CITY have raided League Two champions Stockport again for their second summer recruit.

Having snapped up Antoni Sarcevic last week, the Bantams have now unveiled his former Hatters teammate Neill Byrne.

The 6ft 2in Irish centre half has signed on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Born in Dublin, Byrne began his professional career at Nottingham Forest in 2011. He joined Rochdale in 2012, before successful spells in non-league with Telford, Macclesfield, Gateshead, Fylde and Halifax.

After a season each with Hartlepool and Tranmere, he joined Stockport in January 2023.

Byrne made 43 appearances for the Hatters, including 22 in their title-winning campaign, and scored two goals.

He said: “When I first heard about the interest from Bradford City and the manager, it was a move I really wanted to happen and get over the line.

“I have spoken with the gaffer and we both have the same ambitions - to try and achieve what we did last year at Stockport, and bring this massive football club back up to League One.

“The key is to maintain that momentum that Bradford ended the season with, going into next season, and just keep kicking on with good standards.

“We need to try to get this fanbase behind us from the start of the season, while keeping them entertained and push for promotion. I am really looking forward to putting the shirt on.”

Byrne arrival casts further doubt on whether Matty Platt will still be at Valley Parade next season.

Platt was offered a new deal to stay but the club have not clarified the current position – suggesting that he could well be on his way.

City manager Graham Alexander said: “I am very happy we could attract Neill to Bradford City to add his quality and experience of success to our squad.

“We feel his dominant presence and composure in possession will help us play the way we finished the season, while his character and influence will help the other experienced players set the standards required - both on and off the pitch.

“We have a real team player on board and we really look forward to working with him.”