Tyler French earns dream move from AFC Sudbury to Football League with Bradford City

Tyler French has signed for Bradford City to complete a dream move from the Bostik League to the Football League.

The 20-year-old was transfer-listed in February by AFC Sudbury in a bid to engineer a move up into the professional ranks.

And it has paid off after the versatile defender penned a two-year contract this week following a trial with the Bantams, who were recently relegated after finishing bottom of Sky Bet League One.

I believe this transfer is an indication of how outstanding our academy is, proving we are the best place to develop players with potential - Mark Morsley, AFC Sudbury manager

As he was under contract at AFC Sudbury, the club have received what has only been revealed to be a 'five-figure sum'.

It means the Long Melford-based player, whose footballing journey has seen him play in his home village and in the youth ranks at Hadleigh United before joining AFC Sudbury's full-time academy programme, can look forward to playing four levels up on the football pyramid next season.

Before showcasing his talents in front of Bradford manager Gary Bowyer, the player who has still been juggling his day job as a ground worker had been on trials starting at Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Barnsley and Charlton Athletic.

Having home crowds of 15,000-plus is fantastic and I cannot wait to get in front of the fans and show them what I am all about. Expect big things from me because I will give my absolute all for the shirt - and the badge - Tyler French

He had spoke exclusively to the Free Press in November about the tough mental side of the rejections but how he was determined to still realise his dream to one day play in the Premier League.

AFC Sudbury manager Mark Morsley said: “Clearly this is a fantastic opportunity for Tyler and I believe he has all the attributes to make it in the professional game.

"So much credit must also go to Danny Laws and the academy. The foundations they put in for the lad from age 16 and then they developed his undoubted ability.

"I believe this transfer is an indication of how outstanding our academy is, proving we are the best place to develop players with potential."

French becomes the first graduate from AFC Sudbury Academy, four years since it started up as a full-time programme, to earn a contract at a professional club.

He came and trained with us towards the end of last season, playing in a friendly, and was very impressive.

He is a good size, with good pace, and has a great attitude to take the opportunity we are giving him - Gary Bowyer, Bradford City manager

The 2018/19 season saw him surpass 100 appearances in the Bostik League, despite just leaving his teenage years behind him. The player who had captained the club's under-18s team to a treble before also going on to wear the armband in the first team while deputising on several ocassions, was their most selected outfield player up until February when he found himself dropped ahead of being transfer listed.

Manager Morsley later explained he felt he needed to do this to bring out a move which was in the best interests of the player, who had attracted a large and varied amount of scouts to games during his time with the Bostik League North Division club.

Speaking to the Bradford official website, French said: “I am over the moon to be joining the club. It is all quite surreal.

“As soon as Bradford got in touch and I was given the opportunity, it was a no-brainer.

“Gary (Bowyer) had nothing but positive words for me and was keen to get me in straight away.

“I could not think of anywhere better to be than Bradford.

“Having home crowds of 15,000-plus is fantastic and I cannot wait to get in front of the fans and show them what I am all about.

“Expect big things from me because I will give my absolute all for the shirt - and the badge.”

City boss Bowyer, also speaking to his club's website, said: “Tyler is young and very highly rated.

“He came and trained with us towards the end of last season, playing in a friendly, and was very impressive.

“He is a good size, with good pace, and has a great attitude to take the opportunity we are giving him.

“I am looking forward to seeing him develop over the next 12 months.”

French broke through into the AFC Sudbury first team as a right-back but in recent seasons established himself as a ball playing centre-half, famed for being able to pick out a player on the opposite end of the pitch with a raking pass as well as showing strength in the air and on the ground.

* For more reaction, see Thursday's Suffolk Free Press print edition.