In just a few days time, football returns! Forget the World Cup because Mark Bower’s side will be back in action on Thursday 5th July, taking on eight teams as they prepare for the 2018/19 campaign. Here, you can take an in-depth look at our opponents and find out which dates need to go in your calendar.

There are also four pre-season trophies up for grabs, as Avenue compete for the Donald Bell Trophy, The Tom Banks Trophy, The Yorkshire Rose Cup and The Dallas UK Cup.

Thursday 5^th July – Silsden (Away)
7:45pm kick-off / Cobbydale Construction Stadium

Avenue’s pre-season begins with a trip to fellow West Yorkshire side, Silsden. The Cobbydalers were crowned champions of the North West Counties League Division One last season, and were guided to the title by former Avenue winger Danny Forrest. The 33-year-old made 50 appearances for hometown club Bradford City as a player, before enjoying spells with Crawley Town, Barrow, Guiseley, Harrogate Town and Gainsborough Trinity. He will be a familiar face to many, having representing Avenue during the 2013-14 season whilst John Deacey was in charge. Forrest scooped the NWCFL Division One Manager of the Year award recently, and his Silsden side will provide stern competition in the opening fixture. They have already began preparing their squad for the new season, recently swooping for former Avenue defender Lee Spires.

Saturday 7^th July – Hemsworth Miners Welfare (Away)
12:30pm kick-off / The Fitzwilliam Stadium

Mark Bower’s side will visit the 2,000-capacity Fitzwilliam Stadium for Avenue’s second pre-season friendly. Hemsworth are managed by Wayne Benn, a former player and coach at the Horsfall. His Hemsworth side finished 6^th in the NCEL Premier Division last season, having earned promotion from the NCEL Division One in 2016.

Thursday 12^th July – Mansfield Town (Home)
7:45pm kick-off / Horsfall Stadium

League Two side Mansfield Town will provide the opposition on our return to the Horsfall Stadium. The Stags finished 8^th in the fourth tier last season, missing out on the play-offs by three points. The charismatic Steve Evans vacated the Field Mill hotseat in February 2018 and was replaced by former Barnsley, Bury and Swindon Town boss David Flitcroft. Flitcroft is now tasked with preparing for his first full season in charge. He has been active in the early stages of the transfer window, recruiting centre-back Matt Preston from Swindon Town and agreeing terms with former Scunthorpe United midfielder Neal Bishop.

Saturday 14^th July – Yorkshire Regiment (Home) – The Donald Bell Trophy
3pm kick-off / Horsfall Stadium

Avenue will battle it out with the Yorkshire Regiment’s footballing representatives for the Donald Bell Trophy. The fixture has been arranged in both celebration and remembrance of Donald Simpson Bell, who became the first footballer to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Before enlisting in the army and joining the West Yorkshire Regiment, Bell played professionally with Avenue after signing for the club in 1912.

Wednesday 18^th July – Bradford City (Home) – Tom Banks Trophy
7:30pm kick-off / Horsfall Stadium

Neighbours Bradford City will visit the Horsfall on 18^th July, looking for revenge after a humiliating 3-0 defeat in last year’s Tom Banks Trophy match. Former Scotland international Stuart McCall was in charge at Valley Parade during the last meeting between the two sides but was dismissed in February 2018 after a run of six consecutive defeats. He was replaced by former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson, but he didn’t renew his deal with the club in May and subsequently departed after just three months. The club subsequently brought in academy coach Michael Collins as Head Coach, whilst appointing former Avenue boss Martin Drury as assistant alongside Greg Abbott. Head of Recruitment Abbott has brought in several players in the early stages of the window, including young defenders Joe Riley and Thomas Isherwood from Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Midfielder Josh Wright has also arrived from Southend United alongside goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell, who joins from Northampton Town. All could feature against Avenue in what is sure to be an entertaining evening for both sets of supporters.

Saturday 21^st July – Campion (Away)
12pm kick-off / Scotchman Road

The short trip to Scotchman Road will be Avenue’s final away fixture of pre-season. The Manningham-based side are managed my James Bicknell, who is assisted by Hayden Lobley and Paul Waites. They finished 9^th in Division One of the NCEL last season and will be looking to play in front of a sizable Bradford crowd as they host their non-league counterparts.

