Bradford City shelve pursuit of Gray (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City shelve pursuit of Andy Gray

7:40am Tuesday 17th July 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

City have called time on Andy Gray as their forward focus switches elsewhere.

Phil Parkinson would like to add one more striker to his Valley Parade personnel. But it will not be long-term target Gray after the club decided it was dragging on too long.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed two months ago that the former Bantam was in their sights after leaving Barnsley.

After talking to Gray, they were quite hopeful that he would be prepared to drop down two levels to rejoin the club he left during the second administration.

But the 34-year-old also wanted to hang on for any potential higher-division approaches before committing and he is now on trial with Leeds, looking to earn a deal with his former boss Neil Warnock.

The Bantams have given up on waiting and have other names under consideration.

Parkinson said: “We had an interest in Andy earlier in the summer but he was only one of a number of strikers we’ve been speaking to, as was the case with players for other positions.

“If we can do a deal with a striker which we believe improves what we’ve already got, then we will do.

“Hopefully we will be able to seal a deal for one sooner rather than later. Ideally we would like to try to do something before going to Ireland.

“But equally, if not we still feel we’ve got five good options fighting for those positions.”

City are counting down to their opening pre-season friendly against Tadcaster Albion on Saturday. Parkinson is planning to give the full squad a run-out at the Northern Counties East League side.

“Everyone’s looking forward to playing a game and we’re looking for a good build-up this week,” he said.

“All the lads will play 45 minutes. They are at a good level of fitness and, barring any injuries this week, they should be fine to make a contribution.”

Meanwhile Marcel Seip is returning to Holland. The versatile defender, who played 27 games for City last season, has signed a one-year deal with VVV Venlo.

Venlo beat off interest from Poland and Turkey for the 30-year-old, who has been training with the Dutch club for the past fortnight.

Seip said: “After six years in England, I’m back to the Eredivisie. I can’t wait for the season to start.”