9 Oct 2021

“Thrilled” Bower scores Simon Richman as midfielder.

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We are delighted to announce the signing of experienced midfielder Simon Richman!

Simon previously played at Altrincham FC and has a brilliant track record, winning awards at Port Vale, and signing on with Worcester City and then Altrincham in 2011 where he helped them win promotion out of the Conference North via playoffs in 2014 and winning the NPL title in 2017-18.

We spoke with gaffer Mark Bower about the appointment who had this to say:

“We are excited to get Simon in, with the injuries we have had in the centre of the park, we knew we had to act. Getting someone of Simon’s calibre in, with his experience and know how is a massive signing for us.“

We are all thrilled to see what Simon can bring to the club. Stay updated on our twitter to see if he’ll be making his debut at the Gloucester City game today!

27 Oct 2018

Bradford Blemish Chorley’s Record

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Chorley were condemned to their first defeat to the season by a spirited Bradford (Park Avenue).

The two sides cancelled each other out in the first-half, failing to showcase the attacking flair that both promotion-chasers possess.

Chorley did, however, demonstrate the defensive steel that allowed them to head into the game with an unblemished record.

The best opportunity of an otherwise uneventful first-half fell to Bradford’s Oli Johnson, but Matt Urwin was on-hand to deny the forward from close-range.

The hosts are also renowned for being resolute in their defending and frustrated the Magpies’ array of attacking talent. Luca Havern shepherded Marcus Carver wide to force the shot to come from an acute angle and Steven Drench produced an impressive to stop to thwart Josh O’Keefe.

Bradford were given a scare when Elliot Newby advanced at an alarmingly quick pace but his attempted through ball to Marcus Carver rolled through to a grateful Drench.

As the half-time break approached, both sides began to knock on the door and set the wheels in motion for an entertaining second-half.

HALF-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-0 Chorley

Chorley had a golden opportunity to take the lead after the break when Louis Almond connected with Adam Blakeman’s cross, but the Magpies defender nodded over the crossbar from 3-yards out.

Almond then latched on to a pass from Challoner but Drench produced a vital save when the forward poked towards the bottom right-hand corner.

The early Chorley chances seemed to rally Bradford, who began attacking with an increased sense of urgency.

Lewis Knight found Oli Johnson in the box and Urwin had to react swiftly in order to push the forward’s flick wide.

Knight then clipped into the box from the byline and found Jamie Spencer, whose header looped into the grateful clutches of the Chorley stopper.

Urwin then had to be alert to deny Nicky Wroe and Knight but Bradford eventually found a way through.

The hosts protested fiercely to the referee after Conor Branson was felled and the referee judged the incident to have taken place outside of the box. Mark Bower’s side, however, made the most of the opportunity. Knight’s free-kick delivery found the head of an on-rushing Beesley, who steered past the Magpies goalkeeper to edge Bradford ahead and silence the travelling supporters.

Minutes later, Chorley were denied an immediate reply when Courtney Meppen-Walter saw a header hooked off the line by Jamie Spencer in dramatic fashion after meeting a delivery from the left.

With just three minutes remaining on the clock, Drench performed heroics to retain Bradford’s lead as he tipped Josh Wilson’s header over the woodwork.

FULL-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-0 Chorley

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe, Killock (c), Havern, Spencer (Nowakowski 86′), Branson, Beesley, Johnson (McKenna 71′), Knight (Clee 90+5′).

Unused substitutes: Toulson, Hurst.

Chorley: Urwin, Challoner, Blakeman, Teague (c), Leather, Meppen-Walter (Wilson 82′), A. Newby (Glynn 66′), O’Keefe, Carver, Almond, E. Newby.

Unused substitutes: Whitham, Cottrell, Anson.

Referee: Paul Brown

Attendance: 554

24 Oct 2018

Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue) Vs Chorley

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Bradford (Park Avenue) will face what is likely to be their sternest test of the season on Saturday when they host table-toppers Chorley.

The league leaders have been unassailable thus far, conceding just five goals in twelve National League North games and accumulating thirty points.

However, confidence will be coursing through the veins of Mark Bower’s men after they dismantled Nuneaton Borough in their last game.

Saturday’s opponents have an Emirates FA Cup first round tie to look forward to after advancing in the competition at the expense of Barrow last week. Although a clash with Doncaster Rovers is on the horizon, the Magpies will be returning their focus to league matters as they look to maintain their unbeaten record.

GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:

The Gaffer:

Jamie Vermiglio

Chorley supporters were stunned by the shock departure of Matt Jansen in the summer but the man chosen to replace him has certainly stepped up to the plate. A former midfielder and coach at Victory Park, Vermiglio was already a popular figure at the club and is even more popular now after taking the club to the league summit. As a player, he also represented AFC Telford United, Scarborough and Northwich Victoria before moving into management.

One To Watch:

Marcus Carver

The 25-year-old has played a significant role in the club’s ascension to top spot. An industrious forward, he has led the line tremendously this season and notched in last week’s Emirates FA Cup win over Barrow. He began his career with Accrington Stanley and enjoyed loan spells at Marine, F.C Halifax Town, Barrow, AFC Fylde and Chorley before joining the Magpies on a permanent basis in 2016.

Match Day Drinks Offer

In honour of this clash of non-league titans, Bradford (Park Avenue) has a special drinks offer on for season ticket holders of any club (including rugby clubs) and members of our mailing list.

*Buy two bottles of Coors or Magners and get your third one free on production of any season ticket or pre-match programme e-mail.

19 Oct 2018

Date Confirmed For West Riding County Cup Second Round Tie

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Bradford (Park Avenue) will be in West Riding County Cup action on Monday 5th November.

The recent draw confirmed that the club will visit Brighouse Town, who play in the Northern Premier League Division One East.

The match will kick off at 7:45pm at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium and Bradford will be hoping to progress in the competition after last year’s early exit.

Here are the next six tests that Mark Bower’s side face:

20/10: Nuneaton Borough (A) – VNLN

27/10: Chorley (H) – VNLN

30/10: Darlington (H) – VNLN

03/11: York City (A) – VNLN

05/11: Brighouse Town (A) – WRCC

10/11: Curzon Ashton (A) – VNLN

19 Oct 2018

Hurst Makes Horsfall Switch

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Bradford (Park Avenue) have completed the signing of versatile teenager Alex Hurst from Northern Premier League Premier Division side Matlock Town.

After last week’s defeat to Kidderminster Harriers, manager Mark Bower revealed that a new arrival was imminent and a deal has been agreed for the talented 19-year-old.

Hurst joined The Gladiators at the beginning of the 2018/19 season after impressing as a trialist during pre-season.

He ascended the ranks of Crewe Alexandra’s academy, which is renowned for the high calibre of player it produces. Whilst with Crewe, he represented the club’s under-18 and under-23 sides before departing for Matlock.

Mark Bower’s squad has been plagued by injuries in recent weeks and Hurst’s versatility will be crucial as Bradford look to remain in the play-off picture. He can operate on the left-hand side of midfield or at left-back, as well as being able to play as an attacking midfielder or forward.

He starred for Matlock in pre-season fixtures against Derby County, Gresley and Chesterfield and impressed manager Dave Hoole, who has since resigned. The former boss hailed Hurst as a ‘great asset’ to his squad who ‘trained really hard and applied himself’.

He could be in line for a debut tomorrow when Bradford visit Nuneaton Borough.

Welcome to Bradford, Alex!

 

16 Oct 2018

Jonathan Collura On His Involvement With Bradford (Park Avenue)

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Yesterday, the club announced that owner Gareth Roberts has nominated Jonathan Collura for the role of Director at Bradford (Park Avenue). 

The nomination came as part of a recent restructuring, which has seen a community interest company owned by Gareth Roberts become the new ownership vehicle.

Jonathan introduced himself to supporters of the club on Saturday, featuring on the panel during the open forum at the Horsfall Stadium.

Before watching Bradford take on Kidderminster Harriers, the prospective director sat down with us to discuss everything from his background to his vision for the club:

Football is a sport that clearly runs through Jonathan’s veins and he discussed how his love for the game was ignited by Crystal Palace and the introduction of the internet:

“I’m a lifelong fan of the English game. When I went to college in 1994, I was an avid Crystal Palace fan. In that year, the internet came online and my love of the game grew because of all the information that was available. While in college, I founded one of the first Crystal Palace websites, which I ran from Lincoln, Nebraska. We had international supporters, we had match reports and video clips, but when the game expanded, we were wiped out quickly! It was fun though. I actually wrote for non-league programmes as well and was published by several clubs whilst writing about my experiences as a supporter in America.”

Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to the Horsfall Stadium, having already been involved with clubs in the United States and one of Bradford’s Vanarama National League North rivals:

“In 2015, I got the opportunity to be a partner in an English football club. That club was Alfreton Town. They have a phenomenal chairman in Wayne Bradley, I learned a lot from him in the time I spent there. I eventually left to focus on doing my own things back in the US. I was a partner in a club in Napa Valley, California and then in January 2018, I launched Bugeaters Football Club. Bugeaters are based in my home community of Nebraska. Bugeaters is a nickname for native Nebraskans, when people see the name they either get it or think we’re insane! 

“The team began playing in the 2018 season and we’re currently examining leagues for 2019, but it’s been a phenomenal run. We had a massive launch and sold tens of thousands dollars worth of merchandise.”

He then discussed how he came to be involved with Bradford, before outlining his plans and ambitions:

“I’ve known Gareth Roberts for some time. I spoke to Gareth about his involvement with Bradford (Park Avenue) back in 2015, when I was at Alfreton. I kept in touch and we discussed ideas together, and I visited the Horsfall in 2016. Over the last twelve months, we’ve had deeper discussions about things that I can help him with. My interest stems from my background as an entrepreneur and my success with my own companies, as well as my passion for the game and thoughts on innovation and marketing.

“I’m a director elect, pending FA approval. This is to help Gareth focus on two things. One is sustainability, and the second is the community. The club, as it stands today, is fantastic on the pitch but needs some help off it. For the club to endure the next fifty years, we need to set the path for that today. A club like this has a decent fanbase but in today’s digital era, it’s not just about the fans at the match, it’s also about the outreach that you have. Bugeaters are an example of that as not only do the club have fans in Nebraska, it has fans internationally. We have fans here in England, who actually watch live streams of our matches. Boosting the social media and digital side of things is vital in establishing the brand. Bradford (Park Avenue) have an absolutely amazing history and now it’s time to lay the foundations for the next fifty years. We need to establish a brand and an identity.

“The Horsfall College of Sport is something that I’ve worked with Gareth on and the goal there is to get to 100 students. We currently have 26 but we think we can reach 60-90 in the next season and give opportunites to people in the community. At some point, we will have a player that comes through the Horsfall College of Sport and plays league football for the first-team side. That’s going to be something very special. The goal here is to make people say that there is something special going on at Bradford (Park Avenue).

“Regarding the Bradford Bulls involvement, we realised that there is a management team down the road that has been very successful both on and off the pitch and we need some infrastructure here. We have Damian Irvine, who has been a football executive in the EFL and has very innovative ideas. I’ve spent some time getting to know him and have really enjoyed speaking with him in discussions. First and foremost, we need to improve the image of Bradford (Park Avenue). We need to give it a brand and unique identity because it has one but people in the community don’t know it exists. The Bulls will be helping us with infrastructure and ways to increase attendances and awareness. They’ll be helping with the overall function of the club so that we have a sustainable model. Prior to Gareth’s involvement, the club had financial issues and Gareth has helped to fill that gap but in a situation like this, you need to build sustainability instead of continually funding a loss.

“Mark Bower is a tremendous manager who has done amazing things for the team on the pitch. Today, we have a game between 2nd and 3rd in the league at the Horsfall and that doesn’t happen by chance. Gareth has committed to funding his budget and has done a tremendous job. 

“I want to tell the Bradford (Park Avenue) story. The club has history with every single one of its fans. Let’s sit them down, let’s interview them. Let’s have those stories told in a documentary so that you’re recording the club’s history. I see a lot of pictures that celebrate the history and the club’s icons but what about the recent history? What about the fans that are here today? Why are they here? They choose to be here. They choose to be here because they have a connection with the club so let’s tell their stories. If you read anything about Bugeaters, you’ll find that I built the club on a sustainability, community model. We’re going to see ties between Bradford (Park Avenue) and other clubs. With Bugeaters, and with teams around here. I see other teams signing development deals and wonder, why aren’t we doing that? We can benefit from one another.”

14 Oct 2018

Universities Back Bradford (Park Avenue) On Non-League Day

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Photo: John Rhodes

Bradford (Park Avenue) were supported by two of Yorkshire’s universities during yesterday’s defeat to Kidderminster Harriers.

Our friends at the University of Bradford visited the Horsfall Stadium, whilst students from the University of Huddersfield also travelled to support the club.

