BRADFORD Park Avenue boss Alex Meechan has successfully landed his right- hand man after the Vanarama National League North outfit announced the signing of Matt Hill from Tranmere Rovers.

The 35-year-old defender has featured in the Premier League for Wolverhampton Wanderers but began his career at Bristol City, where he spent three years as a team-mate of Meechan.

Hill left Ashton Gate to join Preston North End for £100,000 and he was with the Lancashire outfit for five seasons before Mick McCarthy signed him for Wolves, who he was with went they won the Championship and promotion to the Premier League.

The full back also played for Queens Park Rangers, Barnsley, Blackpool and Sheffield United before arriving at Tranmere.

Hill has played at Horsfall Stadium once before - he was in the Bristol City side that beat Trevor Storton’s Avenue 5-2 in the first round of the FA Cup in 2003.

Meechan soon took his tally of signings to eight as 26-year-old former Guiseley full back Andy McWilliams was snapped up from league rivals Harrogate Town and young striker Jack Ryan signed following his release from Championship club Preston.

Avenue played their first pre-season friendly last night and enjoyed a 5-2  win at Eccleshill United.

Ryan made an immediate impact as he opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a volley to convert Nicky Boshell’s excellent delivery.

Ryan turned provider for trialist Jack Kelleher to double Bradford’s lead, and Boshell, back for a third spell with Avenue after being released by Guiseley, made it 3-0 before the break.

Eccleshill’s Charlie Flaherty set up one of the Eagles’ new signings, Matt Mathers, as the home side cut the deficit on the hour. However, the visitors struck back immediately as Chris Sharp opened his account on debut.

Sharp also claimed an assist as good work from him saw him set up Callum Hassan, another player on trial for Bradford, five minutes from time.

Trialist keeper Dan Eccles also made his mark as he saved an earlier penalty to deny Marcus Edwards but he was beaten in the final minute as Alex Cusack netted the Eagles’ second.

Guiseley are in friendly action for a second time this evening when they host Huddersfield Town in what will be the Terriers’ first run out.

Town boss David Wagner is bringing a strong squad and some of their new signings are expected to feature.

The Lions won their first pre-season warm-up game 3-0 at Parkgate last Saturday but tonight will mark a home debut for their new-look squad.