Liam Ridehalgh signs one-year contract with Bantams

The experienced left back has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

And he is desperate to go one better following their play-off exit last time.

“I am delighted to get the deal done and to be staying here for another year,” said Ridehalgh, who has made 62 City appearances since leaving Tranmere in 2021.

“We fell short last year, but hopefully this season we can push on and get that promotion we all want.

“We improved from the season before, so it was tough to lose in the play-offs like we did.

“But it has made us all hungrier to succeed for this club and these supporters.”

Ridehalgh missed five months of last season with persistent groin and calf problems. But he played every game following his return in the win at Stevenage in February.

He added: “I have absolutely loved my time here so far, and really enjoy working with the manager. He has put a lot of trust in me which means a lot, so hopefully I can repay him.

Liam Ridehalgh has played 62 times in two years at City (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“I am looking forward to being back in and around the boys again for pre-season, and working towards our goal of getting this club back into League One and beyond.”

City boss Mark Hughes is pleased to have the "reliable" Ridehalgh tied down for another year.

Hughes said: “In the season and a half I have spent here, he has proved a reliable, dependable player, who carries a lot of attributes that not only make him a solid defender, but a threat going forward.

“He is a popular member of the dressing room, whose importance to our squad is well recognised by everyone in it.

“I know - after spending time out with injury last season - he, like all of us, is determined to come back stronger and achieve success for Bradford City, and we look forward to having him with us again.”