We caught up with the gaffer Mark Bower ahead of Thursdays training to talk about our recent loan signings

We can confirm today that the appeal against Jamie Spencer’s Red Card has been thrown out by the FA.

The appeal went in within 18 hours of the final whistle, and despite the paperwork containing 2 videos of the alleged incident – one from each side of the pitch – the FA have deemed this evidence to be ‘inconclusive’.

Unfortunately, this now means a 3 match ban, commencing 23/08/2022, meaning Jamie will miss the trip to Chorley, the bank holiday home fixture vs Spennymoor and the Leamington away game on the 3rd September.

We are delighted to announce that we have agreed three year extension deals with both Manager Mark Bower and his Assistant Daniel Boshell.

The pair, who were into their final year of their original 3 year contracts, have now agreed deals that keep them at the club until the summer of 2026.

Since signing their original deals ‘Bowes and Bosh’ have led us to a comfortable finish in the 2020/21 curtailed season and the 2021/22 season.

On the deal Mark Bower said ”Pleased to get it through definitely, its not taken much discussion really while we’ve been focusing on training. With Pre-Season it can be difficult as it takes up alot of time. The main thing for me and Bosh is that we’re all working in the same direction.

This was echoed by Danny Boshell “After our first spells and then Martin Knight taking over 2 and a half years ago, everything he told us that day is exactly what has happened since, and for us, we’re both excited at where the club is going, we’ve just got to make sure we do our job on the pitch which we’ve done so far, and hopefully we can continue to do. “

In an major statement of intent and backing of the club in the transfer market, by our owner Gareth Roberts, we have signed the much vaunted talent of Reece Staunton from our city neighbours for an undisclosed fee.

We are pleased to announce the successful, permanent, signing of Reece Staunton to the club on an initial one year deal with an option for a second year.

Staunton is no stranger to the Horsfall Staunton has enjoyed two previous loan spells with The Avenue over the last few years as he continued the development of his clear ability at City’s academy and within their first team squad.

Bursting onto the scene at the age of 15 years 332 days, Reece, made his debut for Bradford City, becoming the club’s youngest ever player at the time. He has since accumulated a total of 20 appearances for the first team scoring 1 league goal. He has also been capped 4 times by the Republic of Ireland U18’s.

Still only 20 years of age with a very bright future ahead of him, we wish a warm Avenue welcome to Reece, and a big thank you to the development fund for assisting in making this major investment possible.

Mark Bower –

‘I’m delighted that we have been able to bring in a player of Reece’s calibre on a permanent basis.

I have been really impressed with Reece’s desire to come and play regular men’s football. With the best part of two years left on his deal at City, he could easily have sat there, in his comfort zone. I think it is a great sign that he has made some big sacrifices and backed himself to come to us, to ultimately further his career.

It is our job now to push and help him take the next step in realising the potential he has and continuing to develop his undoubted football talent.’

Reece Staunton –

‘I’m happy to have signed for Bradford (Park Avenue), I felt as though it has come to a stage in my career where I need to be playing games consistently and start enjoying my football again.

When I came here on loan last time I really enjoyed myself and knowing the manager and assistant, well, it made my decision easier as they let me have the freedom to show what I can do.

I am hoping to help the lads finish higher in the table this season and try to push on into the play off positions’