Former Blues Defender Matthew Pennington Joins Bradford City in Ambitious Move from Ipswich Town
In a move that has caught the attention of fans across the English football landscape, former Ipswich Town center-back Matthew Pennington has officially signed with Bradford City. The experienced defender, once a familiar face at Portman Road, now embarks on an exciting new chapter as he joins the League Two side ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Pennington, who previously played for Ipswich Town on loan from Everton during the 2018/19 season, became a fan favorite thanks to his composed defending and unwavering commitment on the pitch. Though he eventually moved on to other clubs, many Ipswich supporters have fond memories of his time in Suffolk. His experience at Ipswich — known affectionately as the “Blues” — helped shape him into the seasoned professional he is today.
The 29-year-old defender has spent the last few seasons showcasing his talents at Shrewsbury Town and Blackpool, proving his reliability and leadership qualities at every stop. Now, with this latest move to Bradford City, Pennington is set to play a key role in the club’s efforts to climb up the English football ladder and potentially push for promotion.
Speaking after the announcement, Bradford City manager Graham Alexander expressed his excitement at securing Pennington’s signature. “Matthew is a player we’ve admired for a long time. His experience in the Championship and League One, combined with his strong character, makes him an ideal addition to our squad. We believe he will bring stability and confidence to our backline,” Alexander said.
Pennington himself shared his enthusiasm for the new challenge. “I’m absolutely buzzing to be here,” he stated in his first interview as a Bradford player. “Bradford City is a big club with passionate supporters and a clear ambition to achieve great things. I can’t wait to meet the lads, get on the pitch, and help this club reach its goals.”
Fans have already flooded social media with messages welcoming Pennington to the club. Many believe his signing signals serious intent from Bradford City to strengthen their defense and mount a strong promotion push in the upcoming season. With over 200 senior appearances under his belt and a reputation for consistency, Pennington is expected to be a pillar at the heart of the Bantams’ defense.
This move also highlights Bradford City’s growing ambition to attract high-caliber players with experience at higher levels. After a mixed 2024/25 campaign that saw the club narrowly miss out on the playoffs, supporters are eager to see fresh signings that can make an immediate impact.
For Ipswich Town fans, seeing a former Blue find new success elsewhere is always bittersweet, but there’s no doubt that Pennington will carry with him the lessons and memories from his time in Suffolk.
