BILLY Clarke is itching to throw himself into the thick of City’s survival battle after following it "under the radar".

Clarke had no second thoughts about coming back to Valley Parade and pushed for the move to go through.

The Irishman’s return after 18 months at Charlton signed off a hectic deadline day for David Hopkin.

Clarke has been keeping close tabs on his former club after missing most of last season with a knee injury.

He said: “I was obviously out for a fairly long period, so I was getting back up here and going to games under the radar. Since I left, I’ve come and supported the club.

“I’ve never left really. My family still live here and I was coming back at every chance I had.

“I know full well what’s gone on and always looked at the results.

“One thing I can say is I will give 100 per cent when I do wear the Bradford shirt. That’s what I’ll be doing every single time.

“I know we’re in for a tough fight but I’m excited by it and can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve missed living here, I’ve missed playing at the stadium and I’m absolutely over the moon. I honestly couldn’t be happier.”

Clarke has been joined by Derby’s former Huddersfield midfielder Jacob Butterfield, who has joined on loan after failing to break into Frank Lampard’s plans.

City will pay only a portion of Butterfield’s Championship wages as they managed to balance the books with ins and outs during the transfer window.

With owner Stefan Rupp covering an expected shortfall approaching £2 million for the season, the club were keen not to add to that during their January business.

Ryan McGowan left yesterday for Dundee and Jordan Gibson went on loan to Stevenage, with a view to a permanent switch in the summer. Kai Bruenker, Thomas Isherwood and Alex Jones had already moved on but Josh Wright and Joe Riley remain.

Clarke, who City sold for £90,000 after the 2017 play-off final defeat, returned from his long spell on the sidelines in November and played four cup games for the Addicks. He insists there will be no fitness concerns.

He said: “I’m fine. I wasn’t able to break into Charlton’s first team apart from in the cup but I haven’t missed a day’s training in a few months.

“I’m chomping at the bit. To be back home and playing back for Bradford has just given me such a buzz.

“I can’t wait to get into training today and down to Wycombe for the game.”