Bradford City goalkeeper Mark Prudhoe has signed an extension to his contract and joined the Bantams' coaching staff.

The much-travelled 34-year-old has been appointed the club's new goalkeeping coach - a role last filled by Mervyn Day before he joined Everton last October.

Prudhoe will have full responsibility for all City's keepers and will also work closely with the club's Centre of Excellence. The new deal will keep him at Valley Parade until the year 2000 with his current contract due to expire next summer.

Delighted manager Paul Jewell said: "It is good news for the club as Mark is a model professional. He is great to have around and well respected by all the players.

"He is looking forward to the challenge and will bring a lot of experience to the job. He has been on several FA courses and also worked with Fred Baraber, our former goalkeeping coach.

"It is a very important role as I believe every club should have a specialised coach in that area.

"Both Mark and Gary Walsh will also be going on a very tough goalkeeping course next month while the rest of the squad spend a few days training at the army camp in Chester."

Prudhoe joined the Bantams from Stoke City last summer for £70,000 and started the season as first-choice goalkeeper only to be replaced after four games by Robert Zabica.

He was restored to the side in September for two more games before then manager Chris Kamara brought Walsh in on loan. Prudhoe made three more appearances with his best display coming at home to Birmingham City when he almost single-handedly earned the Bantams a point in a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, City have had two more fixtures changed. The clash at Crewe Alexandra which was originally planned for Saturday August 29 has now been brought forward to the previous night.

Crewe Carnival takes place on the Saturday and the police will not allow both events to go ahead while the Bantams' trip to West Brom on Saturday September 19 has been put back 22 hours to be televised live on Sky Television. The satellite station have already moved City's home clash with Bolton to Sunday August 23.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam is backing plans by a consortium to bring Wimbledon to Belfast.

A group of Ulster businessmen have proposed building a new sports stadium in the Province's capital, which could become the Dons' new home.

Mowlam feels Premiership football would bring huge benefits to Northern Ireland and might even aid the peace process.

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