One-time Lincoln City loanee Callum Connolly has joined Bradford City following his release by Stockport County.
The 28-year-old has signed an initial two-year deal at Valley Parade, becoming the Bantams’ fourth summer arrival as Graham Alexander continues to shape his squad for a League One promotion push. Bradford have already added former Barnsley midfielder Adam Phillips, goalkeeper Jon McCracken and striker Jake Beesley since returning to the third tier.
Connolly arrives after two seasons with Stockport, where he made 63 appearances in all competitions following his move from Blackpool. His time at Edgeley Park ended this summer after County’s failed play-off campaign, with the Hatters beaten by Bolton Wanderers in the final after finishing inside the League One top six.
The Liverpool-born midfielder is best remembered by Imps supporters for his loan spell from Everton in 2019. He arrived the day after Lincoln had pushed Everton hard in the League Cup, joining on a season-long deal during the early weeks of City’s first League One campaign since 1998.
That spell never quite developed as hoped. Danny and Nicky Cowley left for Huddersfield Town soon afterwards, and Connolly became part of a difficult autumn under caretaker management and then Michael Appleton. He was involved in the 6-0 home defeat to Oxford United, one of the lowest points of that campaign, and made only a handful of further appearances before returning to Everton in January 2020.
After leaving Lincoln, Connolly joined Fleetwood Town on loan, later making that move permanent before signing for Blackpool in 2021. He went on to make more than 100 appearances for the Seasiders before moving on to Stockport, where he became a regular part of Dave Challinor’s squad.
Bradford will hope that experience proves useful as they look to build on last season’s promotion. Connolly has played across midfield and defence during his career, with previous spells at Ipswich Town, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and Barnsley, as well as his short stay at Sincil Bank.
Speaking after completing his move to Bradford, Connolly said:
“I am delighted to be here. As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew it was the right place for me. It is a massive club with a great fanbase. It was a no-brainer to sign for Bradford City.
“Speaking to a manager who has a clear plan of where he wants the team to be, it gives a player motivation. At 28 years old, I am ready to kick on here.”
Bradford boss Graham Alexander added:
“Callum will bring us great versatility and experience of both League One and the Championship.
“He has very good defensive qualities with composure on the ball to progress the play.
“Callum is very competitive with good character, and he will fit right in to what we have created here.”
Connolly also has international pedigree from his younger days, having been part of the England Under-20 squad that won the World Cup in 2017. Now, after leaving Stockport, he stays in League One with a Bradford side aiming to make a strong impression after promotion.
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