31 Mar 2023

Appeal for information | Abiel Ghirmay

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We are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of Abiel Ghirmay who has been missing since yesterday morning.

Abiel, aged 19, was last seen by his family when he left home in Middleton Leeds yesterday morning at 10.19am. Abiel was wearing a green and black North Face jacket and had a black Nike backpack.

He is described as a 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins black African male, of skinny build with brown hair.

We are appealing for anyone who thinks they may have seem him or knows of his whereabouts to please contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101, or to contact Academy Technical Director Tom McStravick via email to

thomas.mcstravick@bpafc.com

29 Mar 2023

Match Preview – Curzon Ashton vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Avenue aim to end winless run at Curzon Ashton.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be aiming to turn around their torrid form as they travel across the Pennines to take on Curzon Ashton on Saturday. A disappointing home defeat at the hands of Buxton last weekend means the Avenue are now eight games without a win, and, more crucially, nine points adrift of safety. With only seven games to go, their chances of survival in the Vanarama National League North are looking slimmer by the week.

A positive run of results is therefore essential for the Green Army to give themselves the best possible chance of pulling off the great escape, and they will look to kick-start this against The Nash at The Tameside Stadium. This weekend’s hosts occupy 11th place in the league, and a current four-match unbeaten streak has made them hopeful of a late push for the playoffs.

One player the Avenue will need to keep quiet this weekend is Curzon Ashton striker Tom Peers, with the attacker notching 15 goals in 37 league appearances this season, including two in his previous three games. Peers’ impressive tally is the joint-fourth highest in the National League North this season.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will look to take inspiration from their 2-1 home victory in the reverse fixture with Curzon Ashton back in October, a result which holds particular significance in the Green Army’s season. Trailing with less than ten minutes of normal time remaining, quick fire goals from Will Longbottom and Oli Johnson turned the game on its head and gave the Avenue their first win of the campaign, ending a run of ten games without a victory at the start of the season. The result triggered a sequence of three successive wins, something that the Avenue will need to do again if they are to save themselves from the drop.

On the topic of Longbottom, the Avenue attacker came in for particular praise from manager Mark Bower in the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat to Buxton. A first half injury to Brad Dockerty led to Longbottom being tasked with leading the line, and Bower said: “I thought he was our best player by a country mile. I thought he did really well, looked a threat, and like he always does, he ran his socks off.” The Yorkshireman’s display was rewarded with a goal from the penalty spot, and Bower will no doubt be counting on Longbottom to build on his impressive display away to Curzon Ashton this weekend.

The Green Army will be hoping October’s victory over Curzon Ashton has changed their fortunes in this fixture, as prior to this season The Nash had won their previous five encounters against the Avenue. The Avenue faithful would have to look back to February 2017 for their most recent victory at The Tameside Stadium, with goals from James Knowles and current assistant manager Danny Boshell securing a 2-1 win for the visitors. Interestingly, Curzon Ashton were on a four-match unbeaten run on that occasion too, as the visitors brought the three points back to Bradford and took a big step towards safety. The Avenue will be hoping history can repeat itself in more ways than one this weekend.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter and Instagram)

Kick off: Saturday 1 April 2023, 15:00.

Getting there:

The Tameside Stadium, Richmond Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 9HG

Directions:

M60 (from Stockport) Junction 23 turn left off slip road, then get into the second from left lane to go through the lights onto the A6140 sign-posted Ashton. Keep on the A6140 until you come to a set of traffic lights with a cinema on your right, turn left at these lights, follow road over a bridge then over a mini-roundabout then turn left after the mini-roundabout. Ground is at the bottom. ALL VEHICLES MUST PARK IN THE CAR PARK ON THE RIGHT. COACH PARK ON LEFT

Parking:

Free car parking is available with six disabled spaces. There is also a large ‘Over-Spill’ car park located on the left at the beginning of the approach road to the stadium.

Tickets:
All tickets can be purchased on Match Days at the turnstiles using either cash or card.

Adults: £15.00

Concessions: £10.00 (Over 65)

Students: £10.00 (ID must be shown on entry)

16’s to 18’s: £5.00

Under 16’s free (Must be with Full paying Adult)

29 Mar 2023

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (25/03/23)

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It is tighter than ever at the bottom of the Championship with eight games to go.

