CITY have snapped up Sam Walker to take over from Harry Lewis.

The experienced 32-year-old has replaced Carlisle-bound Lewis on an 18-month deal.

He will make his debut for the Bantams this weekend at former club Colchester – where he made 213 appearances during a five-year stint.

The 6ft 6in Walker has recently been at Charlton where he signed a short-term contract in October as injury cover, making three cup appearances.

He knows Colin Doyle well after spending a year together at Kilmarnock – where he left in the summer after playing 28 games last season.

The former Chelsea product also had spells for Reading, Bristol Rovers and Northampton.

Walker, who will wear the number one shirt, said: “Firstly, it is an honour to be here at a football club of this magnitude. It is a privilege to be able to pull on the shirt and I am here to help the team and the club get back to where it belongs.

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“I have a really good relationship with Colin Doyle from my time at Kilmarnock. I really enjoyed working with him and was really interested in coming to a club like this.

“A vast amount of my experience is in League One and Two, with a bit of time in Scotland. I am quite a calm figure in goal, so will be hoping to bring that to the backline.

“From what I have been told, we have a really good group here, so I am just looking forward to getting going and helping the club move towards the play-offs and beyond.

“I am hugely excited and honoured to be playing at Valley Parade. I cannot wait to see everyone out there and am looking forward to getting us back to where we belong.”

City goalkeeping coach Doyle said: “Sam is a great goalkeeper and a really good professional, who will bring bags of experience to the group.”