Bradford (Park Avenue) Appoint Craig Elliott as New First Team Manager

Bradford (Park Avenue) have announced the appointment of Craig Elliott as their new First Team Manager.

The decision come just three days after the departure of Danny Whitaker. Elliott, who brings a wealth of experience from the non-league circuit, has signed a one-year contract with the club.

Elliott, 46, is well-regarded for his impressive track record in non-league football, having secured multiple promotions and trophies throughout his managerial career. His journey began at Pontefract Collieries before moving to Glasshoughton Welfare, where he guided the team to promotion from the Northern Counties East League Division One in 2012. Elliott’s success continued at Shaw Lane Aquaforce, where he achieved three promotions and won several regional cups, including the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup.

Perhaps his most notable spell came at Boston United, where he managed 161 games, leading the club to the Emirates FA Cup Second Round in 2019 and the National League North Promotion Final in 2020. After brief stints at Matlock Town and Buxton FC, where he steered the club away from relegation, narrowly missed out on the playoffs and secured two Derbyshire Cup victories, Elliott now takes on the challenge of reviving Bradford (Park Avenue)’s fortunes.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for Avenue, who have struggled in the early stages of the Northern Premier League East Division season. Currently sitting 14th in the league with just one win from four matches, the club recently parted ways with Whitaker after a 4-1 defeat to Liversedge on Bank Holiday Monday.

Elliott, a West Yorkshire native, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, acknowledging the club’s recent difficulties but also outlining his determination to change its fortunes.

“I’m delighted to be joining BPA. Everything has happened quickly but after talks with director of football, the board and the owner I felt this was the right move for me and the club.”

“As a West Yorkshire based manager, I am fully aware of the struggles the club has had on the pitch in their recent history. But I am determined to change the outlook of the club both on and off the pitch as quickly as possible. I have experience of similar situations throughout my career and have been fortunate to consistently be fighting for promotions and I can assure the supporters I will be giving everything I can to get us challenging for promotion and build a team you can be proud of.”

Tom McStravick, the club’s Sporting Director, highlighted the strong interest in the managerial role but noted that Elliott stood out as the right candidate to take the club forward:

“We have had lots of interest in the role. The calibre of candidates really does signify the size and potential of this club. Once we spoke to Craig, we knew he was the right man at the right time to take the club forward. He is driven and will do whatever it takes to win. The board are delighted with this appointment. Let’s get behind him and move this club forward.”

Elliott will watch his new team from the stands during their upcoming match against Grimsby Borough on Saturday, 31st August, with interim manager James Hanson continuing to lead the side for that fixture. Elliott’s first game in charge will be the FA Trophy tie at Witton Albion on Saturday, 7th September.

Bradford (Park Avenue) supporters will be eager to see how Elliott’s experience and leadership can guide the team back to winning ways as they look to climb the league table and pursue promotion.