Bradford City striker Gordon Watson will continue his fightback from the horrific leg injury which threatened his career at Valley Parade after signing a new one year contract.

The Premiership-bound Bantams have also offered a one year contract to defender John Dreyer along with reserve defender Mark Bower. However co-defender Daniel Verity has been released.

Watson made a brave comeback last season after being out of action for 18 months after a dreadful tackle by Huddersfield Town defender Kevin Gray. he was recently awarded around £900,000 in compensation for the injury.

Meanwhile, inspirational skipper Stuart McCall has paid tribute to the manner in which Paul Jewell has led City into the Premiership in his first full season as manager.

The Bantams were crowned as runners-up in the First Division at an emotional Valley Parade last night after City triumphed 9-6 in a challenge match with John Hendrie's Invitation XI.

McCall has played a huge part in City's success this season by missing just three league games and is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the big names of the Premiership next term.

And he believes the city of Bradford owes a huge debt of gratitude to Jewell for the way he has transformed the club's fortunes.

He said: "The gaffer was an attacking player and he has brought this to his management - a fact illustrated by the fact that after Sunderland, we were the highest scorers in the division. It has been a pleasure to play in this team.

"It has been a real turnaround. I vividly remember getting off the coach after the trip back from Ipswich when we lost 3-0 on a Tuesday night in September and the gaffer said 'See you all on Thursday for training, if I'm still here'.

"A few of us travel in from Harrogate together and we were talking on the way back from Bradford that night and we all thought that he had to be given time.

"It was clear he was feeling under pressure but he always ensured that the spirit remained high among the lads. Some managers distance themselves from their players but the gaffer is not like that.

"And that is great for the team because it has helped us build up a great spirit."

McCall returned to Valley Parade last summer on a free transfer from Rangers after a glittering career in Scotland.

McCall played just the final two minutes of last night's game due to an Achilles injury which has been troubling him for the past few weeks.

He said: "It has been all right during games but afterwards the injury has really stiffened up. The good thing is it only needs rest over the summer and not an operation."

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