The University of Huddersfield are in the process of establishing a non-league society and its members supported Mark Bower’s side yesterday.

The University of Bradford are leading a campaign to provide Mark Bower’s side with more support and the university’s Director of Internal Affairs Mark Garratt told us why he is spearheading it:

“Back on the August bank holiday, myself and my son, Matt, came to watch as there were no league games on. When we visited, I was taken aback by the history of the club. Bradford City have a big fanbase of 20,000 supporters and when I spoke to a Bradford (Park Avenue) supporter, he said that the club only have 300 supporters. I couldn’t help but think that that was bonkers. 

“I got in contact with the club and suggested that we should lead a campaign to get staff and students from the University of Bradford involved.

“It’s not just about getting students and staff involved, though. It’s about creating a connection on many levels. I’ve spoken to a director about getting our students involved in the community part of the club.”

14 Oct 2018

Kevin Webber’s Story

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Photo: Sean Turpin

Inspirational charity fundraiser Kevin Webber visited the Horsfall Stadium yesterday prior to the match against Kidderminster Harriers.

Kevin, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer four years ago, embarked on a quest to walk to several of the Vanarama National League grounds in order to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

The walk, which saw Kevin visit grounds all over the north of England, concluded when he arrived at The Shay for yesterday’s televised National League clash between F.C Halifax Town and Chesterfield.

However, before visiting Halifax, he was welcomed to the Horsfall Stadium for his penultimate ground visit.

After being presented with a Bradford (Park Avenue) replica home shirt and treatment from the club’s medical team, he prepared himself for the walk to Halifax with some food that had been donated by local businesses Regal Bakery and Tiffin Foods.

Kevin then sat down with us to tell his story and explain the reasoning behind the mammoth challenge:

“I was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer four years ago and they said I might only live for two years. After spending a couple of months crying, I worked out that I could spend the rest of my life crying or I could try and do something with my life.

“I used to run a bit but I realised I could run a lot more so I started running. I ran across the Sahara three times, I’ve ran across the Arctic, and I’ve done loads of races in countries I never thought I’d go to. Inspired by Jeff Stelling, who does marathons for Prostate Cancer UK, I then ran from AFC Wimbledon to Wembley with him. 

“I then realised that even as well as running, I can walk as well so in the following year I did fifteen with Jeff. That inspired me again so then I started getting from people from work to do marathon walks and we did seven in seven days this year.

“On one of those walks, I met Michael Tattersall (CEO of the National League) and he said that he knew more about prostate cancer than he did before. He told me that the National League should be supporting Prostate Cancer UK more and he suggested that the charity could become the league’s headline national charity. I asked him what I could do for him and we came up with the idea that I could walk round some of the league’s grounds. 

“Vanarama then kindly started donating £50 to the charity every time a car or van is leased from them and that will have produced a big number that will be presented to the charity at the F.C Halifax Town match this afternoon. They asked me to receive the cheque at the game and it was then that I decided to walk to the game from the local club.

“I started at Blyth Spartans and I’ve been to Gateshead, Hartlepool United, Spennymoor Town, Harrogate Town, Darlington, York City, Guiseley and I’m now here at Bradford (Park Avenue). 

“What’s been amazing is that without exception, there’s been someone at each club that I’ve touched in a way I didn’t even think was possible.

“My march was delayed for an hour as I was asked to speak to Harrogate Town’s first-team and I spoke to them all about prostate cancer. Luckily, they’re too young to get prostate cancer but they have dads, granddads and uncles. One in eight men get prostate cancer. If you’re black, it’s one in four men. If you have a relative with prostate cancer, it’s one in four. One man dies from the illness once every forty-five minutes. It’s a scary thing and it’s really important that we get the message out there. 

“I’ve loved the walk. I’m a bit tired and my feet are sore but every bit of pain is worth it and I just hope that someone, somewhere, has realised that they’re maybe going to the toilet a lot and decide to go the doctors. Sadly, they might have prostate cancer but if they go early, they will live. Unfortunately, I will die but it’s a very curable illness if you go early enough and that’s why awareness is so important.”

Donate to Prostate Cancer UK

 

13 Oct 2018

Williams Nets Winner As Bradford Are Beaten

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Bradford (Park Avenue) were undone by two moments of solo brilliance from Kidderminster Harriers’ Ed Williams, condemning them to their second consecutive defeat. 

