Sporting Director Thomas McStravick will be on BBC Radio Leeds tonight, talking with West Yorkshire Sport Daily on his new role, and an update regarding the new manager at Bradford (Park Avenue). The show is from 6pm – 7pm, and Tom will be on around 6:50pm.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gwk09c
Click here to listen, or tune in to 92.4FM to listen!
We can today confirm the signings of Goalkeeper Tom Scott & Midfielder/Defender Ted Lavelle, each on a 28-day loan from FC Halifax Town.
Goalkeeper Tom Scott joins with experience as a youth at Leeds United and Manchester City, coming through the latters’ books as a youngster and progressing from u18 level to u23 level.
He played twice against Football League opposition for Manchester City’s u21s, in a 4-1 win vs Crewe in September 2018 and in a 3-3 draw vs Barnsley in December 2018.
Tom had trials at Birmingham and Watford, but instead made the move to Port Vale in January 2019, before joining Halifax Town in September the same year.
He has enjoyed a loan spell with Nantwich Town since joining. He has made 8 appearances for Halifax’s First Team.
Midfielder Ted Lavelle signed his first professional contract with the Shaymen in September 2023.
Lavelle previously played for Rochdale and Wigan, and has also been out on loan while at Halifax Town, playing for Colne FC.
He made 11 appearances, and scored 6 goals across all competitions while on loan with Colne.
Asked about the signings, Avenue’s Interim Manager & Sporting Director Thomas McStravick said;
“Ted is a left footed player who is versatile and can play in more than one position. He is a ball player who can add a different dynamic to what we already have within the squad. He comes highly recommended and is someone who we have been aware of for some time. His quality will be there for all to see.”
“Tom is a great addition to the team. He is commanding, good with his feet and brings personality to the group which is exactly what we need at this moment. We look forward to working with him during this period. Thanks to Halifax for their professionalism in getting this deal done.”
Travelling with us on Saturday? The Avenue are up against Macclesfield FC on 16th December, 3pm KO.
Tickets can be purchased on the link below.
https://macclesfieldfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/macclesfield_fc_v_bradford_park_avenue_300pm
The board is pleased to confirm two new roles at the club for existing personnel.
Tom McStravick will become our new Sporting Director, leading all the football operations at the club, from Juniors through Academy to the First Team.
He will appoint a new first team coach soon and will retain full first team responsibility until a new appointment is confirmed and contract details are agreed.
Tom will also continue to lead our community relations work and will be fully involved with player recruitment along with the new coach. He is in the process of successfully negotiating and increasing our Academy numbers and income for next year and is discussing immediate player acquisitions to strengthen our playing squad.
Calum Cullen will become our Commercial Director and will be responsible for continuing the improvement of our financial position as a football club and for running the stadium operations.
He will retain his club secretary duties and expand the scope of the role.
We have today accepted Martin Knight’s decision to step down as Director of Football. We thank him for leading player negotiations for the club over his time at BPA and acting at no cost to the club.
His experience, budget control and mentoring has been very helpful to Tom and Calum both of whom were recruited by Martin.
Our prime objective is to improve our current performances and our league position and to use our available funds to recruit wisely.
For those of you who don’t know Tom, he has established successful coaching schools in Northern Ireland, has worked in various development roles at Leeds Utd, has a UEFA A Licence and has set up our successful Junior and Academy plans over the last three years.
He will provide effective, local leadership on all footballing matters and, along with Calum, is keen to ensure greater engagement with fans, families, and sponsors of the club at every level. Both are acutely aware that we need to retain the current league status and to aim for a return to NLN so that loan moves can attract top quality players.
Calum is keen to help Tom build on this with the start of a new Volunteer Group to help around the stadium and is keen to re-engage fans and interested parties.
Between them they will provide local leadership and they will report directly to board members on a weekly basis.
The board has asked Tom and Calum to set up a fans’ forum/meeting with themselves as soon as possible and to create regular feedback meetings to explain new decisions they are planning or have made.
The aim is for them to create local information and contact with fans which is more accessible to all supporters.
Both have e mail addresses and are happy to provide sensible feedback to sensible questions whenever possible. If you feel you can help, please contact them on:
@officialbantams @FCHTOnline @Liversedge_FC fans, game off? We got you
Get to the Horsfall Community Stadium this afternoon for a 3pm KO! BD6 2NG in your Sat Navs.
There is a touch of fog in the area, but as of now GAME ON
#GreenArmy #Bradford #Footy #GAMEON
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no Avenue commentary today.
See you at the Horsfall #GreenArmy! Its a cold & rainy one so wrap up warm!
Interested in volunteering for our commentary team? Email thomas.ogden@bpafc.com to enquire
🆚 @ACFC1916
🕒 Saturday 9th Dec
🎫 POTG £13 | £10 | £5 | £3 | U12S FREE!
🏟️ Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
@PitchingIn_ @NorthernPremLge
We are delighted to announce that Jack Seery has joined the club as Interim Keeper Coach.
Seery holds a UEFA GK A Licence and UEFA B Licence, and joins Avenue alongside his current job at Leeds United, coaching with their Academy from u9s to u16s level. He also works with Wales’ National team at u15 and u16 level.
Prior to his appointment at Leeds in 2018, Jack worked with Airbus UK Broughton as First Team Goalkeeper Coach in the Welsh Premier League, and also as Head Academy GK Coach over a 5 year spell.
Welcome to the Club Jack
#UTA
We can today confirm that Goalkeeper Coach Danny King has left the Club.
King came in under Mark Bower & Danny Boshell at the start of the 2020/21 season, working alongside Avenue’s #1’s such as Dan Atkinson, and Will Huffer who later returned to professional football at Bradford City.
Danny also coached Johnny Saltmer, then with both George Sykes-Kenworthy and Liam Hall, the latter making an EFL move in August, signing a professional deal with League 2 side Wrexham AFC.
Sykes-Kenworthy would also earn himself a professional contract in the National League with York City, after training under King since December 2021.
Danny King had this to say on his departure;
“It was a tough decision and a lot of thought has gone into it, but it is the right time for me to move on.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club and got to know and work with some amazing players and people.
“I wish the new management team, the players, staff and volunteers behind the scenes and the fans all the best in the coming months.”
While we are sad to see Danny leave the Horsfall, we’d like to put on record our thanks for his commitment to the Avenue over the last 3 seasons, and wish him well in all his future endeavors.
After interviewing at length last week at the Horsfall, we are continuing discussions with our new potential head coach.
These conversations are detailed and include hierarchy and organisational structure and processes. In the interim as these talks continue, Tom McStravick has agreed to take interim responsibility for the first team training and match days.
We ask for your patience at this time and throw your support behind Tom and the boys.
