MARK Bower has discussed Bradford (Park Avenue)'s long-term prospects, admitting he is merely "satisfied" now the club are basically safe in National League North.

Twelve points clear of occupiers of the sole relegation spot, Guiseley, with four games left and a far superior goal difference, 15th-placed Avenue can now look forward, not over their shoulders, going into tomorrow's game at Hereford.

Bower said: "I'm pleased about us getting safety, that was the first target, but I don't want to make a song and dance about it.

"It's just a step towards where we want to be longer term. I'm satisfied with this season and I'm just glad we've survived with games to spare.

"We've used young players this season, with the likes of George Sykes-Kenworthy, Lucas Odunston and Brad Dockerty really coming on.

"We sold Isaac Marriott in a good deal midway through the season too, so we've met our targets.

"I've been involved in play-offs and promotion as a player and manager, so I'm not elated like I was then.

"To survive still feels decent, but we've got to carry it on now."

Talking about where he sees Avenue further down the line, Bower said: "Long-term, we want to build the profile of the club.

"We want to be attractive for young players, and we've shown already that players can develop here, whether they're permanent or good loans.

"The academy is continuing to produce quality too, so we hope that can help us.

"In a few years, we hope to be up among those teams at the top, but do that on a more sustainable footing than we have in the past.

"We've taken care of business on that front now, and have done over the last couple of years.

"Next season will be tougher, with more relegation spots and good teams coming into the league, so we have to bear that in mind."

On to tomorrow, and asked if mid-table opponents Hereford should be doing better, Bower insisted: "It's hard to say they've underachieved.

"If you look at what other teams have done at this level, it's hard for Hereford to compete with those full-time operations.

"They were in League One not so long ago (Hereford United) so the fans will expect them to be higher, but teams do get stuck here. The competition is strong and it's difficult to kick on.

"Besides they're one of those top 14 sides who've still got a real chance of going up.

"But with only two promotion spots, there will be a lot of teams who'll end up disappointed."

Avenue will be glad the pressure is off tomorrow, with Bower saying: "Like a lot of teams, we're getting a bit tired now.

"We haven't got a big squad, so we can't rotate too much, and this is the first full season in three years for our lads.

"There is a bit of fatigue and a lack of sharpness, but I still think we can try a few things now in these last four games, and attempt to finish as strongly as we can."

Bower added: "We'll probably be a bit short for the weekend, with Simon Richman injured and Sam Fielding picking up an ankle injury.

"We can't take too many more issues but credit has to go to our staff for their training and Tally (Clayton) our physio, because we've been able to get players on the pitch basically all season."