Defensive lynchpin Gianluca Havern has signed a new deal with the club after establishing himself as an integral part of Mark Bower’s side in his debut season.

The centre-back, more commonly known as ‘Luca’, joined in June 2017 after leaving AFC Telford United. He captained the Bucks after enjoying spells with Hyde United and Altrincham, both of which achieved promotion to the top tier of non-league football during his stay.

He came through the youth ranks at Stockport County and scored the winning goal on his debut for the Hatters in a 1-0 win over Brentford in May 2008. Manchester-born Havern joined Mansfield Town in 2009 but returned to Stockport for a second spell shortly after. The defender then represented Mossley and Ashton United before linking up with Hyde.

Luca spoke to us after agreeing terms:

“I’m really happy to have signed. I’ve really enjoyed working with the management team and everyone at the club and that was what made the decision for me. I’ve experienced a lot of change in the last few years but I’m glad that I can stay here and carry on from last season.

Over the last few years, there’s been a few seasons where things haven’t gone as planned but last season gave me my love for the game back. I know Rossy (Mark Ross) said the same thing but we’ve been speaking about how buzzing we both are for the new season. I just want to get going again now.”

Want to see Luca in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here.

Luca Havern is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here.

The club can confirm that Mark Ross has penned a new deal and will remain at the Horsfall Stadium for the season ahead.

The athletic defender made 40 appearances for Avenue last season, establishing himself as a key figure in an impressive backline.

He joined in August 2017 after spending the previous campaign with Stockport County, who he represented as captain for large portions of the season. Ross had previously lined-up for Chorley and battled it out with current teammates such as Adam Boyes and Oli Johnson in the 2015 Conference North play-off final.

After committing to Avenue for the 2018/19 season, Ross had this to say:

“I’m very happy to have signed on for another year, especially after the success of last season. It was one of the most enjoyable seasons I’ve had and that was helped by the lads in the dressing room, who are a top bunch and make playing better.

As soon as the season finished, I think I speak for all the lads when I say we wanted to carry on and keep up the momentum. Everyone’s going to be eager to get back playing. I miss football already!

I want to thank the gaffer for not only helping me regain my love of the game, but for the way he works with the squad and manages situations. It’s a great atmosphere to be in and amongst.”

Want to see Ross in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here.

Mark Ross is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here.

Central defender Shane Killock will represent Avenue in the 2018/19 season after agreeing a new deal with the club.

After shaking off injury problems in the early stages of the season, he went on to make 27 appearances in all competitions and his impressive form proved vital in Avenue’s play-off push.

The 29-year-old was released by Huddersfield Town after just one first-team appearance but went on to establish himself as one of the sixth tier’s most sought-after defenders. He achieved promotion to non-league football’s top tier with AFC Telford United as captain and has also represented Ossett Albion, Oxford United, Hyde United, Harrogate Town and Guiseley.

He becomes the fourth player to be confirmed as a member of Avenue’s 2018/19 squad, following in the footsteps of Adam Boyes, Oli Johnson and Nicky Clee.

Want to see Killock in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here.

Shane Killock is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here.

Fan favourite Nicky Clee has put pen to paper on a new deal after an impressive first season with the club.

The tricky winger, who can also operate in central midfield or at left-back, joined from Altrincham in May 2017 and became a favourite amongst Avenue supporters due to his technical ability and work ethic.

He made 35 appearances in all competitions for Mark Bower’s side last season and spoke to us about his excitement for the season ahead:

“I’m really happy to have signed on for next season, I’ve been made to feel at home by everyone associated with the club from day one. My season was cut short with my broken toe, so I feel like I’ve had my summer already. I can’t wait to get back amongst the lads and continue the good work that was done last season.”

Want to see Clee in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here.

Nicky Clee is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here.

We can now confirm our pre-season schedule ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Avenue will kickstart pre-season with a trip to North West Counties League champions Silsden on the 5^th of July, before visiting the Fitzwilliam Stadium to face Hemsworth Miners Welfare two days later.

League Two side Mansfield Town will provide the opposition in our first home friendly fixture on the 12^th of July. Mark Bower’s side will then battle it out with the Yorkshire Regiment for the inaugural Donald Bell Trophy two days later.

The Wool City derby takes place on the 18^th of July as Bradford City visit the Horsfall, looking to win the Tom Banks Trophy.

Avenue will then face Huddersfield Town’s academy on the 24^th of July before pre-season is rounded off with a fixture on the 28^th. The opponents for that game are yet to be confirmed.

Further information such as admission prices will be provided nearer to the time.

