Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Joe Ackroyd ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ackroyd joins the Avenue after a season with Guiseley, where he made 39 appearances and netted two goals during the 2024/25 season. The tenacious and creative midfielder now links up with Craig Elliott’s squad as preparations continue for the new campaign.
Joe brings with him a wealth of experience despite still being in the early stages of his career. A product of the Barnsley FC Academy, Ackroyd spent a decade at Oakwell, coming through the ranks before making his senior debut for the Tykes in the Emirates FA Cup during the 2020/21 season – a tie against Barrow played at Oakwell.
His early potential earned him a loan spell with MFK Vyškov in the Czech Republic, where he gained valuable first-team experience, making 13 appearances and scoring once in the Czech National Football League.
Ackroyd joined Guiseley on a one-month loan from Barnsley in September 2022, a deal which was extended before he was recalled in December after making 13 appearances in all competitions.
In January 2023, he joined up with Craig Elliott after joining Buxton in the National League North on loan. He impressed during his time at Silverlands, making 23 appearances and scoring 3 goals across the remainder of the 2022/23 season. That loan spell was later extended, and following its conclusion, Ackroyd penned a new one-year deal with Barnsley.
He returned to Buxton for a second loan stint during the 2023/24 season, adding a further 15 appearances to his name before leaving Barnsley at the end of the campaign. He then signed permanently for Guiseley ahead of the 2024/25 season., before a brief stint on loan with Warrington Town in the National League North, where he made six appearances in early 2025.
Manager Craig Elliott shared his thoughts on the signing:
“I’m delighted, after a lot of hard work, to bring Joe to Bradford (Park Avenue). He’s a young, hungry player who will bring real energy and enthusiasm to the team. He had two very successful loan spells with me in the National League North at Buxton, and I’ve no doubt he’s a player who will continue to improve. He already knows my staff and a lot of the squad, so it’s a brilliant signing for us.”
Avenue supporters can look forward to watching a dynamic midfielder who’s hungry to make his mark at Horsfall.
Welcome to Bradford (Park Avenue), Joe Ackroyd!