Wednesday 25^th July – Huddersfield Town Academy (Home) – The Yorkshire Rose Cup
7:45pm kick-off / Horsfall Stadium

Premier League side Huddersfield Town will bring a side comprised of players from their under-17 and under-19 teams to the Horsfall on 25^th July. The Terriers’ academy has produced a string of players who have made first-team appearances in recent years, including Denmark under-21 international Phillip Billing, who now features regularly in the top flight under David Wagner. Their youth set-up is led by several well-known figures, including former Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Watford and Leeds United defender Leigh Bromby. Several of Town’s academy stars gained experience in non-league last season, spending time on loan with the likes of Liversedge and Brighouse Town. The winner of the game will take home the Yorkshire Rose Cup in a battle between two teams from the county and gives Avenue another shot at summer silverware.

Saturday 28^th July – Barrow (Home) – The Dallas UK Cup
3pm kick-off / Horsfall Stadium

Avenue’s final pre-season test comes against Barrow of the National League. The two sides will battle it out for the Dallas UK Cup, which honours the fact that both clubs have owners that reside in Dallas. The Cumbria-based Bluebirds have a new man in the hotseat following the dismissal of former Gillingham boss Adrian Pennock, recently handing Ian Evatt his first permanent role in management. The 36-year-old was in temporary charge of Chesterfield last season, overseeing their relegation to the National League. They narrowly avoided relegation to the second tier of non-league last season, finishing ahead of 21^st-placed Woking by a single point. The club will be looking to secure safety much earlier in the season this time round and will provide tough opposition for Mark Bower’s side in their final pre-season friendly.

Information regarding admission prices will be provided closer to the time.

Versatile defender Danny East has completed a move to the club from Yorkshire rivals Guiseley.

The 26-year-old becomes the second new addition of the summer, following the acquisition of Curzon Ashton midfielder Ben McKenna.

Although primarily a full-back, East can operate in central midfield and has proved an asset in both positions throughout his career.

He came through the ranks at Hull City but was released after just two senior outings for the Tigers. The defender did, however, play regular first-team football during a loan spell with Northampton Town in 2012. Portsmouth moved to secure his services in 2013, but injuries stunted his progress at Fratton Park and he made just 19 appearances in two seasons.

He left Portsmouth at the end of the 2014/15 season after spending time on loan at Aldershot Town and sealed a move to Grimsby Town of the National League in June 2015. The move to the Mariners allowed him to rediscover form and he played a crucial role in helping the club gain promotion to League Two via the play-offs.

Grimsby didn’t hand East a new deal after the Wembley win, but Guiseley swooped to tie him to a deal at Nethermoor in July 2016. Injuries blighted his two-year stint with the Lions, but the Yorkshire-born battler is keen to put the troubles behind him after signing for Avenue:

“I’m really pleased to have joined the club, I’ve struggled with injuries recently but I’m keen to put those problems behind me and really get going again. I want to start enjoying my football again and I think this is the place for me to do that. I’ve seen how the team play and I think the style will suit me, so I can’t wait to get started.”

He becomes the eleventh confirmed member of Avenue’s 2018/19 squad.

Want to see East in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here

Danny East is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here

Goalkeeper Ed Hall has left the club to join Northern Premier League side Farsley Celtic.

The 24-year-old was a popular figure at Avenue but found first-team opportunites limited due to the form of first-choice Steven Drench.

The Yorkshire international moves to Throstle Nest with the best wishes of everyone involved with the club.

Good luck, Ed!

Avenue have completed the signing of midfielder Ben McKenna from league rivals Curzon Ashton.

The 25-year-old returns for his second spell at the Horsfall Stadium, having spent three months with the club during the 2016/17 season. Alex Meechan, who is now the manager of the club’s academy, brought McKenna to Bradford from Stalybridge Celtic in July 2016. However, after 21 appearances, Southport swooped to take him to Merseyside.

He began his career with hometown club Burnley before being released in 2009, when he made the switch to Carlisle United. After starring for the club’s youth and reserve sides, McKenna was promoted to the first-team at Brunton Park and made two senior appearances. During his time with Carlisle, he earned call-ups to the Northern Ireland under-17, under-18 and under-19 sides.

After a loan spell with Annan Athletic in Scotland, he was released by Carlisle and dropped into non-league with Workington Town. His scintillating form with the Reds saw him make the switch to Stalybridge Celtic, where he made 76 appearances before linking up with the management team of Meechan and Matt Hill in Bradford. He also spent time on loan with Ashton United during his spell with the Celts.

He made 21 appearances for Southport after leaving West Yorkshire, before signing for Stockport County. Curzon Ashton manager John Flanagan then moved to secure McKenna’s services, snapping him up from their National League North rivals in February 2018.

