Bradford (Park Avenue) have today secured 20 year old defender Alex Laird for the 2019/2020 season.
The promising local learned his trade having joined the Bradford City academy as a 13 year old and was rewarded with a professional contract at 18 years of age by then City Manager Stuart McCall after impressing in reserves fixtures despite his young age.
Laird featured on debut in October 2017 in his first of two Checkatrade Trophy fixtures before his season was cruelled ended by an Achilles injury and he was released whilst still recovering in May 2018.
On working hard to regain fitness Laird played with Albion Sports in the North East Counties Premier Division during the 2018/2019 season.
Bradford (Park Avenue) Manager Garry Thompson was excited to secure Lairds signature, commenting:
“Alex typifies what we are looking for in our squad. He has obvious ability but has had some adversity in his young career and has shown the character to get himself fit and get match time at a lower level in order to prove himself and be ready for an opportunity when it arises.”
Thompson Continued :
“Alex has a good solid base of development behind him, he is a local lad and he has shown he has the talent to succeed, we’re excited to have him and provide the platform and environment for him to shine and make a name for himself at Horsfall“
Alex Laird spoke about his move to The Horsfall Stadium
“I’m really pleased and I’m really excited to join The Avenue. Being a Bradford local I know the club well and it will be an honour to pull on the shirt and represent such an historic club. I spoke to Garry and was impressed with the clubs direction and the chance to be a part of the new changes and a new era at the club was ideal timing “
Bradford (Park Avenue) will meet Alex and Garry’s former club Bradford City in a feature pre season friendly on Tuesday 23rd July at Horsfall Stadium as both clubs prepare for the season proper beginning early August.
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