Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson has hailed the signing of Socceroo goalkeeper Brad Jones as a major coup for the League One club.
Jones, 33, left Premier League heavyweights Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of last season after five years at Anfield.
The former Middlesbrough man was linked with several different clubs in the UK, including Championship side Charlton Athletic.
But it's Valley Parade that will become a new home for the four-cap Socceroo, who was hailed by Parkinson as one of the best shot-stoppers available in the off-season.
"We are very pleased to get this signing done," he said ahead of Bradford's 2-1 loss at home to Gillingham on Wednesday.
"Of all the goalkeepers that have been out there this summer, we have got one of the very best. It is a big thing for us.
"Brad is a good age for a goalkeeper and he is also very ambitious, which fits in with the club."
According to the boss, the Bantams had to bide their time in the chase for the signature of Jones, who made no secret of his disappointment at being released by the Merseyside powerhouse.
"Sometimes, patience pays off and it has in this case," Parkinson said.
"I spoke to Brad's agent early in the summer. We had a chat and I sounded him out.
"It was clear we'd have to be patient, which we have been.
"Then, over the last few days, we had another chat and we got a deal agreed."
Despite boasting the pedigree of being a fringe Australia international and former Premier League understudy, Jones isn't guaranteed to see regular action at Bradford, where he must first try and oust Ben Williams.
The incumbent number one, a former Manchester United junior, has made over 350 league appearances for Crewe Alexandra, Colchester United, Carlisle United and Hibernian, as well as loan spells at Coventry City and Chesterfield.
"Ben has done great and had a good start to the season. But we needed more competition," Parkinson said.
"Now, we have competition and Ben appreciates how important that is."
Jones, alongside fellow Australian James Meredith, watched Bradford's mid-week home loss from the bench, with a short trip to take on Yorkshire rivals Barnsley on Saturday their next opportunity to earn a start.
