By Jason McKeown
Width of a Post understands that Aaron McLean has today signed for Bradford City from Hull City, after completing a medical at Valley Parade this afternoon. We don’t know the details of the fee or the length of contract, but expect an official announcement tomorrow.
Last week, we were the first to reveal that the 30-year-old striker was being lined up to replace Nahki Wells. McLean – who made his senior debut for Leyton Orient 14 seasons ago – is proven at this level having shot to fame at Peterborough United in 2007. Prior to then he had been playing non-league for Aldershot Town and Grays Athletic, before Posh took the plunge and signed him for £150,000. Under Darren Ferguson he more than repaid that fee, scoring an impressive 83 goals in 187 appearances at London Road – a period that saw Peterborough win back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.
McLean was sold to Hull City midway through the 2010/11 season, after handing in a transfer request at Peterborough. His time at the KC Stadium has been decidedly underwhelming, with just 13 goals – the last in a recent FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough – in 87 games.
So McLean is coming to Valley Parade with something to prove career-wise, and for City comparisons have been made between him and another striker signed during his autumn years, whose powers had seemingly faded: Peter Thorne. That worked out rather well.
Standing at 5 foot 6 inches (according to soccerbase.com) McLean could fit nicely into the space vacated by the Bermudian as he partners James Hanson. He should make his debut at Sheffield United on Saturday with City in desperate need of a pick-me-up.
Meanwhile Matthew Bates – whose three-month deal ran out after the Bristol City game on Saturday – has been retained until the end of the season. Bates has received mixed reviews at best regarding his time at Valley Parade, but I like him at least. With Andrew Davies’ much-anticipated return from injury drawing closer, it will be interesting to see whether Phil Parkinson uses Bates or Rory McArdle as the influential defender’s regular partner.
Categories: News
widthofapost.com 
This could be a massive financial outlay for a player who’s 30 year’s of age…….?
Look at Peter thorn / dean windass. They both dud well for us, so age 30 not a problem.
so let’s move forward. Ctid. Come on you bantams.
Windass was just a month short of 30 when he came to us the first time, don’t see age being a problem with McLean
Hopefully if this is correct McLean will be a success, looking at his time at Peterborough he certainly has the pedigree at this level. Onwards and upwards!!!!