Craig Elliott – First Team Manager
Bradford (Park Avenue) is pleased to welcome Craig Elliott as our new First Team Manager, signing a one-year contract. Craig brings a wealth of non-league managerial experience, with an impressive track record of promotions and cup successes.
After retiring from playing, Craig began his managerial career at Pontefract Collieries before moving to Glasshoughton Welfare, where he secured promotion in 2012. His next role at Ossett Town led to significant improvements, and in 2014, he joined Shaw Lane Aquaforce, where he achieved three promotions and several cup runs.
Craig’s success at Shaw Lane earned him the manager’s role at Boston United, where he led the team to 78 wins in 161 games, including a memorable Emirates FA Cup run in 2019 and a National League North Promotion Final in 2020.
Following brief spells at Matlock Town and Buxton FC, where he guided Buxton away from relegation and to two Derbyshire Cup victories, Craig is eager to bring his experience and leadership to Bradford (Park Avenue).
Craig is determined to change the club’s outlook, both on and off the pitch, and is committed to building a team that can challenge for promotion and make the supporters proud. “I’m delighted to be joining BPA,” Craig said. “I will be giving everything I can to get us challenging for promotion and build a team you can be proud of.”
John McDermott – Assistant Manager
John brings a wealth of experience to the club from a twenty year playing career at Grimsby Town where he made 647 appearances before heading into coaching where he started as assistant manager at Boston United under Craig Elliott, before joining him as assistant at Matlock Town and Buxton. We would like to welcome John to the club and hope he can play a valuable part in what we wish to achieve moving forward.
This afternoon, former assistant manager Vill Powell informed the club that he will be moving on to pursue a role as first team manager elsewhere. We wish him well in his new role.
First team manager Craig Elliott was delighted with the appointment: “I am so happy to back working with Macca. He’s an outstanding coach and got a wealth of experience in both his playing & management career at all levels. We had a lot of success working together at Boston united and Buxton. Plus he knows Karl Lenigan really well so we now have a very strong team off the pitch to help continue the progression of the team.”
Karl Lenaghan – Goalkeeper Coach
Karl Lenaghan brings a wealth of experience to Bradford (Park Avenue) as our Goalkeeper Coach. With a solid background in coaching, Karl has previously worked with Stockport County and FC Halifax Town, as well as having a prior stint here at BPA. As a former goalkeeper, Karl played for clubs including Bradford City, Ossett Town, and Bradford (Park Avenue).
Thomas McStravick – Sporting Director
Thomas McStravick serves as the Sporting Director at Bradford (Park Avenue), bringing extensive experience and leadership to the club. In his role, Thomas oversees the club’s football operations, player recruitment, and long-term strategy, playing a crucial part in shaping the team’s future on and off the pitch.
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Brad Smith – First Team & Academy Sports Therapist
Brad is our First Team and Academy Sports Therapist, overseeing all the needs from the First Team to the Scholarship program.
Matt Harrison – Kitman
Matt Harrison serves as the First Team Kitman, washing, sorting and preparing the changing rooms on training nights, and at both home and away matchdays. A true living legend.