Rochdale recruit ex-Sheffield United, Hull City and Doncaster Rovers man Tyler Smith after Bradford City exit
Former Hull City, Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United forward Tyler Smith has found a new club following his Bradford City exit.
The 26-year-old left the Bantams by mutual consent last month, just over two years on from his move to West Yorkshire.
He had found opportunities limited at Valley Parade, but still managed 12 goals in 54 appearances for the Bantams.
As Bradford clinched promotion from League Two, Smith was out on loan at Barrow, therefore an exit always looked likely.
Tyler Smith finds new club
After a period on the free agent market, the forward has now been snapped up by National League outfit Rochdale.
The fifth-tier club have handed Smith a contract running until the season and reunited him with his brother Kyron Gordon, Rochdale’s vice-captain.
It marks a return to Spotland for Smith, who had a loan spell at the club in 2020 while on Sheffield United’s books.
He said: “As soon as I knew the interest was there, I was always open to coming back. I’ve been itching to get in and I’m glad it’s been sorted.
“I know a lot of the people already here, which is a positive. The lads have been flying so far this season, and I really want to be part of it.”
Tyler Smith’s career trajectory
Smith is a product of the Sheffield United academy and showed promise at youth level only to manage just one senior outing for the Blades.
He was loaned out on a number of occasions, with Doncaster among those to borrow his services.
Smith completed a permanent move away from Bramall Lane in 2021, joining Hull. He spent two years at the MKM Stadium, registering five goals in 39 appearances, before leaving for Bradford.
He will wear the number 38 shirt at Rochdale and could be involved in a promotion race with the club sat second in the National League table.
The Dale are hunting down Forest Green Rovers, who have made an early rise to the league summit.