Avenue fans to get chance to remember good times

The 2001 title-winning Bradford (Park Avenue) team is still rated as one of Avenue’s greatest sides. Back row: Trevor Storton (manager), Frank Thornton (chairman), Phil Lindley, Jason Maxwell, Neil Lacey, Neil Bagshaw, Paul Marquis, Micky Thompson, Gavin Kelly, Ian Thompson (assistant), Bob Robinson (deputy chairman). Front: Martin James, Wayne Benn, Kieron O’Brien, Mark Hancock, Andy Quinn, Dean Calcutt, Andy Hayward, Dave Wilson (kitman).

Bradford (Park Avenue) fans will get a chance to remember the good times as part of a three-day beer festival at Horsfall Stadium.

Avenue fans are having quite a traumatic time at the moment as poor decision-making in the summer has led to them sitting near the foot of the National North table.

But they will able to reminisce about the great reformed Avenue teams from yesteryear on Sunday when the likes of the club’s greatest players Andy Hayward, Wayne Benn and Andy Watmuff are part of an ex-players match at midday. The trio are just three of a number of Avenue legends who are set to take to the field.

Hayward and Benn are of course two of the lynchpins of the unforgettable 2001 old NPL Division One title triumph under Trevor Storton. Watmuff was an integral member of Jim Mackay’s 1991 team which established Avenue as a Non League club by winning promotion from North West Counties first Division, along with the West Riding County Cup.

Legendary former Avenue captains Mark Hancock and Wayne Benn with Ronnie, whose legendary ‘mark ’em tighter’ shout made him well known, celebrate the 2001 title triumph

From Friday night at 5pm onwards there will be 14 different barrels of beer on offer. On Friday night there will be also be a live band.

The beer festival will restart at noon on Saturday and finish at 8pm, with Avenue’s clash with Spennymoor being in the middle.

The festivities finish on Sunday with a charity day in aid of Marie Currie. The old Avenue Sunday team face a fans’ team at 11am. This is followed by the ex-players match at 12 and an Avenue Ladies game at 2pm.

There is also live music from Johnny and the B’s in the afternoon.

For further information, contact Dave Stordy by email: davestordy@hotmail.co.uk.

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