Zesh Rehman admits playing for City has made him feel wanted again.

The Pakistan international is currently mulling over an offer to stick at Valley Parade after last season’s loan.

In line with the others considering deals, Rehman will have to take a pay cut to stay put.

But the big defender is attracted by the sense of belonging he felt during his initial three-month stay.

Rehman said: “It’s all about feeling wanted and appreciated as a player and this feels like my club.

“I’ve been to six clubs now and I’m looking for a bit of stability in my career for the next two years.

“I really enjoyed my time with Bradford despite the disappointment of not going up or even getting in the play-offs. From day one, I liked the whole feel of the club.

“Everybody made me feel welcome from the two chairmen and manager to the kitman and supporters, who have been tremendous.”

Stuart McCall sees Rehman as the natural replacement for skipper Graeme Lee, one of the four higher earners City are trying to shift during the summer.

But Rehman only played a few games at centre half last term, operating as a full back both left and right for most of his 17 appearances.

He added: “The manager made it clear from the start that I would play a few different positions but I didn’t mind.

“It’s all about the team and I’m not a selfish player. I think I gave 100 per cent wherever I was put.

“I still believe I can play in the Championship without a doubt but I need to be in a position to show that by playing regularly and for a management team that believe in me.

“The vibes I got from being at Bradford were very positive.

“I’m pleased that they’ve made me an offer and hopefully something can get sorted out. I’d rather be at a club that has got ambitions to do well.

“It will be a younger side next season but I’d like to see some of the players kept on like Lee Bullock, Matt Clarke and maybe Peter Thorne.

“You need the backbone of the team with plenty of league experience mixed with a sprinkle of young legs and youthful enthusiasm.”

Rehman will be a frustrated TV spectator for Saturday’s play-off decider between Shrewsbury and Gilling-ham, a side City outclassed at Priestfield Stadium in February.

He said: “There is no difference between us and them. The games proved that.

“But what can you do? You just draw a line under it and take the positives.”