BRADFORD (Park Avenue) chairman Gareth Roberts has released a statement following the end of the club’s disastrous Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign, insisting next year’s aim is “to win promotion whilst improving club finances”.

Avenue were relegated for a second successive season, going down with a game to spare, and their 2024/25 campaign in the NPL East Division will be their first in the eighth tier for 17 years.

While they have had success in leasing out use of the stadium to tenants like Albion Sports, and their academy continues to go from strength to strength, the first team continues to get worse.

And fans could be forgiven for raising eyebrows over Roberts’ statement, released yesterday evening, given he made a point of targeting promotion back to National League North this season.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Avenue were only relegated from National League North a year ago yesterday, and they will spend next season two divisions below that level.Avenue were only relegated from National League North a year ago yesterday, and they will spend next season two divisions below that level. (Image: John Rhodes.)

Addressing the club’s supporters, the Texas-based Avenue chairman wrote: “There’s no disguising the fact that this has been another very disappointing season.

“Relegation hurts everyone involved with the club, especially the fans.

“We are trying to sustain our club financially but know that first team success is critical, so we will continue to do a reset for next season and aim to win promotion whilst improving club finances.

“We will continue to put in place firm foundations and find players determined to fight for success.

“As well as finding the best future players, the search for the best future investors will continue, along with improving our balance sheet and our community focus. 

“Our primary aim is a promotion year and a season where our supporters get to see success from the first team.”