BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Mark Bower has put pen-to-paper on a new three-year deal.

Bower, who rejoined Avenue last September in an attempt to save them from the drop, will now remain at the club until 2023.

Assistant Danny Boshell has also signed on for the same duration to stay alongside the ex Bradford City defender in the dugout.

Bower initially joined the club in 2016, achieving two playoff finishes, before departing last summer.

He was unable to reverse Bradford's fortunes when he was re-appointed though, winning only four out of 20 league matches, as his side remained rock-bottom of the Vanarama National League North.

The National League are still determining how they are going to finalise the season, after they cancelled all the remaining fixtures in their three leagues because of the coronavirus pandemic.

With relegation looking unlikely due to there being no promotion from the league below, the club believe the 40-year-old is the right man to lead them forward.

The club issued this statement: "We are delighted to be able to announce that the incredibly talented management duo of Mark Bower and Danny Boshell have agreed to commit to the club in the long term.

"Fundamental to the new strategy for the club, was having great management of the first team, and the ability to nurture and develop young talent. Then blending these younger talents with more experienced and seasoned players.

"Mark and Danny have proven that when given the right kind of platform they are capable of producing exciting, competitive teams that are great to watch.

"The new three-year deals will give them the time, confidence and stability to build something special here at the Horsfall."

"I’m pleased to get this deal agreed," Bower told Avenue's website. "After what has been a difficult last 18 months, I’m positive that we now have a structure in place that can build a long and sustainable future both on and off the pitch.

"The proposed ground developments are exciting and it feels like we are entering a new beginning with a real focus and professional approach behind the scenes.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge and both Danny and I know we can count on the supporters to get behind us and help us through these uncertain times, in the knowledge that there is a solid plan and commitment in place to grow the club over the next few years."

Boshell also told the website: "Both Mark and myself are really pleased to have got this sorted, it shows the commitment of the club long term and their trust in our ability.

"It will allow us to further test those abilities at a club that is close to our hearts as two Bradford born lads growing up a stones through from the ground. Its not going to be easy, but we up for the challenge in these new and testing times."

Owner Gareth Roberts added: "I am really pleased that Mark and Danny have extended their contracts, we are lucky to have local lads with great coaching ability and whom understand and know the club. After a tumultuous season we wanted to steady the ship and have some strong foundations to build on."