Bradford (Park Avenue) see former Leeds and Hull man depart

The young right back, just 23, stepped up in the absence of the injured Mitch Lund to lead the team for the majority of the 2023/24 campaign.

Despite being of their star performers, he was unable to prevent Avenue from being relegated to the Northern Premier League East Division on the penultimate weekend of the season.

The former Leeds and Hull youngster had already proved himself in National League North with Avenue, and looks likely to line up for a side in the sixth or seventh tier during the 2024/25 campaign.

Odunston posted a heartfelt message on social media regarding his departure, which can be seen below: 

A disappointing season as a whole, gutted how it ended and it’s the last thing the fans deserve. On a personal level, was a pleasure to have lead the boys out this season and also pick up Player of the Year!

Loved my time at the club, fans have been top class with me since day… pic.twitter.com/KENbifaeyX

— Lucas Odunston (@lucas_odunston) June 1, 2024

With Lund having departed the club at the end of the campaign too, Avenue will be on the lookout for a new skipper in time for pre-season.

As usual, they have their marquee friendly against a Bradford City XI at Horsfall, with that taking place on Tuesday, July 23 this year.

Their pre-season opener sees them visit Campion on Wednesday, July 10, before they host Eccleshill United three days later.

They travel to Wakefield AFC and Golcar United on Tuesday, July 16 and Saturday, July 20 respectively, with those trips followed by their game against the Bantams.

Avenue then visit Mossley on Saturday, July 27, before rounding things off with home friendlies against Stalybridge Celtic and Farsley Celtic.

Those take place on Tuesday, July 30 and Saturday, August 3 respectively.