FOR clubs at Step Two and below it is extremely satisfying to sell a player for thousands who they have developed from a prospect into a star. Bradford (Park Avenue) have participated in their fair share of these transactions over the years.

In the wake of Lewis Knight’s move to National League side Notts County for a minimal upfront fee, I thought it would be a good idea to look at other cases where Avenue have financially benefitted since reforming in 1988.

Alex Hurst (Undisclosed)

Where best to start than the man who played alongside Knight for two seasons. Coming through the club at virtually the same time, both wingers developed rapidly during the run to the playoffs in 2018-19.

Hurst had joined at the start of that season after being plucked from Matlock Town in the division below. And it did not take long for him to make an impression. On debut, he netted from the bench in a convincing 6-0 beating of Nuneaton Borough.

Starting on a future 13 occasions and appearing 12 times off the bench, the neat midfielder was taken on trial by League Two outfit Port Vale where he dazzled to earn a two-year professional deal.

Conor Branson also departed around that time for an undisclosed fee. A short-lived stay at Altrincham led to the midfielder/defender ending up at Alfreton.

Cautious not to halt his progression, Hurst was loaned back to Horsfall and was an ever-present, taking to the field 37 times, only missing one game, in testing times last term.

It seemed to make him come on leaps and bounds as the 21-year-old has racked up 24 appearances for Vale and bagged his first EFL goal last weekend.

Adam Boyes (Undisclosed)

It is a shame the next player had to leave when he did. Before a move back to his North East home, Boyes netted a stunning 24 strikes in 48 games in 2017-18 for the BD6 outfit.

The last-minute winner at Kidderminster Harriers will never be forgotten by the Avenue faithful as a maiden Step One bow beckoned.

Heartbreak at Brackley Town denied them that feat, but nevertheless Boyes' achievements that season allowed them to dream.

Since leaving, the striker has struggled. Failing to make the grade at Spennymoor Town, and now he turns out two divisions below for Marske United.

Paddy Kenny (£10,000)

Now to probably the most famous name of the lot. It was at the Horsfall Stadium where keeper Kenny first made his name under Trevor Storton's stewardship.

The 55 games he played in all competitions in 1997-98 attracted plenty of suitors. A certain Neil Warnock won the race.

Avenue thought they would earn more from his sell-on value than they eventually did. The Halifax lad left cash strapped Bury to join Sheffield United for just £42,000 in 2002, meaning his former employers made a measly £2,400 from the sale.

Safe to say, Kenny made a pretty decent career for himself in the big leagues playing for QPR and Leeds, among others, over the next 15 years.

Martin Pemberton (£10,000-£12,000)

Several departures from the Storton era worked out handsomely. Pemberton, a former boyfriend to Girls Aloud singer and fellow Bradfordian Kimberley Walsh, excelled in the 1999-2000 season.

34 games as a centre forward returned 12 goals and granted a transfer to the Football League.

He helped Mansfield Town jump up to Division Two in his couple of years of service before moving to Stockport County on a three-year contract.

Dean Calcutt (£5,000) and Rory Prendergast (£7,500)

I decided to include the pair together as they both enjoyed moves to Accrington Stanley for nice fees.

Calcutt was a cut above the rest in his first spell at Horsfall. Part of the 2001 title-winning team, the speedy winger impressed against his future employees in the 2002 NPL Challenge Cup final.

Across two spells (2000-02, 05-06), Calcutt played 128 times and scored 24 goals in the white and green.

Storton was only willing to let Calcutt go because he had another winger lined up to replace him.

Prendergast's thrilling five months meant big spenders Accrington were back in for another one of Bradford's talents. His short record reads 28 matches and 11 goals.