transfers

Bradford sign former Liverpool goalkeeper

 

Bradford City have today confirmed the signing of free agent goalkeeper Brad Jones on a one-year contract. The Bantams’ official website announced the news, despite strong rumours of Jones signing for Championship side Charlton Athletic.

The League One club have swooped quickly to bring in the Australian, after earlier in the week we reported how Jones had been training with The Addicks in the view of signing a contract. That move seemed only a formality, so Phil Parkinson potentially may have offered the 33-year-old a regular starting place. Jones signs after being released from Liverpool this summer by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

Parkinson hasn’t hid from the fact he has been searching for a goalkeeper this summer, narrowly missing out on a move for veteran Chris Kirkland before he signed for Preston North End. Current goalkeeper is Ben Williams, and boss Parkinson recently told the Telegraph & Argus how the search for another keeper doesn’t necessarily mean for former Manchester United shot stopper should be upset,

“There is money in the budget for another keeper and I’ve explained that to Ben since day one. I’ve got to get the best goalkeeping department we possibly can. We’ve tried for a few and missed out – not just Kirkland but a few others.”

Former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was another who trained with the club, however Parkinson ultimately decided against the deal.

Jones goes straight into the squad for tomorrow night’s home game with Gillingham, however it is likely Jones will start on the bench until he gets more training hours under his belt. He’ll compete with Williams for the number one spot but considering Jordan Pickford was the number one choice last season and only left because his parent club recalled him, it is likely that Parkinson won’t hesitate in starting Jones once he is 100% fit and ready.

 

 

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