James Knowles was one of two centre backs released by Park Avenue in a surprise move this week.

The former Farsley Celtic man, who can also play central midfield, was joined by James Riordan in leaving Horsfall.

Bradford boss Simon Collins said: “There were a few behind-the-scenes issues that James wants to keep private but he has definitely moved on.

“I don’t think he has another club yet because we have had no interest or enquiries about him.

“James Riordan has also been released so it is two players from the same area on the pitch but we have signed (centre back) Liam Chapman.

“Liam started the season with Harrogate Town but he has played a few games for Harrogate Railway. He played against Avenue last season for North Ferriby and he is a very good footballer.

“We still have Dominic Riordan, so we are all right for centre backs. He has done really well since coming back from his (double hernia) operation. To say he has done no pre-season training, he has done exceptionally well.

“There are other players we want to bring in and we have irons in the fire but it is difficult at the moment. The problem is that it’s still early in the season and people are hanging on, hoping to break into their team, so it’s hard to prise them away.”

Collins is still fine-tuning his squad after taking over in the summer but insists he will remain patient. He said: “It is pointless bringing players in for the sake of it, so we will bide our time and keep looking for the right men. We had a lot of the fringe players in the reserves for a run out on Wednesday so there is no rush.

"Dave Heagney, Spender Harris, Luke Gibson, Lewis Nightingale and a couple of others all played very well.

“We have the quality at the club and at the right age because these lads could set us up for a settled squad for a good few years.

“We are not throwing masses of money at it because as it has proved over the last few years that doesn’t work. There is no such thing as a ‘quick fix’ in football.”