Bradford City have unveiled 33-year-old Curtis Tilt as their most recent addition ahead of an exciting step up to League One next season. The defender has signed on a two-year deal, offering plenty of solid experience.
The Bantams are crucially needing investment in League One quality following a third-place promotion season in the fourth division last campaign. Tilt, who has previously served as a centre-back for Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United has enjoyed plenty of game time in the third-tier thus far.
The 33-year-old’s contract with Salford City expired this summer and Bradford were quick to snap him up, especially when considering Tilt has featured in more than 150 games in League One. With Wigan Athletic – in the 2022/23 season – the former Blackpool defender also made 26 Championship appearances, with experience at such a high level now being injected into Bradford City’s squad.
Experience Being Brought In
Graham Alexander’s side have already announced Max Power, after the 31-year-old’s season in Denmark, as their first addition in the window and shortly followed the purchase up with a tidy deal for Tilt. The former Preston North End player and manager emphasised the attributes that the Jamaican defender will be expected to bring this season:
“Curtis is a player who we have admired from playing against us and has attributes we know will help us with our way of defending and playing. His pace and experience will be of great benefit to our team and we are very happy to have him join us.”
Upon signing for the Bantams, Tilt spoke about what it means to join such a historic football club:
“The club is massive, the fanbase is massive and it has been a big draw for me.
“I have spoken to the manager and I really like the way he views the game and the style of play he wants. This is an opportunity I am really looking forward to.”
Writer’s View
This is an important step in the right direction for Bradford as they look set for battle in League One next season. Two experienced signings through the door so early on, with Championship and third tier knowledge, has been an important indication of the squad Alexander will build ahead of next season.
Tilt, who has served as an important centre-back for many of his former clubs, scored five goals in his first season with Salford City. This aerial presence offensively and defensively will have been an appealing factor in the signature and will surely translate into important moments for Bradford next campaign.
