The Avenue announce first pre-season friendly of the new season

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We are pleased to announce that our first pre season friendly and game on the the new 3G pitch will be at 1pm on Saturday the 22nd of August against Huddersfield Towns U19’s.

We are hoping to live stream the game so that you can watch the new squad and trialists strut their stuff on the new pitch, more details to follow.

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Dressing room favourite Adam Nowakowski signs for 20/21 for just £1 a week!!

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The Avenue are delighted to have signed what must be the best value for money player in any league in the country for the new season! In an act of incredible generosity and demonstration of his enjoyment of being in a Bower/Boshell dressing room, Adam offered to help the club during these testing times by signing for us for the 20/21 season for just £1 a week.

The current pandemic could effect our ability to generate income on match days through stadium attendance limits, club house revenues, reduced numbers of away fans wanting to travel, plus raffle and program income. We have been incredibly successful in attracting corporate sponsorship to the club, our incredible fans continue to be hugely generous, and this act of selflessness from one of our players is truly amazing.

Adam offers us huge benefit from a playing and dressing room impact, loved by the other players for his infectious personality and by Mark and Danny for his attitude and versatility. Able to play through the spine of the team in defence, midfield and attack, Adam’s versatility will give us options tactically, that our small squad will need during certain games and certain times during games. 

Adam, can we simply say, you are gentleman and many thanks.

Mark Bower –

Adam’s been a really important player for us for the past two seasons playing in several positions and always having an impact in games. His versatility and personality have made him a really popular member of the squad both within the dressing room and amongst the supporters. He has gone above and beyond in committing to us next season and we are delighted that he has done so.’

Adam Nowakowski –

I’m pleased to have signed for Mark and Danny for another season at Bradford (Park Avenue), I enjoy the style of football that they play and they always create a great dressing room. On top of that I wanted to give something back to non-league football that has been so good towards me over the years. The pandemic means that there lots of financial unknowns this season, not just for the Avenue but all non league clubs, so I decided to offer to sign for the club on £1 per week to help support the club during this difficult period. I cant wait to get started and I know all of the squad are looking forward to seeing supports return (under safe government guidelines) following a long period without football. #GreenWhiteArmy.’

#UTA

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Avenue in Nod to the past with 60’s inspired kit

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Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to present to you our brand-new Home and Away kit for the 2020/21 Season!

Produced by new club kit manufacturer Macron, this season’s kit bears a striking resemblance to the kits of the swinging 60’s, with an all-white kit and green accent, a combination that won us promotion early that decade.

The away kit is an amber and black affair, the shirt mirrors the design of the home kit, this time having a black trim, with sponsors James Mae’s logo been made black to match the top, this is paired with black shorts and socks.

First team players Matty Downing and Isaac Marriott are seen here showing off the kit for us and were over the moon to get their hands on it first, commenting ‘it was well nice, great fit and quality’!

Football Operations Manager Calum Cullen –  

We are thrilled to be showing our 2020/21 kit off, especially as we edge towards a potential start date. The Green and white is back, which has been synonymous with Bradford (Park Avenue) in recent times, and the design of both the home and away kit is outstanding.

I’d like to say as well a massive thank you to our sponsors; The James Mae Group, Regal Foods, The Yorkshire Baking Company and Highbury Homes whose support of this wonderful football club is greatly appreciated. Finally, a big thank you to Macron also, for the professionalism in getting this kit to us.’

Get your new kit exclusively on our website from Tuesday 11th August at 9am

#UTA    

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Details of the National League re-start dates

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This week the National League sent out to us a letter stating that subject to FA ratification the new season for teams in the National League North and South would re-start on the 3rd of October with FA cup second qualifying round ties, with fans allowed, subject to government guidance. The number of fans will be determined by each individual ground is what we are lead to believe and not a simple percentage of the total maximum gate. We are currently reviewing the guidance and estimating what our safe maximum would be under these conditions. Currently we believe (and this is subject to change) that the games will require track and trace on all fans (which the new season tickets will help with) and that in all likelihood we will be all ticket at every home game, with preference being given to home season ticket holders.

