BRADFORD (Park Avenue) have released talented midfielder Harrison Hopper, as he seeks a club higher up the non-league pyramid.

Avenue have revealed their retained list for the 2024/25 campaign and, unsurprisingly, after relegation from the Northern Premier League Premier Division, many of their bigger names are moving on.

Hopper was signed by then-Avenue boss Mark Bower in January 2022 from York City, and was key in helping them avoid the drop from National League North in his first season.

But while his performances have rarely dropped off, Bradford’s form has over the past couple of years, and with Hopper one of several key men to endure spells out injured this season, that has only worsened the state the side are in.

Hopper told the T&A last month that he had chosen to stay at Avenue when they were relegated in 2022/23, despite other clubs offering him the chance to remain in National League North, and he might now get that sixth-tier move, one year on.

His injury problems paled in comparison this season compared to those suffered by the likes of Mitch Lund and Will Longbottom, two of Avenue’s best players, who have hardly featured at all this season.

That duo have also been released, as have two other first-team regulars, in talented pair Mason O’Malley and Will Lancaster.

Due to Lund’s extended absence, young full-back Lucas Odunston has captained the side for much of the season, and he is one of seven key first-team players the club are negotiations to keep.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford (Park Avenue) are desperate to keep hold of former Leeds and Hull full-back Lucas Odunston, who has captained the BD6 side for much of the season.Bradford (Park Avenue) are desperate to keep hold of former Leeds and Hull full-back Lucas Odunston, who has captained the BD6 side for much of the season. (Image: Martin Taylor.)

The others are Craig Ellison, Edy Maieco, Lewis Hey, Adrien Thibaut, Jordan Preston and Harry Colville.

There are only three first-team players currently under contract for next season, in Bradford City legend James Hanson and highly-promising young pair Jak Whiting and Myles La Bastide.

Jake Daniels, Ted Lavelle, Jake Young, Ryley D’Sena and Jacob Lara were all on loan at Avenue when the season ended, and have now returned to their parent clubs.