RICHARD O’Donnell admits he has been overwhelmed by the response from fans following his Valley Parade exit.

The former City skipper is contemplating the next stage of his career after four years at the club.

O’Donnell was the longest-serving member of the squad with 137 appearances under his belt before his departure was announced among those who have not been offered new contracts.

Mark Hughes has already snapped up Harry Lewis from Southampton as his replacement in goal for next season.

But as O’Donnell prepares to find a new club, he revealed how much the good-luck messages from supporters have meant to him.

“It’s been really touching,” he said. “It’s been an up and down four years but I’ve loved every minute of it and played a lot of games.

“It’s nice to see the fans have appreciated the efforts I’ve put in during that time on and off the pitch.

“I’ve always tried to make time for people and give them respect and obviously that’s not gone unnoticed.

“The messages I have had have been incredible, literally hundreds and hundreds. I can’t reply to all of them but it has meant so much.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Richard O'Donnell on his City debut against Shrewsbury in August 2018Richard O'Donnell on his City debut against Shrewsbury in August 2018

The 33-year-old, who joined City in 2018 when Michael Collins was briefly in charge, played the last of his games in the FA Cup defeat at Exeter in November.

O’Donnell’s biggest regret is that he could not help the club back to League One after being relegated in his first season. But he believes City are in a much better situation now than before.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for the club and everyone involved. It would be nice to go back there and show my appreciation.

“Obviously I didn’t get chance to do that playing for Bradford at the end of the season, even though the reception was really nice after the Carlisle game.

“There are some fantastic people working there who are really the heartbeat of the club, they make the club what it is. The club is in a good place going forward now from top to bottom.

“It’s in a lot better position than it was and credit to (chief executive) Ryan (Sparks) and everyone who has managed to do that.

“I’m sure everyone will agree it was in a bit of a dark place at one time with the ownership and everything going on. The club has got a feelgood factor going forward.

“I want to thank everybody for welcoming me and my family from day one. They’ve been brilliant with me and I really appreciate the fantastic messages.”

O’Donnell took a pay cut to sign his last contract in the summer of 2020 during the pandemic.

“That particular time was tough for a lot of clubs, including Bradford, when Covid hit.

“A salary cap came in for a time and Stuart (McCall) wanted me to stay but could only offer me so much.

“But it wasn’t particularly about the money side. I took a cut but I felt I owed it to people to try to get the club back to the least it should be in League One.

“Unfortunately, it’s not happened but I’m proud of what I’ve done at the club both on and off the pitch. I feel like I’ve made a difference to a lot of people which means a lot and the messages back that up.

“I’m obviously very disappointed to be leaving Bradford but at the same time now it’s done, there’s no going back and I’m excited for the next challenge.

“I’m still very hungry to go and play football. I still feel very good within myself and my body, I don’t feel any different from how I did eight or 10 years ago.”

There has already been interest shown from other clubs and O’Donnell is confident he will get fixed up.

Reports suggest he is set to sign for Rochdale - which would mean a League Two return to Valley Parade next season.

He added: “There have been a few things and hopefully something will be over the line pretty soon.

“I’m at that stage of my career where I want to make sure everything’s right and I go and enjoy my football.”