Bradford City's season probably wasn't as successful as they would've hoped for going into the campaign but following the appointment of Mark Hughes in February, the Bantams secured a mid table finish in 14th. 

As we approach the summer, Hughes will be looking to make additions to his squad to ensure he has a team that is able to compete next season as well as renewing the contract of those who are core parts of the team.

So far, he's got a good number of names down with Lee Angol, Matty Foulds and Levi Sutton all signing new contracts with the club.

The latest person to commit their future to the Bantams is Luke Hendrie.

Since joining the club in January, the defender has become a favourite of his new manager's missing only one game under him and make 16 appearances in total.

His new deal sees him at Valley Parade until 2024 with the option to extend for a further year and the player is ready to get underway as he credited the manager as a reason for staying at the club telling The Yorkshire Post: "I am really happy. Ever since I rejoined back in January, my focus was to extend my stay here, so I am just looking forward to the season ahead.

"I have really enjoyed my football under the gaffer and he is a really good person to work for. He was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay.

"We finished last season strongly and it probably ended at the wrong time for us. I am just really looking forward to getting going in pre-season.

"I want to be successful next year and the year after, so that is my sole focus. We all know where this club wants to be and the direction we are all pushing in."

 

 

The Verdict:

Mark Hughes has done a good job so far as he retains the players he feels add something to his squad and he is clearly a massive fan of Hendrie so we can expect to see him involved regularly next season.

The fact that players are crediting the manager as a reason for staying is a sign of how much influence the 58-year-old has at the club and the fact he is in charge will only help Bradford this summer.

As an experienced player and manager, he will be a name that can help to attract players and get deals done.

As it stands, the Bantams look as though they should have a great chance at pushing up the table next season which is where they'll want to be.