A BRADFORD (Park Avenue) forward is glad to see the spine of the team retained for next season but knows a few new additions are needed to see the club rebound from relegation.

The Horsfall outfit were unable to beat the drop from the National League North (NLN) on a dramatic final day last term.

It means Avenue will play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

Over the last decade, the non-league landscape has changed hugely with teams acquiring more funds to fight for promotion each year.

The likes of Radcliffe, Gainsborough Trinity, and West Yorkshire rivals Guiseley have already conducted some good early business.

Despite not being able to keep hold of now-Spennymoor Town duo Reece Staunton and Sam Fielding, key members Luca Havern, Jamie Spencer, Mitch Lund, and Lucas Odunston were all retained.

Another one to add to that list is Brad Dockerty who put pen to paper on a new contract in May.

The 26-year-old feels the club are heading in the right direction.

He said: "It is good that the core of the team is staying. We could do with a few more new signings, a bit more experience.

"We should not have gone down (last season). We know we are better than some of the teams in that league (NLN).

"There is a lot of teams throwing money about in the league this year.

"I just want to stay fit and try do what I did the season before last (score double figures)."

Asked what made him sign the new deal, Dockerty said: "Mainly playing for Mark (Bower) and Danny (Boshell). They have been brilliant for me ever since I started at the club.

"They give me confidence, putting me in the team every week. That is what brings out the best in me.

"The freedom to play is also quite big. They are not on your back if you do something wrong.

"They always encourage you even if you have a bad game.

"I felt like I owed them it after leaving last year and having injuries since coming back."

The attacker explains what he felt went wrong for Avenue.

Dockerty added: "We went on a good run then after Christmas it just went downhill. The back end we picked back up again. It was a weird season.

"Injuries did not help us, not having that constant team throughout.

"A few players had to play through injuries to make up the numbers because we did not have a huge squad.

"I just wanted to play. I was not getting the game time at Alfreton.

"I had a few offers but the only place I wanted to go was Bradford. That is where I have enjoyed my football the most."