SCHEDULE IN FULL:

05/07 – Silsden vs. Bradford Park Avenue
Cobbydale Construction Stadium
7:45pm kick-off

07/07 – Hemsworth Miners Welfare vs. Bradford Park Avenue
The Fitzwilliam Stadium
12:30pm kick-off

12/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Mansfield Town
Horsfall Stadium
Kick-off TBC

14/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Yorkshire Regiment (Donald Bell Trophy)
Horsfall Stadium
3pm kick-off

18/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Bradford City (Tom Banks Trophy)
Horsfall Stadium
7:30pm kick-off

24/07 – Bradford Park Avenue vs. Huddersfield Town Academy
Horsfall Stadium
7:45pm kick-off

Please note the pre arranged friendlies against Silsden and Hemsworth Miners Welfare are subject to change if England progress in the World Cup.

After what can only be described as a successful season, albeit the semi-final disappointment, the club wish to maintain the impetus and assist Mark with assembling a squad that can continue the good work of 2017/18.

Owner in waiting Gareth Roberts stated ‘We are going to continue supporting Mark and maintain the same level of playing budget. Although, the costs associated with running the club are high and, whilst we have to cut some costs we will be looking to improve our revenue streams to support Mark and improve the Stadium.

To start we will be re-launching the Players Fund that assisted Mark and the lads to get to the Play-Offs last season. We are hoping that our supporters, from all over the world will get behind the club and the money donated will be ring-fenced to assist Mark throughout the season’

For those supporters and businesses that wish to donate this can be done ona regular monthly basis or one off donations. For more information please contact Dave Stordy on davestordy@hotmail.co.uk or call 01274 512989 Cheques can be made payable to BPASC and sent to Dave at 8 Siegfried Walk, Eldwick, Bingley, BD16 3QF

The club can confirm that popular defender and Academy coach Matt Hill has left the club.

The veteran left-back has moved on after a two-year spell with the club, during which he had a stint as Assistant Manager and worked closely with the Academy.

He becomes the fourth player to leave since the end of the season after the departures of Javan Vidal, Adam Smith and Lee Knight were confirmed on Tuesday.

Matt joined Avenue from Tranmere Rovers in July 2016 and quickly established himself as an integral member of the playing squad after leaving his post in the dugout. He made 32 appearances in all competitions last season and was an influential figure throughout despite missing out on the play-offs through injury.

Manager Mark Bower paid tribute to the efforts and influence of the former Sheffield United defender after his departure was finalised:

“He’s been magnificent for us since he arrived. His professionalism, both on and off the pitch, has been a great example to the other players in the squad and he has performed consistently well over the past two seasons. He’s made a significant contribution to our improvement and his work in the Academy has also been a great help to our younger players.”

The manager also claimed that it ‘never gets easier’ to see players move on at the end of the season:

“Four players have left us this week and we’re in discussions with the rest of the squad. It is always a difficult time of the year and saying goodbye to players that have given everything for the club never gets easier.

Javan (Vidal) played in numerous positions for us and always gave 100% for his teammates. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of options this summer. Lee (Knight) had a frustrating season with limited opportunities and I hope he finds a club that offer him regular game time so that he can build on the potential he has. Adam (Smith) is a great lad who was unlucky with injury during his short time with us. I hope he can stay fit over the summer and show his undoubted ability next season.”

Everyone involved with the club wishes Matt all the best for the future and would like to thank him for his tremendous service.

Gareth Roberts is delighted to announce that manager Mark Bower and assistant manager Danny Boshell have signed contract extensions that will run until the end of the 2020/21 season.

Former Guiseley boss Bower was appointed in September 2016 and guided the club to National League North safety in his first campaign. He took the reigns again in the 2017/18 season and led Avenue to a 7th place finish and into the semi-finals of the play-offs.

As a player, he made over 200 appearances for neighbours Bradford City and has now established himself as one of the best young managers in non-league football with Avenue.

Boshell was Bower’s right-hand man during their time at Guiseley, combining a role in the dugout with duties in the centre of the Lions’ midfield. He assumed the same role upon joining Avenue in September 2016 and made 28 appearances last season as the club surged into the play-off semi-finals.

The season may have only finished a week ago but already Mark Bower is preparing for next season.

Negotiations are on going with a number of players but Mark would like to announce that Adam Smith, Javan Vidal and Lee Kight have all been released from the club.

Mark and the club would like to thank all three players for their efforts this season and wish them all the best going forward.

Adam Boyes has been awarded with the Vanarama National League North player of the month for April. Boyes was instrumental during the final push of the season which saw the team secure 7th place and a place in the playoffs.

Throughout April Boyes got things going, scoring the winner against Leamington before netting a double – including a last-minute winner to beat Boston United.

The experienced forward then grabbed another brace in the 3-1 home victory over title-chasing Harrogate Town.

But he saved his best until last. Needing a win on the final day at Kidderminster to break into the top-seven, Boyes popped up at just the right time. The predatory striker was on hand to poke into an empty net in the 93rd minute to send Avenue into the play-offs.

Well done Adam.