Steve Claridge intends to make his stay at City a long one - at least long enough to learn all the names in the team.

Football's journeyman extraordinaire has signed until the end of the season, as revealed in later editions of yesterday's Telegraph & Argus.

Claridge is raring to kick a ball for his 15th professional club and said: "I've moved around enough over the last year. I'm just looking to put some footballing roots down.

"I've just played a couple of games for Gillingham and was still trying to find out who everyone was.

"Now I'm here long enough to get to know all the lads at Bradford."

The 39-year-old striker, who was hoping to make it up from his Hampshire home in time for today's game, has endured a turbulent 12 months which included a 36-day stint as Millwall manager.

"Last season was a total farce and this one has started the same way after what went on there," Claridge admitted.

"I'm only interested in playing now; I'll forget the rest.

"I'm happy to put up with the veteran tag but, to be honest, I'm probably less of a risk than someone half my age. At this stage of my career, everyone knows exactly what I can do.

"Age is what you make of it and in pre-season at Millwall I was the fittest there and ran a mile and a half in 7min 10sec.

"The only thing that gets tough is that people write you off quicker."

Claridge is legendary for enjoying a flutter but Colin Todd does not view him as a gamble for City.

"I've been looking for a striker and had no hesitation about getting him to the club," said Todd.

"We had him watched at Gilling-ham last week and he was the best player.

"Steve is fit, he's enthusiastic, he has great ability and he will enjoy it here. I know that he will work his backside off when he gets into the team.

"He had a difficult time at Millwall but has put all that behind him and just wants to play football - and I don't think the supporters will be disappointed."

With Claridge on board following the recent arrival of Richard Edghill, Todd believes his team-building is done.

"You look round the side now and we've got great competition in every position," said the City boss.