We are delighted to announce that Paddy Sykes has committed his future to Bradford (Park Avenue), signing a deal for the 2025/26 season! 💚🤝

Paddy initially joined the club in May 2024 after impressing at Campion, and since arriving at Horsfall, he has been a key player in Craig Elliott’s side. This season, he has made more appearances than any other Avenue player.

So far in the 2024/25 campaign, Paddy has featured 36 times, scoring 12 goals and providing 9 assists, proving to be a crucial attacking threat.

💬 Paddy Sykes:
“I’ve really enjoyed my first season at Bradford (Park Avenue) and am delighted to have signed on for another year. After a season of ups and downs, I believe this club is now heading in the right direction with serious ambitions for promotion, and that is something that I want to play a part in.”

💬 Manager Craig Elliott:
“Paddy is a very popular member of the team, and I am delighted he was keen to stay with us. He is a very strong, physical player that is vital at this level. I am confident that with a good pre-season and some work on the training ground, he will continue to improve and be a vital player for us next season.”

Congratulations, Paddy! We’re looking forward to seeing even more from you in Avenue colours! 🔥⚽️

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to confirm that Connor Shanks has agreed terms on a deal that will keep him at the Horsfall until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Shanks, 22, has been a standout performer this season, making 35 appearances, scoring 9 goals, and registering 8 assists. The attacking midfielder has become a key figure in Craig Elliott’s squad and is now set to continue his journey with the club.

No stranger to Avenue fans, Shanks previously had a loan spell at the club during the 2023/24 season, making 9 appearances and scoring once while on loan from Spennymoor Town. Born in Halifax, he came through Huddersfield Town’s youth ranks before joining Bradford City’s Academy in 2017, where he made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy. He later returned to Huddersfield before moving to Spennymoor, making 10 appearances and scoring against both Darlington and Scarborough.

🗣 Craig Elliott on Shanks’ new deal:
“Great news that Connor has agreed to sign for next season. He is everything I like in a player. He has high fitness levels, enthusiasm in every game and training session, and a real quality in the final third to score goals and get assists. He is a good age to keep improving, and he will be a major player for us next season.”

🗣 Connor Shanks on staying at Horsfall:
“Delighted to have signed for another season. This season has been very up and down, but we all share the same objective, which is getting this club back to where it needs to be. I see this as my club now and want to achieve things here. As soon as the gaffer offered me a new deal, I knew it’s where I wanted to be. To all the fans – I will continue giving my all for the club.”

We’re thrilled to keep Shanksy at the Horsfall and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

#GreenArmy 💚

Bradford (Park Avenue) is pleased to confirm that Brendon Daniels has extended his loan deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The 31-year-old initially joined on a one-month loan from Leek Town, making eight appearances and scoring one goal. With over 270 National League appearances, Daniels brings valuable experience, having previously played for clubs including Chester, Harrogate Town, AFC Fylde, and AFC Telford United.

The club would like to thank Leek Town for their cooperation in the move and express our gratitude to the Development Fund for making this signing possible.

We look forward to seeing Brendon continue to make an impact in Avenue colours.

Bradford (Park Avenue) is delighted to announce that experienced defender Mark Beevers has agreed terms on a new deal that will see him remain at the Horsfall Community Stadium until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Since joining the Avenue in September 2024, Beevers has been a vital presence at the heart of the defence, making 23 appearances and contributing to seven clean sheets as of March 6th. His leadership and experience have played a crucial role in solidifying the team’s defensive resilience throughout the campaign.

Before arriving at Bradford (Park Avenue), Beevers was plying his trade in Australia with A-League side Perth Glory. Prior to his move abroad, the towering centre-back amassed over 500 appearances across the EFL Championship and League One, representing clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Millwall, Bolton Wanderers, and Peterborough United.

Speaking on his new deal, Beevers said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bradford (Park Avenue) so far. Coming out of full-time football into a part-time setup has given me the chance to explore new opportunities off the pitch while still competing at a good level. Football-wise, we’ve had more good moments than bad, and despite a tough spell, we’re showing signs of improvement every week. We’re still pushing to finish this season strong, and looking ahead, I truly believe the club is moving in the right direction. The aim is promotion, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”

Manager Craig Elliott added: “I’m delighted to sign Mark Beevers for next season. He has been superb on and off the pitch since signing. This is the start of us planning for next season, and I have no doubt he will play a big part in what we want to achieve.”

Beevers’ commitment to the club marks a significant move as the Avenue continues to strengthen its squad in pursuit of success in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to confirm the loan signing of midfielder Gabriel Wadsworth from neighbours Bradford City on a two-month deal.

Wadsworth, 19, was one of three academy graduates to sign a professional contract with City ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, having also been offered professional terms in the summer of 2023. A talented and composed midfielder, he now makes the temporary switch to the Horsfall Community Stadium to gain valuable first-team experience.

Gabriel is the younger brother of Noah Wadsworth, who featured regularly in City’s matchday squads towards the end of last season, making his first-team debut against Harrogate Town on Saturday, March 23.

