Eddie Jonson signs for the Bantams.
Last updated : 23 June 2006 By ChalkDust
Bradford City has made their second singing of the summer by signing Eddie Johnson. Chester born Johnson had been offered a two-year deal at Gresty Road after a season's long loan from Man Utd which subsequently saw him released during the summer on a free transfer. During this week another Yorkshire club declared interest in the 21-year old striker, Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie did publicly declare he wanted to talk to Johnson and was prepared to offer a two-year deal and a chance of Championship football.
Instead Bradford City boss Colin Todd made a quiet swoop for Johnson this morning with him signing a two-year deal at Valley Parade.
Other clubs from League one and Scotland had been monitoring the highly rated under-21 international. Bantams boss Todd said "I know a lot of teams were chasing him but he came here and was impressed with what he saw.
"He obviously likes myself as a manager and likes the look of the stadium and knows we'll give him a great opportunity to be playing games.
"We are looking to make real progress as a football club and Eddie is looking to move on as a player again. It's a coup for us and I know he can make a real impact here." he also added
"Eddie has played all his games in the Championship so there is no doubt about his quality," said Todd.
"He had a little injury at Crewe but when he was playing he did extremely well, so much so that another club in that division tried to sign him in the January transfer window.
"He also did a very good job with Coventry when he went there as a 19-year-old. He is an under-21 international and I think he will prove to be a very exciting signing for this football club."
Johnson made 16 appearances last season for the Alex scoring five times, though during the transfer Johnson did turn down a move to Hull City and this after Man Utd had accepted a fee from the Yorkshire club.
Johnson will have strong competition up front with Bradford City already having Dean Windass and Crewe loan player Michael Symes on their books. Also Bradford City announced that Premiership new boys Sheffield United had accepted an offer of £100k for Luke Beckett and that the player was to discuss personal terms.
