JAMES Mason admits he is thrilled to be back in football after landing a new role at Rochdale.

Mason has been appointed the club’s chief executive officer – four months after leaving the position with City.

Mason, who last week launched sports agency FIVE NINE, joins Rochdale in a consultative role working closely with director William Goodwin.

He said: “I’m delighted to be back in football because I believe I’ve got a lot to offer the industry.

“I had four wonderful years at Bradford City – a real rollercoaster of a ride with the highs and lows.

“From a tricky start to a tricky end, I suppose, but sandwiched in the middle was the best part of four years of real Boy’s Own stuff.

“I was able to work for my hometown club and I’d like to think I added value in a lot of areas and was really proud of many of the things we achieved.”

Mason has been on “garden leave” since leaving Valley Parade and used the time to visit various clubs involved in football, rugby league and athletics.

“It really whetted my appetite to look at the game from a different perspective,” he added.

“I spent some time with David Baldwin at Burnley and thank him for all his help. I visited Guiseley and Huddersfield Town and other clubs up and down the country.

“Rochdale was almost a perfect fit in lots of ways.

“I had some really generous offers from other clubs in and outside of football.

“It’s all well and good going somewhere in higher leagues. But taking your family away from home at this stage of my life is not something I could entertain.

“Rochdale is an hour down the road, I’ve got family in Littleborough and I bought season tickets there last year as part of a solidarity for their lower-price campaign.

“I’ve always enjoyed going there as a fan. This is a town that is really passionate about football.

“It’s got a wonderful manager and one of the best academy set-ups in the country.

“And although the crowds aren’t big, they are comparative with a town of their size.

"What’s to say we can’t grow their attendances and their profile in the region and the country – that will be one of my first aims.”

Mason also has a link with long-serving Rochdale boss Keith Hill. He was coached by Hill’s late father, Keith Hill senior, when he played football in America after leaving university.

Mason will be making a quick return to Valley Parade in his new position as Rochdale visit City on October 20.

He said: “The ironic nature of football has thrown this fixture up almost straight away.

“It will be brilliant to go back to Bradford but this time I’ll have to be wearing a blue hat.

“Bradford City are a club close to my heart and I wish them well. But I’ve now got to be professional in my attitude towards that game and will be going there to try and get a win.”