Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the signing of experienced, promotion-winning defender Neill Byrne from Stockport County, for an undisclosed fee.
The centre-back arrives at the University of Bradford Stadium on a two-year deal keeping him at the club until the summer of 2026, having helped the Hatters to the Sky Bet League Two title last month.
He joins former Stockport teammate Antoni Sarcevic at Valley Parade, after the midfielder was announced as City’s first signing of the summer window on Friday.
Born in Dublin, the 6ft 2ins Irishman began his professional career at Nottingham Forest in 2011. He joined Rochdale in 2012, before successful spells in non league with Telford United, Macclesfield Town, Gateshead, Fylde and Halifax Town.
A season each with Hartlepool United and Tranmere Rovers in League Two followed, before Byrne made the switch to Stockport in the summer of 2022.
He made 43 appearances over two seasons for County, including 22 in 2023/24 as they went up as champions – the second promotion of his career.
On joining the Bantams, he said: “I am delighted to be here. When I first heard about the interest from Bradford City and the manager, it was a move I really wanted to happen and get over the line.
“I have spoken with the gaffer and we both have the same ambitions: to try and achieve what we did last year at Stockport, and bring this massive football club back up to League One.
“The key is to maintain that momentum that Bradford ended the season with, going into next season, and just keep kicking on with good standards.
“We need to try to get this fanbase behind us from the start of the season, while keeping them entertained and push for promotion. I am really looking forward to putting the shirt on.”
City manager Graham Alexander said: “I am very happy we could attract Neill to Bradford City to add his quality and experience of success to our squad.
“We feel his dominant presence and composure in possession will help us play the way we finished the season, while his character and influence will help the other experienced players set the standards required – both on and off the pitch.
“We have a real team player on board, and we really look forward to working with him.”
Neill Byrne will be sponsored by JH Air Conditioning for the 2024/25 campaign. For details on sponsoring a player, please email commercial@bradfordcityafc.com.