Rich: I had to sign up for Sparky
MANCHESTER UNITED fan Richie Smallwood is dreaming of captaining Bradford City to promotion – under his boyhood hero Mark ‘Sparky’ Hughes.
Smallwood, 31, has joined the League Two Bantams on a two-year deal after being released by Championship side Hull.
The midfielder had no qualms about dropping down two tiers, with Bradford having set a division record by selling more than 14,000 season tickets.
Hughes is expected to lead a serious promotion push. And Smallwood said: “I knew Bradford City was a massive club and, once I spoke to the manager, there was only one place I wanted to come.
“I’m not sure many of our younger players will remember watching the gaffer, but I certainly do, especially being a United fan as a kid.
“To now be playing under him is great.
“To help get this club out of League Two – and under a United legend like Mark Hughes – are the reasons I’m here.”