Former Hartlepool United defender Neill Byrne signs for Bradford City

Byrne played 51 times for Pools in the 2021/22 season, including the FA Cup fourth round tie at Crystal Palace and the EFL Trophy semi-final against Rotherham.

He was signed from Halifax in the summer after Pools won promotion back to the Football League to replace the departing Gary Liddle and enjoyed an impressive season in the North East.

The towering Irishman left to join Tranmere the following summer before linking back up with Dave Challinor at Stockport, featuring 22 times this term as the Greater Manchester side were promoted to League One.

The 31-year-old, who signed a two-year deal with the Bantams for an undisclosed fee, becomes the second Stockport player to sign for Graham Alexander's side this summer, following in the footsteps of experienced midfielder Antoni Sarcevic.

Upon signing, Byrne told the Bradford club website: "I'm delighted to be here.

"When I first heard about the interest from Bradford City and the manager, it was a move I really wanted to happen and get over the line.

"I have spoken with the gaffer and we both have the same ambitions - to try and achieve what we did last year at Stockport and bring this massive football club back up to League One.

"The key is to maintain that momentum that Bradford ended the season with, and just keep kicking on with good standards.

"We need to try and get this fanbase behind us from the start of the season, while keeping them entertained and pushing for promotion.

"I'm really looking forward to putting the shirt on."