BRADFORD CITY’S HEATH RICHARDSON READY FOR AVENUE CHALLENGE!

posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We can today confirm the loan signing of Bradford City goalkeeper Heath Richardson.


Heath came through the ranks of Bradford City’s academy, and signed his first professional deal last season, training alongside Harry Lewis and Colin Doyle.

His deal was extended in June 2023, and Richardson featured in Bradford City’s XI at our annual pre-season Tom Banks memorial game.


Richardson had a spell on loan at then Northern Premier League side Buxton in the 21/22 season, and also made the bench for City’s FA Cup win at York City that season, as well as the subsequent 2nd round defeat to Morecambe.

On the deal, Goalkeeper Coach Danny King said:

“We have been aware of interest in George for a short while, and as such have been scouting goal keepers to come in.

“Heath played against us in preseason and did really well, so naturally we kept an eye on his progression and after watching games he’s played in we feel he would be the ideal keeper for us. I am looking forward to working with him in his time here.”


Heath Richardson is available immediately for selection in our upcoming Northern Premier League match vs Marske United, on Saturday 28th October. 3pm KO. Stay tuned to our socials for the latest updates

Sykes-Kenworthy To Join National League side York City

posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We can today confirm the transfer of Avenue #1 George Sykes-Kenworthy to Vanarama National League side York City for an undisclosed fee.

George has made 94 consecutive appearances in goal for the First Team, and has shown a high level of ability over the last two seasons, earning himself a place in full time football. 

While donning the Green Army’s #1 Shirt, Sykes-Kenworthy kept 28 clean sheets in all competitions.

On the transfer, First Team Manager Mark Bower said;

“George has been superb for us over the past two years and whilst we are disappointed to lose him, there is no doubt that he deserves the chance to move back in to full time football having shown an outstanding level of consistency and maturity whilst with us.” 

“I am pleased that we have been able to help another young player get back into the professional game and we wish him the best of luck.”

“We have secured a transfer fee for George and that, along with his wages will be available to us to invest in strengthening the team. “

George first joined the Club in December 2021 from Boston United, and in his first season (21/22) made 26 appearances in all competitions, keeping 11 clean sheets, for which he won both the Player of the Year award, and Player’s Player of the Year award at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Sykes-Kenworthy later agreed terms to stay at the Horsfall in June 2022, until the end of the 2023/24 season, and continued to show consistency and calm on the pitch, making 46 appearances and keeping another 12 clean sheets.

George was also named as Captain at the start of the 2023/24 season, and kept 3 clean sheets up until his departure.

All of us at Bradford (Park Avenue) wish George the best of luck on his move into full-time football.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL! AVENUE HOST WHITBY TOWN AT THE HORSFALL!

TONIGHT the Green Army return to the Horsfall Community Stadium, hosting Whitby Town on Monday 23rd October, KO 7:45pm.
Admission prices are as follows: Adults will pay just £13 entry, Concessions are in at £10, Students with a valid ID pay just £5, Youth (12-17) is just £3, and u12s go completely free!

FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS – By Tim Clapham
Bradford and Whitby first met in competitive football in 1997-98, in the First Division of the Northern Premier League.

The previous season Whitby had completed a wonderful double winning the Northern League championship and the F.A. Vase after defeating North Ferriby by 3-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium. Pictured below.

Whitby’s momentum saw them win the NPL First Division in 1998, when Bradford finished 9th. That season the teams drew 1-1 at Horsfall, but Town claimed a 5-2 victory at the Turnbull Ground.

In 2001-02, Bradford joined Town in the NPL Premier Division and both meetings ended in a 1-1 draw. The following two seasons saw Whitby win twice by 3-2 at Horsfall, while Bradford won both games at the Turnbull Ground by 1-0.

Bradford became founder members of the National League North in 2004-05, but were relegated back to the NPL at the end of the season, and meetings with Whitby resumed in 2005-06 when both games were drawn.

That season Bradford suffered a second successive relegation, and the clubs did not clash again until 2008-09, after Bradford had won the NPL First Division title. Meetings then continued for four seasons with Bradford winning six of the eight encounters.

Bradford’s promotion to Conference North in 2012 brought a temporary end to meetings between the two Yorkshire clubs.

The clubs have also met on five occasions in cup football. In 2002-03, Bradford won by 4-0 at the Turnbull Ground in the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup, and in 2007-08, at Horsfall, in the same round, Whitby were defeated by 4-0.

The clubs have met once in the F.A Trophy, in 2003-04, when Bradford won a home replay by 1-0 following a 1-1 draw. In 1997-98, Bradford won by 2-0 at Horsfall in the NPL’s Unifilla Cup, and in 2001-02 they completed a 5-0 victory, again at Horsfall, in the NPL League Cup.

DANNY BENSON JOINS ON LOAN!

posted in: First Team News, News | 0

We can confirm today that Barnsley Defender Danny Benson has joined the Club on loan until 2nd January 2024.

A commanding centre-back, Danny has progressed through the ranks at Oakwell since joining the Reds’ youth set-up in October 2017. He signed as a first-year scholar in July 2020.

After impressive performances during the 21/22 campaign in the Professional Development League, he was rewarded with a call-up to the first team and was on the bench for Barnsley’s Emirates FA Cup third round clash with Barrow AFC.

Danny featured in Barnsley’s 22/23 pre-season under Michael Duff and went onto make his senior debut in their Papa John’s Trophy outing against Lincoln City in August 2022.

Fans may remember Benson from last season, who briefly joined on a youth loan and appeared in a 0-0 draw vs Scarborough Athletic at the Horsfall, and also came on as substitute vs Telford United.