Shrewsbury Town v Bradford City: Gilliead ready to take the step up with City

NEW signing Alex Gilliead is ready to make the step up into League One with Bradford City.
Alex Gilliead, front, in action for England's Under-18s.Alex Gilliead, front, in action for England's Under-18s.
Alex Gilliead, front, in action for England's Under-18s.

The 20-year-old joined the Bantams earlier this week from Newcastle United until the end of the season.

He is Stuart McCall’s second signing of the transfer window after Alex Jones arrived ahead of last weekend’s home win over Chesterfield in a permanent switch from Birmingham City.

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“I was at Luton this season and Carlisle last season, and played about 60 games in League Two,” said Gilliead. “It is a good standard. When I first went to League Two, I was a bit shocked at just how good the standard is.

“I have to come to League One because it is another step up in my career, I wanted to test myself. It will be a bit different and a bit quicker. But it is something I can handle.

“I come in quite confident and am looking forward to it. My fitness is good, I have played my fair share of games.”

Gilliead was at Valley Parade for City’s 2-0 win over Chesterfield last weekend and is likely to go straight into the squad for the trip to Shrewsbury Town.

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“The gaffer just told me to enjoy my football and carry on doing what I have been doing,” added the winger, who will be ineligible for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy third round tie at Cheltenham Town due to having already played in the competition this season for Luton. “I am not coming here thinking I will start every week. I have to work hard.”

James Hanson, the club’s longest serving player, is also included in the travelling party after recovering from injury as Bradford look to claim a third straight win in the league.

Billy Clarke is still out with a calf problem but could face Cheltenham. Filipe Morais is another absentee, the Portuguese having only just returned to light training.