Bradford Park Avenue’s latest signing is the business! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Park Avenue’s latest signing is the business!

6:20pm Friday 21st September 2012 in Sport By Ian Whiting

The club have welcomed the addition of another high-profile figurehead.

And chief executive Bob Blackburn revealed the new man was behind Avenue’s takeover bid for the Bradford Bulls.

Local businessman John Cordingley has been appointed as Bradford Park Avenue’s new vice president and he will be assisting the current board members.

The Avenue board are also seeking another behind-the-scenes man to help them maximise their status as Conference North members.

Following his appointment, Cordingley said: “I’m very pleased to be associated with Bradford Park Avenue, who have a very long and proud history. Their development over the last five years has brought excellent results.

“I have been based in Bradford for most of my working life. I have ongoing business interests in the city and I’m keen to assist the board for the overall benefit of the community and in particular in football for the locals.

“I hope to help as long as I can with the ongoing development of the ground and facilities.”

Cordingley has family ties with sport in the city and that is why he was desperate to ensure the future of its rugby league club.

Having missed out on one aim he is doubly determined to make the future bright for Avenue.

“I have been welcomed by the football club and I have always been an Avenue fan,” added Cordingley.

“My grandfather was a founder director of Bradford Northern (Rugby League Club – forerunner of the Bulls) and I was central to Avenue’s bid for the Bulls. I couldn’t stand by and let the club go into liquidation but we were left very disappointed for the Bulls with the outcome of that process, after putting in an awful lot of work.

“But I’m happy to help Avenue and I’m in it for the long haul. We hope to take the club forward again and I will play a part but not be on the board. I will work closely alongside Bob, Kevin Hains-worth and John Dean.”

Blackburn is delighted with the club’s new vice president and is hoping someone else comes forward to help the club increase its earning potential.

“John is local and committed,” said Blackburn. “He loves his sport and I think he has a lot to offer as the club continue to try to get back to where we should be.

“We also need someone to come on board who can help us handle sponsorship enquiries and put some time in as a commercial manager.

“If anyone feels they have the necessary skills and contacts and can work on a part-time basis we would like to hear from them.”