McKenna is a cultured midfielder who will bring width and energy to Mark Bower’s side, as well as an injection of pace. Primarily a right-sided midfielder, he will help fill the void left by Wayne Brooksby’s departure and will be available for Avenue’s first pre-season friendly against Silsden on 5^th July.

He becomes the tenth confirmed member of the 2018/19 squad.

Want to see McKenna in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here

Ben McKenna is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here

Utility man Adam Nowakowski has agreed a deal to enter his third season with the club.

The versatile battler is as towering as he is popular with the Avenue faithful and is a player that Mark Bower was keen to tie down. Although primarily a central midfielder, he can operate anywhere across the backline as well as in forward roles. His tough tackling makes him an asset in defence but his combative style of play and imposing physical presence enables him to dominate midfields.

Nowakowski joined in October 2016 on an initial loan from league rivals Darlington but soon made the move permanent after impressing at the Horsfall Stadium. Prior to linking up with the Quakers, he plied his trade with Harrogate Town and made over 150 appearances for our Yorkshire counterparts. Injury ruled him out of the play-offs last season, but his vast experience of the National League North will prove vital as Avenue look to defy the odds once again.

The fan favourite had a message for Avenue supporters ahead of the new campaign after putting pen to paper on a new deal:

“I’m really pleased to have signed on for another year with the mighty BPA! I’m really looking forward to pre-season and it’s great that Mark (Bower) and Danny (Boshell) have managed to keep a lot of the squad together, it means that we can quickly pick up from where we left off last season.

The camaraderie with the lads is the best I’ve seen and the whole squad can’t wait to get back together next week. Green and white army – let’s be Avenue!”

Want to see Nova in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here

Adam Nowakowski is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here

Manager Mark Bower has moved to retain the services of midfield general Nicky Wroe for another season.

The vastly-experienced Wroe served as captain last season, making a remarkable 48 appearances in all competitions. He joined in July 2016 from Yorkshire neighbours FC Halifax Town, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in league football to the Horsfall Stadium.

A promotion-winner from non-league’s top flight with Torquay United, Wroe has also represented Barnsley, York City, Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town and Notts County among others.

His energy levels, consistency and ability to retain possession in tight areas made him a favourite of Avenue’s management team last season, and the midfielder is likely to play a key role again next season.

Wroe is the eighth confirmed member of the 2018/19 squad, joining Steven Drench, Mark Ross, Shane Killock, Luca Havern, Nicky Clee, Oli Johnson and Adam Boyes in committing his future to Avenue. The club’s management team of Mark Bower and Danny Boshell have also agreed new deals in a promising start to the summer.

Want to see Wroe in action next season then why not purchase your 2018-19 Season Ticket now. This year’s adult ticket comes with one FREE under-16’s Season Ticket, and is excellently priced at just £135. Concessions are priced at £110, students / apprentices at £30 and under-16s can pick up a 2018-19 league Season Ticket for just £20. To download a season ticket application form please click here

Nicky Wroe is now available to sponsor and supporters are able to sponsor either his home or away kit for £60. To download a player kit sponsorship form please click here

Avenue will pay a visit to local neighbours Campion on Saturday 21st July in a pre-season friendly.

The visit to Scotchman Road will be the club’s final away friendly of the summer and will be followed by home clashes with Huddersfield Town’s academy and Barrow.

The Manningham-based outfit finished 9th in the NCEL Division One last season and will provide another stern test as Mark Bower looks to prepare his squad for the 2018/19 National League North campaign.

The action will kick-off at 12pm and further details will be released closer to the time, as is the case with all pre-season fixtures.

You can now view our complete pre-season fixture list below…

05/07 – Silsden vs. (Bradford Park Avenue)
Cobbydale Construction Stadium
7:45pm kick-off

07/07 – Hemsworth Miners Welfare vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)
The Fitzwilliam Stadium
12:30pm kick-off

12/07 – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Mansfield Town
Horsfall Stadium
Kick-off TBC

14/07 – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Yorkshire Regiment (Donald Bell Trophy)
Horsfall Stadium
3pm kick-off

18/07 – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Bradford City (Tom Banks Trophy)
Horsfall Stadium
7:30pm kick-off

21/07 – Campion vs. Bradford (Park Avenue)
Scotchman Road
12pm kick-off

25/07 – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Huddersfield Town Academy
Horsfall Stadium
7:45pm kick-off

28/07 – Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Barrow
Horsfall Stadium
3pm kick-off