RICHARD O’Donnell expressed his joy at signing for City and declared: “I’ve finally got here.”

The Bantams have moved quickly to replace Colin Doyle with the experienced 29-year-old, who arrives on a free from Northampton because of a relegation clause in his contract.

O’Donnell, who has signed a two-year deal, was targeted by Phil Parkinson in 2015 but signed instead for Wigan.

But as he prepares to join the start of pre-season training today, the Sheffield-born stopper admitted City are a club that have always held an attraction.

He said: “It’s a club I’ve wanted to play at for a while.

“It nearly happened a few years ago but for whatever reason that didn’t materialise.

“Obviously the club speaks for itself with a massive fanbase and great stadium. It’s a club I’ve always been drawn to."

Darren Moore was eyeing O’Donnell as a possible back-up for West Brom and there was other interest. But the keeper was happy to turn down more lucrative options for the chance of playing regularly at Valley Parade.

“There were clubs that I would have been a lot better off at financially,” he added. “But having spoken to my family and my wife, I’m 29 and want to play football.

“I’m signing for a massive club and it’s one I’ve been drawn to for the last few years.

“I’ve known of Bradford’s interest for a few weeks. There was a period when the manager hadn’t been announced but once that happened, it was just a case of talking things through.”

O’Donnell made his Northampton debut in their 2-1 win at Valley Parade in January. He had spent the previous two years playing in the Championship for Bristol City and Rotherham and sees his new home on that level.

He said: “Just playing in front of the big crowds in that environment and to do it week in, week out is something I’m really looking forward to.

“Whether you’re the home team or away, you walk out on that pitch and it’s just ‘wow’.

“You feel this team shouldn’t be in League One. That’s what I genuinely think whenever I’ve played there.

“I want to be part of a successful team. This club has been in this division for too long now and It’s got all the potential and attributes to go up.

“When I was in the office yesterday afternoon and looked at the board, I was thinking that this is a good squad.

“I’m sure the manager and the club will want a few more additions. But there’s no reason why even now the squad is not capable of doing well.”