Bradford City snap up "ambitious" Meredith from York (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City snap up "ambitious" Meredith from York

9:00am Friday 29th June 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

Left back James Meredith has joined City after being won over by Phil Parkinson’s ambition.

The 24-year-old Aussie played a big part in York’s promotion and FA Trophy-winning sides and made 131 appearances during three seasons with the Minstermen.

But he admitted the lure of the Bantams was too strong to resist. Meredith, who lives in Leeds, has signed a two-year deal.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my three years at York. I have nothing but respect for the manager and the chairman and they’re a great family club.

"But Bradford’s ambitions match my own and I’m excited to get started.

"I got on brilliantly with the manager from the moment I met him and he told me all about the ambitions for this club.

"I can’t wait to get out on the pitch in front of 10,000 in the magnificent stadium.

"I’ve heard it’s a great atmosphere to play in and I’ll be doing everything I can to help take Bradford a step up."

Meredith was spotted as a teenager in Australia by Derby but made his league debut while on loan at Chesterfield.

After playing in Ireland for Sligo Rovers, he had a season with Chesterfield though spent most of it with Telford.

He joined York in 2009 and was a regular in the team which lost 3-1 to Oxford in the play-off final in his first season.

He started 43 league games in last year’s successful campaign and scored twice.

An energetic attack-minded full back, Meredith can also play in centre midfield or centre half.