Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC regretfully announces the retirement of experienced forward James Hanson, who has decided to hang up his boots following an illustrious career in both professional football and Non-League. After a long and successful playing journey spanning over 18 years, Hanson leaves an indelible mark on the sport and Bradford (Park Avenue).

James Hanson joined Bradford (Park Avenue) in March 2024, and quickly became a favourite around the Club and in the dressing room, known for his aerial prowess, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the pitch. 

He also started and ended his managerial career at Bradford (Park Avenue), claiming a 100% win record during the interim period with a 3-1 win over Grimsby Borough. 

Over the course of his career, Hanson made over 547 senior appearances, and scoring over 143 goals, including memorable spells with Bradford City, Sheffield United, and Grimsby Town, among others. 

His ability to score important goals, especially during his time at Bradford City, made him a household name and earned him a special place in football history.

Speaking about his decision, James Hanson said:

“Just want to say a big thank you to the fans and everyone connected with the club, it wasn’t a decision I took lightly but it was a struggle to combine both jobs, and ultimately my job at Peckover Transport comes first now.

“It wouldn’t have been fair to stay and not be fully committed to training and matches especially when there are lads making training and not being in the squad.

“I will be down occasionally between now and the end of season to support the boys in their bid for promotion straight back to the NPL Premier Division.”

First Team Manager Craig Elliott also added this on Hanson’s departure:

“He has had a career to be very proud of, and I am gutted that unfortunately he couldn’t balance his work life to continue playing football. 

“He has been brilliant since I came in, but I fully understand and respect his decision to retire.”

Bradford (Park Avenue) would like to extend our deepest thanks to James for his contributions to the club and for the memories he’s provided to fans across the Green Army and beyond.

This Saturday, 5th October, Bradford (Park Avenue) heads to the Bannister Prentice Community Stadium to face Garforth Town in a highly anticipated league clash. Kickoff is at 3:00 pm, and both teams will be eager to secure a crucial victory.

Garforth Town has had a season filled with ups and downs. They started strongly with a 2-0 win over Northallerton in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round and followed it up with a convincing 3-0 victory over Liversedge in their opening league match. A goalless draw at Consett and a dramatic 3-2 replay win against Heaton Stannington in the FA Cup Preliminary Round showcased their ability to grind out results.

In the league, Garforth impressed with a 2-2 draw against Pontefract Collieries and a 3-1 victory over Carlton Town. However, they’ve faced setbacks in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, suffering losses to Bury and Wythenshawe, respectively. Most recently, they were defeated 3-0 by Stocksbridge Park Steels, a result they’ll be keen to bounce back from.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will be looking to build on their recent 2-0 win against Heaton Stannington, with goals from Jack Normanton and Connor Shanks. Head coach Craig Elliott will be pushing his team to carry that momentum into this away fixture as they seek another valuable three points.

With recent signings Mark Beevers and Sonny Whittingham adding strength to the squad, Bradford (Park Avenue) is looking more solid at the back and dynamic going forward. The likes of Jack Normanton and Joe Crosby will be looking to create problems for Garforth’s defence, while Connor Shanks continues his fine form in front of goal.

Match Details

• Fixture: Garforth Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
• Date: Saturday, 5th October 2024
• Kickoff: 3:00 pm
• Venue: Bannister Prentice Community Stadium, Cedar Ridge, Garforth (LS25 2PF)

Admission Prices:

• Adults: £9
• Concessions: £6
• U16s: £3
• U5s: FREE
• Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £20

This match promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams hungry for victory. Make sure to come down and support the lads as Bradford (Park Avenue) looks to continue their winning form on the road!

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce the signing of defender Ben Blythe on a deal until the end of the season. Born in Leeds, Blythe brings with him a wealth of experience from across multiple leagues, having honed his skills at both Doncaster Rovers and Swansea City.

Blythe first made a name for himself in the 2019-20 season, when he captained Doncaster Rovers’ under-18s to their first league title since the formation of their academy. His leadership and defensive prowess earned him a professional contract in July 2020.

