Wheatley and Evans join the Bantams
The Bantams, who are currently fifth in the table, seven points above the Hatters, bolstered their squad with the two additions on deadline day with the acquisition of Wheatley, 20, who has made three Premier League appearances for the Red Devils. Having been at Old Trafford since the age of nine, the forward, who has represented England at U17 to U20 level, and had a spell at Walsall last year, spent the first half of the current campaign on loan with fellow League One side Northampton Town, scoring three goals in 25 outings.
He came up against Luton in Jack Wilshere’s first away game in charge as the Hatters triumphed 1-0 at Sixfield, although Wheatley almost levelled at the death, his shot drawing a superb goal-line clearance from Hakeem Odoffin. City manager Graham Alexander, who played 183 times for Town during 1995-99, told the Bantams official website: “We are delighted to bring Ethan in to bolster our attacking options. He has fantastic attributes for a forward player, with plenty of League One games under his belt this season already. He showed a great desire to join us when we spoke, and I believe he is going to enjoy his time with us.”
Ethan Wheatley goes close against Luton when playing for Northampton Town earlier in the season - pic: Pete Norton/Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Ethan Wheatley goes close against Luton when playing for Northampton Town earlier in the season - pic: Pete Norton/Getty Images
Wheatley himself continued: “I am buzzing. We have been in discussions for quite a while, and I am excited to get the deal done and hopefully help the lads for the rest of the season. I hope I can add to the side after the strong start they have made and score goals. The last couple of months at Northampton, I grew as a player, and I want to continue doing that here.”
Meanwhile, Bradford have also agreed a permanent deal for Evans, who played against Luton on Saturday, when part of a Seasiders team that were defeated 1-0 at Kenilworth Road. The 31-year-old had a loan spell with the Bantams in the 2015-16 season, playing 41 times, and has won the League One title on four occasions with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wigan and Portsmouth, finishing as a runner-up with Ipswich Town as well.
Alexander said: “Lee will bring us great experience and added strength in central midfield. He competes well and has an excellent passing range. His track record of success adds another winner to the group, and we are very happy to have him join us “
Discussing his return, Evans added: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Valley Parade, my first time here was full of great times, and I am looking forward to creating some more. I cannot wait to be back out on that pitch in front of all you fans, giving my all for this club. The lads have made a brilliant start this season, and I am excited to come in and help both on and off the pitch and continue our progress and fight for every point.”
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