Luke O’Brien today opened a new chapter in his football career by admitting he had grown stale at Valley Parade.

O’Brien’s move to Exeter for the rest of the season ended an association with City that began when he was just eight.

Now 23, the left back believes that the change of scenery can revive his prospects after a difficult season out of the picture.

O’Brien said: “I’ve been at Bradford for 15 years and will always have very fond memories. I owe Stuart McCall for giving me my first chance and the managers since for playing me.

“But I needed that fresh challenge. I’ve been with them for so long, it’s easy to come to a bit of a standstill in my career.

“I was in a comfort zone at Bradford and this is a big change in my life.”

The former City player trained with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday and hopes to be in contention for Exeter’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.

He added: “It was weird just putting on a red and white shirt. It’s going to take a bit of getting used to."

Meanwhile, City have also released Nialle Rodney, who has joined Lincoln until the end of the season, and teenage midfielder Patrick Lacey as the cull of players on the club’s fringes continues.

Full story in today's Telegraph & Argus