Zesh makes Bradford move permanent

Zesh makes Bradford move permanent

Zesh Rehman signed a two-year deal with City on Thursday after snubbing higher-division interest.

Luke O'Brien, Joe Colbeck and Leon Osborne are also putting pen to paper as Stuart McCall's squad continues to take shape.

Talking to the Telegraph & Argus Rehman said: "There were a couple of other clubs from a higher league but this just felt right.

"My gut feeling told me to sign for Bradford and I've absolutely no regrets.From day one, I felt at home here. I'm fortunate enough to have played in all the divisions and I see this as the next step of my journey.

"I'm 25 now and still feel the best years are ahead of me."

McCall revealed that Rehman, like Peter Thorne, has taken a hefty pay cut to commit to the club where he spent the second half of last season on loan.

He said: "We know the differential from what Zesh was getting paid last season and this season is huge. And I know he could have got more money from a club at a higher division.

"When that's the case you're never sure you're going to get the player but Zesh has shown great commitment to us and he is desperate to do well here.

"He's settled into the place and enjoys everything about it. Zesh is certainly not signing for Bradford for money - he wants to be a success here and it will be great to have him on board."

Rehman made 17 appearances last term right across the back four but McCall intends to utilise the Pakistan international in his favoured central-defensive role.

The City boss added: "He is versatile and played full back and centre back last season. I thought Zesh was outstanding at left back against Gillingham and had some good games on the right but we're looking at him to be a centre half.

"Simon Ramsden is adept at playing right back and centre back but we definitely see Zesh playing in the middle."