Six teams could feasibly be at risk of the drop into League One and the price of getting things right — or wrong — is huge. Rough estimates suggest that falling out of the second tier costs an immediate drop off of around £7million ($8.5million), and that is before taking into account spending on players fit for a promotion push in the league below.

Throw into the mix unpaid wages at Wigan Athletic, takeover uncertainty at Huddersfield Town and huge losses at Cardiff City, according to their latest set of accounts, and the backdrop to the fight for survival looks even more chaotic.

This is a quote from ‘The Athletic’ – it describes a situation endemic to football clubs at most levels, including our own level.

I use it for the instruction of all those who think there are simple solutions to a club’s fortunes.

In our own league we have heard of huge losses, problems paying wages on time, late lodging of accounts and we have seen currently unsuitable grounds requiring large investments in basic infrastructure, poor pitches and facilities and all this to a background of rising costs from bags of potatoes to utilities and a desire from all quarters for greater investment in players.

There are no easy solutions facing clubs and as we are clearly in a relegation struggle, the siren voices of critics float to the surface. Sack the owners, fire the managers, find better players.

At heart, every fan and every official or team member is doing their best here to swim against this financial tide, but what we need is a radical rethink of how to survive and prosper in these shark infested waters. It’s a league where York City, Stockport County and Altrincham have struggled to escape and one where full time clubs with big financial backers like South Shields, Macclesfield and Worksop are wanting to play. We are in a community where 20 thousand crowds couldn’t save the Bulls from losing Super League status.

At Horsfall we have a long lease, some useful ground improvements and the basics of a forward-looking business structure, based on local community, youth investment, giving  parents alternative pathways for their kids. It is a concept based on development and requiring local commitment to all the anchor users at Horsfall. We have a very few, hard-working individuals striving to create success.

For football generally there is a need for new ideas and new business models. What it isn’t is short term fixes and longer term debt and we must learn to live with some of the consequences that may bring.

At Boston last week we saw a club that had a ground to sell, a council that supported their relocation and support from the Football Stadium Investment Fund which has created an excellent facility (still short of one stand) and a club with no big competitor clubs nearby. Their pre and post match rooms were excellent and full; they attracted 1500 for the game and had numerous employees helping to create success. They had adjacent 3G pitches and large car parking areas. Having watched the game we were unlucky to lose and that was a widespread view around the locals too.

24 Mar 2023

Kit Supplier 2023/24 | New Deal Secured

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We can confirm today that at the end of the season, our deal with Macron will finish after 3 seasons.

We have a new supplier contract signed and sealed, and will be releasing the details at the end of the season.

The kit designs are done and signed off, and we look forward to sharing these with you.

The new supplier will also be providing our ‘white label’ leisurewear. Again, a lot of work has gone into these and we have some very good pieces that will start to appear in the shop and online once the season is over.

Everyone at the club would like to place on record our thanks to Macron for the last 3 seasons. Although challenging at times, Macron have been a pleasure to work with on the whole.

24 Mar 2023

BLYTHY DEPARTS FOR DARLO ON LOAN

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The club can today announce that forward Jacob Blyth has joined Darlington FC on loan for the remainder of the season, which includes the play-offs if Darlington are contenders.

The deal to loan Blyth to Darlington was struck by our Director of Football Martin Knight.

Blythy signed for Avenue in 2022, and has scored 6 goals in 34 fixtures for the Green Army. He joins Darlington as they push for promotion to the National League.

You can watch all Blythy’s goals on the link below.

YouTube player

Good Luck Blythy!

23 Mar 2023

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (11/03/23)

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It has been a tough few weeks for our team with so many carrying injuries and for the travelling fans in particular, who have journeyed far and wide supporting the lads.

This is a good time to thank them for their support, their excellent behaviour and their endurance, making us a club with a reputation for friendly and welcome support. If any group deserved a run of wins, these are the guys worthy of special praise who deserve seeing more rewards on the pitch.

We saw Peterborough Sports getting a new investor this week, starting to build more stands and taking on a new challenge. Their pitch was as poor as Kettering’s so there are several problems to resolve down there. I believe they need to reach a 3000 capacity level by March 31st according to NL rules.

