Hughes explains why Bradford City let Foulds join Harrogate on loan

City allowed the left back to make the loan switch across Yorkshire following their capture of Rotherham’s Tolaji Bola.

Foulds had played 21 games this season but Hughes feels the attack-minded Bola is a better fit to how he wants his team playing.

The Bantams chief can understand Foulds taking up the offer with the Sulphurites.

“It happened quite quickly,” he said. “I think Harrogate were maybe one of the teams in for Tolaji, so when they missed out they thought there was an option to ask for Matty.

“Matty wants to play. He probably felt that he might have lost his place.

“That wasn’t a given but obviously you bring players in because you think they can help us by playing.

“Matty, in his own mind, wanted to continue to play week in, week out. He’s enjoyed that aspect and had a good half year for us.

“I didn’t want to stand in his way and stop him having that continuity of playing. That’s why we allowed him to go.”

Foulds had played every League Two game for City since Liam Ridehalgh got injured at the start of September. Ridehalgh is now back in full training.

Tolaji Bola has joined City on loan from Rotherham (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Hughes added: “We wouldn’t even contemplate it if Liam Rides wasn’t fit. But circumstances at the moment mean we can do it.

“I think Harrogate have lost a couple of left backs, so were really keen to do it.

“I’d imagine that’s the attraction for Matty that he felt he could go straight into their team.”

Bola trained for the first time with City yesterday and made an instant impression.

Injuries have restricted him to just two appearances earlier in the season but Hughes has no concerns with his fitness.

“He’s fully fit now and has had no problems for over a month,” he said. “He’s good to go and we’re pleased we were able to get him done.

“There were a number of clubs in for him, as you would imagine. Obviously, he felt we were the best option and we’re thankful for that.

“He’s been on the bench for Rotherham’s first team and he’s ready to go. He trained with the group yesterday and looked really strong.

“Given we’ve just had a slight formation change, the onus is clearly on the full back areas, that’s where we find a lot of the space is.

“We want to be able to exploit them to the best of our ability. I think Tolaji will help in that regard.”

Bola played 13 times last season for the Millers but has not featured since their goalless draw at Middlesbrough in September.

Hughes added: “I think that was his motivation to get out. His club obviously wanted to place him somewhere that would help him and I think we’ll both benefit.

“We feel he’s a good addition. He’s got a lot of qualities we feel will help us.

“He’s aggressive, he’s quick and he’s got great delivery as well - a lot of things you obviously want from your full back.”