Bradford (Park Avenue) Part Ways With Danny Whitaker Following Poor Start to Season

Bradford (Park Avenue) have announced the departure of First Team Head Coach Danny Whitaker after a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season.

The decision comes in the wake of a disastrous 4-1 defeat against Liversedge last night, which, combined with last season’s relegation and a squad that’s unable to stand up to any pressure, had left many fans calling for change.

Speaking in an interview after the game, Whitaker accepted responsibility for the result, stating:

“I’ll question myself and take full responsibility for what’s happened. Because I’m the manager, and the buck stops with me”

Whitaker, who was appointed in December 2023, faced a challenging tenure at Horsfall Community Stadium. Despite sweeping changes to the playing squad, including the addition of former Bradford City striker James Hanson, he was unable to prevent the club’s relegation from the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season. The primary objective for the current campaign was to bounce back immediately with promotion, but a series of poor results has prompted the board to take decisive action.

In their first four league matches of the season, Avenue have only managed one win, followed by a draw and two losses. On top of this, the side were knocked out of the FA Cup in the preliminary round. Last night’s loss to Liversedge looks to have ultimately sealed Whitaker’s fate.

In a statement released by the club, Sporting Director Tom McStravick expressed gratitude for Whitaker’s hard work and acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which he took the role:

“I would like to thank Danny for all his hard work behind the scenes. Danny came in at a very difficult time for the club so it was never going to be an easy task and he leaves with our best wishes.”

The statement went on to say that the club has already begun the recruitment process for Whitaker’s successor and will update supporters once a new appointment has been made. In the meantime, the club has thanked its supporters for their continued backing during this challenging period.

Whilst there has been no comment on the appointment of an interim manager, many expect Tom McStravick to take up the post, having previously filled the role in 2023.