TEENAGE keeper Heath Richardson has signed a one-year pro deal with City.

The 18-year-old will be the third-choice stopper in Mark Hughes’ first-team squad.

Richardson joined the Bantams last year after a spell at Buxton and was between the sticks as Martin Drury’s under-19s won the EFL Youth Alliance North-East title.

“I am delighted to be here and to have signed my first professional contract,” said Richardson. “I am looking forward to continuing the hard work and being in the first-team environment.

“Pre-season has gone well so far and being able to train with the likes of Harry Lewis and Colin Doyle - and trying to hit their standards - has been a great experience for me.

“The lads were really good when I came in last year, and since then we just really kicked on, won a lot of games and ended up having a successful season in the under-19s side.

“Getting into the habit of success really increases your desire to keep winning, so I think that is something that will really help me moving forward into the professional game.

“I cannot wait to keep working hard in training and looking to kick on and hopefully earn something similar again next year.

City’s new keeper coach Doyle added: “Heath is a talented young goalkeeper and I have been very impressed by him in the short amount of time I have been working with him throughout pre-season so far.

“He has got a very good attitude and great work ethic in wanting to learn. I am looking forward to working with him throughout the season and seeing him develop further.”