BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have made a key signing, after confirming that Jamie Spencer is out for the season after damaging his ACL.

Manager Mark Bower admitted the squad needed some experience in what is a young midfield, so he will be happy after re-signing Simon Richman.

Richman spent a decade at Altrincham before joining Avenue in 2021, playing a key role in helping Avenue stay up in National League North.

He was nearly an ever-present in his second season with the club last year, as Bradford battled hard before being relegated on the final day.

Avenue have made a slow start to life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, with just two wins from their opening eight games.

Fortunately they will have Richman available immediately, and he is set to play in tonight’s game at Ashton Athletic.

That will sadly not be the case for Spencer, with his knee injury worse than first feared.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jamie Spencer is going to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.Jamie Spencer is going to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. (Image: John Rhodes.)

He will undergo surgery on his damaged ACL later this year, with the rehab period set to take him until next summer.

Player/coach Luca Havern said: “Spenner will be a huge loss for us on and off the pitch.

“He overcame a niggling injury through pre-season and had improved us coming back into the side.

“We are all gutted for him but, knowing his character, there’s no doubt he will come back stronger and continue to support the lads in the changing room this season.”