Colin Todd has insisted there was no rift with Steve Claridge.

The striker was today tying up a loan deal with City's League One rivals Walsall ahead of the teatime deadline - but he will not be allowed to play against the Bantams at the Bescot on Saturday.

Seven clubs chiefly from League One and Two had made contact with the 39-year-old, including Swindon and Oxford, but he opted for the Saddlers late last night.

Claridge was substituted before half-time of the Oldham game - an unhappy ending to his City career.

He trained with the squad again on Monday but was axed completely for the win over Blackpool.

But Todd rubbished suggestions of a bust-up with the much-travelled

veteran, who he snapped up at the start of the season.

The City boss said: "There was no fall-out. He has been treated in the same manner as everyone else.

"But I knew when he came to see me on Monday that he had something lined up before the deadline. He

wasn't going to get re-engaged in a contract next season.

"Steve has done what he had to do here and got some vital goals for us away from home. He served a purpose but I just felt I had to make a decision.

"He is a very fit lad and I think someone will take him next season - I know he wants to keep playing."

Claridge made 14 league starts with City and scored five times, most recently at MK Dons last month, but he grew frustrated at being in and out of the side.

Claridge admitted: "Ultimately I'm a bit disappointed with the way it has turned out but it's one of those things.

"It was a bit stop-start, which made it difficult to get in any sort of rhythm. But I enjoyed it immensely when I was playing.

"Bradford are a very good club for that level and there are some really good people there. I've nothing but good wishes for them.

"I think they are pretty safe now. One more win will do it and I don't think that will be a problem."

Todd has spoken to MK Dons boss Danny Wilson about extending Aaron Wilbraham's loan, which runs out after the Scunthorpe game on April 1 - when Dean Windass returns from his five-match ban.

The players were back in training today for Saturday's trip to Walsall, who have now dropped into the bottom four.

Spirits are up after the morale-boosting victory on Tuesday night - a performance which answered Todd's criticism after the horror show against Oldham.

He said: "I told the players that, as the gaffer, I would always try to protect and help them - but they also had to help and motivate themselves.

"It was about going out there and doing themselves justice. The work ethic had to be better than before and you certainly saw that."