BRADFORD Park Avenue’s players and staff made a subdued return to training as they came back into a club left reeling by the sudden death of supporters’ club secretary Maria Bruce.

Bruce was much more than an organiser for fans wanting to follow the club away from home. She was a central and important figure at the club working tirelessly behind the scenes and her husband David is on the board of directors.

Avenue boss Martin Drury said: “It’s been a tough time for the club. Maria died just days before the players reported back last Thursday and it cast a huge shadow over what should have been a very positive time.”

There is a lot of expectation surrounding Avenue on the pitch this season as their new look squad and management duo launch a push for promotion.

Seven new signings have landed while four of last season’s squad have departed and everyone was looking forward to getting back to work after the summer break.

However, the mood changed following the passing of Maria. Drury added: “I was personally very saddened and shocked by the news. Maria was a big character and a big part of the club.

“When I spoke to the players who were here last season it was obvious just how hard Maria’s death had hit them. The club was overwhelmed by the messages of condolence sent in from other clubs and from players, past and present.”

FC United of Manchester forward and former Bradford crowd favourite Tom Greaves was another one left devastated. He said: “I’m absolutely crushed to hear the news that a very special person to me has sadly passed away.

“Maria was the one and only reason I went back to Bradford Park Avenue for a second stint. What an amazing woman, she did so much for me out of pure kindness and passion for the game.

“She will be a huge loss to the club and I’m sure everyone will feel the same. My heart and thoughts go out to her husband David and the rest of her family.”

Others took to social media to add their condolences. Former skipper and centre back James Knowles said: “Huge loss! She did so much for BPA over the years, for players and fans.”

Last season’s top scorer Chib Chilaka said: “Maria’s support meant everything. So sad she’s gone. We will all come together in her memory. Heart is with her family.”

Drury added: “Maria will be a massive loss to the club and we’ve all been thinking of her family at this time. I’m sure she would want us to kick on and take the club forward. We’ll try to do it in her memory.”