Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to confirm the return of Dan Francis, one of last season’s standout performers, who is back at the Horsfall until the end of 25/26 season to further strengthen Craig Elliott’s squad ahead of the new campaign.

Francis was a commanding figure for Avenue last season, making 30 appearances and scoring six goals — an outstanding contribution for a defender and a testament to his quality at both ends of the pitch. He left the club to pursue a career in Germany but now makes his much-anticipated return to West Yorkshire.

A former Bantams youth product and Sierra Leone international, Dan brings with him valuable experience from Germany’s Regionalliga and Oberliga, where he turned out for Rot Weiss Ahlen, KFC Uerdingen 05 and TuS Bövinghausen. His composure, professionalism and attacking threat quickly made him a fan favourite at the Horsfall, and he now rejoins a refreshed squad under new First Team Manager Craig Elliott and his backroom team.

First Team Manager Craig Elliott had this to say on the signing:

“I am so happy to bring Dan back to the club. He was a brilliant player last season for us and we badly missed him when he left to pursue work commitments.

“I know he’s had plenty of interest from teams higher up the pyramid but I’m delighted he can see his future at BPA and I have no doubt he will be a big player for us this season.”

This signing would not have been possible without the fantastic backing of the Supporters Club (Development Fund), whose continued support is making a real difference on and off the pitch. If you’d like to get involved or help strengthen the squad further, please consider making a donation or contacting Dave Stordy directly.

Development Fund Donation Details:
Sort Code: 05-02-00
Account Number: 29955993
Reference: BTB

Welcome back to the Horsfall, Dan! We are also happy to announce that Dan is proudly sponsored by Tesco Ian.

Our pre-season schedule continues this week as Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC travel to face Tadcaster Albion.

It’s another valuable opportunity for Craig Elliott’s side to build fitness, test combinations, and keep preparations on track for a big 2025/26 campaign.

Fixture Details:
📅 Thursday 10th July
🕢 Kick-Off: 7:30PM
📍 Tadcaster Albion, LS24 9AY

We’d love to see plenty of the Green Army on the road to back the lads!

Come along, show your support, and let’s keep building towards the new season together.

Buy tickets for our home friendly vs Bradford City XI here – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures/Index?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=361

Bradford (Park Avenue) are delighted to announce the return of Ryan Toulson, who joins Craig Elliott’s management team as Assistant Manager alongside Danny Ellis ahead of the new season.

Well known to the Green Army, Toulson is no stranger to the Horsfall Community Stadium. The former Avenue defender and fan favourite previously combined playing and coaching duties during his time here before departing in 2022 to take the First Team Manager role at Eccleshill United.

Most recently, Toulson was in charge at Liversedge, stepping in as player-manager on an interim basis in September 2024 following the departure of long-serving boss Jonathan Rimmington. After steadying the ship through a challenging period, he was appointed permanently and guided the side through the remainder of the campaign before leaving the role in April.

With a wealth of experience both on the pitch and in the dugout, Toulson brings invaluable knowledge of non-league football and an unwavering commitment to the club he knows so well. Having now officially hung up his boots, he will focus fully on his duties as Assistant Manager, working closely alongside First Team Manager Craig Elliott and fellow Assistant Manager Danny Ellis as Avenue prepare for the challenges ahead in the Northern Premier League East Division.

Watch his first interview since his return below

Everyone at Bradford (Park Avenue) welcomes Ryan back to the club and wishes him every success in his new role.

💚 Welcome back, Tully!

Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC kick off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign at home against National League neighbours FC Halifax Town.

Join us at the Horsfall Community Stadium on Saturday 5th July, with kick-off at 12PM. It’s the perfect chance to see the squad back in action and get an early look at preparations for the season ahead.

Admission:

• Adults: £5
• U18s: £1

We’d love to see a strong crowd to get behind the lads — bring your friends and family and back the Green Army!

🎟️ Buy your tickets here:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures/Index?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=361

#Bradford #ParkAvenue #GreenArmy

🟢 Saturday 5th July – 12PM KO
BPAFC vs FC Halifax Town
📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟️ Admission: £5 Adults / £1 U18s

🟡 Thursday 10th July – 7:30PM KO
Tadcaster Albion vs BPAFC
📍 Tadcaster Albion, LS24 9AY
🎟️ Admission: TBC

🟡 Monday 14th July – 7:30PM KO
Eccleshill United vs BPAFC
📍 Servo Group Stadium, BD2 1PN
🎟️ Admission: TBC

🟢 Saturday 19th July – 1PM KO
BPAFC vs Folkestone Invicta
📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟️ Admission: FREE!

🟢 Monday 21st July – 7:30PM KO
BPAFC vs Guiseley
📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟️ Admission: FREE!

🟢 Tuesday 29th July – 7:30PM KO
BPAFC vs Bradford City XI
📍 Horsfall Stadium, BD6 2NG
🎟️ Admission: £5 Adults / £1 U18s

🎟️ BUY TICKETS for FC Halifax Town & Bradford City fixtures here:
👉 https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Fixtures?fanStoreType=Fixtures&clubId=36

#Bradford #ParkAvenue #GreenArmy

Bradford (Park Avenue) are pleased to announce the signing of defender Connor Brown ahead of the 2025/26 season. The right-back brings a wealth of experience from his time in the Football League and non-league football to bolster the Avenue’s squad.

Born in Sheffield, Brown began his career in the Sheffield United Academy, turning professional in 2011. Although he didn’t break into the Blades’ first team, he went on to make a name for himself with spells at Oldham Athletic, Carlisle United, and Barrow in the Football League. He has also been a consistent presence across the National League and Southern League, most recently playing for Spalding United.

Bradford (Park Avenue) manager Craig Elliott, who previously worked with Connor at Buxton, commented on the signing:
“Another player I have worked with at my previous club Buxton. His experience will be massive for the changing room both on and off the pitch. A natural born winner and a player defensively strong. This is yet another vital signing for us and I’m really happy to finally get it over the line as I know a few other teams were chasing his signature.”

Connor’s arrival adds both defensive solidity and leadership to the squad as the club prepares for the new campaign.

The club would like to extend sincere thanks to the Development Fund, whose support was instrumental in making this signing possible.

If you’d like to contribute and help us strengthen the squad further, please consider making a donation today.

Development Fund Donation Details:
Sort Code: 05-02-00
Account Number: 29955993
Reference: BTB

Welcome to the Avenue Connor!