Simon Whaley joined Bradford City on loan until January 2 from Norwich City on Friday 20th November 2009.

The former Preston North End man spent the previous two months on loan with League 2 rivals Rochdale, but with the Lancashire club unable to agreed a deal to extend Whaley's stay at Spotland, McCall jumped in quickly to bring him to the Coral Windows Stadium.

His time at Spotland was short but successful for both Whaley and Rochdale as his two goals and two assists in nine appearances helped Keith Hill's side climb to third in the League 2 table.

The 24 year old headed to Valley Parade with a glowing reputation.

Comfortable on either wing, Whaley is blessed with pace and no little amount of skill to help him open up opposition defences. He also has an eye for goal, scoring 28 times in his short career.

Whaley also headed to Bradford with a proven track record, having still been playing at Championship level as late as May of this year with former side Preston.

Born in Bolton, he started his career with local side Bury, quickly becoming a firm favourite with the Shakers fans.

In January 2006, Preston stumped up nearly £300,000 for the winger's services to bring him to Deepdale.

He would go on to spend three years and features over 120 times for the Lilywhites, including in the Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals of 2006, before his summer transfer to Norwich.

Whaley made his Bradford as a second half substitute the day after his arrival at Valley Parade during the club's home fixture with Accrington Stanley.

Three days later and he was handed his first start by McCall, marking the occasion accordingly by smashing the Bantams into the lead with a 20 yard piledriver.