Amidst a rocky 2019/20 season for Bradford Park Avenue, the Mark Bower revival looks to finally be getting underway.
Whilst the Avenue were fortunate enough to be spared by the FA due to the coronavirus pandemic heavily affecting the world, and also the majority of football, they still had much work to do to ensure that they would not face yet another dire campaign, whenever it may begin.
Bower has already begun to put the building blocks in place, and turned to a familiar face to retain a strong defence which vanished for the 2019/20 season, welcoming former Leeds United and Guiseley goalkeeper Dan Atkinson on a one year contract. Atkinson, who made appearances for the England Under 16's and 17's whilst contracted to the Leeds academy, already played under Bower and Danny Boshell whilst at Guiseley, as he made eighteen appearances in the National League before becoming the club's number one in the National League North.
Atkinson spoke on his transfer, saying: "I am really excited to be joining BPA and joining back up playing under Mark and Danny. I really enjoyed my time playing under them and I am looking forward to the brand of football that they want to play here.
"I’ve got a real hunger to do well for the club and get BPA back up the table, hopefully keeping a clean sheet or two. I think everyone will be excited to get back to watching some football when this is all over, so lets hope we can give them something to cheer about when the new season starts’
Alongside the new stability provided at goalkeeper, Bower, who is unlikely to keep the majority of the bottom of the table squad, has been impressed with the likes of Lewis Knight and Mitchell Lund. Knight and Lund have both earned themselves new contracts at the Horsfall Stadium under Bower, both signing new one year contracts at the club to fight under the management duo for next season, with Lund's having the option of an extra year.
Lund spoke on his contract extension, stating: "I am delighted to say that I will be re-signing for BPA, I am looking forward to stepping out on the pitch for this great club. Hopefully enjoying a more successful season, which I believe the club and the fans thoroughly deserve. It is a credit to the club that at this uncertain time they are in such a positive position off the field, securing a strong playing squad for next season as well as signing the gaffer and Bosh for another three years.
"I am very thankful to be a part of Bradford Park Avenue and it will give me immense pride to represent this club once more. I look forward to seeing you all again, down at the Horsfall, as soon as it is safe for us all to do."
Fan favourite Knight also spoke on his news: "I am very happy to be signing my new deal at BPA. Obviously with the current climate it's hard to know what will happen next season and I'm delighted the club and I could get a deal done so early. With the club re-signing the gaffer and Bosh for an extra three years, it shows the clubs intent to do well next year and the years to come. The project looks very ambitious and I am excited to be a part of it. Also a big thank you to the fans for their loyal support throughout the last year and I this next coming season we can repay them with some good performances and wins."
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