Billy Knott admitted the opportunity to become City’s second summer signing was simply too good to turn down.

The midfielder was available following his release from Sunderland and has penned a two-year deal, with an option for a third year in the Bantams’ favour.

Following the permanent signing of Matty Dolan earlier this month, the arrival of Knott is a major boost to City’s squad following the recent departure of skipper Gary Jones.

Described as a very positive and mobile central midfielder, the 21-year-old played 41 games last season on loan for Wycombe and Port Vale.

Knott, who likes to shoot from distance, scored twice for Vale and won their goal of the season award for a spectacular effort from outside the area against Crawley.

“You ask a lot of people around the game about Bradford and they say what a big club it is,” said Knott.

“When I came here last season with Port Vale I was on the bench and you could really take in the noise and atmosphere around the ground.

“I think Bradford had gone a number of games without a win before that night but the crowd was still buzzing.

“When you see the surroundings around here such as the stadium and you hear the gaffer’s plans for how he wants to take the club forward, you can’t really turn that down.

“I’m glad to have this move completed quite early in the summer and I can go away and prepare for pre-season properly now. I can’t wait to get started and give it 100 per cent.

“That is the way I like to train and I like to play and I’ll try to be no different here. This is a big club and I am excited to get started.”

Phil Parkinson said he had been tracking Knott’s progress for some time.

“Billy is a young midfielder with good footballing ability and he is versatile too,” said the City boss.

“He can play central midfield and behind the striker – he’s a player with real enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Born in Essex, Knott joined Sunderland in 2011 after being released from the Chelsea academy. But he made only one Black Cats appearance as a substitute against Tottenham under Paolo Di Canio.

He has spent previous loan spells with Woking in the Conference and AFC Wimbledon, where he had an influential game against City in March 2012.

Knott won a contentious penalty and scored with a header in a 3-1 Dons win best remembered for Craig Fagan’s red card.

Parkinson said: “Billy is a player who first came to our attention when he played against us on loan for Wimbledon.

“He played on the left-hand side of midfield that day and I have monitored him ever since.

“He went to Port Vale last season and did really well for them, so a few clubs wanted to sign him. I felt he was an important signing to get done.”

The club’s deadline for season tickets at their current prices ends today at 5pm and Parkinson added: “I hope signing Billy persuades fans to buy their tickets.

“He’s the type of player we want to attract to the club – he’s young, energetic and I think the crowd will enjoy watching him play.

“I think he’s a good acquisition for us but there are hopefully going to be quite a few more.”