Former Nottingham Forest striker Matt Derbyshire has joined League Two side Bradford City on an 18-month contract.
The 36-year-old spent three seasons at the City Ground between 2011 and 2014, but struggled to fulfil his potential. Derbyshire had recently joined the Indian Super League side NorthEast United, but after just eight appearances he has returned to England.
He has been reunited with manager Mark Hughes, whom he spent four seasons with at Blackburn Rovers between 2004 and 2008. Having signed with Bradford until the summer of 2024, he said: "It feels great to be here. It has actually been a long time coming because we thought it would initially happen in the summer, but I am here now and looking forward to getting started.
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"I have had my best time in football working under Mark Hughes when we were at Blackburn Rovers, so I am looking forward to being with him and Glyn again. I have been lucky enough to play in the Premier League and Champions League, so am looking to bring that experience here and help Bradford City in whichever way I can.
"I look to play off the shoulder and get in behind as much as I can. I love scoring goals so want to do that and help the team win as much as possible. I cannot wait to get here and play in front of these wonderful supporters.
"Hopefully we can get some good wins on the board and keep giving them something to cheer for. The gaffer is very ambitious and has been throughout his playing and managing career, so coming here I want to do the best I possibly can to help the club get promoted."
Meanwhile Hughes added: "We are thrilled to be welcoming Matt to the club, as we continue to add to our squad ahead of the start of the January transfer window.
"He is a good professional and a good player I have known for a very long time, who has had a great intensity to everything he has done throughout his career, and scored goals everywhere he has been.
"Matty is vastly experienced in the game - both up and down the footballing pyramid here in England, and also on foreign shores - and will give us great energy at the top end of the pitch. We tried to get the move done in the summer but could not quite make it happen.
"We have been patient and his circumstances have changed, so we are pleased to be able to bring him in now. He will bring quality and invaluable experience to our dressing room, as well as added depth in our forward department. I am sure you will join me in wishing him a warm welcome to Bradford City AFC, and we look forward to involving him in training over the coming days."
Derbyshire will officially join the Bantams on January 9 ahead of their home clash against Rochadale on January 10.
What did you make of Derbyshire's time at Forest? Let us know in the comments section...
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