This Friday we face a Blackpool FC XI at the Horsfall Community Stadium! Kick Off is set for 7:30pm, and Avenue historian Tim Clapham has some history for you!

Avenue were the only Football League club to set a ground attendance record during wartime.

The visit of Blackpool to Park Avenue on 8 April 1944 caught the public’s attention, and with the prospect of seeing Stanley Matthews in action the wartime cup-tie drew a crowd of 32,810.

The cup-tie was played over two legs, and after the teams played out a 2-2 at Bloomfield Road an exciting second leg was ensured at Park Avenue.

Avenue officials were overwhelmed by the demand for tickets and it was necessary to cut down the number where individuals had applied for four or more.

As for the match, Blackpool took an early lead with a Bob Finan header, but George Ainsley equalised before half-time.

In a nerve-wracking second half Blackpool grabbed the only goal when Avenue’s Jimmy Stephen turned a lofted cross from Matthews into his own net.

Admission for Friday’s pre-season friendly is priced at just £6 for Adults, £3 for everyone else! Be there #GreenArmy!

#UTA

We are delighted to confirm the signing of 20-year-old Midfielder Harry Colville on a one-year-deal with the Club.

Harry previously played for the University of West Alabama as a Freshman, where he made 16 appearances, then graduating to Sophomore and making 11 more, scoring one goal.

Colville has been under the name Trialist E this season, and did enough to impress the management. Danny Boshell had this to say;

“We’re delighted Harry has agreed to join us. Harry has impressed us over the last few weeks in training and the pre season games he’s been involved in.”

“Harry can play off either flank and in the centre of the park so his versatility will be good for us. Still a young boy with plenty to learn so hopefully we can give him that platform to help him progress.”

This deal is subject to the relevant clearances.

We are delighted to confirm the signing of 21-year-old right-back Will Calligan on a one year deal with the club.

Equally adept at playing at full-back or on the wing, Will joined Barnsley’s Academy in January 2014 and signed as a first-year scholar in July 2018. Comfortable in possession and tenacious in the tackle, he has the ability to seamlessly link defence to attack and is also composed in front of goal.

Will was rewarded for his fine performances with a couple of appearances for the U23s at the end of the 2018/19 Professional Development League campaign.

He kick-started his first full season at U23s level by scoring on the opening day of the 20/21 campaign in a 2-1 defeat at champions Nottingham Forest.

After his contract expired with Barnsley, Will joined NWCFL Div 1 South Side Stockport Town in the 21/22 Season.

On the signing, Manager Mark Bower said this;

“Will has shown he has some really good attributes and we’re excited to work with him to help him to continue his development. He has shown a great attitude and desire during games and in training to secure a contract with us.“

In this years pre-season, Calligan was playing under the name Trialist A. He scored the 2nd penalty on Wednesday which you can watch below.

Admission is priced at £6 for Adults, and £3 for everyone else. This is a pay on the gate event, NO TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE.

Both Card and Cash are accepted on the Cemetery Road turnstiles, and Cash on the Park Road turnstiles. Parking in the Horsfall Car Park is free.

Our last 5 meetings with the magpies have all ended in equal points being shared between the teams, 4 of which had no goals scored.

Luke Rawson is the lone Avenue scorer in the last 5, who cancelled out Johnathan Ustabasis first half opener in the 77th minute.

You can purchase your MultiMatch Season Ticket at a discounted price of just £20 at tonights game! MultiMatch allows fans discounted entry throughout the season, costing just £8 per game for Adults & Concessions.

Available in the Club Shop from 5:30PM!

We can today confirm the signing of midfielder Harrison Hopper on a one-year deal with Bradford (Park Avenue)

Hopper has featured prominently for Avenue over the last 2 seasons, joining first in January 2022 from York City on a 18-month deal.

In his first season, he made 20 appearances for the Green Army, and scored 3 goals.

He made 42 appearances, and scored 2 goals in the 22/23 season, and also stepped up as right wing-back in multiple occasions due to injury.

On the signing, Club Secretary Calum Cullen had this to say;

“We are delighted to get Harrison over the line and back in the green and white. Harrison showed last year what a top player he is and to get his signature is a real testament to all those involved in the discussions.”

“We know Harrison has had other options over the summer period but he has bought into what we are trying to achieve here, and I look forward to seeing him help us along the way. Welcome back Harrison”

Harrison was equally pleased, adding this;

“Delighted to be back playing for BPA this season, can’t wait to get going and have a great season”

Harrison is the 13th player to agree terms with Avenue, as Mark and Danny prepare their squad for the 23/24 season.