BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have had a busy weekend, securing one new signing and ensuring a key player has been retained for next season.

The BD6 side, relegated from the Northern Premier League Premier Division last month with a game to spare, have brought in forward Kelan Swales from FC United of Manchester, as he heads back to his native West Yorkshire.

The Leeds-based talent has previously played for Alfreton Town and Ossett United, while he also spent a few years studying as a student athlete in America at Loyola University Maryland.

Swales posted a short video on social media after his move to Avenue, which can be viewed below:

At the other end of the pitch, the Horsfall side have revealed some important retention news, with goalkeeper Craig Ellison staying for the club’s 2024/25 NPL East Division campaign.

Experienced stopper Ellison was brought in by Avenue boss Danny Whitaker at the back end of this season, and was arguably the main reason the club staved off the drop for so long.

He was particularly inspired in the 2-1 win over Basford United at the start of last month, a game which would have sent Bradford down had they drawn or lost.

After his retention was announced, Ellison told the club website: "I’m delighted to be staying at Bradford (Park Avenue) for the 2024/25 season.

“The opportunity to continue to work with the manager and also to play my part in helping to get the club back to where it should be is one that I couldn’t turn down.

“The fans have made me feel very welcome since my arrival and it's somewhere I already feel at home.

“I can’t wait to get back in with the lads and get to work."

And Whitaker added: "It’s brilliant to get Ello signed up, he fits our player profile perfectly.

“He’ll bring a wealth of experience to the group, which will be vital, and not only that but he’s a great character to have around, who’ll lead us."