MARK Bower has returned to Bradford (Park Avenue).

The former Bradford City defender was confirmed as the club's new manager this evening.

Avenue had been under the stewardship of Marcus Law, on a interim basis, after Garry Thompson was let go early in the season.

Law and assistant, Lee Fowler, now depart with Bower returning for his second spell at Horsfall Stadium.

He brings along assistant Danny Boshell to rekindle a partnership that last took to the dugout for Avenue's 1-0 loss to Spennymoor Town in a play-off eliminator.

Bower left Avenue in the summer, after three years at the helm, having been appointed in 2016.

His tenure saw him taste the play-offs in two successive seasons, despite expectations that Avenue would be flirting with the other end of the table throughout his time there.

Bower also amassed an impressive win ratio of 41.53 per cent across 118 league games in charge.

But, Avenue are languishing in second-last in the Vanarama National League North, with just one win to their name and a mammoth negative goal difference of 29.

It means, Bower will have a lot to address.

He said: "I’m really pleased to be coming back. There’s no denying its a big job.

"We are where we are and have to be realistic, there’s no magic wand.

"It’s going to take a lot of hard work to turn it around.

"I’ve spoken to Gareth, and off the pitch the club is going the right way and getting into a much better shape.

"To get it right on the pitch we need everyone pulling in the right direction, young players need supporting, led by a core of experience.

"It wont be easy. We will have some dark days but can’t dwell on those.

"We have to get everyone together, and work to get out of the bottom two. The target is to stay up."

Meanwhile, owner Gareth Roberts said: "The club has endured a difficult time this year on and off the field but these issues have been dealt with and the club is ready to get back to winning ways.

"We obviously have a lot of confidence in Mark and Danny."