CITY want Andy Cook to spearhead their next promotion drive after the best season of his career.

The Bantams have confirmed that the out-of-contract striker, League Two's golden boot winner, will be offered a new deal to stay at Valley Parade.

They are also hoping to keep Alex Gilliead and Liam Ridehalgh from the team that were knocked out of the play-offs by Carlisle.

But midfield battler Adam Clayton will be on his way after the club decided against extending his short-term contract.

City have this morning released their retained list - and there are few surprises.

Mark Hughes is a big fan of Gilliead, the longest-serving member of the dressing room, and sees him as a key figure around the squad.

Gilliead’s 49 starts for the Bantams during the season were topped by only Harry Lewis, skipper Richie Smallwood and Brad Halliday. He has also worn the captain’s armband.

Ridehalgh did not miss a game after returning to the side at the start of February following five months of injury frustration.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Young striker Dylan Youmbi has been offered a new dealYoung striker Dylan Youmbi has been offered a new deal (Image: Thomas Gadd)

With Matty Foulds  back from his loan spell at Harrogate, Hughes clearly sees the experienced Ridehalgh continuing as first choice for the left-back role.

Youngsters Dylan Youmbi, who travelled with the senior squad to the Newport game in March, Bobby Pointon, Harvey Rowe and keeper Heath Richardson have also been offered new terms.

And City have taken up the option to extend Colin Doyle’s playing contract by a further year while he remains as goalkeeping coach.

Clayton heads the list of departures from Valley Parade. He played 21 times after joining the Bantams from Doncaster in the January transfer window.

Abo Eisa has also been released following two injury-ravaged years with City.

The former Scunthorpe winger was restricted to just 10 starts and 21 appearances due to long lay-offs with serious hamstring issues.

He scored two goals in back-to-back home games against Salford and Rochdale in January.

City confirmed the departure of Yann Songo’o, who spent the second half of the season on loan with Walsall.

Songo’o last played for the club in the 0-0 draw at Wimbledon in January, coming off the bench to replace Eisa.

A favourite of Derek Adams, who has signed him for four different clubs, he made 63 City appearances in total with three goals.

Oscar Threlkeld, another Adams capture, has also been released. The right back featured 27 times in the 2021-2022 campaign but was loaned to Oldham in the National League last season.

Threlkeld played only eight games for the Latics before a bad knee injury saw him return to Valley Parade.

Midfielder Kian Scales will not be offered another chance. He has not been involved since Hughes took charge and spent the whole season on loan at Farsley Celtic.

The 21-year-old played 27 games for the Bantams and scored once in a behind-closed-doors win at Colchester in March 2021.

Charlie Wood, Cole Roberts and Jack Wilson have also not been kept on.

CONTRACTED PLAYERS 

(for next season)

Brad Halliday

Ciarán Kelly

Colin Doyle 

Emmanuel Osadebe

Finn Cousin-Dawson

Harry Chapman

Harry Lewis

Jake Young

Jamie Walker

Luke Hendrie

Matt Derbyshire

Matty Foulds

Matty Platt

Richie Smallwood

Ryan East

Sam Stubbs

Timi Odusina

Vadaine Oliver