BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have confirmed their new status as a Community Interest Company, fully owned by financial backer Gareth Roberts.

Pending FA board approval, they have also announced that Dr John Dean is set to return as chairman, while Jonathan Collura is to become a director.

Meanwhile, former chief executive Rob Stanley has moved into a consulting position at the club for the remainder of this year and will be moving on to pastures new in 2019.

The club had become a community benefit society in 2015 with the intention of ownership being spread among the local and regional community but it failed to attract sufficient new members.

Speaking about the transfer, Roberts said: “The change to a community interest company is a relatively minor technical one, but it does allow for more financial flexibility in particular additional investment, which is always needed for the club to progress.

"We are still a community club and our vision for the club has not changed."

Dr Dean is well known to Bradford Park Avenue supporters and the local community having served the club as chairman from 2005-2017.

A lifelong supporter and Pudsey local, Dr Dean brings many years of experience and Bradford Park Avenue history to the board.

Texas-based American Collura is managing partner of 1836 Capital and chairman of the Nebraska Bugeaters FC in the US.

Previously a partner in Alfreton Town, Collura’s experience in finance and management consulting will provide expertise and direction for the club during an important period of growth towards a community based self-sustainable model.

Referring to the new appointments, Roberts said: “This is an important step for the club and the first of a number of steps that we intend to make over the next few months.

"Dr Dean will continue to bring his experience to the club and the addition of Jonathan Collura, a colleague of mine in Dallas and a big football fan, will bring some fresh ideas to the club."

In association with these changes, the club is forming an Advisory Board consisting of long time members Neil Fawcett, Ben Harvey, Dave Stordy and club secretary Colin Barker.

Honorary chairman of the Advisory Board will be Avenue stalwart David Bruce.

Another structural adjustment has seen the club join forces with Bradford Bulls, whose commercial director, Damian Irvine, will oversee the day to day management of Avenue as part of the pair's innovative partnership.