We can today confirm the loan signing of Bradford City goalkeeper Heath Richardson.
Heath came through the ranks of Bradford City’s academy, and signed his first professional deal last season, training alongside Harry Lewis and Colin Doyle.
His deal was extended in June 2023, and Richardson featured in Bradford City’s XI at our annual pre-season Tom Banks memorial game.
Richardson had a spell on loan at then Northern Premier League side Buxton in the 21/22 season, and also made the bench for City’s FA Cup win at York City that season, as well as the subsequent 2nd round defeat to Morecambe.
On the deal, Goalkeeper Coach Danny King said:
“We have been aware of interest in George for a short while, and as such have been scouting goal keepers to come in.
“Heath played against us in preseason and did really well, so naturally we kept an eye on his progression and after watching games he’s played in we feel he would be the ideal keeper for us. I am looking forward to working with him in his time here.”
Heath Richardson is available immediately for selection in our upcoming Northern Premier League match vs Marske United, on Saturday 28th October. 3pm KO. Stay tuned to our socials for the latest updates
George has made 94 consecutive appearances in goal for the First Team, and has shown a high level of ability over the last two seasons, earning himself a place in full time football.
While donning the Green Army’s #1 Shirt, Sykes-Kenworthy kept 28 clean sheets in all competitions.
On the transfer, First Team Manager Mark Bower said;
“George has been superb for us over the past two years and whilst we are disappointed to lose him, there is no doubt that he deserves the chance to move back in to full time football having shown an outstanding level of consistency and maturity whilst with us.”
“I am pleased that we have been able to help another young player get back into the professional game and we wish him the best of luck.”
“We have secured a transfer fee for George and that, along with his wages will be available to us to invest in strengthening the team. “
George first joined the Club in December 2021 from Boston United, and in his first season (21/22) made 26 appearances in all competitions, keeping 11 clean sheets, for which he won both the Player of the Year award, and Player’s Player of the Year award at the end of the 2021/22 season.
Sykes-Kenworthy later agreed terms to stay at the Horsfall in June 2022, until the end of the 2023/24 season, and continued to show consistency and calm on the pitch, making 46 appearances and keeping another 12 clean sheets.
TONIGHT the Green Army return to the Horsfall Community Stadium, hosting Whitby Town on Monday 23rd October, KO 7:45pm. Admission prices are as follows: Adults will pay just £13 entry, Concessions are in at £10, Students with a valid ID pay just £5, Youth (12-17) is just £3, and u12s go completely free!
FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS – By Tim Clapham Bradford and Whitby first met in competitive football in 1997-98, in the First Division of the Northern Premier League.
The previous season Whitby had completed a wonderful double winning the Northern League championship and the F.A. Vase after defeating North Ferriby by 3-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium. Pictured below.
Whitby’s momentum saw them win the NPL First Division in 1998, when Bradford finished 9th. That season the teams drew 1-1 at Horsfall, but Town claimed a 5-2 victory at the Turnbull Ground.
In 2001-02, Bradford joined Town in the NPL Premier Division and both meetings ended in a 1-1 draw. The following two seasons saw Whitby win twice by 3-2 at Horsfall, while Bradford won both games at the Turnbull Ground by 1-0.
Bradford became founder members of the National League North in 2004-05, but were relegated back to the NPL at the end of the season, and meetings with Whitby resumed in 2005-06 when both games were drawn.
That season Bradford suffered a second successive relegation, and the clubs did not clash again until 2008-09, after Bradford had won the NPL First Division title. Meetings then continued for four seasons with Bradford winning six of the eight encounters.
Bradford’s promotion to Conference North in 2012 brought a temporary end to meetings between the two Yorkshire clubs.
The clubs have also met on five occasions in cup football. In 2002-03, Bradford won by 4-0 at the Turnbull Ground in the 2nd qualifying round of the FA Cup, and in 2007-08, at Horsfall, in the same round, Whitby were defeated by 4-0.
The clubs have met once in the F.A Trophy, in 2003-04, when Bradford won a home replay by 1-0 following a 1-1 draw. In 1997-98, Bradford won by 2-0 at Horsfall in the NPL’s Unifilla Cup, and in 2001-02 they completed a 5-0 victory, again at Horsfall, in the NPL League Cup.
This weekend Avenue look for their first win since the 2nd of September when they beat Consett in the FA Cup first qualifying round.
The Green Army return to Northern Premier League action, facing Hyde United at Horsfall Community Stadium. Kick off is at 15:00 on Saturday. Gates open at 13:30.
Admission prices are as follows: Adults will pay just £13 entry, Concessions are in at £10, Students with a valid ID pay just £5, Youth (12-17) is just £3, and u12s go completely free!
Bower’s green army could jump Gainsborough in the table if results go their way this weekend. Currently sitting in 18th (two points above the drop) Mark understands the importance three points will mean for the team and the fans.
Avenue lost 5-2 to Tadcaster Albion in the West Riding Cup on Monday. Mark took the sensible decision to rest the first team squad for that match. The academy boys who stepped up put in a commendable performance and gained valuable experience. Before the match Mark said
“It’ll be a young team that play that game. With the squad that we’ve got and the injuries we’ve got, we’re not going to risk many first team players for that game.”
Being well rested, we can expect the first team squad to perform to the best of its abilities this weekend.
Hyde United sit seven places above Avenue and have won their last three league games against Atherton Collieries, Stafford Rangers and Basford United.
After losing to Avro in the Manchester Premier Cup; manager Nick Spooner stated:
“Hopefully everyone is back (from injury) … a couple could’ve done with a rest, but momentum was strong” – responding to the interviewer’s thoughts of: “Bradford Park Avenue being a good game to bounce back in.”
Written by Finlay Sturges
Twitter – @FinlaysturgesSJ
Instagram – @FinlaysturgesSJ
FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS – Tim Clapham @Avenueite
Bradford (Park Avenue) and Hyde United first met in Floodlit League football in the 1970s when they contested five matches over three seasons.
The North West Floodlit League comprised of clubs from the Northern Premier League and Cheshire League, and Bradford took part in the four seasons 1970-1 to 1973-4.
The visit of Hyde to Park Avenue in October 1970 was watched by 1,894, the club’s highest-ever crowd in the competition.
The 1973 power strikes brought an early end to the floodlit league that season and Hyde’s home game against Bradford was one of only a handful of matches played.
Rivalries were resumed in Northern Premier League football in 2001-2 when each team won their home game.
The following season Hyde finished bottom of the league and were relegated with Colwyn Bay. They only won five league games, one being against Bradford at Hyde at the beginning of the season.
The clubs did not meet again until October 2011, when they were drawn to meet in the 3rd qualifying round of the F.A. Cup. With home advantage, and top of the Blue Square Bet North, Hyde were firm favourites to beat Evo-Stik NPL Bradford from the league below.
However, in one of the shock results of the day Bradford triumphed 1-0 with Tom Greaves netting the decisive goal in the final minute. The clubs last met in 2014-15 in Conference North when Bradford completed a league double.
That season Bradford finished 13th, but Hyde dropped back into the NPL after being relegated with Colwyn Bay and Leamington.
