City hopeful Matthew Tipton quit professional football for two years to give his body a break.

The 30-year-old free agent is hoping to win a contract from Peter Taylor and will be training with the Bantams again this week.

Tipton is on the look-out for a new club after leaving Macclesfield.

That was his third spell with the Silkmen – where he is the record league scorer – and followed two seasons when he dropped out of the pro ranks altogether.

The striker said: “I’d been playing first-team football since I’d just turned 17 and the nine years had taken their toll. My body just needed a rest.

“I’d played on through an injury that I’d had for 18 months and the body couldn’t cope with getting back fit. I was picking up one little injury after another.

“My wife and I decided it was best to give it a rest, so I just played a little bit of non-league to keep ticking over. It did the trick and then I was ready again.

“I felt the benefit of that last year because I didn’t miss a day’s training – and coming here, I feel like I’m getting back to my old self.”

Tipton, who also played for Bury, admitted he was flattered by Taylor’s interest.

“I spoke to Peter over the summer and he said he liked me when I was a bit younger and wanted to have a look at me,” he said.

“The ball’s in his court and he might have other options. I’ve got to prove myself in training.

“But there are 900 players out of contract in the summer and everyone’s in the same boat. I’m just grateful he’s given me a chance.

“There were a couple of other clubs interested but I wasn’t going to mess anybody about. I’m backing myself to come here and prove that I’m good enough.”

Tipton played the first half of Friday’s friendly at Eccleshill where he partnered Gareth Evans, another former Macc man.

He said: “It was a bit scratchy for the first 20 minutes but that was the same for everybody. As the half went on, we were making runs off each other and linking up a little better.”