BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have been extremely busy over the weekend, with some new faces joining a couple of familiar ones at Horsfall for next season.

The BD6 side have increased their firepower up front by bringing in prolific forward duo Paddy Sykes and Oli Norman, from Campion and Tadcaster Albion respectively.

On top of that, former Bantams prospect Connor Shanks, who had a brief spell with Avenue a few months ago on loan, has signed up permanently.

And to complete the weekend set, Danny Whitaker’s side have retained the services of talented young midfielder Harry Colville.

Sykes (pictured below by Martin Taylor) and Norman were both among the top 10 scorers in Northern Counties East League last season, with the former netting 27 goals in all competitions and the latter recording 25.

Both will also get the chance to hone their goalscoring craft further under the tutelage of their new team-mate, popular former Bantams striker James Hanson.

Speaking to the club website about his move, Sykes said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Bradford (Park Avenue) for the 2024/25 season.

“Having spoken with the manager and heard about the project they have planned, the opportunity to join the club was too good to turn down.

“I’m hoping to contribute to getting the club back to where it belongs.”

As for familiar face Colville, who played 36 times for Avenue in 2023/24, scoring once in the FA Cup against Blyth Spartans, he enthused: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to sign on at BPA for next season, playing under Whitts again.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Harry Colville (right) runs off to celebrate his goal at Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup back in September.Harry Colville (right) runs off to celebrate his goal at Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup back in September. (Image: John Rhodes.)

“I can’t wait for the season to start and get us back to where we belong.”

Shanks, whose previous spell at Avenue a few months ago came on loan from Spennymoor Town, was praised by Whitaker, who said: “He’s another superb signing for us.

“We all know Connor from his loan spell with us, he’ll add another dimension to our midfield with his energetic runs and clever play,

“I believe he’s got a lot more levels to progress too, which is exciting for us as a club, and he’s got the hunger to succeed, which is what we’ll need within the group as a whole.”