19 Bradford Park Avenue season ticket, please click here

In addition to announcing next seasons Season Ticket prices the club would like to confirm that match day pricing for the 2018-19 season will be as follows:

Adults – £12
Concession (Over 60) – £9
Students – £7
Under 16’s – £2

The club can confirm that National League side Barrow will visit the Horsfall Stadium on the 28th July.

The Bluebirds are currently managerless but will provide the opposition in Avenue’s final pre-season friendly. The action will kick-off at 3pm and information regarding admission prices will be released closer to the time.

The game will be the last of seven summer fixtures that will help Mark Bower prepare his squad for the 2018/19 National League North campaign.

SCHEDULE IN FULL:

05/07 – Silsden vs. Bradford Park Avenue*
Cobbydale Construction Stadium
7:45pm kick-off

07/07 – Hemsworth Miners Welfare vs. Bradford Park Avenue*
The Fitzwilliam Stadium
12:30pm kick-off

12/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Mansfield Town
Horsfall Stadium
Kick-off TBC

14/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Yorkshire Regiment (Donald Bell Trophy)
Horsfall Stadium
3pm kick-off

18/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Bradford City (Tom Banks Trophy)
Horsfall Stadium
7:30pm kick-off

24/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Huddersfield Town Academy
Horsfall Stadium
7:45pm kick-off

28/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Barrow
Horsfall Stadium
3pm kick-off

*Dependent on progress of England at the 2018 World Cup.

Goalkeeper Steven Drench has agreed a new deal with the club and becomes the seventh player to commit to Avenue for the 2018/19 season.

The 32-year-old made 40 appearances between the sticks in all competitions last season and became a staple of Avenue’s impressive backline.

A vastly experienced stopper, Drench made over 200 appearances during his six years with Guiseley, where he worked with Avenue’s management team of Mark Bower and Danny Boshell. He left in 2016 to join FC Halifax Town and made 21 appearances before sealing a move to Avenue in the summer of 2017.

The goalkeeper claimed that the dressing room atmosphere made him keen to stay at the Horsfall Stadium:

“I am very happy to have agreed to stay with the club for the forthcoming season. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the dressing room and in and around the club, so I was keen to stay for what will hopefully be another successful season.

I can’t wait for the new season to begin already. Next season will be just as challenging as the last with some new and old rivalries being renewed. Personally, I felt that I was back to my best last season and was really enjoying my football, something which I am keen to replicate again next season.”

Want to see Drench in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here

Steven Drench is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here

Defensive lynchpin Gianluca Havern has signed a new deal with the club after establishing himself as an integral part of Mark Bower’s side in his debut season.

The centre-back, more commonly known as ‘Luca’, joined in June 2017 after leaving AFC Telford United. He captained the Bucks after enjoying spells with Hyde United and Altrincham, both of which achieved promotion to the top tier of non-league football during his stay.

He came through the youth ranks at Stockport County and scored the winning goal on his debut for the Hatters in a 1-0 win over Brentford in May 2008. Manchester-born Havern joined Mansfield Town in 2009 but returned to Stockport for a second spell shortly after. The defender then represented Mossley and Ashton United before linking up with Hyde.

Luca spoke to us after agreeing terms:

“I’m really happy to have signed. I’ve really enjoyed working with the management team and everyone at the club and that was what made the decision for me. I’ve experienced a lot of change in the last few years but I’m glad that I can stay here and carry on from last season.

Over the last few years, there’s been a few seasons where things haven’t gone as planned but last season gave me my love for the game back. I know Rossy (Mark Ross) said the same thing but we’ve been speaking about how buzzing we both are for the new season. I just want to get going again now.”

Want to see Luca in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here.

Luca Havern is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here.