Bantams sign ex-Leeds and Carlisle defender Paul Huntington

The former Carlisle captain, who turned 37 a fortnight ago, has penned a short-term deal until January.

He has been training with the Bantams as a free agent in recent weeks.

Huntington last played a competitive game on April 20 for Carlisle against Wycombe before being released by the Cumbrians at the end of the season.

But he has been involved with the PFA pre-season training camp for players without clubs and most recently featured in a closed-doors friendly at Man United under-21s at the start of the current campaign.

Paul Huntington, centre, celebrates Carlisle's promotion in 2023 (Image: PA)

Former City left back Liam Ridehalgh also took part in the game before he signed for Guiseley.

Huntington said: “Obviously I am very pleased to be here. It’s what I’ve been working towards over the summer.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity and I’m grateful for it.

“The first six or seven weeks I did with the PFA camp for out-of-contract players. Basically, I got fit there, lots of training sessions, and lots of games.

“It gives you that base fitness, they had a game each week which was replicating being at a club in terms of the training you did in the week, building your match minutes up.

“I’ve looked after myself in general like I’ve done across my career. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Neill Byrne and Aden Baldwin have both returned to training but Ciaran Kelly is expected to be out for at least a couple of months after ankle surgery.

That left just loan duo Jack Shepherd and Cheick Diabate as the senior centre halves.

City have not confirmed whether Huntington, who will wear the number 20 shirt, has been registered in time to feature at Morecambe tonight.

Paul Huntington cannot stop Jamie Walker scoring in the play-offs (Image: PA)

But it would be a surprise given his unveiling ahead of the game if he was not involved in the squad.

Bantams boss Graham Alexander said: “We’re glad to bring Paul in at this time.

“He’s been training with us for a little while and we’re sure his experience, knowledge and abilities will help us. We look forward to working with him.”

Huntington began his career with Newcastle and made his debut in the Premier League in December 2006.

He moved on to Leeds, Stockport and Yeovil before joining Preston – where he made over 300 appearances in a decade with the Lilywhites, scoring a Wembley goal in their League One play-off final win over Swindon in 2015.

Huntington signed for Carlisle in 2022 and was a bedrock in their promotion from League Two that season, captaining them to play-off success after beating City in the semi-finals.