Lewis Hunt; it was such a good deal at the time
The Valley Parade faithful were wondering why Lewis Hunt, ex-Shrimpers all-round utility player but best known as a tough tackling right-back, was not around for Bradford City's 3-0 loss at home to Torquay United last Saturday.
All has now been revealed by Bantams interim boss Peter Jackson, it might cost the West Yorkshire club a lot of dosh!
It's thanks to Peter Taylor, another former Shrimper, this one player and manager, who took on Lewis after a two week trial last July and made him a rather tasty offer.
Hunt, who has featured in the last 14 Bradford league games after a stuttering start due to injury, has a clause in his contract entitling him to a new deal if he makes just one more appearance.
Jackson told www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk: "Lewis has an option in his contract which states that if he plays 20 games for the club this season he is entitled to another year on the same terms. His appearance at Macclesfield last Tuesday took him 19 appearances, so if he had played on Saturday then the clause would have kicked in. Given that the playing budget is set to be quite tight next season, the club felt they weren't in a position to offer Lewis a contract at the moment. Unfortunately for Lewis, unless he decides to remove the clause from his contract, he will probably not play for us again this season."
Fair enough from the club's point of view, but tough on Lewis who can't even get in the shop window for any potential suitors to take a look.
Best of luck mate, it would be great to see you back at Roots Hall anytime, particularly in a Shrimpers shirt!
An excellent article on a Bantams view why Lewis has been stitched up:
www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2011/04/lewis-the-gladiator/
We did think there was a chance of a return last summer (then again we thought a lot of players were joining us!):
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
lewis_hunt__osei_sankofa_former_favourites_
returning_to_roots_hall_536385/index.shtml
The Hunt Files
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Lewis James Hunt | ||
| Date of birth | August 25, 1982 (1982-08-25) | ||
| Place of birth | Birmingham, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||
| Playing position | Defender, Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Bradford City | ||
| Number | 15 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2000-2004 | Derby County | 11 | (0) |
| 2003-2004 | → Southend United (loan) | 26 | (0) |
| 2004-2008 | Southend United | 120 | (2) |
| 2008-2010 | Wycombe Wanderers | 46 | (1) |
| 2010- | Bradford City | 19 | (0) |
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 16:44, 30 July 2010 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). | |||
(Player info supplied by Wikipedia, for the full article go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Hunt)