Defender Peter Atherton will today become Bradford City's second close season signing from relegated Sheffield Wednesday.

Wednesday's Northern Ireland international full back Ian Nolan became manager Chris Hutchings' first signing when he joined City on a three-year contract on a free transfer under the Bosman Ruling.

And captain Atherton will join his Hillsborough team-mate at City also on a three-year contract. Talks took place with Atherton yesterday, the player had a medical and chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "Everything is agreed between club and player and he is ready to sign."

Like Nolan, Atherton is at the end of his Wednesday contract and joins City as a Bosman signing.

Clearly, both players want to stay in the Premiership rather than continue their careers in the First Division with Wednesday where former City boss Paul Jewell has taken over as manager.

Wigan-born Atherton, who was 30 in April, holds the record for the highest number of Premiership appearances. He began his career with his home-town club, making 149 league appearances before joining Coventry.

After playing 114 league matches for the Sky Blues he moved to Hillsborough where he has made more than 200 Premiership appearances.

Hutchings said: "Like Ian Nolan, Peter Atherton is an experienced player who can operate in several positions.

"He can play centre back, right back or in midfield which will give us a lot of cover in numerous positions. He is also a good passer of the ball and the fact he has played a record number of Premiership matches shows what an experienced player he is at this level.

"He is a great professional and very ambitious. The fact that he is joining us shows that he thinks that this is a bigger club than Wednesday and, of course, by signing for us he will be staying in the Premiership."

Nolan, who will be 30 on Sunday, completed his medical yesterday afternoon before signing his contract.

He said: "Bradford City match my ambitions and aspirations in football and I am delighted to be playing in the Premiership again in the coming season.

Hutchings said: "I am delighted Ian has joined us. He will be a very good acquisition to the squad. Like Peter Atherton, he is versatile and can play left back, right back or wing back."

Skipper Stuart McCall has returned from holiday in the USA and Hutchings plans to meet him today to discuss the club's offer to become assistant manager.