Ben made his senior debut for Doncaster Rovers in May 2021 in a League One match against Peterborough United. Shortly thereafter, he gained additional first-team experience on loan at Farsley Celtic in the National League North. Following his return, Blythe made his first league start for Doncaster, facing Oxford United.

In March 2022, Ben joined Swansea City’s U23 side after impressing during a trial period. While with Swansea, he enjoyed a productive loan spell at Barry Town in the Cymru Premier, making 22 appearances and contributing with two goals and two assists.

Blythe’s versatility and experience will strengthen Bradford (Park Avenue)’s defensive options, and we are excited to see him bring his skills and leadership qualities to Horsfall Stadium.

Speaking on the signing, Head Coach Craig Elliott said:

“I have known about Ben for a good few years and followed his career after he left Doncaster Rovers to move to Swansea city.

“He is a talented player hungry to do well. As a cultured left footed defender he Will give us good balance. I am delighted our patience paid off and he will be a big asset to us this season.”

Welcome to Bradford (Park Avenue), Ben Blythe!

Craig Elliott’s first home fixture in charge of his new-look squad ended in triumph as Bradford (Park Avenue) secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Heaton Stannington at the Horsfall Community Stadium. The win, highlighted by early goals from Jack Normanton and Connor Shanks, pushed Avenue up to 11th in the table with 10 points from 7 matches.

Avenue wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, finding the net within the opening minute. A miscommunication in Heaton Stannington’s defence saw Normanton, making his league debut, pounce on the loose ball and trickle it past the goalkeeper to give the hosts an early 1-0 lead. This marked Normanton’s second goal in as many games, showcasing his immediate impact on the team.

Just four minutes later, Avenue doubled their advantage. A clever pass down the line from Dan Francis found Paddy Sykes, who whipped a low cross into the box, leaving Connor Shanks with a simple tap-in to make it 2-0 by the 5th minute.

Bradford (Park Avenue) continued to press, with Shanks nearly adding another in the 17th minute from a dangerous free kick, but Heaton Stannington’s defence managed to clear. Normanton remained a constant threat, breaking in behind in the 20th minute and testing the visitors’ goalkeeper, Lewis Brass, who was forced to make a low save at the near post.

A mistake by Brass in the 24th minute almost led to another opportunity for Normanton, but the keeper recovered just in time to deny the forward a second. The visitors then had their first meaningful chance in the 27th minute, but Ed Hall made a comfortable save from a cross into the area.

As the half wore on, Avenue continued to press. In the 33rd minute, Sykes had a header on target from a corner, but Brass was once again equal to the task, forcing another corner that came to nothing. Heaton Stannington had another opportunity in the 40th minute, but their strike was straight into Hall’s gloves.

Second Half Control

The second half saw Myles La Bastide come on for Oli Norman as Avenue aimed to maintain their dominance. In the 63rd minute, Normanton thought he’d added to his tally, only to be flagged offside before his shot came off.

James Hanson replaced Normanton in the 70th minute, with La Bastide coming close to his first goal of the season just three minutes later, but his effort was saved brilliantly by Brass. Sonny Whittingham was also replaced by Joe Crosby as Avenue sought fresh legs to close out the game.

Heaton Stannington showed flashes of attacking intent, with Lamb sending a shot from the edge of the box over the bar in the 75th minute. However, Avenue continued to create chances, with Crosby forcing a brilliant save in the 82nd minute after some slick passing play.

In the 84th minute, Sykes came close to a third for Avenue, heading goalwards only for Brass to parry it away. The rebound fell to Mark Beevers, but his follow-up shot narrowly missed the target.

The final whistle blew with Avenue taking all three points from a comfortable 2-0 win, keeping a clean sheet and putting them in 11th place on the table. Craig Elliott’s new signings, including Josh Ashman, Mark Beevers, Sonny Whittingham, and the goalscoring Jack Normanton, all made a solid impression in their league debuts, offering plenty of promise for the weeks ahead.

Bradford (Park Avenue) will now head back on the road for their next two fixtures, starting with a trip to Garforth Town on Saturday, 5th October. This will be followed by a midweek clash against Stocksbridge Park Steels on Wednesday night.