Former Wanderers defender Mark Beevers has joined non-league side Bradford Park Avenue on a one-year deal.

Beevers had been playing in Australia with Perth Glory but has now moved back to the UK with his family.

It is a marquee signing for the Northern Premier League East Division side, having racked up more than 500 appearances in the EFL.

“Mark is exactly the type of signing we needed as he gives us vital experience and physical presence,” said manager Craig Elliott.

“To sign a player of his calibre shows we are intent on improving and he will be a big signing for us, on and off the pitch.”

Beevers is not available for the FA Trophy tie against Ossett United this weekend but could make his debut against Heaton Stannington in the league.

“We are delighted to welcome someone of Mark’s experience to the club. He’s a real leader and I’m excited to see him in a BPA shirt,” sporting director Tom McStravick added.

The 34-year-old started out at Sheffield Wednesday and also had spells with MK Dons and Millwall before heading to Wanderers in the summer of 2016.

Beevers spent three seasons in the North West, playing more than 130 times for the Whites and scoring 12 goals.

He departed after relegation from the Championship in 2019 amid the club’s problems off the pitch, heading to Peterborough.

The defender spent the next three years at London Road before moving overseas to ply his trade in the Australian A-League.

Beevers went on to make 34 appearances for Perth Glory, scoring three times, and will now be looking to help Bradford PA climb the table.

Elliott’s side currently sit in 13th place, having won two and lost three of their opening six matches.