BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have confirmed that Dylan Mottley-Henry has left the football club to join South Shields for an undisclosed fee.

The former Bradford City winger left Valley Parade in January 2021, signing for Northern Irish side Larne just days later.

He returned to Bradford last September, to play under Mark Bower at Horsfall, and though he had not long signed a new deal with Avenue to take him until the end of the 2022/23 season, he has been tempted by a move away.

The news comes just hours after Avenue skipper Luca Havern agreed to re-sign for the club.

In a club statement, Avenue said: "We are disappointed to see Dylan leave, but he felt that full-time football was best for his career.

"All the money received from the transfer will be invested back into the playing budget."

Mottley-Henry, speaking to South Shields' website, said: “It feels good to be here and I’m happy everything is over the line and sorted.

“After speaking to the manager (former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips) and being shown around the training ground and stadium, it was clear that there’s nothing but positivity here, so joining was a no-brainer.

“The fanbase was definitely a big pulling factor as well because I love playing in front of a big crowd every single week and that really gets me going.

“I’m also really looking forward to working with the manager, who has already asked me which aspect of my game I’d mainly like to work on, which is finishing and scoring more goals.

“There could be no better manager to work on those things with.

“Our aim this season is promotion and on a personal level, I want to develop as a player and a person, and make the most of the fantastic opportunity I’ve received here.

“I can’t wait to get going.”

Mottley-Henry made 28 appearances with Avenue in the 2021/22 season, and scored three goals. He had previously played for Avenue while on loan from City in 2016, scoring twice in 15 appearances.