Chances were few and far between in the first-half, with both sides cancelling each other out.

The best opportunity of the half was squandered by Jake Beesley, who lifted the ball over the head of Harriers stopper Brandon Hall but found the wrong side of the post.

Williams did manage to wriggle away from Nicky Wroe, but a deflection took the sting out of his shot and made the stop a straightforward one for Steven Drench.

James O’Connor then had to be alert to thwart Beesley, launching himself in front of a powerful drive before hacking clear.

Lewis Knight proved to be a thorn in Kidderminster’s side throughout and he was very unlucky not to register an assist in the 24th minute. He accelerated away from Sam Austin but could only watch as his dangerous delivery eluded the outstretched leg of a sliding Oli Johnson by mere inches.

The visitors struggled to carve Bradford open and frustration was etched upon the faces of Neil MacFarlane’s men. Billy Daniels and Fraser Horsfall both tried their luck from distance but failed to trouble Drench.

HALF-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 0-0 Kidderminster Harriers

The second-half was a considerably more entertaining affair and Bradford nearly broke the deadlock just a minute after the restart. Conor Branson cut in from the right and weaved his way past two Harriers players but fired wide when space opened up for a shot.

Ashley Chambers then nearly scored in a similar scenario, cutting in from the flank but failing to find the target with his effort.

Luca Havern was then forced to hook the ball off the line after O’Connor directed a header towards goal in the midst of a scramble in the box.

Although Kidderminster enjoyed opportunites in the early stages of the second-half, it was the hosts that took the lead. Knight’s delivery was nodded into the path of Branson by Beesley, enabling the midfielder to rifle past a stationary Hall.

Oli Johnson nearly doubled Bradford’s lead on his return to the starting eleven, blasting over the crossbar after latching on to a superb delivery from Knight.

Johnson then rattled the post after Jamie Spencer had surged forward and pushed the ball into the forward’s path.

The Harriers equalised with nine minutes remaining on the clock through Williams, who cut in from the right, darted into the box and curled into the bottom corner.

The visitors then took the lead in the late stages as Williams glided past three players before finding the bottom corner, grabbing his second of the game and tenth of the season.

FULL-TIME: Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-2 Kidderminster Harriers

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe (Boshell 58′), Killock (c), Havern, Spencer (Toulson 90+3′), Branson, Beesley (Nowakowski 88′), Johnson, Knight.

Unused substitutes: Atkinson

Kidderminster Harriers: Hall, Vaughan, Austin (Taylor 80′), O’Connor, Horsfall, Digie, Weeks, Daniels, Williams, Ironside (Richards 65′), Chambers (Baxendale 90+1′)

Unused substitutes: Higginson, Palmer.

Referee: Nathanael Cox

13 Oct 2018

Match Preview: Bradford (Park Avenue) vs. Kidderminster Harriers

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Over five months after they clashed in last season’s play-off elimination round, Bradford (Park Avenue) and Kidderminster Harriers meet again. 

Today’s game also marks Non-League Day 2018, but in the midst of the celebrations there is a game between two of the National League North’s top three sides which looks set to be thoroughly entertaining.

Mark Bower’s side will be pleased to be back in league action after crashing out of the Emirates FA Cup last week and that will also be the case for the visitors, who were beaten by Stourbridge last week.

Gianluca Havern and Chris Dawson may not feature after picking up injuries during the defeat to Altrincham, but Bradford boss Bower has insisted that neither will be long-term absentees.

Speaking after last week’s cup defeat, Bower admitted that today’s test will be a stern one:

“Next week’s game is obviously going to be a really hard one against the team I expect to go on and win the league. But we’ll learn lessons from today’s defeat, we’re disappointed but we’ve got to keep things in perspective. Overall, this season, we’ve done okay. We’ve looked solid for most parts but we’ve got make sure we’re right back at it and putting in the kind of performances that we’ve put in over the last few weeks to give ourselves a chance of getting something out of the game against Kidderminster.”

Captain Shane Killock also discussed today’s challenge:

“We know Kidderminster are a good side. They’re full-time and they’re fit but we always raise our game against the better teams. There are no easy games in this league so we’ve got to keep going every Saturday and put the performances in.”

There’s never been a better time to come and support Bradford (Park Avenue). Season ticket holders from any cub can watch today’s game for just £5* and students can purchase a season ticket for just £10**.

*When season ticket is presented

**When valid student identification is presented