A burning desire for first team football persuaded Bradford City reserve striker Craig Midgley to step down a couple of divisions.

The 21-year-old player has joined Third Division Hartlepool on a two year contract and was due to make his debut for them in today's home match against Swansea.

Bradford-born Midgley, who joined City after leaving Eccleshill Upper School almost five years ago, said: "I want first team football. I think I deserved a chance at City because I have scored goals regularly in the reserves, but it wasn't to be.

"The first I knew about it was on Thursday night when Paul Jewell rang me. I spoke to the Hartlepool manager Mick Tait that evening, thought about it overnight and let them know yesterday morning."

Ambitious Midgley said: "I am delighted with the contract. I see the move as taking one step backwards to take two steps forward. Hartlepool try to play good football and they have a young squad.

"I am disappointed at not getting more first team opportunities at Valley Parade because I believed I could do a job for City. The side are short of goals, but every season I have scored goals in the reserves - I am top scorer with 13 this time - and I think I deserved a chance in the first team. I think I should have had a little run.

"Although I have left Bradford I love the place and I have enjoyed my time at the club, but I have got to start thinking about my career and get away.

"The worst thing is sitting in the stands on Saturdays when your team-mates are playing. Now, I hope to get a run in the Hartlepool side and I am very confident going there."

Midgley, who had scored one goal in nine league appearances before this season, has spent another season on the fringe of the first team with just three substitute matches in league and cup.

To add to his frustrations he has had some niggling injuries and has only just recovered from a broken nose.

Midgley almost left City two seasons ago following a three month loan spell with Scarborough. They were keen to sign him after the loan spell came to an end and a £50,000 was discussed, but Midgley decided to stay and fight for his placed at City.

He also spent a month on loan with Darlington before Christmas, but injuries limited him to just a game and a half and he returned to Valley Parade.

"I was doing well at Scarborough," said Midgley, "but I had a contract with City and thought I would get my chance. Now I want to start playing first team football."

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