CITY have announced the signing of experienced midfielder Richie Smallwood – on an initial two-year contract.
The Bantams have beaten competition from a number of clubs across the EFL to secure the services of the former Hull City captain, who arrives at Valley Parade until at least the summer of 2024, with the option of a new season in burgundy and amber in his contract.
Smallwood made 42 Championship appearances for the Tigers last season, having been instrumental throughout the Humberside side’s League One title-winning 2020/21 campaign.
Born in Redcar, the 31-year-old started his career at nearby Middlesbrough, after graduating from the academy at Riverside Stadium.
He then made over 100 second-tier appearances for Rotherham United between 2014 and 2017, before playing 87 times for Blackburn Rovers before moving to MKM Stadium.
Smallwood said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to sign him and can’t wait to get to work.
“I have friends who have played here for the past few years who don’t talk enough about the club. Our job is to bring them back to where they belong, which is definitely not in League Two.
“I’m looking to provide leadership and I think the way the manager wants to play will suit me well. The project he sold me was very appealing and I was very impressed with the ideas he has.
“I’ve played here several times as an opponent and I know the atmosphere is fierce, which we have to use to our advantage.
“I take a huge responsibility to help us succeed, having played in the league last season.
“It’s going to be a tough campaign but I’m looking forward to hopefully delivering to the team.”
City manager Mark Hughes added: “Richie is a player we have been chasing for some time now, so his signing is one we are understandably delighted with.
“In him we get a fantastic professional and a true leader who has seen and achieved so much in the game.
“As a footballer he has the ability to control games from midfield and he is someone who will give you nothing less than 100% every time he steps on the grass.
“With 42 games in the Championship as captain of Hull City last season, Richie has just won sacks of games higher up the football pyramid, and is now ready and eager to go here at Bradford City.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the club and can’t wait to see him in burgundy and amber.”
