BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have decided to part company with academy head coach Des Hazel.

Bradford-born Hazel, who has coached at Premier League champions Manchester City in the past, joined Avenue last October and was tasked to build a successful academy.

The 52-year-old has a wealth of experience after amassing 274 professional appearances as a player for the likes of Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Grimsby Town and Chesterfield.

Before lockdown, the former Bradford City and Leeds United coach was hosting trials to find players suitable for Mark Bower's first team plans.

The club issued this statement: "After an initial 6 week review of the academy, its current state and defining what we aspire it to deliver from an academic and sporting experience, the club have decided to part ways with Des Hazel.

"An exhaustive search will now start for our new academy manager. We hope to appoint the right person whom can drive us towards achieving our long term aims for the academy, in the very near future."

Director of football operations, Martin Knight added: "We would like to thank Des for all of his hard word and effort during his time with the club and wish him well in the future."