Peterborough were saying that lots of NLN teams are now concerned about long distance travelling in this league and the cost of running clubs at this level. The latest increases in costs of building, maintenance, utilities and players suggest some new realism is required for survival and continuity.

Gloucester’s departing chairman talks of monthly costs for them reaching £30k, which is partly why he is moving on. I’ve referenced the massive funds in the higher reaches of football before and the failure of sufficient financial support for the lower leagues. Whilst this continues some clubs at lower levels will eventually fail to survive or must drastically change their business plans.

Here at BPA some of that work has started. Two full years of a well-run Academy has just started to bear fruit with some lads getting first team experience and Tom is working hard to establish important new links with colleges so we can combine football and education and continue some development up to and beyond the under 19 level for some of our lads. He is also looking to grow and develop our approach to ladies football here.

Calum has made great improvements in terms of stadium commercials and is working hard to encourage greater use of all the facilities. New budgets are being set for all aspects of the business and whilst the challenges would be the same whatever League we were in, everyone is doing their best to keep NLN survival within our sights.

Companies with public, social and community policies have an opportunity to invest in our Horsfall Trust activities which, with NL Trust support, continues to invest in the health and wellbeing of South Bradford. The stadium, football club, Academy and other anchor users will benefit from increased engagement, sponsorship and support from local businesses.

It is particularly refreshing to see Integra Insurance supporting a Primary School football competition here, organised through Tom, and hopefully that will encourage more support of such worthy plans.

Please contact Calum or Tom for more details of how you, or your company, can get involved.

calum.cullen@bpafc.com

thomas.mcstravick@bpafc.com

23 Mar 2023

VIEW FROM THE BOARDROOM – Paul Armitage’s Notes (25/02/23)

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Here are few comments this year from National League clubs:

 ‘’I’m in my fifth season at the club, but I don’t have the resources or the time to take the club any further,” Mr Biddle said. “I am 61 and still work at my business on a full-time basis. 

“I’m still very committed to the club. What we have achieved is incredible really, but we really could do with some help from fresh investors just to sustain the level we are at now. I would stay and help if needed, but I would also be prepared to sell the club to someone capable of keeping us at our current level or maybe take it further.

Peterborough Sports owner’s quote.

Their ground would require high costs to meet the 3000 capacity requirements, despite their successes on the field.

With the global economic situation and the demands of developing my overseas business, I have concluded that I am unable to give the club the focus it will need in the coming months years. Therefore, I will be formally stepping down as Chairman at the end of the season

Gloucester City Co-Chairman quote

York City interim manager Michael Morton has expressed his frustration at the uncertainty surrounding his future with the club, after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Wealdstone. Morton has been in interim charge for ten days now, after replacing the sacked David Webb. ‘But with very little communication from the ownership of the club with regards to the managerial search, Morton is becoming frustrated with a lack of direction from those above him.’

Stories from this year.in NL, which go to show that clubs at this level face financial problems and are often seeking new investors.. It’s getting harder to finance football clubs at every level. Clubs must create confidence from their local communities and fund ideas and facilities that compete with a myriad of different entertainment sources. We have a plan to improve our facilities, develop young players and create more local interest in the club. Staying in the NL system is part of that plan. As a fan, all that is important to me.

There’s a regular cycle of clubs being either very fortunate or in poverty. It transcends the leagues. No club is exempt, from Derby County to Bury.

Southend are facing a winding-up order from HMRC (sounds familiar!) and Wrexham are being financed by Hollywood millionaires, in the same league. Both former league clubs facing different futures currently.

Scunthorpe have just changed ownership, to the delight of their fans, as have Oldham, both relegated last season, but hoping some new funds are forthcoming and can change their fortunes.

Luckily there is no shortage of armchair critics who know how to run football clubs, change managers and pick players. For them, problems are caused by owners, managers and players who refuse to listen to their advice and who fail to put someone else’s money where their mouth is.

Back in the real world we welcome our latest loan players and Academy lads to the first team squad and hope they can soon set about winning games. Most teams are heading for two-game weeks now, so it’s a good time to have more choices.

Congratulations go to Will Longbottom on his extended deal. He is certainly playing well this season and scoring some much-needed goals now he is getting plenty of game time in.

