Ollie Crankshaw is Bradford City's ninth transfer window signing as winger joins from Wigan Athletic

The 22-year-old who started his career at hometown club Preston North End joins for an undisclosed fee.

Unable to make the grade at Deepdale, Crankshaw worked his way up through non-league football before joining then-Championship side Wigan Athletic two years ago. The Latics, who loaned him to Curzon Ashton and Dundee but he has made 24 League One appearances this season, scoring three times.

Crankshaw picked up on the positive mood generated by interim managers Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars, who are unbeaten in their eight matches in charge.

"There are some extremely positive things happening at Bradford City at the moment, and the morale around the place is great," he said.

“This is such a big club and, when the opportunity came around, I took it with both hands. I want to play a big part, here, and help us get back to where we should be.

“I am looking forward to putting on the claret and amber shirt and giving all I can to help pick up some more victories.”

Trueman and Sellars described their ninth recruit as "fast and energetic, with bags of potential and quality going forward," adding: “Everyone we have spoken to about Ollie has had only positive things to say, and his endeavour on the field - both in and out of possession - is there for all to see."

Crankshaw has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The transformation of the Valley Parade squad is even more incredible considering it has not been overseen by a permanent manager.

Trueman and Sellars have been in charge since club legend Stuart McCall was sacked shortly before Christmas and although recently-appointed head of recruitment Lee Turnbull has obviously had a big say, it is nevertheless a considerable show of support that the squad has been reshaped to fit their needs.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.