Bradford (Park Avenue) have appointed former Boston United boss Craig Elliott as their new first-team manager.

Signing a one-year contract, Elliott has a wealth of managerial experience in non-league and has promotions and trophies on his CV.

He comes in following the sacking of Danny Whitaker on Tuesday, just 24 hours after newly-relegated Avenue suffered a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Liversedge in the Northern Premier League East Division.

After hanging up his playing boots, Elliott took his first job at Pontefract Collieries before moving to Glasshoughton Welfare, where he secured promotion from Division One of the Northern Counties East League in 2012.

His then moved up two divisions to take charge of Ossett Town then took over at Shaw Lane Aquaforce.

He won the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup, and had lucrative cup runs in the Isuzu FA Trophy, Isuzu FA Vase and Emirates FA Cup.

His success there was rewarded with the manager’s job at Boston United, where he was in the dugout for 161 games, winning 78 matches.

During his time there, he led Boston on a memorable run to the Emirates FA Cup Second Round in 2019 and he also reached the National League North Promotion Final in 2020.

Following his departure, Elliott had a short spell at Matlock Town before moving to Buxton, where he guided his team to two Derbyshire Cups.

After his appointment was confirmed, Elliott said: “I’m delighted to be joining BPA.

“Everything has happened quickly but after talks with the director of football, the board and the owner I felt this was the right move for me and the club.

“As a West Yorkshire based manager, I am fully aware of the struggles the club has had on the pitch in their recent history.

“But I am determined to change the outlook of the club both on and off the pitch as quickly as possible.

“I have experience of similar situations throughout my career and have been fortunate to consistently be fighting for promotions.

“I can assure the supporters I will be giving everything I can to get us challenging for promotion and build a team you can be proud of.”

The club’s sporting director Tom McStravick added: “We have had lots of interest in the role and the calibre of candidates really does signify the size and potential of this club.

“But once we spoke to Craig, we knew he was the right man at the right time to take the club forward.

“He is driven and will do whatever it takes to win, so the board are delighted with this appointment.

“Let’s get behind him and move this club forward.”

The new first team manager will watch his team from the stands on Saturday against Grimsby Borough.

Striker James Hanson, a legend down the road at Bradford City, will lead the side, supported by goalkeeper coach Karl Lenaghan.

Elliott’s first game in charge will be the FA Trophy tie at Witton Albion on Saturday, September 7.

As for Whitaker, he has already found a new job in football, returning to his former club Macclesfield to become part of their first team coaching staff.