FORMER Bradford City goalkeeper Paul Tomlinson has swapped the football pitch for ale pumps - as the new bar manager at Applegarth Club in Riddlesden.

Paul, who played for City between 1987 and 1995 - and still holds the record for most ‘clean sheets’ and appearances - has relocated from Hampshire to take on the job.

Originally from South Yorkshire, where he grew up helping out at his parents’ pub, Paul started his professional football career with Sheffield United in 1983, moving to Bradford four years later. He retired from the game after 12 years with a back injury.

Since then, Paul has carved out a new career in hospitality, running a number of pubs, bars and restaurants around the country. He also spent four years in Spain, where he qualified as a WGTF golf coach.

As well as hoping to further develop trade at the Applegarth, which recently won the coveted Keighley and Craven CAMRA Club of the Year award for the second year running, Paul has been enjoying time on local golf links with club members.

Says Paul: “The role at the Applegarth offered a great opportunity to return to Yorkshire and take on a new challenge. I’m looking forward to helping build business here and getting to know club members.”