KEVIN McDonald has left City by mutual consent.

The veteran Scot played 23 times for the club following his arrival in June last year.

He also had a spell as caretaker boss in between Mark Hughes being sacked and the appointment of Graham Alexander, winning four of his seven games in charge.

McDonald last appeared in the 3-0 loss at Harrogate in March and was told by Alexander at the end of the season that he would not be featuring this time.

The 35-year-old has continued to train – and is keen to keep playing for as long as possible before moving into coaching.

McDonald paid tribute to everyone at the club on his exit.

He said: “I would like to start by thanking each and every one of you Bradford City fans for your incredible support throughout my time here.

“I was faced with some very different and challenging circumstances last season, but always tried to give everything for the club, and you thankfully recognised and appreciated that. You have all been immense.

“As a player, I was supported fantastically well from the start, and then even more so during my stint as manager, before I felt even more love when I returned to playing.

“I have really enjoyed my time here, and made some great friends, but ultimately, people move on in football. The club is in fantastic hands, and I can only see success for it moving forward.

“Thank you to Ryan Sparks for everything he has done for me, professionally and personally, throughout my time here.

“He has been open and honest with me the whole time. It was a smooth transition into the player-manager role and has been the same since.

“Finally, thank you to all the staff and, in particular, all of the players who I have had the pleasure of sharing the dressing room with.

“The lads who were here last season understood my situation, and were absolutely bang on, throughout the whole process, as they have been as team-mates.

“I wish everyone at the club the very best.”

City chief executive Sparks said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kevin for his services to Bradford City, both as a player, and as caretaker manager.

“He bravely stepped up and took over the reins during the early parts of last season, and I will be eternally grateful for the time his work and success in the role gave us, in moving to appoint Graham Alexander as the next manager of the club.

“I hope the experience Kevin has had with us will stand him in good stead for the future, and I wish him the very best. He will always be welcome back at Valley Parade.”