Barrow AFC defender Matty Platt has today completed a move to League Two rivals Bradford City.

The centre-half has sealed his switch to Valley Parade after turning down the chance to stay with the Bluebirds.

Platt's future has long been the subject of speculation as his contract ran down at Holker Street.

And the 24-year-old now joins Mark Hughes' Bantams on a two-year deal.

Confirmation of the move was announced hours after Platt posted a farewell message to Barrow on social media.

It ends a 97-game spell for Platt at Barrow which included two loan spells, in 2017 and 2019/20, before his permanent move from Blackburn Rovers in 2020.

"Everybody at Barrow would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future," a Bluebirds statement said.

Bradford boss Hughes has spoken of his delight in securing Platt's signature.

He said: “We are delighted to have secured Matty’s services for the next two seasons and are looking forward to working with him. 

“He is a strong defender with a great physical presence, but also a player comfortable on the ball and more than capable of playing out and fitting into the style we want to implement. 

“Having spent the past few years at Barrow, he has sound understanding and experience of playing at this level, as well as being a part of a promotion-winning side."

Platt, speaking on Bradford's website, said: “Everything about the club sparked my interest as soon as I heard of the offer. Bradford City speaks for itself and the ambition really drew me in. 

“I have spent three good years at Barrow which have enabled me to gather experience of this division and also getting promoted, which will hopefully stand me in good stead. 

“I am like any footballer in that I want to be successful and play at the highest level I can, and would love for it to be at this club, getting promoted and moving back up the leagues to where it deserves to be.  

“Someone like Mark Hughes in charge, with his experience and success he has had as a player and a manager, will only help me. I will give everything I have in a Bradford City shirt, and cannot wait to get started.”

Platt, posting on Twitter on Sunday, spoke of his gratitude to Barrow and their fans.

"Your support over the last three years has been truly incredible," he added.

"Really proud of what we achieved in gaining promotion to the Football League and then to maintain our League Two status over the last couple of years.

"Feel as though it's the right time for me to move on but I will always be grateful for the opportunity the club gave me and I wish you all the best in the future."