BRADFORD (Park Avenue) owner Gareth Roberts will take a more active role in decision-making after being announced as chairman and general manager of the club.

Having sacked manager Garry Thompson and his assistant Shaun Gardner last night after just two games in charge, the club have released a statement this morning announcing a new club structure.

The start of the season has seen the team lose both their opening matches 5-0 - and that came following the sudden departure of chief executive Damian Irvine.

Roberts said: “The past 12 months have been exceptionally difficult both on and off of the pitch, and I have felt that my plans for the club have not been carried out to my satisfaction.

"So, from this point on, I want to reassure our supporters that I am now directly overseeing the decision making at the club."

Roberts will head up a new structure as Avenue go through the process of becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) - a move that they announced last year - that will "allow the club to continue to conduct business effectively whilst still being a not for profit community-focused company."

Roberts added: “After an uncomfortable transition, I have now decided to take full control of the club and make sure that we achieve our goals of being sustainable, successful and a strong community partner.”

Carl Marsden has been appointed associate general manager and will assist Avenue on a day-to-day basis.

The new structure will see Roberts on the board of directors along with Jonathan Collura and John Dean, with David Little the company secretary and Colin Barker football secretary.

Roberts said: "I want to thank Carl for agreeing to help us on a day-to-day basis. He will be the primary point of contact at the club with any further questions.”