This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Bradford City have been urged to wrap up the signing of out-of-contract Huddersfield Town defender Matty Pearson, following reports of interest in his signature, as Bantams boss Graham Alexander aims to build a decent League One squad following their promotion from the fourth-tier.
Alexander became the first manager to take Bradford to the third tier since Phil Parkinson in 2013 earlier this month, as his team finished third in League Two with a last-gasp triumph against Fleetwood Town at Valley Parade on the final day of the season.
The Bantams have already been active in the transfer market, with ex-Wigan Athletic midfielder Max Power being their first summer signing on May 16 after a spell with Danish club Aarhus.
It’s going to be a busy few months for the West Yorkshire club, as they attempt to add more skill and depth in the hopes of securing their League One spot, and experienced centre-back Pearson might be the second new face to arrive soon.
Bradford City urged to get Matty Pearson deal over the line
Experienced center back. Pearson recently completed his fourth and last season with Huddersfield, having been released earlier this month after 135 appearances in blue and white. He was very impressive in the 2022/23 season, winning their Player of the Season title despite being injured until January.
The Keighley native previously helped Luton Town achieve promotion from League One in 2019, following spells with Halifax Town, Accrington Stanley, and Barnsley. He was a second-tier regular for both the Hatters and the Terriers and is now seeking for a new challenge in his career at the age of 31.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the newly promoted Bantams are in talks to recruit Pearson following his release from Huddersfield, and he will be regarded as a ‘important figure’ in Alexander’s side if he joins Valley Parade next season.
Boris Thomson, FLW’s Bradford fan analyst, believes Pearson will be a success at the club if he joins quickly, citing his experience in the third tier and the Bantams’ need for a player of his stature and ability at the back.
“I think, despite him being a Huddersfield Town journeyman, Matty Pearson will be a good signing for us,” Boris told FLW.
“He has got a lot of experience in League One and in the Championship. Defensively, he is very solid.
“He maybe lacks the ball-playing ability of someone like Jack Shepherd, who we are not likely to be able to get back this year, but I think Pearson will be a good signing.
“(He is) defensively solid, knows how to play in the division, and knows how to help clubs out of the division, I believe.
“Overall, I do think that he will be a good signing for us.”
Pearson would be a stellar addition to Bradford’s ranks – Graham Alexander is confident in his summer recruitment plans.
Bradford are a team on the rise right now, and despite being a freshly promoted side in League One for the upcoming season, their pulling power and potential to grow even greater is expected to serve them well in the transfer market over the coming months.
Signing a centre-back like Pearson would be a huge boost to their chances of further progress, especially since star defender Jack Shepherd is set to return to parent club Barnsley, and Romoney Crichlow has been released, leaving them with only Aden Baldwin and Neill Byrne as under-contract senior options at the heart of the defence right now.
His breadth of experience makes him an appealing choice for clubs throughout the EFL, with the Telegraph & Argus recently reporting that his services are being sought by a number of teams following his release from the Terriers.
| Matty Pearson’s career statistics by league | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| League | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 193 | 16 | 3 |
| League One | 75 | 11 | 2 |
| League Two | 98 | 11 | 6 |
Bradford can be optimistic that a deal will be reached, as a move would undoubtedly appeal to the 31-year-old given his Yorkshire connections.
Alexander has complimented the club’s owner Stefan Rupp and board members for their support ahead of the summer transfer window, but has noted that he would need to “work smart” because they “won’t have the biggest budget.”
Bringing in a player like Pearson, who may see Bradford as a sensible move for his career to become a key man in the third-tier once again, while remaining near to home, would certainly make a lot of sense, and many supporters will likely hope that a deal is concluded as soon as possible.
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