A FORMER Bradford City footballer is the new bar manager at a Riddlesden club.

Paul Tomlinson has taken on the role at the Applegarth, in Banks Lane.

He was the Bradford City goalkeeper between 1987 and 1995, and still holds the club record for most clean sheets and appearances – 293 –by a goalie.

Originally from South Yorkshire, where he grew up helping in his parents’ pub, Paul started his professional football career with Sheffield United in 1983 before his transfer to the Bantams.

He retired from the game, with a back injury, after 12 years.

Since then, Paul has forged a career in hospitality, running a number of pubs, bars and restaurants around the country.

He also spent four years in Spain, where he qualified as a golf coach.

He's relocated from Hampshire to take up his new appointment.

As well as hoping to further develop trade at the Applegarth, winner of the Keighley and Craven CAMRA Club of the Year award for two years running, Paul has been enjoying some time on the the area's golf courses.

He says: "The role at the Applegarth offered a great opportunity to return to Yorkshire and take on a new challenge."