BRADFORD (Park Avenue) manager Garry Thompson has secured highly-rated defender Jon Moran for the 2019/2020 season.

The promising centre-half, who learned his trade with Crewe Alexandra, will bring experience and leadership to Thompson’s squad, having enjoyed spells at Forest Green in League Two and loan periods with Nantwich Town and Halesowen Town before joining Chester FC last season.

Thompson said: “We’ve had our eye on Jon and were pleased to attract him to the club despite there being quite a bit of interest elsewhere for his services.

"Jon is only 21 but has plenty of experience and his attitude and leadership qualities are what made us keen to bring him in.

“We are building a group of players who want to play for this club, who want to forge reputations, and who are prepared to do the hard work to prove themselves.

"Jon has chosen to come here because he understands what we are doing and where we are going and he likes it and wants to be a part of it and we see in Jon a player who has the attributes and character to be a real leader for us on and off the pitch."

Moran says he is delighted to make the move to Horsfall Stadium. He said: “The club itself is a good attraction, it’s a club that’s moving forward and I think any young player wants to be a part of that kind of movement.

"I can’t wait for the pre-season fixtures and to get started, it’s a great opportunity for me here at Horsfall and I want to deliver for the club.

“I’ve had long discussions with Garry and the club about what they stand for and believe makes a strong and successful football club, and I agree with them.

"It’s a very positive football club with good people involved going about things the right way."