BRADFORD Park Avenue owner Gareth Roberts is delighted to announce that manager Mark Bower and assistant manager Danny Boshell have signed contract extensions that will run until the end of the 2020/21 season.

Former Guiseley boss Bower was appointed in September 2016 and guided the club to National League North safety in his first campaign.

He took the reins again this season and led Avenue to a seventh place finish and into the play-off semi-finals.

As a player, he made over 200 appearances for neighbours Bradford City and has now established himself as one of the best young managers in non-league football.

Boshell was Bower’s right-hand man during their time at Guiseley, combining a role in the dugout with duties in the centre of the Lions’ midfield.

He assumed the same role upon joining Avenue in September 2016 and made 28 appearances this season as the club surged into the play-offs.

Meanwhile, the club confirmed that popular defender and academy coach Matt Hill has left the club.

The veteran left-back has moved on after a two-year spell with the club, during which he had a stint as assistant manager and worked closely with the academy.

Hill joined Avenue from Tranmere Rovers in July 2016 and established himself as an integral member of the playing squad after leaving his post in the dugout.

He made 32 appearances in all competitions last season and was an influential figure throughout, despite missing out on the play-offs through injury.

Bower paid tribute to the former Sheffield United defender after his departure was finalised:

“He’s been magnificent for us since he arrived. His professionalism has been a great example to the other players in the squad and he has performed consistently well over the past two seasons.

"He’s made a significant contribution to our improvement and his work in the academy has also been a great help to our younger players.”

The manager also claimed that it ‘never gets easier’ to see players move on, saying: “Four players have left us this week and we’re in discussions with the rest of the squad.

"It is always a difficult time of the year and saying goodbye to players that have given everything for the club never gets easier.

"Javan (Vidal) played in numerous positions for us and always gave 100% for his teammates. I’m sure he’ll have plenty of options this summer.

"Lee (Knight) had a frustrating season with limited opportunities and I hope he finds a club that offer him regular game time so that he can build on his potential.

"Adam (Smith) is a great lad who was unlucky with injury during his short time with us. I hope he can stay fit and show his undoubted ability next season.”

Although there have been departures, the club wishes to assist Bower with assembling a squad that can continue the good work of 2017/18.

Owner in waiting Gareth Roberts stated: "We are going to continue supporting Mark and maintain the same level of playing budget.

"The costs associated with running the club are high and while we have to make some cuts, we will be looking to improve our revenue streams to support Mark and improve the stadium.

"To start, we will be re-launching the Players Fund that assisted Mark and the lads to get to the play-offs last season.

"We are hoping that our supporters, from all over the world, will get behind the club and the money donated will be ring-fenced to assist Mark throughout the season."

For those supporters and businesses that wish to donate this can be done on a regular monthly basis or one off donations.

For more information please contact Dave Stordy on davestordy@hotmail.co.uk or call 01274 51289. 

Cheques can be made payable to BPASC and sent to Dave at 8 Siegfried Walk, Eldwick, Bingley, BD16 3QF