Former Oldham Athletic man to become free agent as release confirmed

A League Two club has opted to sign an ex-Blackpool player.

Matt Derbyshire, a former Blackpool striker, has become a free agent after being informed that he would not be offered a new contract with the club. At the great age of 38, Derbyshire has been informed by Bradford City that he will not be retained at Valley Parade.

He is leaving the Bantams after a season and a half, following a move from Indian Super League side North East United.

This season, the Lancashire-born attacker appeared in only 10 games and scored no goals. Derbyshire fell out of favor when Mark Hughes was replaced by Graham Alexander. He hadn’t played for the club since January, and his previous appearance in a matchday squad was in February.

In a letter to Derbyshire and the other ten players leaving, Bradford City said: “The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all departing players for their efforts while at Bradford City AFC – and wish them the very best for the future.”

Derbyshire’s tenure at Bloomfield Road was brief, as he signed on loan in January 2012, only weeks after Michael Appleton was fired. He was brought in to play for the Seasiders while Steve Thompson was in charge, and he also appeared under Paul Ince when he came in February. Blackpool finished 15th that year, while Derbyshire failed to score.

He would have some success at Rotherham United, scoring 18 goals in 74 games. The former Blackburn Rovers forward would subsequently spend four years with Ominia in Cyprus, followed by a season with Macarthur in Australia, before joining Cypriot side AEK Larnaca for one season.

He was signed by Indian team NorthEast United, although his stint was brief. He has been with Bradford since January 2023, but he is currently without a club.

During his 22-year career, he also played for Plymouth Argyle, Wrexham, Olympiacos, Oldham Athletic, and his hometown club, Great Harwood Town.