In other squad news, Sam Straughan-Brown has been recalled by Doncaster Rovers. The club thanks Sam for his efforts during his time at Horsfall and extends its appreciation to Doncaster Rovers for their cooperation in the deal.

Wadsworth is available immediately for selection at tomorrow night’s away match vs Sheffield FC.

Welcome to Horsfall, Gabriel!

Bradford (Park Avenue) fans, we’ve got something special lined up for you this weekend! After our highly anticipated clash against Ossett United, we’re inviting you to join us in the Clubhouse at 5:30 PM for an exclusive Q&A session with First Team Manager Craig Elliott.

This is your chance to hear directly from the gaffer as he shares his thoughts on the match, provides insight into the team’s performance, and discusses our plans for the season ahead. Whether you have questions about tactics, recent signings, or our ambitions moving forward, this is the perfect opportunity to get the inside track straight from the manager himself.

Key Details:
📅 Date: Saturday 1st March, Matchday vs Ossett United (DISCOUNTS ON THE GATE FOR THOSE IN GREEN & WHITE OR RED AMBER & BLACK!)
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Clubhouse, Horsfall Community Stadium

With the team pushing for success this season, and with Craig Elliott signed on for the 25/26 season, your support and engagement are more important than ever. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an insightful and engaging session with Craig Elliott.

See you in the Clubhouse! #GreenArmy

Bradford (Park Avenue) are back on the road this afternoon as we take on Bishop Auckland at Heritage Park, looking to bounce back and secure a vital three points.

The lads need your support, and whether you’re traveling to the game or tuning in from home, your backing can make all the difference!

Match Details

• Fixture: Bishop Auckland vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
• Date: Saturday, 22nd February
• Kick-off: 3:00 PM
• Venue: Heritage Park, Stadium Way, St Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland, DL14 9AE

Tickets & Entry

🎟 Admission Prices:

• Adults – £10
• Concessions – £9
• Under 16s – £5
  (Cash and card payments accepted at the gate)

🎟 Get your tickets online here: buff.ly/41eSZBf

Follow the Action

If you can’t make it to Heritage Park, we’ve got you covered! We will be live on X Spaces throughout the match, bringing you real-time updates and analysis from Lewis Sale.

🎙️ Join the commentary stream here from 2:55pm: x.com/BPAFCOfficial

GreenArmy #BPAFC #UpTheAvenue

Bradford (Park Avenue) is proud to announce that First Team Manager Craig Elliott has signed a new contract, extending his tenure with the Avenue until the end of the 2025/26 season. This extension builds on Elliott’s initial appointment in August 2024 and reflects his ongoing dedication to revitalising the club, alongside the board’s faith in his proven leadership.

Elliott first joined Bradford (Park Avenue) on a one-year contract, bringing with him a wealth of managerial experience in non-league football and an impressive track record of promotions and trophy successes. His journey began after hanging up his boots, taking charge of Pontefract Collieries before leaving to join Glasshoughton Welfare, where he secured promotion from the Northern Counties East League – Division One in 2012. A spell at Ossett Town followed, before he joined Shaw Lane Aquaforce, where he achieved three promotions, won the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup, and led notable runs in the Isuzu FA Trophy, Isuzu FA Vase, and Emirates FA Cup.

His success earned him the managerial role at Boston United, where he oversaw 161 matches, including a memorable Emirates FA Cup Second Round appearance in 2019 and a National League North Promotion Final run in 2020. Prior to joining Bradford (Park Avenue), Elliott had brief stints at Matlock Town and Buxton FC, where he guided the latter to two Derbyshire Cup victories and narrowly missed the play-offs before leaving in 2024.

Since arriving at Bradford (Park Avenue) in August, Elliott has worked tirelessly to halt the club’s decline following years of survival struggles and consecutive relegations. His current record as of 21st February 2025 shows 12 wins, 4 draws & 10 losses, putting us 10 points off the playoffs. His new deal signals a shared ambition to elevate the Green Army back to prominence.

Craig Elliott said: “After a few months of talks, I’m delighted to commit to BPA for next season. After a few years of survival and back-to-back relegations, the remit for this season was always to come in, stop the rot, and raise expectations.

“I feel this process has been achieved. Although results at present aren’t what we want, I feel we’re on track with the process we’ve outlined as a club. The hard work and planning start now to progress the club and create a club that the fans can be proud of on and off the pitch. We’ll keep fighting until the end of this season to gain promotion, but my focus is on next season, ensuring the club sees clear progression both on and off the pitch. I have a clear, proven record of successful teams, and I’ve really liked what I’m seeing behind the scenes. So I’m very optimistic that the future is bright.”

The Green Army faithful can look forward to Elliott’s continued leadership as the club battles for a play-off spot this season in the Northern Premier League East Division and sets its sights on sustained success moving forward.

Join us in Bishop Auckland today! KO is 3pm, or listen to live commentary from Lewis Sale on X!

Tickets – https://buff.ly/41eSZBf

https://x.com/BPAFCOfficial