Bradford (Park Avenue) have a new majority shareholder after Bob Blackburn stepped down
Bob Blackburn’s reign at Bradford (Park Avenue) is over after businessman Gareth Roberts was announced as their new majority shareholder – subject to passing the FA’s fit and proper person test.
Mr Roberts, originally from Holme Wood, is the non-executive chairman of Pedro Harvester and he will be issuing a statement in due course.
Mr Blackburn now becomes a Vice President of the club he became chief executive of in March 2007 after purchasing Avenue president Frank Thornton’s shares.
He promised to take the club back to the Football League within five years upon his arrival.
Avenue were chasing a play-offs spot under Phil Sharpe in the old NPL Division One when he took over.
Avenue have since won two promotions during his tenure.
Mr Blackburn’s early reign was dogged by managerial uncertainty with five managers coming through and then out of the exit door in a short space of time.
However, the re-appointment of John Deacey in October 2010 sparked Avenue into life and the former Farsley Celtic manager guided them into the Conference North.
Mr Blackburn told Avenue’s official website: “I have decided that due to my overseas business interests, it is now time to hand over the baton and retire from the Board as I just cannot dedicate the time and effort needed to move the club any further forward.
“I feel it’s the right time for someone else to take up the challenge and move the club to the next level.
“I wish to pay tribute to the dedication of the club’s directors, the volunteers who work tirelessly and of course the fans who turn up week in week out to support the club.
“They all individually play their own part in the running of this great club and I’m sure that before long Bradford Park Avenue will return to its former Football League status.”
Mr Blackburn intends to watch Avenue when business commitments permit.