Bradford City AFC have confirmed the signings of striker Lee Angol and versatility player Oscar Threlkeld, as well tying down goalkeeper Sam Hornby to a two-year contract extension.
Angol joins the club on an initial one-year deal after his contract expired at Leyton Orient, whereas Threlkled arrives at the Utilita Energy Stadium on a two-year contract from Salford City.
The 26-year-old Angol spent the past two seasons in East London, scoring seven goals in 33 starts.
The 6ft 2ins striker came through Tottenham Hotspur’s academy before beginning his professional career with Wycombe Wanderers in 2012.
A prolific 2014/15 season on loan at Boreham Wood earned the frontman a move to Peterborough United, netting 12 goals in his time at the Posh. He has also served spells at Lincoln City, Shrewsbury Town and Mansfield Town.
Angol said: “It has come out of nowhere a little bit, but I am really pleased to be here and am looking forward to getting going.
“I have spoken to the gaffer about the project we are building and am very grateful for the opportunity he has given me – which I am ready to attack.
“My aim as a striker is obviously to score goals and help win games for the team, and I am excited about what is to come.
“I am more driven and focussed on succeeding than ever so, hopefully, I can bring all that to this club.”
Threlkeld can operate in the centre of defence or midfield, as well as at right-back and came through the academy at Bolton Wanderers. The 26-year-old has played for manager Derek Adams before during his time with Plymouth, where they achieved promotion to League One.
He has spent the past two seasons at Salford City, making 68 appearances, after a season-long stint in Belgium with Waasland-Beveren.
Threlkeld said: “I am very happy. This is massive club and gives me a new challenge to focus on.
“The way the club is looking forward towards promotions – and back where it is supposed to be – was a big attraction because, in my eyes, we belong in the Championship.
“We all know the gaffer wants to play good football, and that he is a winner.
“It will be a tough campaign, like any other, but I believe we will have enough experience within the squad, and I want to bring versatility, energy and leadership to add to that.
“I am looking forward to the season and where it takes us, and cannot wait to get going.”
Goalkeeper Sam Hornby joins the new duo in putting to paper, as he signs a two-year extension at the Bantams, lasting at least until the end of the 2022/23 season.
The goalkeeper was offered a new deal following the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign, when his existing two-year agreement had expired.
Hornby made his league debut for the Bantams in December and went on to play a further 17 times last season.
The former Port Vale glovesman said: “I am delighted. When I was offered the deal at the end of last season it was something I immediately wanted to get done.
“I have a lot of momentum to take into next season and beyond. When I signed a couple of years ago, I said I wanted to come here and play, so I want to kick on even more over the next couple of years.
“There is a lot of change – on and off the field – at the moment, and it is a very exciting time. There are fresh faces and ideas in all areas of the club, which it is great to be involved in.
“The lads all have a great feeling ahead of the return to training next week, and I just cannot wait to be back in the building and looking ahead towards next season and beyond.”
Talking about the three players, Derek Adams said:
Lee Angol: “Lee is a dangerous forward who will bring a lot to our side, and we are delighted to have him here.
“Despite being only 26, and still having his best years ahead of him, Lee has a lot of experience at this level and above, having scored goals for a number of different sides across the EFL.
“I am pleased to be welcoming him to the club and look forward to seeing him out on the grass – when we commence pre-season training – next week.”
Oscar Threlkeld: “Oscar is a player I obviously know very well from my time at Plymouth Argyle, where we achieved promotion from this division together.
“He is a reliable player who I have a lot of trust in, and a great relationship with. I know the kind of qualities he can bring to our side.
“If we are to be successful, we need players with a strong mentality and the right attitude, to be able to win football matches at any cost. Oscar fits this bill perfectly.”
Sam Hornby: “We are delighted to have retained Sam’s services for at least the next two seasons, after what has been an impressive 2021 for him so far.
“He came into the side following Richard O’Donnell’s injury, and did tremendously well.
“He has shown his ability to both take and keep hold of the No.1 jersey, and competition in all areas of the field is going to be hugely important, over the course of the coming campaign.”
The signing of Angol and Threlkeld are subject to the relevant EFL and FA clearances.
