Mark Hughes reacts after reuniting with former Blackburn Rovers man at Bradford City | OneFootball

Bradford City manager Mark Hughes has revealed his delight at completing the signing of striker Matt Derbyshire on a permanent deal.

It was announced on Friday night that Derbyshire has agreed a deal to join the League Two side from the 9th January, upon the cancellation of his contract with Indian club NorthEast United.

The 36-year-old has put pen to paper on an 18-month deal with the Bantams, securing his future at Valley Parade until the end of the 2023/24 season.

A move to Bradford reunites Derbyshire with Hughes, who he previously played under for four years at Blackburn in the Premier League between 2004 and 2008.

Now it seems as though Hughes is relishing the chance to take charge of the striker once again, now he has completed his return to English football.

Giving his reaction to the signing of Derbyshire to Bradford’s official website, the Bantams boss said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Matt to the club, as we continue to add to our squad ahead of the start of the January transfer window.

“He is a good professional and a good player I have known for a very long time, who has had a great intensity to everything he has done throughout his career, and scored goals everywhere he has been.

“Matty is vastly experienced in the game – both up and down the footballing pyramid here in England, and also on foreign shores – and will give us great energy at the top end of the pitch.

“We tried to get the move done in the summer but could not quite make it happen. We have been patient and his circumstances have changed, so we are pleased to be able to bring him in now.

“He will bring quality and invaluable experience to our dressing room, as well as added depth in our forward department.

“I am sure you will join me in wishing him a warm welcome to Bradford City AFC, and we look forward to involving him in training over the coming days.”

With Derbyshire set to join Bradford from the 9th January, his debut for the club could come the following day, when they host struggling Rochdale in League Two.

The Verdict

This could turn out to be a rather useful signing for Bradford City to have made.

Derbyshire was certainly something of a success for Hughes during the pair’s time together in the Premier League at Blackburn, where the striker made some useful contributions in front of goal.

If Hughes can now get the same out of him at Bradford, he could well be an asset to the club as they look to secure promotion from League Two this season.

Indeed, the 36-year-old now brings plenty of experience with him to Valley Parade, that could also help younger members of the squad as well, meaning that on a free transfer, this could be a useful bit of business.