It is with sadness we have to report the death of our old kit man Dave Wilson (Primo). Primo joined the club in 2000 and served as kitman for 12 years. Unfortunately following an accident after our historic victory against F.C United of Manchester, Primo became housebound at his Doncaster home and never really recovered passing away on June 2nd this year.
Rest In Peace Primo
We are delighted to announce the re-signing of experienced midfielder Simon Richman on a renewed 1 year contract.
Previously playing at Altrincham FC and with two promotions under his belt, Ringo showed what an asset he is as we staved off any relegation worries with games to spare. Richman scored 2 goals for Avenue in the 21-22 season, and we are all looking forward to seeing him back at the Horsfall.
Discussing the signing, Mark Bower said; “I’m delighted Ringo has committed for another year. He was a key player for us last season and a popular one amongst our supporters for his all energy displays in our midfield. He also scored some vital goals and his experience will be crucial in our young midfield next season.”
Richman also added; “I’m really pleased to have re-signed for BPA. I really enjoyed last season, particularly after having a couple of frustrating seasons with Alty in terms of lack of game time. Bosh and Bows have been great with me and I get on well with all the lads so it was an easy decision in the end. Not to mention the fans have all been very welcoming. “
He continued; “I’m looking forward to the challenge next season as there are a lot of good teams in this league now with a big financial backing and fair amount of them are professional or hybrid.”
Stay tuned for the latest updates by following our social medias. @BPAFCOfficial
We are delighted to announce the re-signing of our Goalie George Sykes-Kenworthy until the end of the 23/24 season.
Originally brought in last December after his time at Boston United, Sykes-Kenworthy has been a vital part in keeping us from relegation with multiple clean sheet sprees at home, which also saw him pick up the both the Player of the Year and the Players Player of the Year award during our 21/22 season awards.
After the ink dried, Manager Mark Bower said; “We are delighted that George has committed himself to The Avenue for the next two seasons. He made a huge difference to our team when he signed in December and played a key role in our improvement as the season progressed.”
He continued, “Despite interest from higher league clubs, George feels that staying with us the best option for him at this stage of his career and we look forward to him continuing his progression, working with Danny King and our young goalkeepers.”
George added “I am really happy to be signing a 2 year deal with the club. I am settled here and enjoy playing for Mark and Danny. The keeper coach Danny King is excellent, and I have a great relationship with Liam Hall who brings the laughs along with a real professional attitude. The whole team have a great rapport and with the right additions I believe we can be competitive again next season”
The club can confirm today that player coach Ryan Toulson has left the club to take over as First Team Manager at neighbours Eccleshill United.
We would to place on record our thanks to Ryan, who first joined as a player before moving into a coaching role, and that we wish him the very best of luck in his future career.
Mark Bower had this to say on Ryan: ‘I am really pleased for Tully that he has been offered this opportunity and he leaves with our best wishes. He has been a loyal and committed part of our backroom team for several years now and he will be missed.
This has all come about very quickly, as can often be the case with these appointments, but we have begun to look at options to step in to Tully’s role and hope to have someone in place for pre season training.’
We also spoke to the departing Tully: ‘This was an incredibly difficult decision to make, I have a great affinity towards this club, the fans, players and of course to Mark and Danny, who I consider friends as well as part of the management team.
I would like to thank Mark and Danny for giving me the chance to join the backroom team as coach, which has led to this opportunity to progress my career in coaching and management. The whole opportunity came about very quickly but having spoken to Eccleshill, with their ambitions for the club, I felt it was an offer I had to go for.
All the best Tully!
The club are delighted to announce our fifth upcoming pre-season friendly as Sheffield United u23s. The Blades visit the Horsfall on the 21st July, for a 7:30pm KO.
The Professional Development League side finished 5 points clear in 1st place, however ended up losing out in the play-offs to Bristol City u23s with a 0-1 defeat.
Bower and Bosh will be looking to put forward a strong squad for a good match vs The Blades, where fans can keep track of trialists during the pre-season period.
Entry will be £6 for Adults and just £3 for Concessions.
#AAAW
The club are delighted to announce our latest Pre-Season friendly as recently relegated Oldham Athletic! Oldham drop from League 2 down into the National League, becoming the first former Premier League team to play non-league Football.
John Sheridan brings his side to the Horsfall looking to bounce back up into the EFL at the first attempt
The match will take place on Tuesday 19th July for a 7:45pm KO, and entry is priced at just £6 Adults, £3 Concessions.
#AAAW
The club are delighted to announce the Pre-Season Friendly against our neighbours Bradford City
As is customary, the two sides will play for the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy.
The Bantams finished 14th in League 2 last season and will be hosted by Avenue on the 1st July for a 7:30pm KO, New manager Mark Hughes has made some promising signings, so City will be looking for a big season in their division.
Our previous match v The Bantams ended in a 0-5 defeat at the Horsfall, on the 13th July 2021.
We look forward to seeing the fans fill the Horsfall again after our (almost) 2 month break from play. The match is ALL TICKET and these are available from 12pm today (08/06/22). Click HERE for tickets or visit the club shop at the Horsfall 9am – 7pm to buy in person this week, or 9am-5pm next week.
Tickets are priced at £8 for Adults and £5 for Concessions.
#AAAW
The club can today announce that Dylan Mottley-Henry has left the football club to join South Shields FC for an undisclosed fee. We are disappointed to see Dylan leave, but he felt that the full time football was best for his career. All the money received from the transfer will be invested back into the playing budget
Mottley-Henry made 28 appearances with Avenue in the 21-22 season, including 4 played from the bench, and scoring 3 goals. Dylan had previously played for BPA while on loan from Bradford City in 2016, scoring 2 in 15 appearances.
Stay tuned for the latest updates.
We are delighted to announce the re-signing of our Captain, Gianluca Havern.
Luca has signed until the end of the 2022/23 season. Our own El Capitan, Luca played 40 times for the Avenue last season in all competitions scoring 3 goals and was an integral part of the team as we avoided relegation games to spare.
On the deal, Luca stated “I am pleased to have signed for my 5th season with BPA. There is a strong core of the team who have stayed and with a few more additions I think we will be really competitive again. See you all in July!”
Equally happy, Mark Bower added; “I’m delighted that Luca has extended his stay with the club. Having lost Nicky Clee and Mark Ross, it was vital for us to secure one of our most experienced players for the coming season.
Luca has been a key player for us for several years now and it is a real positive that he will be leading our team again for 2022/23.”
The club would like to thank every supporter that has purchased an #AAAW Season Ticket so far, and we are happy to announce that this week we will be available at the Horsfall Stadium in the BPA Club Shop for cash, card and cheque payments for those who would prefer to purchase in person.
Opening hours will be 2pm – 7pm.
#AAAW
