Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the signing of former Premier League striker Matt Derbyshire - on an 18-month contract.
The experienced frontman arrives at the University of Bradford Stadium until the summer of 2024, after agreeing to leave Indian Super League side NorthEast United.
Derbyshire spent four seasons alongside City manager Mark Hughes at Blackburn Rovers between 2004 and 2008, helping the Ewood Park outfit achieve UEFA Cup qualification through a sixth-placed Premier League finish, as well as reaching the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup.
A permanent move to Greece with Olympiacos followed, before he returned to England with stints at Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City, Rotherham United, Blackpool and Oldham Athletic.
The former England under-21 international then served prolific spells in Cyprus (Omonia and AEK Larnaca) and Australia (Macarthur FC), before most recently turning out for NorthEast United this season.
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.
“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.”
Hughes said: “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 9th January 2023, upon the formal cancellation of his contract at NorthEast United, with his move subject to the relevant EFL, FA and international clearances.