Shaun Gardner has left Penrith AFC to become player-assistant manager to National League North outfit Bradford (Park Avenue).

He will be the No.2 to Cumbrian Garry Thompson who recently left Workington Reds and was appointed as Bradford player-manager yesterday, replacing Mark Bower.

Thompson, 38, has vast experience in the Football League, enjoying two spells at Morecambe, as well as turning out for Scunthorpe, Bradford City, Notts County and Wycombe, before linking up with Reds in January.

"I’m incredibly excited and can’t wait to get started. I’ve been working on coaching and looking towards my career after I finish playing," said Thompson in a Bradford (Park Avenue) club statement.

"This is such a great opportunity at a fantastic club.

"I was attracted to the values and positivity of the directors and we agree on what a strong club requires in terms of attitude and culture."

Avenue CEO Damian Irvine added: "It’s been an extremely busy 2019 for the club as we’ve focused on taking a fresh perspective and approach to every facet of our operation and structure.

"We have plenty of experience in seeing what successful and sustainable clubs look and feel like, and it’s genuinely exciting to deliver positive change and a culture of progress to Horsfall Stadium."

Gardner leaves Penrith, having scored a goal but also missed a penalty, in their 3-1 Cumberland Cup final defeat last month to Carlisle United at Brunton Park in their final fixture of the 2018/19 season.