25-goal Norman makes move upwards as Tadcaster Albion reveal retained list

TADCASTER Albion have confirmed their retained list for the 2024/25 season.

Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, manager Mick O’Connell has managed to secure the services of a large bulk of his first-team squad, despite key players also moving up the footballing ladder.

Olly Norman will be a notable absence from last campaign, with the Brewers’ top goalscorer making the step up to the Northern Premier League east division with Bradford (Park Avenue).

Norman, who netted a team-high 25 goals as the Brewers returned to the NCEL premier division, has been snapped up by Bradford (Park Avenue) on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

The striker initially joined Tadcaster upon his release from Bradford City in 2021, then going on to have spells with Harrogate Railway and Stocksbridge Park Steels before playing a vital role as O’Connell’s side earned an 11th-placed finish last term.

Park Avenue boss Danny Whitaker admitted he has had his eye on Norman for some time and that he hopes the youngster can progress at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

“It’s brilliant to get Oli signed,” he enthused to the club website.

“He’s a player who we’ve scouted thoroughly since I’ve come in.

“He’s got lots of hunger to progress having come up through the academy system but has then gone and got men’s football from an early age.

“I truly believe we can help him progress and the quality he’ll add is very important also.”

Midfielder Ben Tweed has also departed the club, joining Norman in the step up to the Northern Premier League east division by joining promoted Garforth Town, who won the NCEL play-off to move up the ladder.

Tweed initially joined the club from Harrogate Town and played a crucial role in O’Connell’s side, being named as the club's man-of-the-match on numerous occasions.

The impressive young central midfielder is no stranger to the level, having previously featured for Brighouse Town in a loan spell from Harrogate, whose academy he progressed throughout.

Goalkeeper Joe Wilton has also exited North Yorkshire, making the move across to fellow NCEL side Goole.

Wilton began his career in the academy of York City, but made the initial move to Goole after failing to earn a professional deal with the Minstermen.

A move to Harrogate Railway followed, where Wilton first played under O'Connell, before the duo moved together to Tadcaster at the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

RETAINED LIST: Sam Green, Hiram Romero, Josh Hardcastle, Charlie Owen, Mason Wilson, Dan Thirkell, Elliot Holmes, Fatlum Ibrahimi, Kieran Greenway, Sam Kitchen, Raeece Ellington, Junayd Cassius-Gill, Joe Crosby, Jordan Hines, Luke Stewart, Lewis Walters, Luca Nelson.