Following a disastrous 2019/20 campaign, Bradford Park Avenue have a lot to consider for next season.
Mark Bower's men were granted survival in the National League North despite being sat rock bottom on just 20 points after the coronavirus pandemic urged the FA to make the decision to deem steps 3-6 of non-league football as null and void, securing Avenue's position for the 2020/21 National League North season. Bower will be keen to avoid a similar season and will look to bring in a freshened squad, with a huge clean-out required at the Horsfall Stadium in an attempt to rekindle the form which Avenue possessed just two years ago; but who could help them to achieve it?
Adam Bale- the Hartlepool United midfielder has been lacking first-team football in the National League this season, having made just one appearance all season in a 4-2 victory over Wrexham back in August (where he only played six minutes). He has been an ever-present on the Pools bench but has been denied opportunities by Dave Challinor in the club's play-off push and is out of contract at the end of the season with it unlikely to be renewed for next season. Bale (not linked to Gareth) is just 21 years old and could flourish under a first team role with Bower's leadership.
Alex Pike- a former West Ham United academy graduate, Pike made just one substitute appearance for the Premier League outfit, replacing Lewis Page in a 2-1 defeat to FC Astra Giurgiu before being shipped out on loan to League Two side Cheltenham Town. Pike made just five appearances for the Gloucestershire side in their 2017/18 campaign. Following the loan spell he was released by the Hammers and has failed to find a club for the past year. Pike will be itching to return to football and Avenue will be looking for an excellent right-back for the upcoming season, all appears to be fitting the bill.
Olly Mehew- the 22 year old striker has been applying his trade at Bristol Manor Farm FC this season and have scored five goals in 14 games for the Gloucestershire side. Mehew has played for the academies of Blackburn Rovers and Bristol Rovers before he was poached by Forest Green Rovers head of youth development. This highlights his potential and whilst he has dropped off from bigger clubs academies, his quality is unquestionable. BPA have been lacking a clear goal scoring prowess despite Tom Clare's best effort and Mehew would be an excellent forward to lead the line.
Denilson Carvalho- the Brazillian is established in the number 10 role and was recently released from Huddersfield Town's youth ranks. He is currently a free agent and would excel at National League North level and could easily emerge as one of the better players in England's sixth tier. He is aged just 21 years old and was rated by Huddersfield's head of youth Leigh Bromby, meaning that he is located nearby Yorkshire and would be easy to poach to the club.
Jordan Corke- so far this season Avenue have the worst goal difference in the league, linking to the lack of quality within the defensive ranks at the Horsfall stadium. One man who could help plaster the sinking ship could be Corke who has been without a club since he was released by Everton in 2018 after playing 228 minutes in the Under-18's Premier League. At the age of just 20 Corke is a versatile defender who can perform at either centre-back or right-back to provide cover in a congested National League North season. He is also a free agent and therefore his signature would be inexpensive
Luke Griffiths- the young midfielder has made 40 appearances for current club FC United of Manchester in the Northern Premier League after joining from Prescot Cables at the beginning of the 2019/20 season. He was once part of the Bolton Wanderers youth setup but upon being released he has built a career in non-league in a bid to return to the football league. A tough-tackling passionate midfielder, he has received ten yellow cards so far this season. Whilst this may lead to a concern over his dissent, it also shows how he fights for the club, a factor which BPA have been lacking so far this season. He is also on a non-contract and therefore Avenue could secure his signing on a free transfer.
Jonathan Saltmer- the 21 year old goalkeeper has been an outcast at non-league leaders Barrow after signing for the club from Hull City at the beginning of the 2018/19 season. He has failed to make an appearance so far this season and is out of contract at the end of the season which could lead to him seeking a future elsewhere due to his last of opportunities at Holker Street. Horsfall Stadium could be a new permanent home for the English keeper as he looks to kick start his career in the National League North as Bower's main man between the sticks.
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