Bradford (Park Avenue) is proud to announce that First Team Manager Craig Elliott has signed a new contract, extending his tenure with the Avenue until the end of the 2025/26 season. This extension builds on Elliott’s initial appointment in August 2024 and reflects his ongoing dedication to revitalising the club, alongside the board’s faith in his proven leadership.
Elliott first joined Bradford (Park Avenue) on a one-year contract, bringing with him a wealth of managerial experience in non-league football and an impressive track record of promotions and trophy successes. His journey began after hanging up his boots, taking charge of Pontefract Collieries before leaving to join Glasshoughton Welfare, where he secured promotion from the Northern Counties East League – Division One in 2012. A spell at Ossett Town followed, before he joined Shaw Lane Aquaforce, where he achieved three promotions, won the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup, and led notable runs in the Isuzu FA Trophy, Isuzu FA Vase, and Emirates FA Cup.
His success earned him the managerial role at Boston United, where he oversaw 161 matches, including a memorable Emirates FA Cup Second Round appearance in 2019 and a National League North Promotion Final run in 2020. Prior to joining Bradford (Park Avenue), Elliott had brief stints at Matlock Town and Buxton FC, where he guided the latter to two Derbyshire Cup victories and narrowly missed the play-offs before leaving in 2024.
Since arriving at Bradford (Park Avenue) in August, Elliott has worked tirelessly to halt the club’s decline following years of survival struggles and consecutive relegations. His current record as of 21st February 2025 shows 12 wins, 4 draws & 10 losses, putting us 10 points off the playoffs. His new deal signals a shared ambition to elevate the Green Army back to prominence.
Craig Elliott said: “After a few months of talks, I’m delighted to commit to BPA for next season. After a few years of survival and back-to-back relegations, the remit for this season was always to come in, stop the rot, and raise expectations.
“I feel this process has been achieved. Although results at present aren’t what we want, I feel we’re on track with the process we’ve outlined as a club. The hard work and planning start now to progress the club and create a club that the fans can be proud of on and off the pitch. We’ll keep fighting until the end of this season to gain promotion, but my focus is on next season, ensuring the club sees clear progression both on and off the pitch. I have a clear, proven record of successful teams, and I’ve really liked what I’m seeing behind the scenes. So I’m very optimistic that the future is bright.”
The Green Army faithful can look forward to Elliott’s continued leadership as the club battles for a play-off spot this season in the Northern Premier League East Division and sets its sights on sustained success moving forward.
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