Quids in for Bantams as Doyle signs

By Nathan Jacobs

Bradford City have finalised the deal to sign Blackpool ‘keeper Colin Doyle for £1, after triggering a release clause in his contract.

The 31-year-old is able to do so following the Seasiders relegation to League Two and has penned a two-year deal to move to Valley Parade.

“Once I knew Bradford were interested, it was a pretty easy decision.

“I’ve seen that the club have sold roughly 15,000 season tickets which is phenomenal for League One, and it will be good to play in front of those sorts of crowds.

“This is a big club and I’m looking forward to getting down to business now.

Doyle will work with a familiar face at the League One promotion hopefuls, after the Bantams recruited Blackpool goalkeeper coach Steve Banks to their backroom staff a fortnight ago.

Doyle commented: “I know Banksy (Steve Banks) last season from Blackpool and we had a good relationship so hopefully we can continue that this season, push on and do some good things.

“I’m glad that the move has been done relatively early into pre-season so I can get settled in and get to know the lads. I want to work hard in pre-season and get that number one jersey.”

Doyle was handed the captain’s armband by Neil McDonald made 33 appearances for the Seasiders last season, keeping over 10 clean sheets in the process.

He is likely to be No.1 at Valley Parade next season as he is the only senior goalkeeper currently on the books with the young Joe Cracknell the only other stopper on the squad list.