Bradford (Park Avenue) can tonight confirm Goalkeeper Steven Drench has left the club on a permanent transfer to Altrincham FC.
Club Statement 28/01/19
Bradford Park Avenue would like to make the following statement:-
As outlined at a recent Fan Forum and in a statement as recently as Friday, Mark Bower and the Board are working closely together to refresh and re-balance the playing squad during January.
We operate a small squad with no reserve team, and the balance between having enough depth, and the luxury of having players not involved week to week is a delicate one at a club of our size and means. In order to recruit fresh faces to push forward into the Play-off Race, we, like many clubs, listed some players for Transfer in order to gauge interest. This was done only 14 days ago. Some of these players had requested more game time and opportunities; others have served the club very well in recent seasons however were not in the clubs plans for 2019/2020. 5 (five) players were listed in total with one player requesting a move prior.
Two players have departed the club in the past two weeks, both for healthy contracts elsewhere through to the end of the 2019/2020 season. Negotiations are continuing regarding one other player transferring.
Disappointingly there have been reports and misrepresentations made around this very normal business for a football club in January.
We remain consistent with the strategy and re-build of the club that has been communicated openly by Directors in recent months. We aim to build the most competitive squad under Mark Bowers’ stewardship as possible, with the aim and ambition to win every match we play and push for the play-offs and promotion. Retaining and extending our exciting group of core players is prudent and a priority.
We are working hard to improve Horsfall Stadium with pitch perimeter fencing being installed, and we are working with the FA to ensure Horsfall is compliant with Ground Grading Guidelines for the National League should Mark and the teams brilliant work to date this season achieve a play-off series appearance.
As outlined to fans very transparently recently, we can be sustainable should we reach the National League and we strive to achieve that goal.
We are active in the recruitment market and will be announcing more news in due course in-line with our strategy to invest our playing budget and generously donated supporter player fund monies in a prudent and efficient manner.
We expect to have settled on our transfer business by the end of the month and are all focused on winning football matches and extending the enjoyable season our supporters have been provided deep into the play-off race, and beyond.
Nicky Wroe departs Horsfall
Bradford Park Avenue have today agreed to release Nicky Wroe from the remainder of his contract.
A popular midfielder and clubman, Nicky Wroe joined The club in 2016 and has been a regular first team stalwart. Mark Bower, The board, and everyone involved at the club would like to wish Nicky all the very best and thank him for his substantial contribution and professionalism during his time at Horsfall.
All player movements should be considered in the wider context once we have completed our trading. As outlined at the recent Fans Forum, we are active in the recruitment market and will be announcing more news in due course in-line with our strategy to invest our playing budget and generously donated supporter player fund monies in a prudent and efficient manner.
Match Preview: Brackley Town
Bradford (Park Avenue) will visit Brackley Town on Saturday, returning to the scene of last season’s play-off semi-final defeat.
The Saints advanced into the 2018 Vanarama National League North play-off final with a narrow victory over Bradford in May, but were beaten by Mark Bower’s side on the opening day of the 2018/19 campaign.
Once again, the Northamptonshire-based side are chasing promotion and find themselves just three points adrift of 7th-placed Chester. Bradford occupy 3rd place in the division but are still searching for their first win of the calendar year.
Kevin Wilkin’s side haven’t been defeated since before Christmas and secured a 1-0 win over Alfreton Town last Saturday.
GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:
The Gaffer:
Kevin Wilkin
The 51-year-old took charge of the Saints back in 2015 after being relieved of his duties as manager of Wrexham. He began his managerial career with Nuneaton Borough, who he also represented as a player. During his playing career, he made over 75 appearances for Northampton Town and also enjoyed spells with Cambridge City and Rushden & Diamonds.
Ones To Watch:
Daniel Lewis
A gifted goalkeeper, Lewis is an integral part of Brackley’s squad. The veteran stopper proved to be a thorn in Bradford’s side during the play-off semi-final meeting and will be hoping to keep the Yorkshire side’s frontline at bay again.
Daniel Nti
An athletic talent, Nti can operate on the flank and as a striker. The 25-year-old has enjoyed spells in Yorkshire with F.C Halifax Town and York City and has also plied his trade with Nuneaton Borough, Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City.
Pitch Inspection Result: Game On
Following a pitch inspection at 9:30 this morning, today’s game will go ahead as planned.
Kick Off: 3pm
We hope to see you at the Horsfall.
Don’t Forget: You can keep out of the cold this afternoon with our match day hospitality package. Click the button below to find out more and book your place.
Transfer News: McKenna Makes A Move
Bradford Park Avenue can confirm that midfielder Ben Mckenna has moved to Chester on a permanent transfer.
The club wishes Ben all the best in the future as he departs after his second spell at Horsfall having made 41 first team appearances.
Pre-Match Programme: Blyth Spartans
Bradford (Park Avenue) make a swift return to the Horsfall Stadium on Saturday, hosting high-flying Blyth Spartans.
The Spartans haven’t lost since early November, embarking on an impressive unbeaten run that included a Buildbase FA Trophy upset against Boreham Wood last week.
The run has taken them to within a point of the play-offs and Alun Armstrong’s side could break into the top seven with a win in Yorkshire on Saturday.
Bradford, however, have made a slow start to the year and haven’t tasted victory since Boxing Day. Despite consecutive defeats to Guiseley, Stockport County and F.C United of Manchester, Saturday’s hosts remain second and are just six points adrift of league leaders Chorley.
Pre-Match Programme: FC United of Manchester
Bradford (Park Avenue) will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host strugglers F.C United of Manchester.
Saturday’s opponents occupy 20th place in the Vanarama National League North table, four points adrift of 19th-placed Hereford.
Mark Bower’s side were held to a 2-2 draw at Broadhurst Park when the two sides last met, but ran out as 3-0 winners when the Reds last visited the Horsfall Stadium.
By the time that F.C United arrive in West Yorkshire on Saturday, their win-less run will have stretched beyond a month and the visitors will be keen to improve on recent form.
Neil Reynolds’ side were swept aside by Chester last Saturday, four days after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Chorley on New Years’ Day.
Pre-Match Programme: Guiseley AFC
Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to kick 2019 off in style with a second win over Guiseley in just under a week.
Mark Bower enjoyed his return to Nethermoor on Boxing Day, watching on as a side containing several former Lions dismantled the hosts.
Bradford head into the new year as the league leaders and haven’t succumbed to defeat in the Vanarama National League North since October.
Guiseley have struggled to find consistency since returning to step six but picked up a valuable point on Saturday against Altrincham.
Defender Gianluca Havern was dismissed in the reverse fixture but will be available as his suspension won’t come into effect until the trip to Stockport County on 5th January. Ben McKenna will be pushing for a recall to the starting eleven after his stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a point against Boston United but faces stiff competition.
See in the new year in style with our Match Day Hospitality Package
Beat the queues before the game, at half time and keep warm and snug in our match day hospitality suite
Our new hospitality suite provides you with wonderful hosts who will ensure you’re comfortable and warm prior to the game and at half-time.
Prices are £30, inclusive of your match ticket and just £18 for season ticket holders to upgrade for the day and includes your drinks, meal and desert! you will also receive a match day program and printed team sheet.
Space is limited, with only 10 places left at the time of publishing this article. So please get in early to secure your place at our New Years Day clash against Guiseley.
Book Directly:
To book directly by phone or email, contact info@bpafc.com or 01274 674584
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