Bradford City clash with Carlisle swayed Walker into staying

The 28-year-old was confirmed on a two-year deal on Sunday night, with the decision announced by CEO Ryan Sparks on stage at City's end of season dinner.

But Walker admitted: "To be fair, before the match at the weekend (against Carlisle), I hadn't made my mind up for sure, because I've got two young kids in Scotland and one of them's at school, so it was a big decision.

"But after my goal at the weekend, and the way the fans clapped me off the pitch, it really made my mind up on what I wanted to do.

"I had a meeting with my agent already set up after the match, but it wasn't necessarily to sign, just to talk, but thankfully we got something sorted after the game."

As for the news being announced so publicly, Walker said: "Since I've come here, the supporters have taken to me and made me feel welcome, but the staff have too, making me feel wanted again.

"Especially on Sunday night, everyone was asking me if I was staying. I knew I was, but I couldn't tell them, so they weren't too happy with me when it was announced.

"It was great to finally get it done and I'm looking forward to chilling a bit now."

Jamie Walker fires home City's second goal against Carlisle on Saturday.

Walker's permanent move sees the end of his long association with Hearts, who have just secured third in the Scottish Premiership and a place in the Scottish Cup final.

But asked if he'd had a problem with the perceived drop in level, Walker said: "If it wasn't for it being Bradford City, a big club and a fanbase that has the expectations that they do, I probably would have tried to stay at home, close to my family.

"But when I heard it was Bradford City that were in for me, it really interested me and thankfully the loan spell went very well."

Walker's family will be coming to join him now, and he said: "They will probably move down after pre-season, because we'll be here, there and everywhere then (the club).

"The club were fantastic, sorting out school for my kids, and that was a big part of moving.

"Hopefully they'll all settle well and I can keep scoring at the Kop End.

"My family were coming to most of the home games, but just Friday to Sunday as my oldest had school.

"He loves the football as well though, so he's delighted to be here for good."

Walker started his loan spell under Derek Adams, but has spent most of his time here playing under Mark Hughes.

Reflecting on life under the Welshman, Walker said: "It's been fantastic.

"He's quite quiet and just goes about his business, but he has that aura about him having been a Premier League player and manager.

"I don't think he needed to do much to get the respect of the players because of his name, where some managers in League Two would need to.

"I'm looking forward to working under him for the next two years. I'm only 28 and hopefully I can learn a lot and it'll be a successful two years."

On what the team can achieve in that time, Walker said: "There's no getting away from the fact that the last few years have been a bit disappointing for the club.

"But you've seen the reaction to the signing of me and the appointment of Mark and Glyn (Hodges), and I'm really positive and looking forward to the next two years.

"I think everyone here, including Ryan Sparks, is pushing the club in the right direction, and hopefully it can be successful."