Marcus Carver makes Bradford (Park Avenue) move

The 31-year-old joins the club from Southport after re-joining the Sangrounders for his second permanent spell ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

An experienced forward, Carver has made over 300 senior appearances across the EFL and National League system, which first began in 2011 with Accrington Stanley.

In 2016, he made the move to Chorley and helped them secure promotion to Step 1 in his second season at the club.

He departed the Magpies with 37 goals in 153 appearances to join Southport, where he continued his excellent goalscoring form, finding the net 16 times in 31 appearances.

Such impressive form earned him a deal at then-League Two outfit Hartlepool United in January 2022.

Carver linked up with Scunthorpe United in August 2022, but was subsequently loaned out to the Sandgrounders twice during his time at Glanford Park.

Most recently, he has been plying his trade on loan for Ashton United in the Northern Premier League.

On his move to Bradford (Park Avenue), Carver said: "I'm delighted to have signed a one-year contract at the club.

“I'm looking forward to the season ahead, and hopefully it's a very successful one. I can't wait to see you there.”

Bradford (Park Avenue) manager Craig Elliott added: "We’re absolutely delighted to sign a player of Marcus’ reputation. He’s a proven number nine who not only scores goals but also puts in a tremendous amount of work for the team.

"I’ve come up against him many times in the National League North and know just how difficult he is to play against. To be able to bring him to Bradford (Park Avenue) is a massive coup for the club.

“As you can imagine, there was a lot of interest in him, and I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make this deal happen. 

"Marcus is fully invested in what we’re building here, and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”