BRADFORD Park Avenue boss Alex Meechan has named Ryan Toulson as his club captain but says he is looking for strong characters throughout his new-look team.

Toulson is well known to local non-league fans after spells with Halifax Town and Guiseley, and was one of the first summer signings made by the Avenue head coach.

Meechan said: “I have confirmed that Ryan is the club captain, and he is an experienced player who will take to the role, but I’m looking for as many skippers on the field as I can.

“There are plenty of leaders in our squad – everywhere you look in the dressing room, and that’s what we want.

"The club hasn’t had that recently but these players that we’ve got in now all have that edge about them.”

The signing of keeper Ryan Jones was also announced in midweek, and Meechan is delighted to have agreed terms with the shot-stopper.

Jones played six games for Avenue at the end of last season when Meechan was assisting interim manager Darren Edmondson.

The keeper is one of only two survivors from last term’s squad, midfielder Luke Dean being the other, with all of the other players having moved on.

Meechan said: “Ryan is one of those who had a taste of it as a young boy (with Rochdale) and then went through a spell where he was disillusioned with the game and almost dropped out of it.

“He went abroad and played in America for a little while but he’s back now and looking to pick his career up. He’s done pre-season with us and he’s fitter and sharper and raring to go.

“He’s definitely got the bit back between his teeth again and he’s got age on his side because he’s only 23. His concentration levels are good and he’s working well with our goalkeeping coach.

“Ryan is typical of the character we want at the club. We have worked on getting people in who are looking to enjoy their football and who want to play for Bradford.

“I’m delighted to have these players here, and there may be a couple more signings.

"There will be a couple of trialists in the side today to face Guiseley, and we’ll see if anything comes from that because we are getting close to the numbers we want as we go into the league games.”