The National League North and South will be made up of either 42 or 40 rounds of fixtures depending on how many teams will be in each league. If the National League North is the lower number we will refund to any one who has already purchased a season ticket the admission for the that one less game and adjust season ticket prices as soon as we know the exact number of games.

Unfortunately we have already sold out of all of our hospitality packages and our Associate Directorships. If we can secure more capacity in the future we will let you know, but be ready to move quick as Sharon’s gorgeous home cook meals are in hot demand.

The current guidance means that all pre-season friendlies will be behind closed doors, so we are preparing to live stream all of these games so that you can get your BPA fix! Details will follow.

The final league game for the 20/21 season is scheduled for the 29th of May 2021 with the play-offs to be held in June. This time scale is subject to FA approval.

As things develop in this fast moving landscape we will keep you up to date on what we know as quickly as we can.

#UTA

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Silky smooth front man with an eye for goal signs for season 20/21

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Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm that Oli Johnson has agreed to extend his stay at the Horsfall. Oli has been with The Avenue since his initial loan spell from Guiseley in the 16/17 season. Since then he has played a 115 times for The Avenue and scored 34 goals, missing just 10 games during that time, three of which were down to suspensions. The classy frontman has played right across the frontline during that period where his close control and calmness in front of goal have seen him become a much envied player, the club having turned down several approaches for his services. The advent of our new playing surface should ideally suit his technical ability and we hope to see him banging in the goals at an even better rate than his fantastic current stats of 1 every 3.38 games.

Danny Boshell – 

‘We’re delighted OJ has decided to stay with us for another season. There’s no doubting his natural ability plus his goal scoring record at this level is excellent and speaks for itself, despite playing from a predominantly wide position. On his day he is without doubt one of the best players in the league and a genuine match winner. We expect our new 3g surface will allow us to play more to OJ’s strengths and that can only benefit us. He’s a great lad with a fantastic attitude, exactly the type we want in our dressing room and the younger boys can only learn from him.’

Oli Johnson – 

‘I am really happy to commit to the club for another season. To work with Mark, Bosh and Tully again, and to kick on from last season after a turbulent time for the club. Hopefully we can now find some stability, with the improvements around the ground and infrastructure being put in place, along with a brand new playing surface. I cant wait to get started again when its safe to resume.’

#UTA

Some lucky supporter has already snapped up the sponsorship opportunity with OJ. If you would like to register your interest in sponsoring any of our future signings be sure to speak to a member of the Development Fund.

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‘Brilliant memories’ a key factor as Mark Ross comes back to the Horsfall intent on creating some more!

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Versatile Mark Ross has agreed to re-join the Avenue after a year away at Chorley, making up 19 appearances in the National League for the Magpies. No stranger to the fans of Bradford (Park Avenue), Ross was a key member of both squads that made consecutive appearances in the play-offs. Super fit Ross can play either in central defence or at right back and will add extra experience and solidity to the Avenue back line next season. During his previous 2 year spell with at the Horsfall Mark started 80 games contributing to 24 clean sheets and scoring a solitary goal.

Mark Ross –

Really looking forward to be back playing for mark and the rest of the coaching team. I only have brilliant memories of the 2 seasons I’ve had at the Horsfall and I am coming back to try and create some more. Looking forward to playing with some of the same team who I already know and excited to play on that new pitch!’

Mark Bower –

When we began to identify players for the new season, Mark Ross was one of the names at the top of the list, so I am delighted that he has agreed to join us. When speaking to him, it was clear his main objective was to enjoy his football in a team able to compete. Having worked with us and several of the players before, it is great that he feels we fit the bill. Rossy is another who we will be able to count on to perform at a consistent level and help our younger players with his experience. He will also set a first class example to them in the way he conducts himself off the pitch.’

#UTA

Unfortunately there is a waiting list to sponsor player and so Mark has already gone, if you want to support the club, why not sign up for the Legends draw and not only support the club but give yourself the chance to win every week, for further details please click here.

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6’ 1” Defensive Colossus returns to the Horsfall with the hope of bringing the good times back

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Luca Havern is the latest piece of the jigsaw of Mark Bower’s squad for next season. The experienced 31 year old defender re-joins the Avenue after just a season away at Ashton United. This type of high profile signing demonstrates the clubs intent and the pulling power of Mark and Danny. Havern’s towering performances in our two recent play-off seasons are still fresh in the memory and this type of leadership and quality were at times missing last season. With well over 200 games experience at National League level, natural leader Havern is the ideal fit for the new squads blend of youth and experience. Welcome back Luca, looking forward to seeing you down at the Horsfall very soon.