**Notes from Chester on 25th February, sorry for the delay – Admin**

22 Mar 2023

Match Preview – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Buxton

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Avenue set to host in-form Buxton as clock ticks on survival hopes.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will host one of the league’s in-form sides on Non-League Day this Saturday as 10th placed Buxton visit the Horsfall Community Stadium.

The Avenue head into the game on the back of a narrow 1-0 loss at Boston United last time out. The Green Army had dominated proceedings in the first half and appeared to do everything but find the back of the net, only to come undone from a second half set piece as Boston’s Ben Pollock rose highest to head home from Billy Chadwick’s corner. Despite the result, it was a performance that pleased manager Mark Bower, but the Avenue boss was once again left feeling aggrieved at the match officials as his side were denied what looked a clear penalty in the closing stages.

The defeat at Jakemans Community Stadium means Bradford (Park Avenue) remain 23rd in the National League North, still eight points from safety. However, a midweek loss for Leamington, who sit just outside the relegation places, has given the Avenue a game in hand as they look to kick-start their survival bid.

Looking ahead to the visit of Buxton this Saturday, Bower said: “You want to get back out there and I thought there were some really good signs [against Boston United]. We’ve just got to get a win”. However, the Avenue will need to be at their best, as The Bucks will travel to West Yorkshire on a 12-match unbeaten run. Their impressive streak has seen them climb to 10th in the league table, taking points from promotion-chasers such as Kings Lynn Town and Darlington. Now just seven points from the play-offs, Buxton may have one eye on a late promotion bid, having spent the first half of the season nervously looking over their shoulders.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will hold the bragging rights over Buxton heading into this weekend’s clash, as they emerged from the reverse fixture with a 3-2 win at The Tarmac Silverlands Stadium back in early-December. Trailing 2-1 as the game came to a close, injury time goals from Oli Johnson and Jacob Blyth turned the match on its head and ensured the three points came back to Bradford. In fact, Bradford (Park Avenue) have been victorious in their previous two encounters with Buxton. However, the Green Army did succumb to a 1-0 defeat the last time The Bucks visited the Horsfall in an FA Cup replay in October 2009.

Both the team and the coaching staff will be hoping for a large crowd to get behind the Green Army this Saturday, as adults and concessions can take advantage of a reduced entry fee of just £5 to mark this year’s Non-League Day. To find out more about Non-League Day, click here.

Match Preview by Stephen Grimshaw (@sgsportswriter on Twitter)

Kick off: Saturday 25th March, 3pm

Where To Find Us:

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC, Horsfall Community Stadium, Cemetery Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD6 2NG

Directions By Car:

Leave the M62 at junction 26 and follow signs for the M606. Continue on the M606 to junction 3 and take the A6117 exit to Ring Road West. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit on to Rooley Lane / A6036 signposted Halifax. Pass the Odsal Stadium on the left hand side and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit on to Halifax Road / A6036 signposted Halifax. After approximately one mile turn left down Cemetery Road immediately before the Kids Planet Children’s Nursery, and the ground is 150 yards on the left. We have a car park which will be signposted off Cemetery Road and parking charges may apply.

Directions By Train:

Bradford Interchange rail station is the nearest to the ground and trains operate on the  Calder Valley Line timetable from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Manchester, Preston and York.

From there you can catch the bus directly to the ground (details below):

Bradford Forster Square rail station There are regular services from Leeds (Leeds-Bradford Line timetable), Skipton (Airedale Line timetable) and Ilkley (Wharfedale Line timetable).

From Forster Square it is a 10 minute walk to Bradford Interchange bus station for a bus onwards to the stadium.

Directions By Bus:

From Bradford Interchange bus station bus services 681 and 682 and Halifax Bus Station bus services 508, 681 and 682.

These services stop at the Halifax Road Cemetery Road stop near to the stadium.

Turnstiles: PAY ON GATE

The turnstiles open around an hour and a half before kick off and are located at either end of the ground on Cemetery Road and Park Road. Our reduced matchday prices for Non-League Day are as follows:

Adult – £5

Concession – £5

Youth (12-17) – £3

Junior (under 12, must be accompanied by an adult) – £1