EXPERIENCED defender Mark Beevers believes that he’s finally getting into the stride of things at Avenue after a difficult 23/24 campaign in Australia.

The 34-year-old centre back only managed ten appearances for Perth Glory in the Australian A-League last season, before sustaining a series of injuries to his knee and calf across the following months.

It led Beevers to call an end to his professional career, and it also prompted a move back to the north of England where he now plays with Avenue on a part-time basis.

So far, he’s managing his fitness well at Bradford and has been an instrumental figure in helping the club turn around its fortunes since he arrived in September.

Speaking to the T&A regarding his own well-being, Beevers said: “I’m feeling very good in myself at the minute.

“I was a little bit apprehensive about being thrown straight into the thick of things at Avenue because I’ve not played solid minutes for a while.

“I know what it’s like if you haven’t played for a period of time; it can take a while for you to get up to the speed of things and blow the cobwebs off.

“However, I feel like I’m getting into my stride, and I feel as though I’m getting fitter all the time.

“It’s a nice feeling to be back out there and playing consistent minutes once again. You realise that you do miss it, and it always helps when the boys are playing well and you’re getting the results you want more often than not.”

Beevers put pen to paper on a one-year deal when he joined up with Avenue in September and he admitted that he’d be keen to renew his contract with the club when it expires in 2025.

He said: “I’d like to (extend my deal) but it’s one step at a time at the moment.

“We need to see how things go but, for now, all I can say is that I’m thoroughly enjoying my time at the club and that I want to get this club promoted; that is the sole aim.

“Hopefully we can achieve that with this group of players and coaching staff.”