IF THINGS had turned out differently, Richard O’Donnell could have been preparing for his fourth season in the Bradford City goal now.

Phil Parkinson was very keen to bring him to Valley Parade in the summer of 2015 after the Sheffield-born stopper came off a fine season for Walsall.

But a rival offer from Wigan effectively blew the Bantams out of the water and the opportunity was missed.

Three years on and the keeper, now 29, will line up at Shrewsbury today in a City shirt. Such is the way of football.

And Michael Collins will benefit from someone who has clocked up plenty of Championship experience during that intervening period.

Spells in the second tier with Bristol City and Rotherham preceded his switch to Northampton in January for a half-season’s action in League One.

O’Donnell’s know-how will be invaluable in a squad featuring a fair few still learning their trade in the uncompromising world of the senior game.

He said: “I’m a pretty experienced guy in terms of playing a lot of games. I’ve been around for a long time.

“I’m still 29 myself and have a lot of years ahead of me but I’ve got that experience.

“Obviously there are a few older heads in the team as well like Matt Kilgallon and you’ve got that mix of youth and experience. You need that.

“The head coach speaks really well and what he wants to do with the club matches up with my ambitions as well.

“For a Bradford City fan, it’s been frustrating being in this division so long. But that makes it exciting for me that I can join the team that can finally get up and push on.

“It’s time to stop talking about potential now. It’s been in this division too long now and we can go up this year.”

O’Donnell has a sizeable act to follow as he succeeds Colin Doyle, who recently signed a deal with Hearts after failing to agree a new contract with the Bantams.

O’Donnell respects the record of his Valley Parade predecessor.

He added: “I don’t know Colin personally but I’ve obviously played against him and know he’s done really well for the club.

“I’m not really sure what the reasons are why he left but all I can say is that I’m here to do my job.

“I’m excited and feel I’m at the right place in my career. I can’t wait to get going.”