THE BANTAMS have appointed Lewis Nightingale as the club's new academy head of coaching.

The 28-year-old has returned for his second spell with City after spending five years as academy head foundation phase coach between 2012 and 2017.

Nightingale, a former Darlington midfielder, then spent two years as under-14s head coach at Premier League side Everton.

"It is great to be back and I cannot wait for the exciting challenges ahead," Nightingale told the club website.

"I feel I can add real value to the academy set-up in this role in, essentially, trying to get as many players in this academy careers in the professional game, hopefully wearing the Bradford City shirt.

"This club has a history of breeding talented players through the academy and it is my job to keep that run going, as well as creating a pathway for the coaches.

"I hope my past experiences - both here and at Everton - will help raise the standards of the academy across the board, and bode for a successful future."

Nightingale's appointment sees Neil Matthews step into the role of academy manager on a full-time basis.