Despite the abysmal 2019/20 National League North campaign for West Yorkshire side Bradford Park Avenue, things are starting to look up for the Green Army.
Not only were they mercifully spared by the FA’s controversial decision to deem steps three to seven or non-league football null and void, which caused the likes of South Shield to be denied promotion and therefore securing Park Avenue’s place in next seasons English sixth tier, chairman Gareth Roberts has had the pleasure of announcing even better news this week; the contract extension of Mark Bower and Danny Boshell.
Bower has become quite the stalwart in his time at the Horsfall stadium, as the former Guiesley boss has brought some of the best football seen in years to Bradford. Having fought in but lost out in the last two play off campaigns in the National League North, fans were distraught to see Bower leave Horsfall at the beginning of the 2019/20 season due to a lack of backing from Roberts, but has since returned to the club after shaky spells under Garry Thompson and Marcus Law to restabilise it’s stumbling downfall. With Boshell as his assistant, he has done all he can to restore parity in West Yorkshire, even pulling off monumental victories over high-flying Kings Lynn Town and Chester but was unable to stop the rot as Avenue finished glued to the foot of the league.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic rescuing the club, Bower and Boshell have both signed on for another three years to the delight of Roberts and fans alike, as the dynamic duo have proven their ability to transfer youngsters into first team heroes in previous stints at the club. For example, as Jake Beesley came into the club his future was hanging in the balance back in 2018, but under Bower’s tactics and guidance he flourished, netting 21 goals in 43 games and finishing runner up to Glen Taylor of Spennymoor Town for the golden boot race. Since Beesley has returned to parent club Chesterfield he has found himself a new home at the inform Solihull Moors and finds himself challenging for a position in the EFL.
Speaking on the matter, Bower stated: ‘I’m pleased to get this deal agreed. After what has been a difficult last 18 months, I’m positive that we now have a structure in place that can build a long and sustainable future both on and off the pitch. The proposed ground developments are exciting and it feels like we are entering a new beginning with a real focus and professional approach behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to the challenge and both Danny and I know we can count on the supporters to get behind us and help us through these uncertain times, in the knowledge that there is a solid plan and commitment in place to grow the club over the next few years’.
It’s fair to say that with Avenue now safe in the sixth tier and under the proper management of Bower and Boshell, the fans can be excited to see a new desirable squad take to the Horsfall Stadium as it’s unlikely Bower will be keen to hold onto any of his current assets, and will look to mount another promotion challenge which he has succeeded in for the past two seasons.
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