Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the arrival of Colin Doyle, who returns to the club in a player-goalkeeper coach role.
The experienced stopper has put pen to paper on an initial one-year playing contract, and will also take over the reins of goalkeeper coach at the Utilita Energy Stadium.
A former Republic of Ireland international, Doyle first arrived in West Yorkshire in the summer of 2016, spending two seasons with the Bantams.
His first term in claret and amber, 2016/17, saw him make 50 appearances in all competitions, contributing towards an unbeaten league campaign at Valley Parade as the Bantams reached the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final, before making a further 38 appearances in 2017/18.
Most recently, the 6ft 5ins ‘keeper filled a similar role in Scotland with Kilmarnock, following a spell north of the border with Heart of Midlothian.
Doyle said: “I am delighted to be back, and never really wanted to leave the first time I was here. I cannot wait to get started.
“The role is slightly different but I have done it previously at Kilmarnock and bought into it straight away, so the chance to do the same here is one I am looking forward to.
“This is a special place. I have spoken to the manager and he wants to make Valley Parade a fortress, which we obviously did in my first season here last time.
“You can just feel a buzz around the club again which we want to continue, to make the people in the stands proud. My hair stands on end when I think about what this place can be like, and our aim is to obviously get promoted.
“It is great to be back and I have had some really positive comments since leaving. Hopefully we can get some smiles on faces, because we know where we want to be.”
Bantams boss Mark Hughes said: “We are pleased to be welcoming Colin back to the club and are looking forward to seeing him operate in an exciting player-coach role.
“Colin has experience up and down the football pyramid in this country, and has spent the past few years up in Scotland where he has also worked in a coaching capacity.
“He has a close affinity with the club after an enjoyable couple of years here last time, and has Bradford City firmly in his heart. He, like all of us, is very much bought in to what we want to build and achieve.
“The knowledge and experience he will be able to pass onto our goalkeepers, both as a coach and a team-mate, will be invaluable, so we are pleased to have him on board.”
Doyle will be sponsored by Keybury for the 2022/23 campaign, with his signing subject to the relevant EFL and FA clearances.
Bradford City AFC would like to take this opportunity to thank former goalkeeper coach John Vaughan who, after three years of service, departs. The club wishes him the best for the future.