COLIN Doyle is coming back to Valley Parade in a player-coach role.

The experienced stopper has penned a one-year playing contract – and will also take over the reins from John Vaughan at the club’s goalkeeper coach.

A former Republic of Ireland international, Doyle first arrived in West Yorkshire in the summer of 2016, spending two seasons with the Bantams.

He made 50 appearances during his first campaign with City and helped them reach the League One play-off final. He played a further 38 times the following term.

The 6ft 5in keeper last season filled a similar role in Scotland with Kilmarnock following a previous spell north of the border at Hearts.

Doyle said: “I am delighted to be back and never really wanted to leave the first time I was here. I cannot wait to get started.

“The role is slightly different but I have done it previously at Kilmarnock and bought into it straight away. So, the chance to do the same here is one I am looking forward to.

“This is a special place. I have spoken to the manager and he wants to make Valley Parade a fortress, which we obviously did in my first season here last time.

“You can just feel a buzz around the club again which we want to continue, to make the people in the stands proud. My hair stands on end when I think about what this place can be like, and our aim is to obviously get promoted.

“It is great to be back and I have had some really positive comments since leaving. Hopefully we can get some smiles on faces, because we know where we want to be.”

Doyle will provide experienced back-up on the bench for recent recruit Harry Lewis. Vaughan has been goalkeeping coach for the past three years since being appointed by Gary Bowyer.

Bantams boss Mark Hughes said: “Colin has experience up and down the football pyramid in this country and has spent the past few years up in Scotland where he has also worked in a coaching capacity.

“He has a close affinity with the club after an enjoyable couple of years here last time and has Bradford City firmly in his heart.

“He, like all of us, is very much bought in to what we want to build and achieve.

“The knowledge and experience he will be able to pass onto our goalkeepers, both as a coach and a team-mate, will be invaluable, so we are pleased to have him on board.”