CITY have clinched a hat-trick of promotion-winning signings after snapping up defender Callum Johnson.

The 27-year-old is fresh from going up with Mansfield as Graham Alexander makes his third summer capture from last season’s League Two top three.

Johnson, who joins the Bantams on an initial one-year deal, is also aiming for three out of three with promotions from the fourth tier. He also went up with Accrington in 2018.

Johnson said: “I spoke to the manager and knew straight away that I wanted to sign.

“Everyone will say the same but the size of the club is really what brought me here.

“I have played for big clubs before and been successful. I have been promoted from League Two twice in my only two full seasons at this level, so am aiming to add a third here.”

Johnson’s versatility appealed to Graham Alexander and he can slot into various positions.

Johnson added: “I have predominantly played right-back in a back four and, in a back three, I can play at right centre-back as well as right wing-back. Keeping clean sheets is the main aim, but I do like to get forward and contribute further up the pitch too.

“The manager said everything I wanted to hear and told me the way he wants to play.

“We have spoken about where he sees me and where I feel most comfortable, and we have the same ideas on where I play my best football.

“I am looking forward to getting going and striving to reach our goals.”

Johnson began in the Middlesbrough academy before joining Accrington – where he played for three seasons.

He signed for Portsmouth for £100,000 in 2020, making 47 appearances during the behind-closed-doors campaign, before former Bantams boss Simon Grayson took him on a season-long loan at Fleetwood as a replacement for the injured Brad Halliday.

Johnson headed north of the border after his Pompey release to sign for Ross County.

He returned to England six months into a two-year deal and signed for Mansfield in January 2023.

Johnson made 35 appearances for the Stags, scoring two goals, but injuries restricted him to just 17 league games last season – a factor in Nigel Clough not offering him a new contract.

He missed nearly four months with a serious hamstring injury he suffered at Stockport on New Year’s Day before returning to come off the bench in Mansfield’s final game of the season at Barrow.

Alexander said: “Callum gives us great competition on the right-hand side of our team.

“He is also coming to an age now where he has got great experience while having his peak years ahead of him.

“He has played many games in the league above and won promotion from this division twice.

“I am looking forward to working with him and he is another positive addition who is hungry for success.”