Luca Havern –

I’m delighted to return to Bradford (Park Avenue) for the coming season and to be able to work with Bowes, Bosh and Tully again. Over the 2 seasons I played at the Horsfall, we had some good times and I’d love to emulate that again next season. The new pitch will be great for the club and the community and I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing everyone.’

Mark Bower –

It’s great to have Luca back at the club. He was a highly respected member of the squad in his previous spell and has a wealth of playing experience at National League level. Central defence is a key position, so having a player like Luca, who I know we can rely on to put in consistent performances, gives us a good foundation to build a competitive team.’

#UTA

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Clee signs on for another season, determined to give the fans something to shout about!!

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In what we hope will a hugely successful 4th year at the Avenue, we are really excited to announce that the man, the myth, the legend and fan favourite Nicky Clee has decided to extend his stay at the Horsfall. After two hugely successful seasons, Nicky briefly left the Avenue in the 19/20 season, but returned to join up once again with Mark and Danny. His return saw him put in a series of man of the match performances and score a few great goals, before the suspension of matches, which eventually culminated in our great escape (albeit not the way we would’ve like to have done it).

Regarded as ‘the best player in non-league football’ by his team mates, it should be fantastic to see him strutting his stuff on our new 3G pitch, where his technical ability will be given an even better stage on which to shine.

Nicky Clee – 

I’m delighted to commit to Bradford (Park Avenue)for another season and be able to work with Mark, Danny, Ryan and Tally again. They are a really good group to play for and hopefully we can put last season behind us and kick on this season. This is a brilliant football club to be involved with and I’m looking forward to getting back to the Horsfall as soon as we possibly can. I enjoy an excellent relationship with the supporters and in my 3 years at the club they have followed us through thick and thin. These supporters deserve success and will be doing my best to give them something to shout about.’

Mark Bower –

Nicky’s signing I’m sure will be as pleasing for the supporters as it is for myself and the staff. There is no doubting his quality as a player and since taking up a position as a central midfielder, he has put in a string of man of the match performances to cement himself as one of our key players. He is also a great pro to have around the dressing room and he shares his experiences with our younger players to help their development. Despite reaching the latter years of his career, I see Nicky having a good few years left as a central midfielder and we are delighted he has committed another year to us.’

#UTA

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Bradford (Park Avenue) sign talented young left back from Leeds United

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The Avenue today confirm the signing of former Leeds United player Matty Downing. The talented left back joins us after spending over 15 years with Leeds. Downing came through the Leeds academy after joining them at 5 years old. A powerful, technically gifted player he will give us options up and down the left flank in both the defensive and attacking thirds. We hope to see the natural ability of Matty as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg whilst out on loan, after having fought off competition to sign him this summer.

Matty Downing – 

I’m buzzing to have been given the opportunity to join BPA for the next season. After speaking to people at the club, family and friends, the chance to get on board with the club’s plans is one that really excites me. I have played with and against a few of the players previously and heard great things about working with Mark and Danny. I’m looking forward to getting started with lads and hopefully making a good impression.’

Mark Bower –

Matty is a player who was highly regarded throughout his many years at Leeds United and we are delighted he has signed for The Avenue. Being naturally left sided, Matty gives balance to the squad. When speaking with Matty it was clear he has the determination and ambition to be an asset to us. As we have done so many times in the past with players who have had setbacks, we will work with him and give him the platform to showcase his abilities.’

Andy Gray – former Coach at Leeds United, and footballer

Matty is a modern day full back as he is equally adept going forward as he defensively, he has fantastic energy and desire to get up and down the pitch and he produces quality delivery in the final third.’

Welcome Matty and #UTA

Don’t forget The Development Funds player sponsorship scheme is now up and running. It costs just £60 to sponsor a player either home or away so get in quick before he gets snatched up, a number of players have already gone!! To sponsor a player signed for the club for next season please click here and fill out the player sponsorship form.

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